FISH CAMP – Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, a full-service resort just outside the south gate entrance to Yosemite National Park, is implementing a comprehensive new program in response to COVID-19 when it reopens today (June 12). The “Rest Assured” program, developed by global hospitality company Delaware North, which owns and operates Tenaya Lodge, features new health and safety standards aimed at helping keep guests and employees safe while slowing the spread of COVID-19.
“Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our guests and employees, and our Rest Assured program is focused on that,” said Dan Lyle, general manager of Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. “We’ve re-engineered our operating procedures to minimize contact risk and bolstered hygiene protocols to meet or exceed best-practice guidelines of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Tenaya Lodge will initially reopen guest rooms in the main lodge, with the reopening dates for the Explorer Cabins and cottage rooms to be determined. Jackalopes Restaurant & Bar and Harvest & Grounds Coffee and Deli will both be open with limited hours. Socially distanced table seating will be available at Jackalopes for dinner.
The Tenaya Lodge bus tours into Yosemite National Park, including Yosemite Valley, will be available daily. Some additional amenities will not be available at reopening to allow social distancing and increased sanitation. As a result, the daily amenity fee will be waived through 2020.
The Rest Assured program standards and procedures at Tenaya Lodge include:
• Ensuring our operating standards uphold current social distancing guidelines as directed by local and state regulators and in compliance with the CDC.
• Enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols for all high-touch surfaces in common areas.
• Reduced capacity and limited hours of operation, where appropriate.
• Moving to a 48-hour cancelation policy across all properties – giving guests the assurance of a full refund prior to their planned stay, should circumstances change.
• Courtesy sanitation kits in guest rooms and removal of most communal objects such as throw pillows, alarm clocks, glass cups/mugs (replaced with disposables), etc.
• Bulk amenities replaced by single-serve amenities.
• Cleaning and sanitizing guest rooms prior to arrival, with housekeeping upon request thereafter.
• Most points of sale accept touchless mobile wallet payment options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
• Touchless sinks and soap dispensers in several restrooms.
• Hand-sanitizing stations located throughout properties.
In addition, Tenaya Lodge employees:
• Take a health check when they report to work.
• Sanitize their hands when they report to work and are required to wash and sanitize their hands frequently throughout the shift.
• Undergo a comprehensive Rest Assured Training Program.
• Wear face coverings while they are on duty.
“We are committed to delivering a safe and secure hospitality environment for our associates and guests,” Lyle said.