DOT allows ‘staycations’ in eight luxury hotels

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT)-National Capital Region has allowed at least eight luxury hotels in Metro Manila to open for “staycations” amid the general community quarantine.

The DOT said it had issued certificates of authority to operate for staycation to Grand Hyatt Manila and Shangri-La at the Fort in Taguig City; Makati Shangri-La; Edsa Shangri-La in Mandaluyong City; Joy Nostalg Hotel & Suites in Pasig City; and Solaire Resort, Okada Manila, and Nobu Hotel in Parañaque City.

The hotels are “back in business, but not business as usual,” the DOT said, referring to the amended guidelines for accommodation establishments issued by Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

Metro Manila residents who want to take “staycations” must present results of rapid antigen tests on the same day of check-in showing they tested negative of the new coronavirus. —Jerome Aning