Dear Guests,
Regrettably, due to the rapid rise in COVID-19 nationally and the absence of a comprehensive national response, we are limiting our guests only to Michigan residents effective July 9, 2020 until October 15, 2020. This restriction is for the health and safety of our staff, full-time residents and other guests. Because we take our responsibilities very seriously, we need to have our staff, residents and guests all knowing and operating under the same set of COVID-19 guidance and restrictions. Without a national COVID-19 response, this can only happen if we all live and work in Michigan.
This difficult, but necessary decision saddens us as we delight in welcoming guests from around the world. It brings joy to our work to have so many wonderful people stay with us. We’ve learned so much from all of you. You’ve changed who we are for the better. But this historic challenge of a global pandemic has caused us to limit our business in ways we never could have anticipated.
Additionally we don’t want our non-Michigan residents to experience unexpected changes in their travel plans. With New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Illinois now requiring a 14 day quarantine for visitors from states experiencing surges in COVID-19 cases, we have serious concerns that Michigan may be forced into the same action in the near future. This decision would force us to cancel reservations from other states placed on such a quarantine list. We don’t want to disappoint any of our guests.
Thank you for your understanding. We’ll get through this. Our historic El Moore building got through the 1918 pandemic and together we will do it again.
Please call us if you have any questions or comments.
Sincerely,
The El Moore Lodge Team
covid-19 precautions
For Michigan residents who do come to stay with us, we’ve developed a comprehensive plan for making your stay as safe as possible. Just like all of you, we’ll need to remain flexible during these times. As we get additional guidance from city, state, and federal agencies, these practices will evolve and may change slightly by the time you come to stay with us. No matter what, we will prioritize the health of all in our community in the actions we take.
Here are some of the key actions we’re taking at the Lodge to protect guests, staff, and building residents:
- Temporarily suspending our continental breakfast service
- Opening with only half of our rooms to stays, separating guests by at least one room
- Increasing disinfection in all guest rooms and common areas, especially high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, elevator buttons, and entry keypads
- Using hospital-grade disinfectant for all surface cleaning
- Providing housekeeping service by request only
- Closing the Parlor for all activities except check-ins
- Requiring masks and frequent hand washing for all staff
- Screening staff for illness or coronavirus exposure at the beginning of each shift
- Redesigning check-in process to reduce contact and minimize time
- Virtual assistance for guests to help you get settled in and enjoy your stay
What you can do to help as a guest at the Lodge:
- Please stay home if you're not feeling well, have tested positive for the coronavirus or been exposed to someone who has tested positive within the last 14 days -- we will help you reschedule your stay
- Wear a mask when in indoor common areas
- Practice 6’ social distancing
- Wait for an empty elevator
If you’re coming from another state or country, we thought it may be helpful to share the current status of shops, restaurants, and required protective equipment while staying in Detroit. While many businesses have been allowed by law to begin operating again, we recommend contacting all businesses in advance of your visit to make sure they’re open. We’ll do our best to keep this up-to-date. Updated 7/20/20
- Masks are required in all public enclosed spaces
- Restaurants are operating at 50% capacity and most are offering carry-out
- Indoor bar service is closed
- Cultural institutions and museums are open with reduced capacity
- Shops are open with reduced occupancy
Over the years, we’ve been blessed with thoughtful and engaged guests at the Lodge. It is what has made the adventure of welcoming our visitors to our Detroit neighborhood and introducing them to our neighbors so wonderful. We’d like to thank our new and returning guests for bringing your unique cultures, experiences and conversation to the El Moore Lodge, making it a special place to stay and such joy to operate. We look forward to working together to carry the special spirit of the El Moore Lodge through these historic times.
P.S. Did you know this is not El Moore’s first pandemic? Built in 1898, the El Moore weathered the 1918 pandemic and so we’ll lean on her experience as we do it once again!