Hilton and American Express has announced that the
companies, in partnership with Hiltons ownership community, will donate up to
1 million hotel room nights across the United States to frontline medical
professionals leading the fight against COVID-19.
Beginning next week, Hilton and American Express will make
rooms available without charge to doctors, nurses, EMTs, paramedics and other
frontline medical staff who need a place to sleep, recharge or isolate from
their families through the end of May.
Hilton is initially working with 10 associations who
collectively represent more than 1 million healthcare workers to provide access
to the program, designed to support individuals who would otherwise have to
spend their own money on accommodations.
"During this crisis, we have seen so many examples of
medical professionals working in the most challenging circumstances,
sacrificing their own needs for the greater good. They truly are heroes," said
Hilton President and CEO, Christopher J. Nassetta. "We are honored to extend
our Hilton hospitality to them during this difficult time."
American Express, Hiltons long-standing strategic partner,
is investing alongside Hilton in the donation of the hotel rooms, which will be
provided at or below cost by Hiltons network of independent owners and
franchisees.
"Our medical workers who are courageously and selflessly
serving on the frontlines in the coronavirus crisis represent the best of who
we are," said American Express Chairman and CEO, Stephen J. Squeri. "Were
honored to support this initiative with our longtime partner, Hilton, to
provide the heroes in our communities a place to rest, recharge and help keep
their loved ones safe during this time."
William Jaquis, MD, FACEP, president of the American College
of Emergency Physicians, said the room donation will be welcome relief for the
thousands of medical staff enduring long hours under challenging circumstances.
"Knowing that there is a safe, clean and comfortable hotel
room waiting for you at the end of a long shift can make all the difference in
the world right now," Dr. Jaquis said. "The kind of compassion and caring that
Hilton and American Express are offering has never been more welcome."
Rooms will be available across a variety of Hilton brands,
including Hampton by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, DoubleTree by Hilton and
others. Hotels will be staffed by Team Members who have received additional
training on relevant health and safety measures to safeguard their own and
their guests well-being. Hotel rooms and common areas will continue to be
sanitized using industrialgrade cleaners and updated cleaning protocols. In
some high-demand locations, room availability may be limited at times. Nassetta
credited owners from Hiltons portfolio for joining the effort. "Across the
United States, owners of Hilton hotels of every brand are eager to support
their communities and be part of the solution. They have been instrumental in
making this response possible."
The following organizations will provide their networks with
further details about booking rooms through this program, which is currently
planned to cover stays from April 13 through May 31.
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