LAST UPDATE: May 24, 2021
Ever wonder what hotels in the Philippines will be like after COVID-19?
Well, one thing is certain – expect a lot of changes! The world looks a lot different now. COVID has forever changed how we live and how we travel. We are at the forefront of a new travel era and now, more than ever, we must adapt to the changing world.
Guest Check-in on the New Normal | Photo by Bignai | Shutterstock Photo ID: 1795143397
Let me walk you through some basic hotel safety protocols you can expect after the lockdown. It is very important to remain updated. It is only through being informed that we can become a responsible traveler and have a safe travel.
Hotel Safety Protocols: This is the New Normal
Hotels have worked hard to re-open. They have waited long and they have full excitement to welcome you back after the lockdown.
Keeping in mind the highest standards of health and safety protocols, hotels have redefined their operations to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone. From the moment the guest arrives until checkout – everything has to be seamless, hygienic and safe.
A hotel guest entering her room in the new normal | Photo by Jo Panuwat D | Shutterstock Photo ID: 1810676494
In June 2020, the Department of Tourism(DOT) along with the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), regulated the operation of all accommodation establishments(AEs) in the Philippines. Hotels must first secure a Certificate of Authority to Operate. Only those that have been granted the certificate can resume their operations. To learn more, here is a comprehensive article about the New Normal in Travel and Tourism in the Philippines .
DOT’s set standards are not easy to attain. It takes a huge amount of time and resources for hotels to fully adapt to such protocols and be granted a Certificate to Operate. Driven by their commitment to serve, hotels that champion cleanliness and quality service are now ready to welcome guests; some are slowly getting on-board, while others remain quiet until the pandemic is totally gone.
With the confidence of the highest level of cleanliness and hygiene, travelers will come back – and the Philippines is driven to making this happen.
Hotels in the Philippines: New Normal Guidelines
We have listed down the most important guidelines that you need to know as a hotel guest in the “new normal”
Arrival
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face mask and face shield are required
- There is a mandatory temperature check at hotel entrance
- Guests must sanitize footwear and hands at the entrance
- Trained hotel staff will disinfect luggage
Moreover, the Filipino Brand of Service (FBS) or the “Mabuhay Gesture” will be practiced more. Essentially, the friendly smiles of hospitable staff are covered by a facemask. The Mabuhay Gesture pivots a way to express a warm welcome to guests while following new normal safety protocols.
Mabuhay Gesture | Source: traveldailymedia.com
Guest Check-in
- A Health Declaration Form must be completed upon check-in
- Sanitized or single-use pens are provided at the front desk
- Safety kits are provided which may include alcohol or sanitizer, disinfectant sprays, face masks, disposable gloves and tissue.
- Keycards are sanitized before handed out
- Contactless transaction is highly encouraged, including but not limited to check-in and check-out
Hotel Public Areas (Lobby, restrooms, halls, corridors, elevators, etc)
- All public areas and high touchpoints (such as door knobs, switches, elevator buttons, handles, handrails, etc) are thoroughly sanitized using the prescribed cleaning materials by the Department of Health (DOH) or World Health Organization (WHO)
- Sanitizers are placed in various public areas
- Floor markers with one meter distance are in place to ensure social distancing at all times
- Safety reminder posters (such as proper handwashing, maintain social distancing, respiratory etiquette, proper use of mask, etc)are highly visible on all public areas.
Foot Markers at a Hotel Elevator | Photo by Boylosoi | Shutterstock Photo ID: 1760629775
Housekeeping
- Trained hotel personnel conduct room cleaning in full PPE and using medical grade cleaning material
- Use of enhanced technologies (such as electrostatic sprayers, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter or UV lighting system, are also mandatory at least once every two weeks
- Rooms are only allowed for use after 72 hours of the previous guest check out
Hotel Dining
- Use of digital menu when possible
- Reservation is required for dining at the hotel resto
- Seats are assigned to ensure social distancing
- Tables, chairs and all touchpoints are regularly sanitized
Hotel Transport Vehicle
- The hotel car is sanitized after every use
- The driver is well-oriented with guest handling and is wearing a mask and gloves at all times
- Sanitation kits are available
- Extra masks and sanitizer are also provided in the vehicle
These are only some of the many steps that hotels in the Philippines are taking to ensure a seamless, relaxing and safe hotel experience for everyone. Internal management and other processes that are hidden from the public’s eye have also been streamlined to adapt to the new normal. Here is the link to DOT’s full guideline: https://www.tourism.gov.ph/healthandsafetyguidelinesnewnormal.aspx
Staycation in the Philippines
Short distances, weekend getaways, staycations will probably be our first leap at post-COVID travel. Long haul trips and flights will probably come later when tourists have gained back the confidence in traveling again. Thus, hotels in the Philippines are slowly integrating the short-stay all-inclusive “staycation” experience in their product offerings.
In an earlier interviews, DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said that the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-EID) has approved to allow staycation under General Community Quarantine (GCQ).
A “staycation” shall involve a minimum of an overnight stay for leisure purposes in a DOT-accredited Accommodation Enterprise located in proximity with one’s residence. For instance, residents of the National Capital Region (NCR) can do staycation within NCR subject to the requirements of the Local Government Unit (LGU).
Developments such as this create a positive impression that indeed, tourism can recover and we are slowly getting there.
DOT Star-Rated Staycation Hotels
Manila, the country’s capital city, is the first one to operate a “staycation” experience as per the go-signal of the Department of Tourism (DOT). The following star-rated hotels are now granted the Certificate of Authority to Operate for Staycation (CAOS):
Hotels in the Philippines: Where to Stay in Philippines
We have also listed down our highly-recommended hotels that you may consider for your post-COVID travel.
Best Hotels in Manila, Philippines
Belmont Hotel Manila (Manila Airport Hotel)
The Henry Hotel Manila (Boutique Hotel in Manila)
The Bayleaf Intramuros (4 Star Hotel in Manila)
Diamond Hotel Manila (5 Star Hotel in Manila)
Find more hotels in Manila and attractions on this blog
Best Hotels in Cebu City
Crimson Cebu (One of the Best Cebu Beach Resorts)
Radisson Blu Cebu (Hotel in Cebu City Proper)
Goldberry Suites (Hotel Near Mactan Airport)
Bohol Resorts and Hotels
Bohol Beach Club (Best Panglao Beach Resort)
South Palms Resort Panglao (Best Panglao Beach Resort)
North Zen Villas (A Tranquil Boutique Resort in Bohol)
Loboc River Resort (A Charming Boutique Resort in Loboc)
Find more hotels in Bohol and attractions on this blog
El Nido Palawan Hotels
El Nido Resorts (Best Luxury Resorts in El Nido)
Apulit Island
Miniloc Island
Lagen Island
Pangulasian Island
Lio Resort (Best Hotel in El Nido)
Huni Lio
Balai Adlao
Casa Kalaw
Hotel Covo
Puerto Princesa Hotels
Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort (Best Hotel in Puerto Princesa)
Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa (4-star Hotel in Sabang, Puerto Princesa)
Coron Hotels
Two Season Coron Island & Spa
The Funny Lion
Siargao Resorts
Nay Palad Hideaway (Best Luxury Hotel in Siargao)
Siargao Inn
Sandy Feet
Find more hotels in Siargao and attractions on this blog
Best Place to Stay in Siquijor
Coco Grove Beach Resort Siquijor
U-Story Siquijor
Find more hotels in Siquijor and attractions on this blog
Safe Trip to the Philippines
Despite the sudden drop, everyone is hopeful that the Philippines’ tourism will get better. Just like any typhoons, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes or unforeseen challenges, we can get through this COVID in time. Filipinos’ resiliency and love for country will win over and hopefully, really heal as one.
VIDEO: SAFE TRIP to the Philippines Campaign by the Department of Tourism
Our country has so much to offer – so many great places to visit coupled with the unparalleled hospitality of Filipinos. If we want to enthusiastically welcome back the tourists, then we have to make imperative changes to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.
As we live in the “new normal”, may we carry with us the learning from COVID-19 to make us “better travelers” and “better humans”. It becomes our social responsibility therefore to follow the new norms.
Have you ever gone out for a short-trip or staycation after the lockdown? How was your experience? What changes have you noticed? I’m curious to know how it went. Feel free to tell us your experience in the comment section below. 🙂
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