APRIL 7, 2021
OVATION OFFERS TRAVEL RESOURCES GUIDE REGARDING COVID-19


At Ovation, we remain committed to providing excellent service to our valued clients throughout the COVID-19 global pandemic. Click the link below to view our travel resources guide which includes traveler health & safety information, interactive risk maps, client communications, travel management best practices, webinar recordings and more regarding COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced new updates to its domestic travel guidance for fully vaccinated people, lifting certain testing and self-quarantine requirements and recommending precautions like wearing a mask and avoiding crowds. According to the CDC's website, fully vaccinated individuals can resume domestic travel and do not need to get tested before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel. Additionally, fully vaccinated individuals do not need to get tested before leaving the United States (unless required by the destination) or self-quarantine after arriving back in the US. The CDC considers someone fully vaccinated two weeks after they receive the last dose of vaccine. The CDC also recommends that fully vaccinated individuals continue such precautions as wearing face coverings, social distancing, and frequent hand washing while traveling, and the recommendation to avoid medium- and large-sized gatherings remains as well. It also recommends that those who are not fully vaccinated postpone both domestic and international travel until fully vaccinated.

With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) new guidelines for fully vaccinated travelers, domestic travel could increase over the next month. Some states are already allowing leisure travel, while others continue to impose restrictions on out of state travelers. Even in states with no statewide restrictions, there may still be travel limitations in certain cities. Each state has important COVID-19 safety information listed on their official websites. For instance, most states have mandates on face masks in public settings. Click "Read More" below for a comprehensive list of state-specific travel restrictions and safety mandates currently in place across the US as assembled by CNN.

Amtrak has announced the opening of the Moynihan Train Hall, it's new station in New York City. The Moynihan Train Hall is located directly across from New York Penn Station at 8th Avenue in the historic James A. Farley Post Office Building. Enhanced customer amenities include:
  • A grand and spacious train hall featuring a sky lit atrium
  • Dedicated passenger waiting areas
  • A combined ticketing and baggage area
  • Improved passenger comfort and security
  • Accessibility for travelers with disabilities
  • Inductive loop system for hearing assistance
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi in all public spaces
  • Dedicated lactation lounge for nursing mothers

Amtrak will maintain its presence at New York Penn Station, and will operate the Moynihan Train Hall and Penn Station as one complex. The Moynihan Train Hall is open to the public daily from 5am through 1am and closed to the public between 1am and 5am. Between 1am and 5am, all Amtrak operations are handled at New York Penn Station, including baggage, Red Cap services, access and egress to platforms.

American and United airlines say they will extend their deadlines on unused flight credits, joining Delta and other US carriers, reports Business Insider. United Airlines travelers now have until March 31, 2022, to use their "future flight credits" from trips canceled because of COVID-19. American Airlines is offering a similar policy for voluntarily canceled tickets during the pandemic. "Flight credit issued for flights voluntarily canceled by customers during the COVID-19 flexible period can be used for travel through March 31, 2022," the airline's website says. Credits usually expire one year from their issuance. Travelers using their credits to make new reservations can also take advantage of new flexible cancellation policies. All three carriers have largely done away with change and cancellation fees for most tickets, allowing travelers to book a trip and change it at their desire if they're not ready to travel.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that restaurants, shops, and other businesses will be allowed to reopen starting April 12, reports USA Today. A ban on overnight stays away from home in England will also be lifted April 12, and outdoor venues such as zoos and drive-in cinemas can operate again. Additionally, Johnson said it’s too soon to decide whether UK residents will be able to have summer trips abroad. British citizens are currently banned by law from going on holiday abroad, and the government recently stated that it won’t lift the travel ban before May 17 – and maybe later. Once travel resumes, Britain will rank countries on a traffic-light system as green, yellow, or red based on their level of vaccinations, infections, and new virus variants. People arriving from “green” countries will have to be tested but won’t face quarantine. The UK government also is testing a system of “COVID-status certification” – also known as “vaccine passports” – that would allow people seeking to travel or attend events to show they either have received a COVID-19 vaccine, tested negative for the virus, or recently had COVID-19 and therefore have some immunity.
INTERCONTINENTAL
LOS ANGELES DOWNTOWN
900 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD
LOS ANGELES
Revel in glamour and exhilaration that defines what it means to live the InterContinental life at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown. Excite in breathtaking views from the 70th-floor sky lobby and indulge in globally inspired cuisine at the cutting-edge restaurants. The hotel features 889 elegant guest rooms including 109 suites, state-of-the-art 11,000 square feet Attitude Fitness, outdoor swimming pool, dining experiences including Dekkadance, No Dive Bar and Spire 73 – the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere, on the 73rd floor. InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown provides first-class hospitality and the best hotel accommodation for guests.
KIMPTON HOTEL PALOMAR PHILADELPHIA
117 SOUTH 17TH STREET
PHILADELPHIA
Capturing the spirit of their vibrant Center City neighborhood, Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia invites guests to experience their refined urban retreat. Here, the high-energy hustle and bustle is a bit more mellow at the moment, inviting guests to enjoy a serene side of the city. As guests settle in, they can connect and unwind in the stylish, Art Deco-inspired boutique hotel. Guests will find the ambience is sophisticated with a mix of sleek textures and contemporary design details that can be found alongside interesting artistic flourishes. As soon as they step inside the doors, travelers will discover these clever contrasts, together with spacious guest rooms, exceptional amenities, personalized service, and Kimpton's Approach to Clean, make for an unforgettable and safe stay. Whatever the reason for a visit, the hotel will welcome guests home with Kimpton panache that’s equally as irresistible as the City of Brotherly Love.
LOEWS ATLANTA HOTEL
1065 PEACHTREE STREET
ATLANTA
Loews Atlanta Hotel is open for business, offering a stunning respite for any business traveler. Newly expanded hours in the gorgeous bar featuring delectable, inventive fare from salads to gourmet entrees, plus full-service coffee bar Market 11 offer quality and convenience. Located in the heart of Midtown and surrounded by the city’s best restaurants and iconic attractions, the hotel is walkable to headquarters such as Bank of America and Equifax, just down the street from legal business offices, 1.5 miles from Coca-Cola, and so much more. The hotel’s standout amenity is exhale Fitness Spa on the 7th floor, where guests can sign up for a class such as barre or cycle or simply take time to relax with a spa treatment at a guests-only discount.
THE HOTEL ZAGS
515 SOUTHWEST CLAY STREET
PORTLAND
Tucked away in the city’s Fountain District, The Hotel Zags Portland is an oasis in the heart of downtown. The hotel will be a home away from home as guests explore the neighborhood with the loaner bicycles and other gear available in the Gear Shed, relax in the courtyard, or visit nearby dining and culture hotspots.

All 174 rooms and suites have been newly revamped with vibrant colors, modern furnishings and impeccable design. Picture windows perfectly frame city views or the hotel’s lush courtyard oasis. From pillow-top beds, ample work space, earth-friendly bath products, complimentary newspapers, pet friendly rooms, and gym passes, the hotel’s thought of everything to help make guests comfortable.
THE KNICKERBOCKER
6 TIMES SQUARE
NEW YORK CITY
The Knickerbocker is the first luxury hotel in Times Square. Edging the bright lights of Broadway and the calm of Bryant Park, it is a legendary New York landmark reborn. Filled with fabled legends, The Knickerbocker once played host to legendary political bigwigs, actresses, oil tycoons, and sports figures - and it’s rumored the martini was invented here in the hotel.

While historic details like the hotel’s gorgeous Beaux-Arts facade remain unchanged, a soothing new luxury aesthetic is offered within. The stunning transformation of this treasured Manhattan monument invites discerning travelers to discover 330 luxe guestrooms and suites boasting incredible views and bespoke furnishings. An air of posh authenticity embraces New York City’s premier luxury lifestyle hotel with cuisine by Charlie Palmer, style by dyptique and a robust fitness program curated by New York Knicks star Larry Johnson.
THE WATERGATE HOTEL
2650 VIRGINIA AVENUE NW
WASHINGTON, DC
Along with being a legendary hotel, The Watergate Hotel has transformed into a unique, urban DC resort. Spacious rooms and suites, many with Potomac River views and private balconies are available. Other hotel amenities include a heated indoor pool, luxury spa, and 24-hour fitness center. Walk or taxi to downtown offices, White House, National Mall, and more. Located in Foggy Bottom, next to the historic Georgetown center with popular restaurants, shopping and waterfront.

The award-winning rooftop lounge, Top of the Gate opens in April. A great place to meet with clients or colleagues for a stunning view and some of the city’s best handcrafted cocktails and light bites. Guests receive 10% off Food and Beverage (excluding alcohol) for stays through August 31, 2021.
WALDORF ASTORIA CHICAGO
11 EAST WALTON STREET
CHICAGO
The Waldorf Astoria Chicago is a haven of exclusivity with classic Parisian charm. Unforgettable experiences begin the moment guests arrive through the lush, secluded courtyard entrance. An exceptional choice among travelers in Chicago, this iconic chateau-like hotel provides every guest with discreet yet anticipatory service. The hotel is fittingly located in the fashionable Gold Coast neighborhood, just one block from Chicago's Magnificent Mile.

The Brasserie at Waldorf Astoria Chicago is now open for weekend brunch featuring The Brasserie French Toast, Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict, Everlasting Rosé, and more. With an elevated French take on classic dishes, The Brasserie at Waldorf Astoria Chicago is the ideal brunch spot in Chicago’s Gold Coast featuring live entertainment on Sundays.
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