Tips for Staying in a Hotel During COVID-19

After not traveled for six months, I was finally ready to step out of my comfort bubble, kiss the kids goodbye, and peel out of my driveway head to one of my favorite states…Maine.  I base my travels on risk vs. reward and for a while I felt safer at home with my family during this pandemic. I had to come to the realization that travel would not be the same right now.  However, it was doable.   I knew that one day I would feel comfortable packing my bags and heading off on an adventure, but I also knew I would have to put new safety measures on my agenda.

Here are 10 tips I learned from my first trip during COVID-19.

CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION WISELY

I decided that the first place I would go to would be somewhere I’ve previously stayed so I’d know exactly what it is like. Ask yourself the following questions: Is the hotel in an area that has a high amount of positive cases? Does the state have any requirements for quarantining before you go? Are attractions open, like beaches, state parks, or hiking trails.  I chose Maine because they were so strict with self-quarantining, and I knew I’d feel safe. Is there enough to do on the grounds of the hotel or will you just be confined to your room?

RESEARCH HOTEL SAFETY MEASURES

Does the hotel stress what they’ve been doing to sanitize rooms? Have they changed the amount of people they allow to book? Does the hotel offer contactless check-in? Do they provide sanitation stations throughout the hotel? The hotel may have closed many amenities, so make sure you research before you book.

SANITIZE YOUR ROOM

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Make Your Hotel Stay into a Wellness Retreat

Some vacations entail running from attraction to attraction, which result in coming home exhausted, sleep deprived, and regretful of all the junk I ate.  However, some vacations are meant for relaxation,  taking the time to recharge, and an indulgence in self-care.  Sure, it would be great to fly to Arizona to spend the night at a wellness resort, but that may not be realistic. With some creativity, you can turn any hotel stay into a wellness retreat.

Here are 10 Ways to Turn Your Hotel Stay into a Wellness Retreat:

USE THE SPA

Nothing relaxes me more than some pampering, so I try to find a hotel that has its own spa.  I like spas that offers unique treatments I haven’t tried before.  I love when they use local ingredients like blueberry massage oil when staying in Maine and salt scrubs when staying near the ocean. Book yourself a soothing treatment or two.

VISIT THE POOL

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Barcelona Edition

Photo credit: Barcelona Edition

I was so excited to join my husband on a trip to Barcelona, Spain, to celebrate our 19th wedding anniversary, even if we would only be there for a few days. Since we had such little time, I knew location was going to be super important.  I also knew I wanted to stay in the Gothic Quarters, where we could explore the maze of cobblestone streets.  The Barcelona Edition, which only opened a year ago, was the perfect hotel, and I’m thrilled I chose it for our stay.

While we were there, protests were going on in the city.  In fact, one day there were 525,000 people involved in the protests.  Although it was organized and safe throughout the day, at night there were cars burning in the street and fights between police and protesters.  The hotel did a wonderful job caring about the safety of their guests.  They placed extra security at the front door, and several times they placed notes in our room keeping us updated about what was going on. I am so thankful to the staff for making me feel completely safe during our time there.

Read all about our stay….

Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa

My family are my favorite people to travel with, but fall sports and theater take up a lot of their time, so sometimes I get to travel solo. I’ll miss them but it’s always nice to have some alone time to relax and recharge.  My husband took over my mom duties while I slipped away to the stunning Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa, for two nights.

Read all about my stay…

Liberty Hotel, Boston…Don’t Bail Me Out

Photo credit: Liberty Hotel

Who would have guessed that prison could be so romantic?  The Liberty Hotel is housed in the exact building of the Charles Street Jail, a national historic landmark. Completed in 1851, this jail once house some of Boston’s most historic inmates, and now you can call it home for the night. It has a nice blend of  high-style luxury and hometown warmth. Trust me…you won’t be asking anyone to bail you out!

Read all about our stay!

Residence Inn Tudor Wharf

Photo credit: Residence Inn Boston Harbor

My girls have a new obsession…Dear Evan Hanson…so we were thrilled when it came to Boston. As I started looking for a hotel, I knew I wanted to use my Marriott points and the Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Harbor on Tudor Wharf stood out because it is an all-suite hotel. The 167 suite hotel is located right on the St. Charles River and has stunning views of the Boston Harbor.   

Read all about our fun stay...

Sonesta ES Suites, Burlington, VT

Summer is quickly running out so we were thrilled to have the opportunity to spend some time at the beautiful Sonesta ES Suites in Burlington, Vermont.  Having gone to college in Vermont, it has always been one of my favorite states and I couldn’t wait to share it with my girls! The location of the Sonesta can’t be beat since it’s close to the airport, as well as Stowe, Sugarbush, and Smuggler’s Notch.  Since there are 96 spacious suites at the Sonesta, it is a wonderful destination for families looking to get away.  

Click here to read all about our stay!

Higgins Beach Inn, Scarborough, Maine

When I think of vacationing in Maine, I picture us with wind-blown hair searching for shells on a beach after an afternoon of playing in the waves.  The coast of Maine has many great accommodations and the Higgins Beach Inn is one of my new finds.  Located in Scarborough, the inn is just 20 minutes from one of my favorite Maine towns…Portland.  I had never visited Scarborough before, and I couldn’t wait to explore this gorgeous coastal town.

This three-storied colonial dates back to 1897, but is filled with modern amenities for travelers.  The hotel has done a fabulous job maintaining the inn’s historic charm while giving travelers everything they need for a comfortable stay.  It is the quintessential Maine hotel that’s a short walk from the unspoiled sands of Higgins Beach. 

Read all about our amazing stay that kicked off our summer!

Emerson Inn, Rockport, MA

What was going to be a mother/daughter overnight trip to Rockport turned out to be a solo trip because of sports and field trips. As much as I would have loved their company, it’s also nice to have some alone time to relax and recharge before the end of the school year.  I can’t think of a better place to spend some quality “Me Time,” than the historic oceanfront Emerson Inn, in Rockport, Massachusetts.

CLICK HERE TO READ ALL ABOUT MY STAY!

Archer Hotel, Napa

Photo credit: Archer Hotel

We continued our long West Coast weekend away from the kids by heading to the Archer Hotel in Napa.  Besides the gorgeous décor, it has a restaurant, rooftop bar, fitness center, and spa. It is also in the perfect location.  It is on First Street, right in the center of a walkable downtown full of restaurants and live music venues.  It is also within walking distance to over 20 tasting rooms!

Click here to read all about our stay!