Hilton and American Express offering one million hotel rooms to medical professionals

Hospitality conglomerate Hilton and financial services company American Express have joined forces to provide up to a million hotel room nights across the United States to healthcare professionals dedicating their efforts to help combat COVID-19.

Starting next week, the companies will make the rooms available free of charge for doctors, nurses, EMTs, paramedics, and other healthcare professionals in need of a place to lay their heads, refresh, or practice self-isolation to keep their families safe through the end of May.

Hilton is currently collaborating with ten associations that collectively represent over one million medical staff to administer access to the program, which is catered to those who would otherwise be required to pay for accommodation out of pocket.

• See also: 
  • Good news stories from around the world: musical parody edition
  • A tiger at the Bronx Zoo has tested positive for coronavirus
  • Queen Elizabeth II calls for resolve during pandemic in rare public address (VIDEO)

“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,” Hilton President and CEO, Christopher J. Nassetta, said in a statement.

“We are honored to extend our Hilton hospitality to them during this difficult time.”

The two companies are long-time strategic partners, and American Express is working alongside Hilton to donate rooms, which will be supplied “at or below cost” from Hilton’s franchisees as well as independent owners.

“Our medical workers who are courageously and selflessly serving on the frontlines in the coronavirus crisis represent the best of who we are,” Stephen J. Squeri, American Express Chairman and CEO, stated.

“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.”

The rooms will be accessible through various Hilton brands, including Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, and DoubleTree by Hilton.

Staff at the facilities will be individuals who have undergone supplemental training on “relevant health and safety measures” to ensure the safety of guests.

On top of regular room cleanings, common areas will also be sanitized with industrial-strength cleaning products in accordance with updated protocols.

The program will cover stays between April 13 and May 31.

For additional information, visit the Hilton website.