Travel in the Time of COVID-19
COVID-19 has upended everything we’ve come to know and love about traveling — criss-crossing borders at will, trying new restaurants, gathering in large groups, flying on planes. But as we learn to adjust to our new normal, hotels are paving the way for the future of hospitality, where privacy, space, and the freedom of choice are the new hallmarks of luxury.
Here, five Local Foreigner clients who traveled near and far this summer share their feedback on their post-COVID hotel stays — the good, the bad, and the downright adorable.
Vermont
Hotel
LENGTH of Stay
Three Nights
Month Traveled
July 2020
Traveler Type
Couple
Mode of Transportation
Car
Hotel Experience
Our stay at Twin Farms was really relaxing and laid back. The staff was very respectful and gave us plenty of options for dining (indoors, outdoors, in-room, private set-up, etc). We loved how everything was included, which made for a really chill, easygoing weekend. The cottages are also really nicely sized and laid out across the property.
Service
It was clear the staff was well trained on COVID protocols. When we arrived someone greeted us and escorted us to our cottage. At the cottage he offered to help with our bags and give us a tour but said he of course understood if we preferred to do things on our own. All hotel staff members were wearing masks at all times and housekeeping was optional. Around the lake and other communal spaces there were stickers noting when something had been sanitized.
Adirondacks
Hotel
LENGTH of Stay
Four Nights
Month Traveled
July 2020
Traveler Type
Couple
Mode of Transportation
Private Plane
Hotel Experience
The Point offers plenty of great outdoor space for guests to enjoy and socially distance. The gardens and outdoor spaces were immaculate and the few indoor spaces (the Great Hall, Boat House, and The Pub) were all very clean. Staff members wear masks at all times and guests only have to wear masks inside. It was nice not having to worry about wearing masks outside, and the layout of the resort makes it easy to avoid close contact with others.
Service
Overall, service was noticeably lacking. The staff was pretty disorganized and it felt like there was no one in charge. Dinner service was top notch and we were able to dine outside for all of our meals, but picnics, lunches, and snacks fell short of expectations with missing food items and forgetful service.
Colorado
Hotel
Scarp Ridge Lodge & Taylor River Lodge
LENGTH of Stay
Five Nights
Month Traveled
July 2020
Traveler Type
Multi-Generational Family
Mode of Transportation
Private Plane
Hotel Experience
Scarp Ridge Lodge (buyout) — Gorgeous decor, perfect location, and perfect setup for our family, but the service was seriously lacking. It felt like no one was in charge and no one took initiative. There were plenty of staff present, but everyone seemed inexperienced in high end hospitality. Housekeeping was minimal due to COVID and the staff was unhelpful with concierge related tasks, like arranging dinner reservations. However, we had a private chef on the evening of our arrival who was incredible and all of the Eleven Experience guides we had were outstanding.
Taylor River Lodge — The service at Taylor River Lodge was night and day from Scarp Ridge Lodge. Everyone was a total PRO. Taylor River even had a few staff members from other Eleven Experience properties in the Bahamas and Chile, which was really neat! Everybody we interacted with was warm, hospitable, well trained, and anticipated every need. We had a 30th birthday celebration while on property and the Eleven team did an incredible job hosting a private barbecue. The property itself was stunning, the food was excellent, and all of the Eleven guides were ace. We wish we had more than three nights!
Service
Taylor River’s top notch service standards continued after we left the property. The little ones left behind their stuffed “lovies,” which were promptly shipped home with this adorable note!
“You can kind of forget the pandemic exists here. ”
Antibes
Hotel
LENGTH of Stay
Three Nights
Month Traveled
July 2020
Traveler Type
Couple
Mode of Transportation
Commercial Flight
Hotel Experience
I’d give our stay at Hotel du Cap an A for experience, quality, service, and F&B. Aside from all staff members wearing masks (indoors and out), you can kind of forget the pandemic exists here. We felt very safe during our stay — the hotel told us they were operating at 70% capacity. Grounds are spread out to begin with, so never felt compact. We enjoyed time at the pool and drinks at the Champagne Bar every evening. All guests were respectful and everyone wore masks in the lobby, hallways, and bathrooms. Breakfast was a la carte only (no buffet because of COVID) and making dinner reservations through the concierge was easy (two were done the same day.) Overall the property itself is beautiful and so clean and well kept.
Service
The service was stellar. Everything we asked for was done: easy and quickly — dinner reservations, tennis lessons, taxi request, check out, lunch orders etc etc, all quick and seamless. Service felt the same as always.
*This trip was taken by UK based Local Foreigner clients with British passports.
Los Cabos
Hotel
Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas
LENGTH of Stay
Four Nights
Month Traveled
June 2020
Traveler Type
Solo
Mode of Transportation
Commercial Flight
Hotel Experience
Loved the hotel! The beach was amazing — long and picturesque. It’s such a beautiful, secluded property. The food was delicious, but the hotel needs more casual, affordable dining options. The one casual spot was only open one night when I was there. Overall, it was such an enjoyable getaway, I almost extended my stay.
Service
Service seemed slightly off because of COVID, but it was hardly noticeable. Staff wore masks 24/7 and there were oximeter tests upon arrival.