Key information for guests at hotels affected by Hurricane Milton

The Tampa Bay region and other areas along Florida's Gulf Coast are preparing for the effects of Hurricane Milton.

Travelers planning to visit the area soon should keep an eye on weather updates and safety measures regarding their upcoming bookings, as this storm is anticipated to be one of the most powerful to strike Florida in a hundred years.

TPG reached out to major hotel chains to inquire about their policies and potential closures ahead of Hurricane Milton's expected landfall later this week. If you have a reservation at a hotel in the storm's expected path, contact the hotel for specific details on possible closures or service interruptions.

Floridians evacuating and seeking shelter can find emergency accommodation options through modules set up on Expedia and Priceline. These resources offer real-time availability and lodging information for affected residents and travelers.

According to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' office, state officials have collaborated with the hotel industry to relax or eliminate no-pet policies, allowing Hurricane Milton evacuees to safely bring their pets to hotels across Florida.

Refer below for specific guidelines from some of the leading hotel chains.

Hyatt

Currently, most Hyatt hotels in the affected areas are open and operational, except for Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort, Hyatt Regency Sarasota, Hyatt House Tampa Airport/Westshore, Hyatt Place Tampa Airport/Westshore, and Hyatt House Naples/5th Avenue, which have temporarily halted normal operations until further notice. A Hyatt spokesperson informed TPG that Hyatt hotels in the affected regions will continue to monitor the storm closely and provide support to guests and staff as necessary.

"Hyatt hotels throughout Florida are taking steps to implement emergency preparedness measures to safeguard the health and safety of guests and staff," the spokesperson noted. "Some of these measures, which differ by location, include waiving cancellation fees. We are also reaching out to future guests to update them on the situation and possible closures due to mandatory state evacuations."

Travelers wishing to adjust their plans or check hotel availability can visit Hyatt.com, utilize the Hyatt mobile app, or call Hyatt Customer Care at 1-800-233-1234.

Hilton

"Hilton is actively monitoring Hurricane Milton, prioritizing the safety and security of our guests and team members," a Hilton representative stated. "Properties in the storm's anticipated path are enacting hurricane preparedness plans and emergency protocols, remaining in close contact with local officials and tourism partners. For guests affected by Hurricane Milton, modification and cancellation fees may be waived. We encourage guests to visit Hilton.com or call 1-800-HILTONS for the most current information regarding specific properties."

IHG Hotels & Resorts

"As Hurricane Milton advances, IHG remains focused on ensuring the safety and comfort of our guests and team members," an IHG representative informed TPG via email. "While some IHG properties along the Florida coast are closed due to mandatory evacuation orders and will stay closed until local authorities and hotel management decide it's safe to reopen, other locations will continue operating to assist recovery workers and those in need of shelter and comfort."

Throughout the storm, IHG mandates that all hotels in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina accept pets at no extra charge, regardless of their usual policies. These hotels are also instructed to waive cancellation fees for guests wishing to modify their bookings.

IHG encourages guests to reach out to hotels directly to verify their reservations, property status, and service availability.

Disney

Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will temporarily close starting at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 9, and are expected to remain closed until Sunday, October 13, as posted by Disney officials on a company web page monitoring Hurricane Milton.

Officials in Osceola County, encompassing the cities of Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Celebration, and portions of Walt Disney World, have instituted a curfew from 8 p.m. Wednesday until 10 a.m. Thursday. Guests at Disney properties located within Osceola County will need to stay in their rooms during this period, the New York Times reports.

The company will not apply cancellation policies for dining and other activities until further notice.

Choice Hotels

A spokesperson for Choice Hotels informed TPG that the company is implementing the following precautionary measures:

• We are in communication with properties in the path of Hurricane Milton.
• Area directors in Bradenton, Cape Coral, and Orlando are assisting local hotels, with additional directors on standby.
• We are developing a thorough assessment and support plan for both immediate and long-term needs of all affected hotels.
• Our Global Sales team is available seven days a week to assist aid organizations and government agencies in securing housing for the local community.
• Area directors and revenue managers will maintain contact with Florida hotels to encourage participation in the FEMA ELA, Emergency Lodging Assistance program.

Representatives from Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Choice Hotels did not respond in time for this publication, but this story will be updated regularly as more information becomes available.