Whitefish lifts ban on lodging stays beginning June 1
HEIDI DESCH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 years, 1 month AGO
The lobby of the Firebrand Hotel in downtown Whitefish. (FILE photo)
DEPUTY EDITOR, FEATURES Heidi Desch is the Deputy Editor at the Daily Inter Lake, overseeing coverage of arts, culture, lifestyle, community, and business. Desch leads reporters in developing stories that highlight the people, traditions, and events shaping Northwest Montana, guiding content across print and digital platforms. With more than 20 years of journalism experience, including serving as managing editor of the Whitefish Pilot, Desch is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism. She has received multiple Montana Newspaper Association awards, including part of the team leading the Daily Inter Lake to Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. IMPACT: Heidi’s work connects readers with stories that deepen the understanding of the community beyond daily news. | May 20, 2020 7:34 AM
Whitefish’s emergency ordinance restricting stays at lodging facilities is being lifted on June 1.
Gov. Steve Bullock on Tuesday announced that Montana is moving into phase two of the state’s reopening plan related to the COVID-19 pandemic on June 1. The 14-day travel quarantine for non-essential travel into the state will also be lifted on June 1.
A previous emergency ordinance passed by City Council has prohibited lodging facilities from providing accommodations for non-essential purposes in response to the pandemic.
Accommodations for all travelers at Whitefish hotels and short-term rentals will now be allowed, including reservations and walk-in guests beginning on June 1.
“We realize the challenges our businesses have faced through this crisis,” City Manager Dana Smith said in a release. “We have all worked together to mitigate the spread of the virus and we appreciate the support of the Whitefish community as we look to the next phase.”
Lodging facilities still can not provide accommodations for non-essential purposes through May 31, and existing reservations during that time must also be canceled.
The city notes that all businesses are required to follow the social distancing and sanitation guidelines. Everyone is strongly encouraged to practice good hygiene through frequent hand washing and wearing masks in public places.
“Now that we prepare to welcome visitors back, we ask travelers to show careful consideration during their visit to help maintain the wellbeing of our community members,” Smith said.
The city is working together with the Whitefish Convention and Visitors Bureau on a responsible travel awareness campaign, as well as, resources for small businesses to mitigate the spread, protect front-line staff and communicate with visitors.
Whitefish on April 5 became the first city in Montana to prohibit guests from staying at lodging facilities and vacation rentals in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fore more information on the city’s response to COVID-19, visit https://tinyurl.com/uzwkphg
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