Since our founding in 1936, the Historic Gatlinburg Inn has always made the comfort and safety of our guests a top priority. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have raised our standards even higher, with new protocols and an even higher level of sanitation and cleanliness.
Here are the key components of our new protocols, as well as our updated cancellation policy.
Employee screening – Every employee is screened every day with a series of questions to assess his or her health, along with having his or her temperature taken via a non-touch thermometer. Any employee exhibiting symptoms of illness is sent home, or instructed to seek medical care if the symptoms are reflective of COVID-19.
Social distancing – employees and guests are encouraged to continue engaging in social distancing, and for the time being, our meeting spaces are closed for public gatherings. Work shifts are staggered to reduce employee contact.
Increased personal hygiene – our employees are to wash their hands every twenty minutes, avoid touching their face, and practice good respiratory etiquette when coughing or sneezing. Hand sanitizing products are available at multiple locations throughout the hotel.
Increased room sanitation – all rooms are cleaned and disinfected using commercial grade cleaning solutions and products between guest stays, including all frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as door handles, remote controls, telephones, etc.
Increased public space sanitation – All public space areas and back of the house areas, such as the kitchen, storage areas, breakrooms, and offices, are cleaned and disinfected using commercial grade cleaning solutions and products. Virucidal cleaner is used for any reactive cleaning measures related to an infected person or situation. High traffic areas are cleaned very two hours, and all other public areas a minimum of every 12 hours.
Ongoing training – in addition to training on housekeeping and hygiene protocols, hotel associates are also completing enhanced COVID-19 awareness training.
Cancellation Policy
All existing reservations—even those described as “non-cancellable” (“Advanced Purchase”)— that are scheduled for arrival on or before June 30, 2020 can be changed or cancelled at no charge, up to 24 hours before a guest’s scheduled arrival day.
Any new reservations you make—even those described as “non-cancellable” (“Advanced Purchase”)—that are booked by June 30, 2020 for any future arrival date can be changed or cancelled at no charge, up to 24 hours before a guest’s scheduled arrival day.
Our new protocols as described above will allow us to make sure that our employees stay healthy, and that our guests can feel confident that every possible measure has been taken to ensure their safety and comfort. We are all in this together. When you are ready to visit us in Gatlinburg, we will be ready to welcome you back.