Safe lodging checklist: Start by asking 5 questions

Booking a place to stay today should include checking safety measures. Mayo Clinic Patient Travel Services is a great option for most travelers. After business hours, turn to this checklist, which reflects the vetting Patient Travel Services completes before recommending a hotel property to patients.

1. What are your booking and cancellation policies?
   • Is there an option to ask for a previously vacant room (48 to 72 hours)?
   • How long are rooms vacant between guest stays?
   • What's your cancellation policy for health reasons?
2. Are social distancing measures (spacing) visibly apparent and verbally reinforced?
   • In the lobby?
   • At the front desk?
   • In parking areas?
3. What safe food and beverage options do you offer?
   • Are there prepackaged foods and grab-and-go items?
   • Has traditional room service been replaced with a no-contact delivery method?
   • What precautions have been added to traditional buffet service? Does staff wear personal protective equipment (PPE) during service?
4. Can you tell me about your enhanced cleaning policies?
   • Are surfaces in public and communal areas cleaned multiple times a day?
   • Are elevators cleaned at regular intervals throughout day?
   • How are food preparation and laundry areas cleaned?
5. What's your masking policy? Are masks required or suggested?
   • For guests?
   • For staff?

Optional, more-rigorous questions

Mayo Clinic Patient Travel Services staff also confirms that lodging properties adhere to the following safety measures before recommending them to you.

Do your employees receive safety training?

• Hand-washing procedures?
• Facility sanitation protocols?
• Use of PPE?

Do you offer safety and sanitation training from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for staff with frequent guest contact?

• Housekeeping?
• Food and beverage?
• Public area department?
• Hotel operations?
• Security?
• Valet, door and bell services?
• Maintenance and engineering?

Do you notify local health officials when you encounter the following health issues?

• Guest health concerns?
• Employee health concerns?
• Any confirmed cases of COVID-19?

Do you follow recommended safety protocols when you encounter a confirmed case of COVID-19?

• Closing affected guest rooms?
• Disinfecting affected guest rooms?
• Room recovery protocol (quarantine)?