How to Determine If Staying in a Hotel Is Safe for Your Next Trip

After months of staying close to home, many people are eager to travel again. But in a world where health concerns remain a priority, booking a hotel stay requires more consideration than before. While hotels have implemented new safety measures, it’s important to know what to look for to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.

How Safe Are Hotels Right Now?

According to infectious disease experts, staying in a hotel can be relatively safe as long as the establishment follows proper protocols. “The challenge with hotels is that you don’t have full control over your environment,” says Brian Labus, PhD, MPH, a public health professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. However, many hotels have taken steps such as reducing occupancy, enhancing cleaning procedures, and redesigning spaces to minimize guest interactions.

Marcus Plescia, MD, MPH, chief medical officer of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, recommends that travelers ask hotels directly about their safety measures before booking. “A good establishment will have clear answers,” he says. If the staff struggles to explain their policies, that could be a red flag.

What Safety Measures Should You Look For?

When booking a hotel, prioritize locations that have implemented the following precautions:

• Mask policies for employees: All hotel staff should wear masks, especially in common areas.

• Plexiglass barriers and social distancing signage: Front desks should have clear barriers or spacing markers to minimize close contact.

• Limited elevator use: Look for hotels that encourage social distancing in elevators or offer alternative stair access.

• Room ventilation time: Some hotels allow 24 to 48 hours between guest stays to let rooms air out.

How to Minimize Contact During Your Stay

Even if a hotel has strong safety protocols, you can take extra precautions to reduce risk:

• Use contactless check-in: Many hotels offer keyless entry through smartphone apps, minimizing face-to-face interaction.

• Opt-out of housekeeping: To limit unnecessary exposure, decline daily room cleaning and request fresh towels only when needed.

• Have food delivered outside your door: If ordering room service, ask for contactless delivery to avoid unnecessary interactions.

• Consider bringing your own pillow: While hotels clean linens between guests, using your own pillow may offer additional peace of mind.

Are Motels or Cabins Safer?

Accommodations with separate entrances like motels or rental cabins may seem like safer options because they eliminate shared lobbies and elevators. However, Dr. Labus warns that other factors, such as shared dining areas, can still pose a risk. If the only available restaurant is a crowded communal space, it may offset the benefits of a private room.

Do You Need to Worry About Ventilation?

Air circulation is a common concern when staying in a hotel, but most room ventilation systems do not transfer air between rooms. “Air conditioners generally recirculate air within a single room, so the risk of airborne transmission from other guests is low,” says Dr. Plescia. However, he notes that being near someone who is actively coughing in a confined space such as an elevator could increase exposure risk.

Travel Safely Beyond the Hotel

Even if your hotel takes all necessary precautions, your overall travel experience plays a significant role in your safety. The highest risks often come from how you get to your destination and what you do while you’re there.

• Air travel may pose more risk than hotels: Airports and planes involve prolonged contact with others, increasing exposure potential.

• Road trips offer more control: If possible, driving to your destination allows for safer, more controlled interactions.

• Be mindful of activities at your destination: Sightseeing, dining out, and visiting crowded attractions may carry higher risks than the hotel stay itself.

Final Thoughts

While staying in a hotel can be safe with the right precautions, the key is to remain aware and proactive. By choosing accommodations that follow strict safety guidelines and taking steps to minimize contact, you can enjoy your travels with greater confidence.

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