With 4.9 million confirmed cases and 1,59,000 deaths, the United States is reportedly one of the top 5 countries that have been highly impacted by COVID-19. Its healthcare workers and “frontline warriors” make it a point to weather long stressful days in packed hospitals with exhausted staff and an influx of weary and infected patients, risking their own health in the process. Several initiatives in the US, one specifically led by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), have set the bar for the nation’s unbound support for first responders. Reportedly, there have been more than 3.4 million hotel rooms made available solely for health workers to check-in. Renowned brands like Hilton and Mariott Bonvoy have collaborated with American Express to provide discounted hotel rooms for doctors and nurses in some of the hardest-hit cities in the US. If you’re a diligent healthcare professional who would rather not expose their family to the dreaded virus, here are some hotels and Airbnbs for the first responders in some of the red zones in the US: Florida, California, Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Florida
With almost 500,000 confirmed cases and a swelling 7,000+ deaths, Florida is one of the high-risk and highly infected states in the US currently, according to US health officials. Reportedly, the third-most-populous state is unable to control the outbreak. Reopening the schools has also been the talk of the town, but local representatives have dismissed the idea and considered online classes to be the most plausible solution. The local government has issued a lockdown but effectuating the mandatory requirement of wearing masks in public to lessen the spread is still in the works.
Barefoot'n Resort By Diamond Resorts in Kissimmee (from USD 156)
Situated in the heart of Kissimmee, Florida, this hotel is free of charge for healthcare professionals who stay further away from the hospitals in the area. First responders who work at or near Advent Health Hospital in Kissimmee can book one of the rooms to stay close and avoid travel. This unit is secure and highly sanitized. Heavily frequented areas in the hotel like the lobby or reception have screens or physical barriers between staff and guests. Checking in and checking out are also customized as per the contactless procedure to ensure 100 percent safety. Guests are required to pay a damage deposit of 200 USD upon arrival, which will be collected by credit card and then fully refunded 2 weeks after check out.
Barefoot'n Resort This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 2754 Florida Plaza Boulevard
965.84 km (600.2 mi) from BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo
Spacious garden home in Lady Lake
This Airbnb property is a great option for first responders and can accommodate up to two people. It’s a bungalow with two bedrooms and one bathroom. This house also adheres to the enhanced cleaning protocol mandated by Airbnb. It ensures that guests have ample privacy and security features like a keypad with a personalized door code make the entry and exit contact-less. Frontline staff are welcome to stay long term so as to carry out their duties at a nearby healthcare establishment while keeping their loved ones safe at home.
Lady Lake, Florida, United States
908.18 km (564.4 mi) from BREC's Baton Rouge ZooTop guest reviews
Host:
tina is a terrific host available accomadating and easy to communicate withLocation:
cozy little house in a good locationRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
bright and open space with lovely relaxing patio off the kitchen
California
California has recorded over 527,000 confirmed cases and 9,699 deaths. The Governor of California, Gavin Newsom remains progressive with his approach in proposing health-related programs. Reportedly, he has revised a state budget catering to the loss of income of its constituents during the COVID-19 outbreak. Schools allegedly have reopened for in-person instruction, although with thorough sanitation and precautionary measures implemented to protect the students. State representatives conduct an independent survey of multiple local health agencies. It is one of Newsom’s mandates to further contain the rapid spread of COVID-19 in California.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Bakersfield (from USD 107)
Stay safe but comfortable in one of the finest Radisson Hotels in Ontario Mills, California. Emergency response personnel, medical staff, and hospital staff are welcome to book rooms here with a discount. A flat 20% off is applicable to first responders and a complimentary upgrade is possible based on the availability of rooms. Those who work at nearby hospitals and health clinics like Kaiser Permanente - Ontario Medical Center but live quite far can check in to this hotel to conveniently get to work. There is Wifi access to help you stay connected with your family and friends. Extended cleanliness and safety protocols at Radisson include sanitizing stations, cash-free methods of payment at the buffet, bar, and restaurant area. It is imperative to provide your medical ID or certificate at the time of check-in to be eligible for the special rates.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Bakersfield, CA
Address: 2310 Wible Road
2645.72 km (1644.0 mi) from BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo
Quirky loft apartment in Los Angeles
Healthcare professionals are welcome to book this quirky little Airbnb apartment in the heart of Los Angeles. It’s situated in downtown LA and is fully furnished with two queen beds and a sofa bed for two to three people to occupy. This loft is exclusive to COVID-19 first responders and boasts a prime location and proximity to hospitals in the area. With LA traffic frequently causing a delay, staying somewhere close to work is essential for first responders. This property features self-check-in protocols in order to avoid contact with a host of other people. If guests engage or make contact with building personnel, the 100 USD security deposit is forfeited.
Los Angeles, California, United States
2567.73 km (1595.6 mi) from BREC's Baton Rouge ZooTop guest reviews
Host:
the host was always quick in their response which really made us feel at ease prior to arrivalhowever the host was kind enough to offer instant suggestions when we asked for helpthe host was attentive and responsive to our inquiries and needsjames and jon were extremely helpful timely and personablei met james great host accessible and willing to help with everythingLocation:
this place was absolutely stunning the location was in walking distance of a bunch of cute restaurants and activitiesit was in a great locationoverall really good location and it served its purposethe area was interesting and the location was good for what i personally needed at the timegreat space in great downtown la locationCleanliness:
the place was clean and roomythe place was very clean and neatthe apartment itself is really fun clean and had great viewsit is near skid row so there is substantial homelessness but the building was clean and safeRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
excellent kitchen and fast wifithere is pool like stated in the amenities listingvery comfortable and high enough to provide great view good light and silence at nightmake sure to enjoy the rooftop - great views seating with heaters and bbq areasthe apartment is fresh and eclectic making for extra visual appreciation not just for the window view
Texas
Texas has climbed the chart as one of the topmost COVID-infected states with 471,427 confirmed cases and nearly 8000 deaths. Dallas and Houston show the highest number of active cases and are continuously monitored by local and Federal officials. In May, the state rushed to reopen business to regenerate the city’s economic activity. This pursuit accelerated the rise in confirmed cases and led to a second wave. Consequently, non-essential establishments were forcefully shut down and public gatherings of more than 100 people, upon the approval of local officials, were also banned. Governor Greg Abbott was forced to order the closure of bars and alternatively partial occupancy of up to only 50 percent on the 26th of June. Today, Texas has 69,272 recoveries and continues to take action by heightening safety precautions and encouraging citizens to stay at home.
My Place Hotel - Lubbock (from USD 80)
Healthcare workers need to work but also self-isolate during the surge of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Texas. My Place Hotel in Lubbock offers free rooms to the frontline warriors. With many possible risks at hand, My Place Hotel fully supports the frontline workers that risk their lives to serve the community, making it easier for them to do their jobs and get people the help they need. This includes all the proper health and safety checks to accommodate guests without risking their health and that of others. Mandatory sanitation and cleaning processes are put in place. First responders are required to present a valid ID and a credit card upon checking-in.
My Place Hotel-Lubbock, TX
Address: 6219 62nd St
1069.06 km (664.3 mi) from BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo
Bright, mid-century apartment in Amarillo (from USD 1866)
This bright and spacious bungalow, hosted by a member of Airbnb’s COVID-19 responders’ team, welcomes guests who are first responders but there’s no special discount. This two-bedroom rental ensures extra precautionary measures and sanitizes all hard surfaces like doorknobs and light switches with an alcohol-based solution. A standard temperature screening before entering the premises is also in place. This bungalow is the perfect location for those who wish to avoid the busy streets in Amarillo and still manage to get to their place of work in time, without risking the lives of their loved ones. This property supports self-check-in for guests to avoid unnecessary contact before, during, or after their stay.
Amarillo, Texas, United States
1126.11 km (699.8 mi) from BREC's Baton Rouge ZooSuperhost
Accommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
kenny and stephanie were great hosts always responding to any message or requests immediatelyvery helpful host got us in on short noticestephanie is a great host this a great house to stay in for a great pricestephanie is very responsive usually replying within 15 minutesall in all we had everything we needed and we were comfortable with a very responsive hostRead more reviewsCleanliness:
the house is clean with a full and well-equipped kitchen
Georgia
Georgia has 184,000 confirmed cases, with a rising death toll of 3,900 and over. However, it also sees an 81% recovery rate. The state of Georgia’s governor, Brian Kemp pushed to reopen several sectors of its economy prior to other southern states. Despite the rise, retail stores, restaurants, houses of worship, entertainment and outdoor establishments, continued to remain open, adding to the rising risk. However, the public health departments remained consistent in their effort to be vigilant and implemented a Contact Tracing Program with a step-by-step guide, initiated proper communication, established methodical data collection methods, and enforced medical assessment, all the while practicing social distance.
Red Roof Inn Atlanta (from USD 59)
This spacious inn in Suwannee has all the essentials for the frontline workers who need a humble abode to rest after their graveyard shifts. Medical professionals like nurses, doctors, firefighters, police, and emergency medical providers are welcome to stay at Red Roof Inn at a 20% discount. The property uses cleaning chemicals that are effective and adheres to the safety guidelines necessary to fight COVID-19. Cashless payment upon check-out is also available to enhance no-contact transactions. Photo ID and a credit card are required upon check-in, with a USD 50 damage deposit on arrival. This deposit is, however, refunded upon inspection of the property post check-out.
Red Roof Inn Atlanta - Suwanee/Mall of Georgia
Address: 3103 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road
771.41 km (479.4 mi) from BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo
Louisiana
Louisiana witnesses a surge in active cases of COVID-19, with 126,000 confirmed cases and an alarming total of 4,090 deaths. Governor John Bel Edwards launched the Open Safely Program which allows small business owners and church leaders to index safety measures implemented on-premises to qualify for reopening. However, Phase Two saw the closure of bar establishments and the size of gatherings being reduced to 50 people. The state also made masks mandatory for citizens moving out of their houses.
OYO Hotel Port Allen (from USD 57)
Close to various dining options within walking distance, with coffee served in the lobby.
Affordable rates, under $60 per night, and discounts for extended stays.
Convenient location near interstate, LSU, and fast food options. Brightly lit and safe area.
Clean and spacious rooms, outdoor pool (when available), barbecue pits, and convenient access to interstate and LSU.
OYO Hotel in Port Allen opens its doors to frontline workers not just in Louisiana, but across all their properties in the US. This hotel offers free lodging for medical first responders who continue to save COVID-19 patients, but also run the risk of infecting their families. The owner, Raj Patel, guarantees strict adherence to guidelines and takes all precautionary measures to ensure the safety and hygiene of guests. A two-day hiatus is maintained to re-sanitize the whole room before it is rented out again. OYO Hotels require guests to present a valid active First Responder ID, to qualify for the promo code they can use for the free stay. A damage deposit of 100 USD is required upon arrival, which is refunded in full upon inspection of the room after a stay.
OYO Hotel Port Allen LA I-10 West
Address: 821 S Lobdell Highway
15.32 km (9.6 mi) from BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo
Comfy room in a deluxe house in Baton Rouge
First responders can choose to stay in a private room in this Airbnb deluxe home just a mile (1.6 km) away from Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge. This enables frontline warriors to walk to their place of work, and be available during any emergency. Three bedrooms in this shared accommodation are available, all properly sanitized, and supplied with medically laundered linens and towels. Up to two people are welcome to book this private room with shared access to the bathroom.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States
18.0 km (11.2 mi) from BREC's Baton Rouge ZooAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Host:
alan was a wonderful host and he has a beautiful homeRead more reviewsLocation:
perfect for working people needing a place to stay
South Carolina
Another state under the red zone is South Carolina, with 94,190 confirmed cases and 1,847 deaths, which puts them in the top 15 COVID-19-infected states in the US. There was much brouhaha about the prevention measures implemented by the state of South Carolina since Governor Henry McMaster was reportedly one of the last local leaders to execute the stay-at-home order. He led the attempt to reopen the state back in mid-April with partial to full operations. Today, in spite of the safety guidelines issued by the health department, and its efforts to successfully restore the local economy, a trend in its confirmed cases continue to spike.
Econo Lodge in Walterboro (from USD 58)
Situated right off Interstate 95, Econo Lodge, Walterboro, welcomes frontline workers who need proper lodging. Here, guests have access to Wifi to stay connected with their loved ones. This property does not serve buffet food but offers pre-packaged breakfast to avoid physical contact. Furniture and design of every room, as well as the lobby, have been repositioned as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. There is a strict cleaning protocol in place wherein proper disinfecting and deep cleaning are practiced. The cleaners ensure proper hygiene and social distancing. Guests are required to present a valid photo ID and a credit card upon check-in for enhanced safety measures.
Econo Lodge
Address: 1142 Sniders Highway
1021.05 km (634.5 mi) from BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo
Home2 Suites by Hilton Columbia Downtown (from USD 143)
Home2 Suites by Hilton Hotel supports the initiative to provide proper accommodations to frontline warriors by affording free stays. Contactless check-in and check-out are practiced in this hotel, while a work ID validating your profession and a credit card are required upon check-in for enhanced safety measures. This property ensures deep sanitation and rigorous health protocol adherence during each stay. Rooms are also thoroughly disinfected in between stays and contactless check-in or check-out are provisioned. Guests in this property are required to wear masks at all times in the communal areas indoors.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Columbia Downtown
Address: 1609 Gervais Street
1025.92 km (637.5 mi) from BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo
Spacious, eclectic bungalow home in Asheville
This Airbnb home close to main hospitals in Asheville, and offering short- or long-term stays, is available for COVID-19 first responders only and is completely detached from the host’s apartment upstairs. This homestay offers the necessary privacy and also ensures safety while strictly adhering to cleaning and sanitation protocols. Mission Hospital and Asheville VA Medical Center are the main healthcare facilities nearby that are an easy Uber or Lyft ride away. Guests should note that this property requires a damage deposit of 250 USD upon arrival, which is refunded in full after their stay.
Asheville, North Carolina, United States
974.09 km (605.3 mi) from BREC's Baton Rouge ZooAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Host:
dustin was a great hostdustin was a good hostdustin is a wonderful host love his placedustin was an excellent host who gave us privacy great recommendations and clear directions for checking in/outgreat for pet friendly ownersLocation:
the location was perfect as it was central to the biltmore and downtownlocation was easy to find and a quick trip to downtowngreat location to west asheville and quick easy access to downtowngreat spot in a convenient locationthis location in west asheville is greatCleanliness:
very clean and convenient great communication from dustin and very comfortablehouse was clean and roomythe place was clean and artsystraightforward great communication cozy clean great location- and felt we had plenty of privacyclean with good local restaurant etcRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the air conditioners kept the home plenty coolspare but comfortable furnishingsthe space had plenty of sleeping areas for us to feel comfortableit's a very comfortable space but it is only accessible via outside stairsexcellent place to stay the description of the apartment was spot on
A helping hand to the frontline warriors
Despite the continuous challenges that many global citizens face due to the pandemic, the backbone of the healthcare profession continues to remain rock-solid. To provide a safe haven and help keep the frontline warriors on their feet is a great way to support the saviors in the time of crisis. The awesome initiative, to open the doors to the bravest and the most vulnerable members of society, taken by various hotels and homestay owners, is exemplary and well commended.
Editor’s note: All of the information provided are deemed to be accurate as of the date of publishing.
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