NATIONAL REPORT—As the federal government shutdown enters its 31st day, hotels across the country are offering help to furloughed government workers.
The Hotel Association of New York City will provide free hotel rooms to furloughed federal workers who need to travel to New York City for personal emergencies during the shutdown.
“As a leading hospitality voice for New York City, we don’t want to see anyone who needs to be here turned away because of financial hardships created by the government shutdown,” said Vijay Dandapani, president/CEO of the Hotel Association of New York City. “Whether it’s a family situation or a health issue that requires people to travel to the city, we will do what we can to provide accommodations on a limited basis to those in dire need.”
Sunil Tolani, CEO of the Prince Organization, a hospitality, real estate development and lifestyle company based in Los Angeles, reports that a number of the company’s properties have made accommodations for government workers.
“At Alamosa, for our regular guests, we are aware they are experiencing the federal government shutdown at this time, and we are reaching out to them via email and phone,” said Deborah Clark, general manager at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alamosa in Colorado. “Alamosa always thinks family first. So with that said, I personally reached out to the guests and their families to wish them a happy New Year and let them know that we are thinking of them at this time and invited their family to the hotel for a complimentary night’s stay so their family can come swim in our pool and have breakfast with us.”
At the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Waxahachie in Texas, the hotel has offered free cancellations to government employees whose branches are not currently affected, but may be in the future. ”We will also call to offer breakfasts and a one-night stay for families,” said Kenzie Shore, general manager of the property.