"We think the messaging and the fact that we are the hub for the social events that occur in The Woodlands, and more are cancelling every day, I think it is an important statement that we stay open as long as we can," Domenick said.
Domenick said that due to travel bans that have been instituted and the mandates preventing dine-in restaurant options, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott has had to lay off or furlough the majority of its staff. The hotel is currently operating with only 15 employees to run the building.
Domenick added guests are often one-offs and has seen hospital members, oil executives and government individuals. The hotel is seeing 10-20 rooms occupied at any given time.
"Every hotel is looking at closure models," he said. "We chose to stay open. The longer this goes on though, the more hotels you are going to see close."
In Houston, hotels are being considered as quarantine zones for city employees, first responders and homeless individuals that may not be able to safely quarantine themselves at home. However, Domenick said it would not be a possibility at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott because the facility is not equipped to be a quarantine zone or take on sick patients.
"We don't have the infrastructure or the proper staff to do that," he said.
