These Hotels Are Offering Free COVID Tests

Source: SMARTERTRAVELER

By: Sarah Harvey

After the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a requirement for passengers flying into the States to take a COVID-19 test, some international hotels have begun rolling out free tests for departing guests.

Hotels with large American markets—particularly those in Mexico and the Caribbean— are among the first to react to the new rule by offering complimentary tests to guests on site. But with Canada and the U.K. now also requiring COVID tests for entry, more hotels around the world are starting to entice guests with free tests. (Don’t worry – if the hotel you want to go to isn’t offering it for free, you can normally still book one either in-house or locally for a charge).

These are some of the hotels and resorts offering free in-house COVID tests for travelers departing to the U.S. Just don’t forget to book your appointment as soon as you arrive at the hotel to avoid delays.

Eden Roc Cap Cana

The Eden Roc Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic is offering free PCR and antigen tests within a 36-48 hour turnaround time. Tests are carried out privately in your guest room or a designated hotel area. All guests receive free government insurance and if they test positive, get a designated room to quarantine in (accommodation and expenses covered by the hotel’s insurance policy).

AMResorts

The huge AMResorts group is offering on-site antigen testing for free, or PCR tests for an additional cost using a third-party lab. They’re available at all its properties and brands, including Secrets (with the exception of two resorts in Costa Rica, where they can arrange chargeable PCR tests). AMResorts are scattered across Mexico, Mesoamerica and the Caribbean (they’re also in Spain, but Americans can only visit these countries right now). Incredibly, should a guest test positive, the hotels will also cover the cost of quarantine for up to 14 days.

Palladium Hotel Group

The international Palladium Hotel Group offers COVID-19 testing at all its properties in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, including Grand Palladium Hotels and TRS Hotels brands. The free of charge antigen tests for guests traveling back to the United States are available until April 4, 2021. Testing is available every day before noon at the respective resorts’ on-site medical centers. Results are available by the evening (if taken on a weekday) or on Mondays (if taken over the weekend). Discounted rates on a suite, villa or residence are available if quarantine is required in Los Cabos.

Playa Hotels & Resorts

Another Mexican and Caribbean chain, Playa Hotels & Resorts, is offering free antigen tests until April 30. It’s available for anyone booking at least three nights at one of their Mexican or Dominican properties, or five nights in their Jamaican resorts. If the result is positive, the company is offering as much as 50 percent off rooms while they quarantine.