This new tool may tell you what to expect during your next Marriott stay
The novel coronavirus outbreak has fundamentally changed travelers' hotel stays. From contactless check-in to frequent cleanings, hotels will have to demonstrate its safety measures to lure travelers back.
Marriott recently rolled a new resource to inform travelers about specific COVID-19 precautions being taken at select hotels. The new "What to Expect" page features several drop-down boxes detailing an individual property's policies along with an overview of what services and amenities are (and are not) operating as usual.
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For starters, it's worth noting that this isn't available across the entire portfolio, though more hotels are being added regularly. To see if a specific property has its own "What to Expect" page, simply pull up the hotel's homepage on Marriott's website and look for the "COVID-19 updates and what to expect at our hotel" link. Here's an example from the St. Regis Deer Valley:
If a property doesn't yet have its own "What to Expect" page, it'll simply have a version of the first notice bar in the above screen shot.
For those that do, each page features the same welcome note that reads, "Now more than ever, we are passionate about delivering an exceptional experience and truly memorable moments throughout your stay. In response to current circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, we have implemented a variety of new protocols and elevated practices, keeping with our high standards of cleanliness and luxury service."
"Allow us to introduce you to some of the measures we have implemented and what to expect at our hotel regarding changes to amenities, services, and facilities," the note continues. "We are delighted to welcome you."
RELATED: What your hotel stay will look like in a world after coronavirus
Following the introduction, you'll see a set of expandable boxes with a variety of additional details. While some reference consistent, corporate policies, others are property-specific, including:
- Property amenities and services: Details how normal amenities and services like the pool, fitness center and spa are being adjusted in light of the pandemic
- Food and beverage offerings: Provides information on available dining options, including their hours of operation and any additional restrictions or limitations
- Marriott Bonvoy: Clarifies what Marriott Bonvoy members can expect, including breakfast offerings and lounge access policies for Marriott elite travelers
You'll see the feature at select Marriott Bonvoy brands like Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott.
For instance, the JW Marriott Anaheim Resort's "What to Expect" page says that in-room dining and the Tocca Ferro Italian Chophouse are closed, while the rooftop bar will reopen soon. If you're a coffee-lover and enjoy a jolt of caffeine in your room before starting the day, you're out of luck. According to the hotel, in-room coffee makers will be available upon request — a common occurrence at the properties we searched.
At the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, room service will be contactless, and the hotel lounge won't offer entertainment.
If you're wondering why you're only seeing the feature on select properties, a Marriott rep told TPG that it is "focusing on the full-service properties which have more services and amenities," adding that the number of locations with such a page is significant and growing. He also confirmed that "all properties [are] expected to provide information on a mix of various customer communications channels." So even if such a page doesn't exist for an individual property, you should be made aware of steps being taken prior to your stay.
RELATED: Your ultimate guide to Marriott hotel brands
The coronavirus has devastated the travel industry, and promoting safety will be key to getting travelers back into hotel rooms or airplanes.
Hotel companies like Marriott have been hit particularly hard by the effects of the coronavirus. Marriott's Bethesda, MD, headquarters filed a Work Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) on Sept. 3 and announced up to 673 layoffs.
According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association, almost two-thirds of hotels are at or below 50% occupancy, below the threshold at which most hotels can break-even and pay their debts.
Here's hoping communication measures like this new resource from Marriott along with consistent enforcement of policies like mandatory mask-wearing can build consumer confidence as the travel industry rebounds.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.