RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – While most countries are in their strictest lockdowns of the pandemic, Mexico has done the complete opposite by welcoming all tourists with open arms. Now, some resorts are taking things one step further, by providing free extended hotel stays for up to 14 days in the event that a traveler tests positive for Covid-19.
With the United States, Canada and most countries requiring proof of a negative Covid-19 test to return home, many travelers have been nervous as they could get trapped footing the bill for a 14-day quarantine. Some major resort chains are now giving travelers peace of mind that they can quarantine in luxury for free.
Below is a brief reminder of the tests required by various countries:
Canada – PCR-type test, performed no longer than 72 hours before departing on the flight back to Canada. Antigen not accepted.
UK – PCR-type test, performed no longer than 72 hours before departing on the flight back to the UK. Antigen not accepted.
USA – PCR-type test – OR – Rapid antigen-type test, performed no longer than 72 hours before departing on the flight back to the U.S.
Resorts Providing Free 14 Day Quarantine
The following resorts are providing guests extended free stays of up to 14 days in the event they test positive for Covid-19.
Palace Resorts
All Palace Resort Properties have free Covid-19 antigen testing on site for American guests. In the event that a guest tests positive, they may extend their stay free of charge for 14 nights. If still positive after 14 days guest will be charged US$199 per night for up to 3 guests per room.
All quarantine rooms are in a separate area of the resort away from other guests. Palace Resorts hotels include the following:
Beach Palace
Cozumel Palace
Isla Mujeres Palace
Playacar Palace
Sun Palace
The Grand At Moon Palace Cancun
Moon Palace Cancun
Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun
Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos
PCR tests are available for a fee and can be booked with the hotel concierge.
Hotel Xcaret Cancun
American guests will receive complimentary Covid-19 antigen testing. PCR tests are available for guests that require them and cost US$140.
In the event that any guests staying at Hotel Xcaret México test positive, they will be offered free accommodation for 14 nights. The policy is in effect until March 31, 2021 and is valid for stays that are a minimum of four nights.
AMResorts
All AMResorts will be offering free Covid-19 antigen testing to travelers from the United States, UK, Germany and Poland.
PCR tests for other international travelers who require them range from US$129 to US$250 depending on the city where the resort is located.
In the event that a guest tests positive they will be offered up to 14 nights of free accommodation through their CleanComplete+ Quarantine Program. Extended stays due to quarantine includes the guest plus one travel companion sharing the same room. This program remains valid as long as CDC and government travel regulations are in place.
AMResorts include the following hotels and resorts:
Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Cancun
Zoëtry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres Cancun
Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort
Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun
Secrets The Vine Cancun
Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa
Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort
Dreams Sands Cancun Resort & Spa
Dreams Vista Cancun Golf & Spa Resort
Now Emerald Cancun
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya
Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun
Dreams Natura Resort & Spa
Dreams Puerto Aventuras Resort & Spa
Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa
Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa
Now Jade Riviera Cancun
Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun
Sunscape Akumal Resort & Spa
Secrets Aura Cozumel
Sunscape Sabor Cozumel
Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort
Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa
Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa
Now Amber Puerto Vallarta
Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta
Dreams Nuevo Vallarta
Sunscape Puerto Vallarta
Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa
Secrets Huatulco
Sunscape Dorado Pacifico Ixtapa
Dreams Acapulco Resort & Spa
Source: Travel off Path