Marriott and Other Major Hotels That Now Require Guests to Wear Masks

As life starts to return to something (slightly) closer to normal after a pandemic lockdown, many hotels have begun honing policies for accepting guests and keeping them safe in the era of COVID-19. For some of the biggest hotel brands, that has meant strict policies about guests wearing masks. If you're planning to travel amid the new normal and are weighing accommodation options, here's a look at some of the familiar hotel brands requiring face coverings.

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In late July, Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson released a video announcing that the international hotel giant would require guests to wear facial coverings in all indoor public spaces at 7,300 properties worldwide. "Health experts have made it clear that wearing face coverings in public spaces is one of the easiest steps that we can all take to protect one another and reduce the spread of covid-19," Sorenson said. The mask rules are part of a broader suite of actions, which include more stringent cleaning, installing hand-sanitizing stations, and signs about social distancing.

The Hyatt network of hotels in the United States and Canada also now require that guests wear masks when moving around indoor public spaces — and while in outdoor areas on hotel property. "We believe in responsible and safe travel while staying vigilant and following procedures and protocols developed in consideration of guidance and information shared by the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), other leading organizations and experts, and local government requirements," the brand's website says.

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Guests at Best Western properties throughout the United States and Canada have been required to wear masks in indoor public spaces since July 28. That's not all. "When you next stay with us, there will be some changes you can clearly see, such as the installation of social distancing floor decals; while others, you can rest assured are taking place behind the scenes, such as the enforcement of heightened and comprehensive cleanliness standards," the company website says. Its new We Care Clean program includes minimized guest contact with hotel employees, including through a mobile check-in process; sanitizing stations throughout; and amped-up cleaning measures in guest rooms. In addition, guest rooms will not be entered for 24 to 72 hours after guest checks out, when possible.

The popular Sonesta hotel brand also requires guests to wear masks in all indoor public spaces throughout its U.S. properties. The measure is part of the brand's Stay Safe with Sonesta program, which includes new health and cleanliness measures. The brand is working with Ecolab, a company that provides cleaning and disinfecting assistance for the hospitality industry. The efforts at Sonesta hotels include frequent sanitizing of public areas, signs reminding guests about social distancing, touchless check-in and check-out, and enhanced guest room cleaning.

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MGM announced in late June that it would require masks for all guests and visitors inside its public spaces. The strictly worded policy applies to every MGM Resort property in the United States. "We are now requiring masks for all guests and visitors inside public spaces," the company said. "If a guest is in need of a mask, we will provide one. We hope that our guests will do their part to help the collective efforts to curtail the spread of the virus. Guests who do not wish to comply will be asked to leave the property. It is clear that the coronavirus still presents a significant public health threat, and masks have proven to be one of the best ways to curtail the spread." The hotel company has also adopted what it calls a "Seven-Point Safety Plan," which involves protocols and procedures designed with scientific and medical experts: guest health screenings upon entry; physical distancing; the installation of plexiglass barriers in some areas; and hand sanitizing stations throughout properties.

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Particularly well-known among frequent visitors to Las Vegas, Caesars requires all guests to wear masks that cover their nose and mouth. Additional safety protocols guests are being asked to observe include social distancing at gaming tables, slot machines, restaurants and more. (So yes, practice social distancing even at a casino). The company says it is also cleaning high-touch areas frequently throughout its properties and has trained its employees on cleaning and disinfecting techniques.

Not long after Marriott announced its policy, Hilton followed, announcing that it is requiring face coverings in all indoor public areas at U.S. hotels and encouraging face coverings at its hotels throughout the rest of the world. It also leveled up its Covid-era marketing on a Hilton CleanStay public space cleaning program: Partnering with RB, the maker of Lysol, and a team from the Mayo Clinic's Infection Prevention and Control Enhanced program, the hotel chain vows to clean extensively everything from switches and electronic controls to door handles, knobs and telephones, remote controls, and clocks.

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IHG, which includes InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, as well as the Kimpton brand; Crown Plaza Hotels & Resorts; Hotel Indigo; EVEN Hotels; Avid Hotels; and Holiday Inn, among others, announced July 27 that face coverings were required for guests in all indoor public spaces at its hotels in the U.S. and Canada. In addition, some of its hotels are operating with reduced services, such in its restaurants and bars.

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Upon arriving at Loews properties, all guests are being asked to have a face covering on before entering the hotel. The hotel company has added signs throughout its locations about social distancing, including distance markers. Plexiglass shields have been installed at front desks and guest rooms are equipped with hand sanitizer. The Loews website touts continual water and air testing to monitor for waterborne pathogens and ensure proper ventilation and filtration.

As of Aug. 10, masks or face coverings were required at Wyndham's U.S. and Canadian hotels when in public areas. Guests at Wyndham will be required to provide their own masks, though some will be exempt from the rule, including people with medical conditions. Wyndham has also launched a "Count on Us" initiative that includes cleaning measures and an expanded partnership with Ecolab for EPA-approved disinfectants. Its properties will also conduct more frequent cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch areas such as lobby spaces and elevators. The company's website says that in coming weeks, guests will be offered disinfecting wipes with their key card at check-in, and complimentary hand sanitizer.

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