(TAN): American hotel company Hilton has partnered with New York-based financial services firm American Express to offer up to one million free hotel room nights across the United States to frontline medical professionals engaged in fighting the coronavirus pandemic.
Doctors, nurses, paramedics, EMTs and other frontline healthcare workers who need “a place to sleep, recharge or isolate from their families” will be eligible for the rooms from April 13 to May 31.
“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. We are honored to extend our Hilton hospitality to them during this difficult time,” Hilton President and Chief Executive Officer, Christopher J. Nassetta said.
Hilton said it is working with 10 associations to begin with that together represent over a million healthcare professionals. While the hotel rooms will be provided by independent owners and franchisees of Hilton, rooms will be available across brands such as Hampton by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, DoubleTree by Hilton.
At a time when hotels have reportedly had to lay off staff, the hospitality giant said these hotels will be staffed by employees who have undergone additional training on relevant health and safety measures. It added that rooms and common areas will be sanitised with industrial grade cleaners. Hilton, however, warned that room availability may sometimes be limited in places with high demand.
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“Our medical workers who are courageously and selflessly serving on the frontlines in the coronavirus crisis represent the best of who we are. We’re 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,” American Express Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Stephen J. Squeri said.
In the wake of the virus outbreak, Hilton recently said some of its high-ranking employees will accept a pay cut – Nassetta will forgo his salary for the rest of 2020, the Executive Committee will take a 50% pay cut during the crisis period, and corporate team members will accept 20% pay cut.
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Thanks Hilton for including the respiratory therapists who are running the ventilators for these patients! Your efforts to include every field who is responding and caring for these patients is much appreciated!