Hilton teams up with American Express to donate rooms to 1 million medical workers

WASHINGTON (SBG) – Hilton Hotels and American Express announced they are teaming up to donate up to 1 million rooms to medical workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic.

The company announced the initiative through a statement on its website.

"Beginning next week, Hilton and American Express will make rooms available without charge to doctors, nurses, EMTs, paramedics and other frontline medical staff who need a place to sleep, recharge or isolate from their families through the end of May," the release stated.

Hilton is corresponding with 10 associations that represent nearly 1 million healthcare workers to provide access to the program. They are making the rooms available across a number of the Hilton brands, including Hampton by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, DoubleTree by Hilton, and others.

"During this crisis, we have seen so many examples of medical professionals working in the most challenging circumstances, sacrificing their own needs for the greater good. They truly are heroes," said Hilton President and CEO, Christopher J. Nassetta. "We are honored to extend our Hilton hospitality to them during this difficult time."

The hotel rooms will help to provide a space for medical workers to relax, rest, or isolate from their families while helping to treat those suffering from the virus.

"Our medical workers who are courageously and selflessly serving on the frontlines in the coronavirus crisis represent the best of who we are," said American Express Chairman and CEO, Stephen J. Squeri. "We're honored to support this initiative with our longtime partner, Hilton, to provide the heroes in our communities a place to rest, recharge and help keep their loved ones safe during this time."

The hotel chain will also take steps to ensure that the rooms are clean and sanitized for the healthcare workers.

William Jaquis, MD, FACEP, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians, said that the rooms would be a great help for those working hard to combat the illness.

“Knowing that there is a safe, clean and comfortable hotel room waiting for you at the end of a long shift can make all the difference in the world right now,” Dr. Jaquis said. “The kind of compassion and caring that Hilton and American Express are offering has never been more welcome.”