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Canada’s hotel quarantine program is now over as of August 9th. Please check out our ultimate guide about pandemic travel for all our best tips.

Here is Flytrippers’ ultimate guide to Canada’s hotel quarantine program for COVID-19, with a lot of information, including the prices for most quarantine hotels. It’s still pretty expensive, but most travelers will be able to pay a lot less than the “$2,000-for-3-days” price announced initially: it’s actually under $1,000 for many hotels.

The hotel quarantine AND 14-day quarantine are ending on July 6th for eligible fully vaccinated travelers (and it’s easy to get vaccinated for free with a stop in the USA no matter your age—if you haven’t been to one of their banned countries in the 14 previous days).

If not, just quarantining at home for 14 days without putting anyone at risk is no longer be possible for travelers arriving in Canada by plane, since February 22nd.

Travelers now have to do a “hotel stopover” (as the government calls it) and it’s actually less strict than the home quarantine, in a way: travelers are allowed to go outside (which is not allowed at all under the home quarantine rules, unless you live in a private home).

Anyway, if you do end up having to book one of these 58 expensive hotels, be sure to compensate by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Card: the welcome bonus will give you 15 completely free nights in certain amazing destinations, like Bali, Spain, or South Africa. So at least your next trip will be a lot less costly hotel-wise (you can even get 31 free nights if your travel buddy gets one too—that’s what we did ourselves). It’s really one of the best deals for Canadian travelers!

So here are the different sections about Canada’s hotel quarantine (and we have a post about why this measure is simply ineffective, even though you probably already know that).

 

Basics of Canada’s travel-related measures

This guide and Canada’s mandatory hotel quarantine are only for those entering Canada by plane.

Entering the country at the Canada-USA land border has always been allowed for Canadians and this hotel quarantine does not apply to those entering over land. There are different rules for them (but travel rules can change very quickly, as we’ve been telling you for months now—including in our free checklist for pandemic travel).

You can read our ultimate guide to entering Canada by land with no hotel quarantine or our ultimate guide to Canada’s 12 COVID-19 international travel rules.

But here is a summary of what travelers entering Canada by plane now need to do:

  • Provide proof of negative COVID-19 test (PCR test performed within 72 hours)
  • Book and pay for an expensive 3-day quarantine hotel package (≈ $1,000)
  • Arrive at one of 4 airports (Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary)
  • Take a COVID-19 test on arrival (free)
  • Quarantine in one of the approved hotels until getting test results (≈ 1-3 days)
  • Complete the 14-day quarantine at home after getting your result*
  • Get tested once again on the 8th day of the quarantine (at home)

*You can leave the hotel even if your test result is positive, the only difference is that you cannot use shared transportation to get to your place of quarantine (those who get a negative result can)

 

Canada hotel quarantine – basics

As of now, the hotel quarantine rule is set to expire on July 21st, 2021 (as is the case for many of Canada’s COVID-19 international travel rules).

The panel of scientific experts assembled by the government itself issued a thorough report that says the hotel quarantine is ineffective and should be eliminated immediately for all travelers, but the idea that the government follows the science when making travel-related decisions is just laughable.

And since we’ve been asked the question very often, travelers with a connecting flight will be required to first complete their hotel quarantine in one of the 4 cities and then take their connecting flight to other Canadian cities.

You can book a normal connecting flight, as airlines are apparently being flexible for flight date changes because of these rules.

 

Canada hotel quarantine – booking process

Here a few basics about booking the quarantine hotel.

Travelers must:

  • choose only among the 58 approved quarantine hotels (prices vary; see below)
  • select the special quarantine rate (not the regular room rate)
  • book a 3-night stay (the packages ar all for 3 nights)
  • provide proof of the hotel booking via the ArriveCAN app prior to arrival

Update: it’s no longer the year 2001, and it is now possible to book online unlike at the launch (well, for all but 6 of the 58 hotels at least). The others can be booked by calling the hotel directly, or you can still use the government’s phone line, the original very very efficient booking process (yes, that is sarcasm).

For online bookings:

  • the booking links are in the tables in the prices section below
  • links include the special rate code for the quarantine rate
  • it might not price correctly if you don’t search for 3 nights

For phone bookings:

  • book through American Express Global Business Travel
  • by phone at 1-800-294‑8253 (toll-free) or 1-613-830-2992 (collect)
  • call between 8 am to 11 pm ET, 7 days a week
  • at first, wait times were very long (or even neverending)

Yes, it really initially had to be done over the phone (of course, governments aren’t known for their efficiency, but still: phone-only bookings for travelers who are all over the world… really?).

Despite this very archaic method, at least you won’t have to pay with a travelers’ cheque or almost-as-archaic cash… and you won’t have to wait to get a fax with your booking confirmation:

  • you will get an email confirmation from Amex Travel within 4 hours
  • you will be able to pay with your credit card to earn rewards
  • you might even earn hotel points by trying to sweet-talk the hotel staff

Even though it’s done through American Express Travel, savvy Canadian travelers who get a $200 annual Amex travel credit with their credit cards likely won’t be able to apply it to this booking 😉. I have included a section below with the many rewards implications of this hotel quarantine rule, for those of you who enjoy getting over $1,000 in travel rewards every year as we do.

We have a whole section about the launch failures below.

Here is the information you will need to provide to book the quarantine hotel according to the government (they added a few as the first day went along, so it’s almost like all this was haphazardly rushed, believe it or not):

  • traveller name(s)
  • date(s) of birth
  • gender (male, female, or undisclosed)
  • arrival city and date
  • confirmation of flight reservation
  • payment information
  • special requests and accessibility concerns
  • pet information
  • email address

 

Canada hotel quarantine – list of hotels

There’s a separate table for prices and a lot more info for each hotel in the next section.

But first, here’s a brief one with the list of all 58 currently-approved quarantine hotels in Canada (there were 13 at the start):

AirportHotelChain
Toronto (YYZ)Alt Hotel Pearson AirportGermain
Comfort Inn Toronto AirportChoice
Courtyard by Marriott Mississauga-AirportMarriott
Courtyard by Marriott Toronto AirportMarriott
Crowne Plaza Toronto AirportIHG
Doubletree by Hilton Toronto AirportHilton
Doubletree by Hilton Toronto Airport WestHilton
Embassy Suites by Hilton Toronto AirportHilton
Fairfield Inn and Suites Toronto AirportMarriott
Four Points by Sheraton Toronto AirportMarriott
Hampton Inn and Suites Toronto AirportHilton
Hampton Inn by Hilton Toronto Airport Corporate CentreHilton
Hilton Garden Inn Toronto AirportHilton
Holiday Inn Toronto International AirportIHG
Holiday Inn Toronto Airport EastIHG
Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International AirportMarriott
Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel and Conference CentreMarriott
Toronto Airport Marriott HotelMarriott
TownePlace Suites Mississauga-AirportMarriott
Montréal (YUL)Baymont by Wyndham Montreal AirportWyndham
Best Western Montreal Aeroport-AirportBest Western
Comfort Inn DorvalChoice
Comfort Inn Pointe-ClaireChoice
Courtyard by Marriott Montreal AirportMarriott
Crowne Plaza Montreal AirportIHG
Days Inn Montreal Airport Conference CentreWyndham
DoubleTree by Hilton Montreal AirportHilton
Embassy Suites by Hilton Montreal AirportHilton
Hampton Inn and Suites by HiltonHilton
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Montreal AirportIHG
Montreal Airport Marriott In-TerminalMarriott
Novotel Montreal AirportAccor
Quality Inn & Suites P.E. Trudeau AirportChoice
Ramada Plaza HotelWyndham
Residence Inn by Marriott Montreal AirportMarriott
Vancouver (YVR)Abercorn Inn Vancouver AirportN/A
Coast Vancouver Airport HotelCoast
Days Inn by WyndhamWyndham
EXchange Hotel VancouverN/A
Executive Hotel Vancouver AirportN/A
Executive Hotel LeSoleil VancouverN/A
Executive Hotel Vintage Park VancouverN/A
Fairmont Hotel VancouverAccor
Fairmont WaterfrontAccor
Fairmont Vancouver Airport In-TerminalAccor
Four Points by Sheraton Vancouver Airport HotelMarriott
Hilton Vancouver AirportHilton
Quality Hotel Airport SouthChoice
Radisson Vancouver AirportRadisson
Sandman Hotel Vancouver AirportSandman
Sheraton Wall Centre VancouverMarriott
Travelodge Hotel by Wyndham Vancouver AirportWyndham
Westin Wall Centre Vancouver AirportMarriott
Calgary (YYC)Acclaim HotelN/A
Best Western Premier Freeport Inn Calgary AirportBest Western
Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal HotelMarriott
Hampton Inn by Hilton Calgary Airport NorthHilton
Hyatt Place Calgary AirportHyatt

 

More hotels could be added; we’ll update this post accordingly (subscribe to our free newsletter to get all coronavirus updates for Canadian travelers).

In terms of hotel chains, as of today, here is the split:

  • Marriott: 15
  • Hilton: 11
  • IHG: 5
  • Wyndham: 5
  • Choice: 5
  • Accor: 4
  • Others: 13

 

Canada hotel quarantine – prices

Prime Minister Trudeau announced a price of $2,000 for 3 days when this new measure was unveiled (chump change compared to his 2019 vacation which cost taxpayers $196,000 and his $215,000 vacation in 2017).

But it turns out it can be quite significantly cheaper than $2,000: many hotels are under $1,000.

That is still not cheap by any means (for that same price with our tips you can easily spend a full month, all expenses paid, in one of the cheapest countries to travel to, aka the 40 countries where you can get by with just C$30/day total).

Each extra traveler adds to the cost of course, but there is a maximum of 4 persons per room.

So the prices vary based on the:

  • specific city
  • specific hotel
  • number of travelers
  • dates (possibly; but unconfirmed)

Important: some individual hotels might possibly offer a refund for the unused nights in the event your test results come in early. That should be taken into consideration, as it could lower the cost quite a bit. We’ll try to confirm with hotels.

There’s a section below with more info on each one of Canada’s quarantine hotels, including my impressions of having stayed at many of them (and others from that brand).

But here are the prices and an overview of the quarantine hotels (quarantine prices include taxes, unlike regular hotel room prices in search results of course).

We’ve included the approximate regular nightly price for reference: if the hotel is usually the cheapest, it’s likely that it will also have the cheapest price for the quarantine.

Toronto quarantine hotels:

Toronto (YYZ) quarantine hotelHotels.com score (out of 10)Approx. regular nightly price (for comparison)Quarantine price (1 person)Quarantine price (2 persons)Quarantine price (3 persons)Quarantine price (4 persons)Hotel page
DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Airport West7.6$135$1,058 $1,763 $2,468 $3,173 book online
Fairfield Inn and Suites Toronto Airport8.4$66$1,070 TBDTBDTBDbook online
Four Points by Sheraton Toronto Airport8.2$87$1,089 $1,794 $2,147 $2,499 book online
Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel8.4$96$1,124 $1,477 $1,829 $2,182 book online
Sheraton Gateway Hotel In Toronto Airport8.4$224$1,124 $1,565 $2,006 $2,446 book online
Crowne Plaza Toronto Airport7.2$89$1,124 $1,829 $2,534 $3,239 book online
Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Airport West8.4$108$1,146 $1,498 $1,851 $2,204 book online
Courtyard Mississauga Airport West8.8$156$1,159 $1,406 $1,653 $1,900 book online
Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel8.6$143$1,159 $1,688 $2,217 $2,746 book online
Holiday Inn Toronto International Airport8.2$116$1,160 $1,900 $2,641 $3,381 book online
Alt Hotel Pearson Airport9.0$139$1,336 $1,406 $1,759 $1,970 book online
Hampton Inn by Hilton Toronto Airport Corporate Centre8.8$84TBDTBDTBDTBDbook online
Comfort Inn Toronto Airport7.2$87TBDTBDTBDTBDbook online
DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Airport8.8$106TBDTBDTBDTBDbook online
Embassy Suites by Hilton Toronto Airport8.8$110TBDTBDTBDTBDbook online
Hampton Inn and Suites Toronto Airport8.6$116TBDTBDTBDTBDbook online
Holiday Inn Toronto Airport East7.8$135TBDTBDTBDTBDbook online
Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Airport8.6$126TBDTBDTBDTBDbook online
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Mississauga-Airport8.6$142TBDTBDTBDTBDsee more

Montreal quarantine hotels:

Montreal (YUL) quarantine hotelHotels.com score (out of 10)Approx. regular nightly price (for comparison)Quarantine price (1 person)Quarantine price (2 persons)Quarantine price (3 persons)Quarantine price (4 persons)Hotel page
Baymont by Wyndham Montreal Airport5.8$73$889$1,778 $2,667 TBDbook online
Days Inn by Wyndham Montreal Airport7.4$102$893$1,250 $1,607 $1,964 book online
Ramada Plaza Hotel6.2$85$1,035 $1,607 $2,178 $2,749 book online
Crowne Plaza Montreal Airport7.6$116$1,117 $1,653 $2,591 $3,271 book online
DoubleTree by Hilton Montreal Airport9.0$122$1,150 $1,840 $2,530 $3,220 book online
Marriott Courtyard Airport Montreal8.6$161$1,160 $1,428 $1,749 $2,070 book online
Embassy Suites by Hilton Montreal Airport8.8$143$1,232 $1,867 $2,674 $3,481 book online
Marriott Residence Inn Montreal Airport9.0$199$1,267 $1,535 $1,927 $2,284 book online
Marriott In-Terminal Hotel Montreal Airport9.2$211$1,578 $2,022 $2,466 $2,910 book online
Comfort Inn Dorval8.6$119TBDTBDTBDTBDbook online
Comfort Inn Pointe-Claire8.8$119TBDTBDTBDTBDbook online
Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton8.6$149TBDTBDTBDTBDbook online
Best Western Montréal Aéroport-Airport Hotel7.4$338TBDTBDTBDTBDbook online
Quality Inn & Suites P.E. Trudeau Airport7.6$87TBDTBDTBDTBDbook online
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Montreal Airport8.0$110TBDTBDTBDTBDsee more
Novotel Montreal Airport8.4$143TBDTBDTBDTBDsee more

Vancouver quarantine hotels:

Vancouver (YVR) quarantine hotelHotels.com score (out of 10)Approx. regular nightly price (for comparison)Quarantine price (1 person)Quarantine price (2 persons)Quarantine price (3 persons)Quarantine price (4 persons)Hotel page
Abercorn Inn Vancouver Airport7.6$138$800$1,357 $1,913 $2,470 book online
Travelodge Hotel by Wyndham Vancouver Airport5.8$99$867$1,389 $1,911 $2,433 see more
Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport8.2$129$884$1,223 $1,902 $1,902 book online
Executive Hotel Vancouver Airport7.8$139$1,040 $1,214 $1,388 $1,631 book online
Days Inn by Wyndham Vancouver Airport7.6$73$1,556 $2,262 $2,784 $3,306 book online
Coast Vancouver Airport Hotel7.4$129$1,565 $2,087 $2,609 $3,131 book online
Fairmont Vancouver Airport In-Terminal9.4$349$1,925 $2,637 $3,521 $4,406 book online
Four Points by Sheraton Vancouver Airport8.4$107$1,740 $2,349 $2,958 $3,567 book online
The Westin Wall Centre Vancouver Airport9$156$1,845 $2,548 $3,251 $3,954 book online
Quality Hotel Airport South7.6$130TBDTBDTBDTBDbook online
Sandman Hotel Vancouver Airport7.6$151TBDTBDTBDTBDbook online
Hilton Vancouver Airport7.8$290TBDTBDTBDTBDbook online
Executive Hotel LeSoleil Vancouver9.0$247$942$942$942$942book online
Executive Hotel Vintage Park Vancouver8.0$111$811$811$811$811book online
Fairmont Waterfront9.2$279$1,324 $1,813 $2,444 $3,073 book online
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver8.8$239$1,323 $1,843 $2,502 $3,162 book online
Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel8.8$143$1,616 $1,616 $1,616 $1,616 book online
EXchange Hotel Vancouver9.0$151$926$926$982$982book online

Calgary quarantine hotels:

Calgary (YYC) quarantine hotelHotels.com score (out of 10)Approx. regular nightly price (for comparison)Quarantine price (1 person)Quarantine price (2 persons)Quarantine price (3 persons)Quarantine price (4 persons)Hotel page
Acclaim Hotel8.8$87$960$1,309 $1,658 $2,007 book online
Marriott9.4$202$1,310 $1,983 $2,657 $3,331 book online
Hampton Inn9$80$699$854$1,008 $1,164 book online
Hyatt Place9$87TBDTBDTBDTBDsee more
Best Western Premier9$90TBDTBDTBDTBDsee more

As you can see, we have only been able to confirm prices for the Marriott hotels and the other ones that are bookable online. We’ll try confirming prices for the other hotels once the call volumes will have gone down or when more of them become bookable online.

But it sure seems like there are other options in each city that could be a lot cheaper than the prices shown, based on the regular prices.

A Global News article even mentions a traveler booking a Holiday Inn for just $100 per night by refusing the food, although I’m not sure if that’s something that can be arranged subtly with the hotel once you’re there… or just some fake news (or simply someone who didn’t know that there was a special “quarantine rate” and that you’ll pay 3 times more than the regular price).

If you have any information on that, or any pricing information for the other hotels, please do share in the comments below.

 

Canada hotel quarantine – inclusions and rules

The hotel quarantine prices include:

  • room
  • food (3 meals per day)
  • Wi-Fi
  • security
  • transportation
  • infection prevention and control measures
  • COVID-19 tests (included for those entering by land for free too)

Note that while transportation is included, you can take a taxi if you prefer; it’s explicitly allowed in the government rules. So much for travelers being such a huge risk to others during those 3 days. Also, travelers can use their own car if it is parked at the airport and within walking distance, as long as they don’t stop anywhere (in that case, it’s important to check with the hotels to see if parking is included).

In terms of food, it seems that you won’t be able to order from food delivery apps after all. We’re trying to clarify this point at the moment; we’ll update this post when we know more.

Hopefully, it will be better than what one traveler got during his forced quarantine in a Toronto hotel. Very reminiscent of the Fyre Festival disaster, I don’t know if that was the point…

 

I doubt that will be an issue: many of the rates at the Marriott hotels include a $125 per day food credit per person.

There won’t be any room cleaning during your stay. All the same “regular” quarantine rules apply. Or almost…

Here’s something very logical: during the 14-day quarantine at home, it’s entirely forbidden to go outside for all the many travelers who live in condos or apartments.

But with the hotel quarantine? Going outside will be allowed. Travelers are such a risk to others that you have to go spend 3 days in a hotel instead of alone at home… but they can walk downstairs, through the lobby, and go outside (which again, is not even allowed at home).

The rules allow travelers to “go outside for limited and monitored outdoor time.” But not if you do that at home. At home, that’s a big no-no. Okay then.

 

Canada hotel quarantine – issues with the launch

Many have come out and criticized the launch (unsurprisingly).

First, the government actually added that collect-call number during the first day (it wasn’t there from the start). Oops, they forgot that travelers who need a quarantine hotel were very likely to be… not in Canada (and therefore possibly in a country where the 1-800 number doesn’t work directly). Many complained about this.

Those weren’t the only day-one adjustments. As we said, the phone lines were very busy. By mid-day, they already had to also add an automated message that wasn’t there in the morning. They are now asking to only call if you are arriving in the next 48 hours because the call volume was too high.

At first, the government suggested that those who couldn’t get anyone on the line to book their quarantine hotel (even after 20 hours of waiting) should… delay their arrival in Canada. What a great solution. Very proactive.

Then, they blamed travelers for being “too foreseeing” and clogging up the phone line too early in advance. Travelers should instead do everything at the last minute, haphazardly, without doing their homework.

They should act like the government, in other words.

So travelers are to blame, how original. Here’s what they are not blaming:

  • the fact they announced this measure then didn’t give the slightest details for weeks
  • the fact they unveiled how to book hotels just 3 days before the rule took effect
  • the fact they chose a phone-only booking system (!!!)
  • the fact they did not publish any details whatsoever about pricing online to avoid people having to call just for that

But at this point… can anyone really be surprised that they muffed this too?

Many people reported never being able to get someone on the line.

Shocking, I know: who could’ve foreseen that phone-only bookings would be inefficient? Certainly not this government. If only there was a better way… 

In fact, it seems even American Express is embarrassed and doesn’t want its name to be associated with this fiasco.

This was the government website on Friday morning:

 

And now that same section by Friday evening:

 

The “American Express Global Business Travel” mention became “GB Travel Canada Inc.” in order to, I assume, distance the very valuable Amex brand from this failed process…

Finally, 2 weeks later, booking with the hotels directly was authorized.

 

Canada hotel quarantine – motivations

Opposition parties criticized the failed launch, but also the measure itself. In a Health Committee meeting on Friday February 19th, Health Canada representatives were asked whether they had any data whatsoever to support the decision to implement the hotel quarantine program. None of the 6 representatives could answer, after a long awkward silence.

It’s almost as if, like we’ve been saying for months, the government was managing this file based on quieting the irrational and emotional outrage generated in the media and not “based on the science” as they claim…

As we’ve said before, this measure is in response to travel shaming in the media more than in response to any actual facts or evidence. As a reminder, 99.4% of new COVID-19 cases in January weren’t related to international travel based on the government’s own data—and it was even more than 99.4% in each of the 4 previous months.

First, this rule only really affects non-ultra-rich Canadians specifically. The ultra-rich don’t care about $2,000 and can keep traveling absolutely unencumbered.

And this is all about making travel inconvenient more than anything else. You’ll still be able to avoid the 3 days hotel quarantine if you fly to a US airport and then enter Canada overland. Just like you can avoid the Caribbean and Mexico flight suspensions if you just fly via from Canada to the US first. It’s just more complicated.

We’re not saying everyone should travel, and never have. But that is irrelevant. It’s that facts should still matter: many of the current travel-shaming arguments are just ridiculous and absolutely not based on science and data, and the topic has certainly had disproportionate coverage compared to the actual impact of travelers on the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada right now. That’s what we’re saying.

All these efforts and resources wasted on 0.6% of cases could have been invested in the actual major problem, which is factually and objectively the 99.4% of COVID-19 transmissions caused by Canadians who are not traveling. Or on working hard to get vaccines quicker, instead of being a universally-mocked failure, taking vaccines from developing nations and ranking 52nd among world countries in terms of vaccination rate.

Vaccines, you know, the thing that would save the most lives. A lot more than keeping travelers from doing their quarantine at home (which is what the 99.4% if infected Canadians do, with no surveillance of their quarantine whatsoever by the way).

But sure, keep talking about the tiny portion that was infected among the tiny portion that did not follow the 14-day quarantine rule among the tiny portion of leisure travelers who entered Canada. Keep in mind that 81% of the millions who entered Canada since March were exempt from the quarantine already according to the CBSA, and the new hotel quarantine rule will obviously not apply to them.

About the issues pre-launch, PM Trudeau said “our officials are working very hard to ensure that quarantine system is in place by Monday.” Just imagine if all that work had been invested on where the data says the problems are…

 

Canada hotel quarantine – rewards implications

Those of you who are like us and love getting well over $1,000 in travel rewards every year are probably also always looking at the rewards implications of everything. That’s why we personally check the offers for the best credit cards in Canada regularly, always use online shopping portals, always stay on the lookout for promos, etc.

So here are 4 travel rewards lessons inspired by the hotel quarantine. We’ll also have a separate post soon with the implications of the new rule that allows travelers to book directly with the quarantine hotels.

 

1. Card earn rates

For beginners, know that card welcome bonuses are the key to earning rewards faster. But you should also try to maximize what you earn on your purchases, thanks to cards that have category multipliers (also called accelerated earn rates or category bonuses).

So with the card every Canadian traveler should have, the Marriott Bonvoy Card, booking a Marriott quarantine hotel will earn you 5X the points (a great accelerated earn rate) because while Amex Travel makes the reservation, you’ll apparently pay at the hotel directly.

If it’s another hotel chain, you should pay for the quarantine hotel with a card with an accelerated earn rate on travel.

For example, the American Express Cobalt Card currently has by far the best welcome bonus, at least for those who spend a bit more (it’s one of the best cards in Canada, and this is its best-ever offer, worth ≈ $706). You’ll earn 2X the points on travel, which is 100% more than most cards that earn only 1X.

But most importantly, you’ll earn 5X the points on food, including groceries. A simply phenomenal earn rate. It’s my favorite card, and in fact I earn 6 points per dollar because I transfer Amex points to Marriott points for even more value, like those 17 free nights mentioned in the intro.

 

2. How category multipliers work

Let’s clear up one thing. Because a lot of people have a hard time understanding that who sells a flight or hotel is completely separate from who provides the flight or hotel. Let’s say Amex Travel billed you directly for the Marriott hotel, as some third-party sites do: you wouldn’t get the Marriott 5X category multiplier, even if you book a Marriott hotel (because it would be sold by Amex Travel, not by Marriott).

That 5X category multiplier applies when you book with Marriott, not when you stay with Marriott.

It’s the same principle with the frequently asked question about the American Express Cobalt Card: will I get the 5X earn rate on groceries if I buy groceries at Walmart? No! It’s the merchant that matters. Whoever is selling you what you are buying. How that merchant is coded.

Grocery stores are coded as groceries. So Walmart is not coded as a grocery store, even if you buy groceries there. Just like Expedia is not coded as a Marriott, even if you book a Marriott there (unless aain the payment is processed at the hotel directly).

However, here’s my pro tip: I buy a Walmart gift card at my local convenience store (I first tested it out to confirm that convenience store codes at 5X) and then use the gift card at Walmart. That way I effectively earn 5X at Walmart too! Rinse and repeat for all retailers who sell gift cards elsewhere—more details in tomorrow’s travel rewards roundup post.

 

3. Double-dip earnings

By the way, you should always double-dip when earning rewards on travel expenses: that was for the rewards you earn on your card, but the rewards programs themselves will also award you points for your stay or flight (you should download our free cheat sheet with the 5 essential rewards programs for Canadian travelers).

So another basic lesson is that unlike airlines, hotel rewards programs will not award points for stays booked with third-party sites like Hotels.com, Booking.com, Expedia, or others. Amex Travel also counts as a third-party because it is just not the official hotel website.

However, some individual hotels have been known to award points despite having booked with a third-party, by simply asking nicely to add your membership number to the reservation. It can’t hurt to try. Your mileage may vary (YMMV) as we say in the world of travel rewards, meaning that like many other things, it’s not guaranteed to work… but it might. Worth a try.

For example, on a ≈ $1,200 quarantine hotel package at a Marriott hotel, you’d earn a bit more than 7,500 Marriott points (depending on how that special rate is structured in their system) from Marriott directly (independently from what you earn on your card). That is enough for a free night in a beautiful hotel in Bali. Not a bad return.

 

4. The value of each point currency

Finally, one last thing. Many don’t understand that each point currency is worth a different amount. It’s like Canadian dollars and Zimbabwean dollars… the word “dollar” is just a word, like the word “point”. Not the same value at all.

So for example, which card should I use to pay for the quarantine hotel if it’s not a Marriott hotel? The Marriott Bonvoy Card (2X base earn rate everywhere) or the American Express Cobalt Card (2X on travel)?

Even if they both earn 2X, they aren’t worth the same! As I said, Amex points are transferable to Marriott points at a rate of 1 to 1.2 so… the American Express Cobalt Card actually earns 2.4X compared to just 2X for the Marriott Bonvoy Card.

It’s the same thing with the brand-new BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card that also earns 5X on groceries. Yes, 5X sounds great. But those 5 points are worth only 3.55 Amex points, so the American Express Cobalt Card earns 41% more on groceries (!!!) even if both earn the same “5X the points.”

 

Canada hotel quarantine – details to be confirmed

So here’s what is still not 100% certain and what we’ll try to get info about to update this ultimate guide on Canada’s hotel quarantine:

  • prices for the non-Marriott hotels
  • possibility of refunds for early check-outs
  • specific food inclusions
  • details of new hotels added to the authorized list

 

Canada hotel quarantine – individual hotel details

Here are a few more details about each quarantine hotel in Canada, including a photo.

The Hotels.com score is provided because to compare hotel satisfaction more accurately between different chains, you need to compare apples to apples: that requires reviews from one same independent reservation website.

(And Hotels.com is one of our favorites thanks to its simple 10%-back rewards in the form of easy-to-use free nights).

Quarantine hotels hide

 

Toronto – Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport

 

Here are the prices:

$224 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)

 

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 8.4/10
  • Hotel chain: Marriott
  • Rewards program: Marriott Bonvoy
  • More info on the hotel: official page

Located directly inside the terminal. The cool runway views are certainly not guaranteed. As many older Sheraton properties, it looks a bit dated sadly.

 

Toronto – Four Points by Sheraton Toronto Airport

 

Here are the prices:

$87 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)

 

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 8.2/10
  • Hotel chain: Marriott
  • Rewards program: Marriott Bonvoy
  • More info on the hotel: official page

Another Marriott option. I actually stayed there for 1 night in 2018. It’s not bad, it’s just a very standard midscale airport hotel. Let’s just say the Four Points by Sheraton in Bali where you can get those previously-mentioned 17 free nights looks a lot better.

 

Toronto – Fairfield Inn & Suites Toronto Airport

 

Here are the prices:

$66 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)

 

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 8.4/10
  • Hotel chain: Marriott
  • Rewards program: Marriott Bonvoy
  • More info on the hotel: official page

Another Marriott option. It is the cheapest option in Toronto, although for some reason it’s the only one that doesn’t have rates for more than 1 person (at least online).

 

Toronto – Courtyard Mississauga Airport Corporate Centre West

 

Here are the prices:

$156 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)

 

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 8.8/10
  • Hotel chain: Marriott
  • Rewards program: Marriott Bonvoy
  • More info on the hotel: official page

The Courtyard brand is one of the Marriott brands with the most properties. It’s a midscale brand that I’ve always enjoyed in my many many experiences.

 

Toronto – Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel

 

Here are the prices:

$96 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)

 

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 8.4/10
  • Hotel chain: Marriott
  • Rewards program: Marriott Bonvoy
  • More info on the hotel: official page

Marriott’s flagship brand, the Marriott Toronto Airport has renovated its common areas, but it seems that where you’ll be spending all your time—the rooms—have not.

 

Toronto – Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Center

 

Here are the prices:

$143 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)

 

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 8.6/10
  • Hotel chain: Marriott
  • Rewards program: Marriott Bonvoy
  • More info on the hotel: official page

Another full-service Sheraton that is likely more expensive than your other Marriott options.

 

Toronto – DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Airport

 

Here are the prices:

  • $106 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 8.8/10
  • Hotel chain: Hilton
  • Rewards program: Hilton Honors
  • More info on the hotel: official page

Known for its free warm chocolate chip cookie on arrival, DoubleTree is one of the Hilton brands I enjoy a lot. No word on whether providing cookies is too dangerous here, as one DoubleTree told us in Turkey this summer (that same city’s other DoubleTree had just given us our cookie a few days before)…

 

Toronto – DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Airport West

 

Here are the prices:

  • $135 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 7.6/10
  • Hotel chain: Hilton
  • Rewards program: Hilton Honors
  • More info on the hotel: official page

Another DoubleTree property.

 

Toronto – Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Airport

 

Here are the prices:

  • $108 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 8.4/10
  • Hotel chain: Hilton
  • Rewards program: Hilton Honors
  • More info on the hotel: official page

I also stayed in this particular hotel recently and it was a bit more dated than my other great experiences with the Hilton Garden Inn brand, including a beautiful free one in Bali thanks to the American Express Cobalt Card‘s points that can be transferred to Hilton.

 

Toronto – Embassy Suites by Hilton Toronto Airport

 

Here are the prices:

  • $110 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 8.8/10
  • Hotel chain: Hilton
  • Rewards program: Hilton Honors
  • More info on the hotel: official page

As its name suggests, Embassy Suites is an all-suites brand, so if you want more room, this one could be an option.

 

Toronto – Hampton Inn & Suites Toronto Airport

 

Here are the prices:

  • $116 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 8.6/10
  • Hotel chain: Hilton
  • Rewards program: Hilton Honors
  • More info on the hotel: official page

Arguably one of Hilton’s most popular brands, the midscale Hampton is one where I’ve always had a very nice experience (albeit with a small sample size).

 

 

Toronto – Hampton Inn by Hilton Toronto Airport Corporate Centre

 

Here are the prices:

  • $84 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 8.8/10
  • Hotel chain: Hilton
  • Rewards program: Hilton Honors
  • More info on the hotel: official page

Another Hampton property.

 

Toronto – Crowne Plaza Toronto Airport

 

Here are the prices:

  • $89 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

This IHG brand has a premium positioning, but again that often means nothing if you are stuck in your room and the rooms are more dated.

 

Toronto – Holiday Inn Toronto International Airport

 

Here are the prices:

  • $116 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

A theoretically more expensive, lower-rated option.

 

 

Toronto – Holiday Inn Toronto Airport East

 

Here are the prices:

  • $135 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

Another Holiday Inn option.

 

Toronto – Comfort Inn Toronto Airport

 

Here are the prices:

  • $87 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 7.2/10
  • Hotel chain: Choice
  • Rewards program: Choice Privileges
  • More info on the hotel: official page

Another one that could compete in terms of low prices.

 

Toronto – Alt Hotel Pearson Airport

 

Here are the prices:

  • $139 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown (CBC mentions $339 per night + tax)

Here are a few facts:

I’ve never had the chance to stay at a Germain hotel (a combination of sticking to larger chains with rewarding loyalty programs and saving money by not traveling within Canada too much) but I’ve heard nothing but good things.

 

Montreal – Marriott In-Terminal Hotel Montreal Airport

 

Here are the prices:

$211 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)

 

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 9.2/10
  • Hotel chain: Marriott
  • Rewards program: Marriott Bonvoy
  • More info on the hotel: official page

The most expensive of the 5 options normally, as it is fairly recent and directly inside the terminal (the entrance is near the USA transborder terminal).

 

Montreal – Residence Inn Montreal Airport

 

Here are the prices:

$199 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 9.0/10
  • Hotel chain: Marriott
  • Rewards program: Marriott Bonvoy
  • More info on the hotel: official page

New addition. Residence Inn is one the 4 extended-stay brands among Marriott’s 30 different hotel brands, so all rooms are suites. I’ve stayed in many Residence Inns and while not luxurious, it’s very enjoyable.

 

Montreal – Courtyard Montreal Airport

 

Here are the prices:

$161 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 8.6/10
  • Hotel chain: Marriott
  • Rewards program: Marriott Bonvoy
  • More info on the hotel: official page

The Courtyard brand is one of the Marriott brands with the most properties. It’s a midscale brand that I’ve always enjoyed in my many many experiences.

 

Montreal – DoubleTree by Hilton Montreal Airport

 

Here are the prices:

  • $122 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 9.0/10
  • Hotel chain: Hilton
  • Rewards program: Hilton Honors
  • More info on the hotel: official page

This hotel is very recent. Known for its free warm chocolate chip cookie on arrival, DoubleTree is one of the Hilton brands I enjoy a lot. No word on whether providing cookies is too dangerous here, as one DoubleTree told us in Turkey this summer (that same city’s other DoubleTree had just safely given us our cookie a few days before)…

 

Montreal – Embassy Suites by Hilton Montreal Airport

 

Here are the prices:

  • $143 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 8.8/10
  • Hotel chain: Hilton
  • Rewards program: Hilton Honors
  • More info on the hotel: official page

As its name suggests, Embassy Suites is an all-suites brand, so if you want more room, this one could be an option. I actually lived in this hotel for a few weeks when I was very young… but the hotel was under a different brand at the time… and it seems to have been completely remodeled recently!

 

Montreal – Hampton Inn & Suites Montreal Airport

 

Here are the prices:

  • $149 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 8.6/10
  • Hotel chain: Hilton
  • Rewards program: Hilton Honors
  • More info on the hotel: official page

Arguably one of Hilton’s most popular brands, the midscale Hampton is one where I’ve always had a very nice experience (albeit with a small sample size).

 

Montreal – Baymont by Wyndham Montreal Airport

 

Here are the prices:

  • $73 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown, but almost certainly the cheapest in Montreal

Here are a few facts:

Based on the regular price and (very) low rating, it’s almost certainly the cheapest option available. It’s the former EconoLodge that was converted to this less-known Wyndham brand. Strangely, Wyndham’s own official website has no photo of this hotel at all, despite the fact it joined the chain over 18 months ago at least…

 

Montreal – Days Inn by Wyndham Montreal Airport Conference Centre

 

Here are the prices:

  • $102 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

A new Wyndham addition in Montreal.

 

Montreal – Ramada Plaza Hotel Montreal Airport

 

Here are the prices:

  • $85 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

A new addition that could compete with the Baymont as the lowest-priced option.

 

Montreal – Comfort Inn Dorval

 

Here are the prices:

  • $119 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 8.6/10
  • Hotel chain: Choice
  • Rewards program: Choice Privileges
  • More info on the hotel: official page

One of 2 new Choice Hotels options in Montreal (the closest one).

 

Montreal – Comfort Inn Pointe-Claire

 

Here are the prices:

  • $119 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 8.8/10
  • Hotel chain: Choice
  • Rewards program: Choice Privileges
  • More info on the hotel: official page

The other one of the 2 new Choice Hotels options in Montreal.

 

Montreal – Holiday Inn Express and Suites Montreal Airport

 

Here are the prices:

  • $110 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

I also stayed at this hotel, but this one goes back all the way to 2009. Wow, time flies. It was pretty recent back then, it looks still pretty okay based on the pictures at least.

 

Montreal – Crowne Plaza Montreal Airport

 

Here are the prices:

  • $116 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

Another option with a lower rating and not necessarily cheaper. The government approved the hotel that ignored public health rules and hosted a huge wedding in the spring. They really can’t get anything right it seems…

 

Vancouver – The Westin Wall Center Vancouver Airport Hotel

 

Here are the prices:

$156 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)

 

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 9.0/10
  • Hotel chain: Marriott
  • Rewards program: Marriott Bonvoy
  • More info on the hotel: official page

The Westin brand is one that I’ve enjoyed staying at the only time that I had the chance to do so, and this one looks like a great hotel.

 

Vancouver – Four Points by Sheraton Vancouver Airport

 

Here are the prices:

$107 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 8.4/10
  • Hotel chain: Marriott
  • Rewards program: Marriott Bonvoy
  • More info on the hotel: official page

Another Marriott option. I have stayed at many Four Points and they are great midscale hotels. But let’s just say the Four Points by Sheraton in Bali where you can get those previously-mentioned 17 free nights looks a lot better.

 

Vancouver- Hilton Vancouver Airport

 

Here are the prices:

  • $290 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 7.8/10
  • Hotel chain: Hilton
  • Rewards program: Hilton Honors
  • More info on the hotel: official page

The Hilton hotel chain’s namesake brand is a premium one that you’ve surely heard of. My 3 stays in flagship Hilton properties were all very enjoyable.

 

Vancouver – Quality Hotel Airport South

 

Here are the prices:

  • $130 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 7.6/10
  • Hotel chain: Choice
  • Rewards program: Choice Privileges
  • More info on the hotel: official page

A new option from Choice Hotels in Vancouver.

 

Vancouver – Days Inn Vancouver Airport

 

Here are the prices:

  • $73 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown yet, but should be the cheapest

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 7.6/10
  • Hotel chain: Wyndham
  • Rewards program: Wyndham Rewards
  • More info on the hotel: official page

Another new addition in Vancouver, likely to be the cheapest of all Vancouver options given how it has by far the lowest regular price.

 

Vancouver – Travelodge Hotel by Wyndham Vancouver Airport

 

Here are the prices:

  • $99 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 5.8/10
  • Hotel chain: Wyndham
  • Rewards program: Wyndham Rewards
  • More info on the hotel: official page

Could compete with the Days Inn in terms of price, but the rating is much lower.

 

Vancouver – Coast Vancouver Airport Hotel

 

Here are the prices:

  • $129 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 7.4/10
  • Hotel chain: Coast
  • Rewards program: Coast Rewards
  • More info on the hotel: official page

This is a smaller regional chain, but I was pleasantly surprised when I stayed at their downtown Edmonton location for work in 2015.

 

Vancouver – Sandman Hotel Vancouver Hotel

 

Here are the prices:

  • $151 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

Not sure if that regular price is wrong or what… but this is another smaller chain and I can say that their airport hotel in Abbotsford (a great alternative to YVR in normal times) was very nice when we flew on Swoop’s inaugural flight in 2018.

 

Vancouver – Abercorn Inn Vancouver Airport

 

Here are the prices:

  • $138 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

Another non-branded addition, with more of a local authentic hotel feel.

 

Vancouver – Executive Hotel Vancouver Hotel

 

Here are the prices:

  • $139 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 7.8/10
  • Hotel chain: Executive Hotels
  • Rewards program: N/A
  • More info on the hotel: booking page

A hotel that bills itself as premium and that is part of another smaller chain.

 

Vancouver – Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Airport

 

Here are the prices:

  • $349 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 9.4/10
  • Hotel chain: Accor
  • Rewards program: ALL – Accor Live Limitless
  • More info on the hotel: Booking page

Fairmont is one of the most well-known luxury hotel brands and this hotel is tied for the highest rating among all those available in Canada’s hotel quarantine program. So it’s safe to say it will probably be the most expensive option in Vancouver: it’s also located directly inside the terminal.

 

Vancouver – Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport

 

Here are the prices:

  • $129 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 8.2/10
  • Hotel chain: Radisson
  • Rewards program: Radisson Rewards
  • More info on the hotel: official page

It’s been a very long while since I stayed in a Radisson, but this one looks very nice based on the pictures.

 

Calgary – Marriott Calgary Airport Hotel

 

Here are the prices:

$202 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)

 

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 9.4/10
  • Hotel chain: Marriott
  • Rewards program: Marriott Bonvoy
  • More info on the hotel: official page

A very highly-rated hotel. Looks very recent too.

 

Calgary – Hampton Inn by Hilton Calgary Airport North

 

Here are the prices:

  • $80 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 9.0/10
  • Hotel chain: Hilton
  • Rewards program: Hilton Honors
  • More info on the hotel: official page

Arguably one of Hilton’s most popular brands, the midscale Hampton is one where I’ve always had a very nice experience (albeit with a small sample size).

 

Calgary – Best Western Premier Freeport Inn Calgary Airport

 

Here are the prices:

  • $90 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 9.0/10
  • Hotel chain: Best Western
  • Rewards program: Best Western Rewards
  • More info on the hotel: official page

The first Best Western to become a quarantine hotel, this one is actually a Best Western Premier, which is the more premium brand.

 

Calgary – Hyatt Place Calgary Airport

 

Here are the prices:

  • $87 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

  • Hotels.com rating: 9.0/10
  • Hotel chain: Hyatt
  • Rewards program: World of Hyatt
  • More info on the hotel: booking page

The first Hyatt to become a quarantine hotel, Hyatt Place is the midscale brand and the hotel looks very nice.

 

Calgary – Acclaim Hotel Calgary Airport

 

Here are the prices:

  • $87 + tax (avg. nightly rate for comparison)
  • Quarantine: unknown

Here are a few facts:

The only non-chain hotel in Calgary, and the cheapest of the ones we have quarantine prices for.

 

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Summary

Canada’s hotel quarantine rule took effect in February. Travelers are now required to do a “hotel stopover” and spend the first 3 days of their quarantine in a government-approved hotel. But only if they arrive by plane; travelers arriving at a land border are not subject to the hotel quarantine.

What would you like to know about Canada’s hotel quarantine? Tell us in the comments below.

 

Explore awesome destinations: travel inspiration

Learn pro tricks: travel tips

Discover free travel: travel rewards

 

Featured image: Marriott Calgary Airport Hotel (photo credit: Marriott)

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Andrew D'Amours

Andrew is the co-founder of Flytrippers. He is passionate about traveling the world but also, as a former management consultant, about the travel industry itself. He shares his experiences to help you save money on travel. As a very cost-conscious traveler, he loves finding deals and getting free travel thanks to travel rewards points... to help him visit every country in the world (current count: 71/193 Countries, 47/50 US States & 9/10 Canadian Provinces).

This Post Has 57 Comments

  1. Gonzalo

    I went to quarantine to Ramada Plaza Hotel in Montreal. It was the worst decision I’ve ever made.
    If you can avoid this hotel, much better.
    The hotel is not well maintained. Wall papers and almost all furniture had scratches all around. Door frames had scratches and luck of paint in several places. Window glasses were very dirty. It was dust all around. It’s definitely time to repaint and change that wall paper. Lamps were ugly, old, and covered in dust. The desk chair was in leather and comfortable, but with three holes and plenty of scratches.
    All people in quarantine seem to be together in the same floor. This is not a good idea as jet lag make them watch TV till very late (2AM), like my neighbours.
    The style of the hotel is stuck in the 90s. It needs renovation and a better maintenance plan. No gym, no pool. The Highway is too close.
    Food was mediocre.
    Moreover, the enforced rate from the Government for quarantine of 300$/night is totally ridiculous for a hotel like this. Finally, they didn’t reimbursed the nights not spend as other hotels do. However, I pereffered to leave as soon as I got the PCR result after the first night.
    Overall, I totally regreat for chosing this hotel. I made pics from the room because it was unbelievable.

  2. Manish

    Talked to DoubleTree by Mariott by the Airport in Montreal and they do provide refund if you get your negative test results soon and check out early

    1. Mike Willis

      My wife arrived Sunday 30 May and checked in to a prebooked hotel, Hampton Suites Dorval at 730pm. She received her negative result at 1230pm the following day (less than 24 hours) and checked out at 6pm. Hampton said No refunds. She paid $1054 for one nights stay. What a scam. Is there any recourse?

      1. Andrew D'Amours

        As of now no recourse since most hotels clearly state that it is not refundable and that’s the way the government wants it too. Welcome to Canada’s biggest scam indeed :S

  3. Carlo

    I have a hotel booked for my return on the 25th of May. I noticed on the hotel website that it said cancellations are allowed up unti May 23rd. I thought that was odd because the hotels know they have the upper hand. Then I realized the previous May 21st date was mentioned as the date when this hotel law might be lifted.

    So has the hotel rule been extended? As of May 22nd, do I still need a hotel? I appreciate any help! Thanks.

  4. Mike

    A very comprehensive and informative guide. It is a pity that Canada didn’t follow the UK rules and only impose hotel quarantine for those who travelled AFTER the rule was put into effect. In my case, my wife travelled on Dec 21st, 2020 to Guinea for family reasons (much earlier than Feb 22nd!). She is due back on May 19th. Is it worth changing her flight to arrive on May 25th, or will the government extend the rule for another month. Also, I cannot afford $1000.

    1. Andrew D'Amours

      Hi! I guess it depends on whether you have a free change with the airline and if staying longer incurs more costs. It seems unlikely to end this month, but we never know. I’m scheduled to return on May 28th just in case… it would be great to save that money for sure!

  5. John Gibbons

    Japan has replicated Canada’s “hotel quarantine” plan whereby the first 3 day upon re-entry require a govt. approved hotel stay. No idea on cost yet. As the test results appear to be coming in within 24 hours I think my hotel stay in Montreal next month will be the cheapest option. Marriott tempting though as I have “gold” status with them which might well allow for a refund if within 24 hours of the final day.

  6. paul

    Hi! I appreciate the time you spent gathering all of this information; just a question! is the hotel quarantine mandatory going to expire next April 21st? maybe you have any new news about it?

    1. Andrew D'Amours

      No one knows for sure yet, but it would honestly be surprising to see any changes until at least May :S

  7. Peter

    Legitimate question. What tests are staff, PSA’s , couriers etc., entering Long Term Care Home and Congregate Living mandated to take before entering?
    Where most of our loved ones have died.
    Focus on the vulnerable I say.

    Basing Public Health policies on reaction to Twit…, Face…. and CBC shaming is not a good idea . I think.

    Social Media has made our politicians afraid to stand up.

  8. Alan Pagoto

    Today is tuesday and we arrived in Canada on sunday at 1am. I would like to thank you for writing this post as it was really helpful for us!

    We bought 3 nights in Courtyard by Marriot in Montreal and our result came on monday at 3am. As it was the second day in the hotel we told them BEFORE 9am (it was the rule) and they reimbursed us for 1 night and we came to an Airbnb. So we spent around CAD 900 for a couple for 2 nights 😉 The hotel was really good, the food was good, we went to have some outside time (the guard was looking after us but we know that it’s for everyone’s safety) and everyone was sympathetic. I recommend the hotel!

    1. Andrew D'Amours

      Great to know, thanks for the data point! So how did you find out it was refundable?

      1. Alan Pagoto

        Directly at the reception. I didn’t know it but the receptionist told me when I arrived and as I left before completing 2 days they reimbursed 1 😉

      2. Andrew D'Amours

        Very interesting, thanks for sharing. Enjoy the rest of your quarantine 🙂

  9. Vanida

    Just want to say a big thank you for putting this huge article together! Very, very informative & helpful!

  10. Kevin

    This whole hotel thing is unconstitutional. Trudeau needs to be voted out on next election and people should not be shamed for traveling no matter the reason.

    The last time I saw my wife and baby boy was in 2019 October so I missed my sons first Christmas and Birthday so I made a decision to see them in June had flight booked before covid even happened, my flight was cancelled due to covid. So trying to work around covid, I wanted to see my wife and be with my baby boy for Christmas, New Years and his birthday. To me this was essential, to spend time with my family for these special days for the first time.

    It’s already in the Supreme Court and a decision should be made on Monday.

    https://canadiantravelnews.ca/2021/03/19/hotel-quarantine-goes-to-ontario-supreme-court-today/

  11. Peter Hopper

    The fact that the hotels will not refund any nights even if you get your results in one day tells you everything you need to know. They and the government are in cahoots.
    It is a travel punishment fine instituted by Trudeau at the urging of his chief policy maker, the CBC, and administered by the hotels. The normally empty hotels are the big winners.
    Canadians who are able to think for themselves are the biggest losers.

  12. Tofer

    It looks as though a number of these rates have already increased. For example, the Abercorn Inn in Vancouver is now charging $1110, as opposed to $800. I am planning to return home to Canada in May, after two years of working in South Korea, and I’m almost terrified to think of how bad it will get by then. When I see a place charging $80/night for their regular rate, and yet $1500 for three days of quarantine, it really does make me feel sick.

    1. Joe

      Hotels can charge any prices they want, knowing full well that the number of hotel rooms are limited, and that the government will do nothing to regulate the prices!

    2. Joe

      The Federal government does not provide any evidence to support the claim that hotel quarantine is more effective than home quarantine in controlling the spread of the Coronavirus!

      If the covid testing can be done in one day, as in some countries, then the cost of the hotel quarantine will be significantly reduced!

      1. Andrew D'Amours

        Based on testimonials, the test results do come back within a day most of the time… but no refunds because the hotel quarantine is not about being more effective or anything like that, it’s just about appeasing the travel-shaming in the media and giving the impression the government is doing something.

  13. Donna

    Has anyone been able to find out why the hotel quarantine was put in place? Were lots of people not adhering to the 14 day at home quarantine? If so, why not have the option of ankle bracelets to monitor location? I’ve heard that some quarantine hotels in Hawaii use those and it would certainly be preferable to being in hotel jail.

  14. Peter Hopper

    Thanks Andrew for an incredibly thorough post. Very good information. It seems the Canadian Government is setting policy based upon CBC articles about how selfish Canadians are who still dare to travel. Damn the stats. The rest of the complicit media continues to shame those who dare to think for themselves. This “stopover” is really just a travel shaming punishment.
    What our pathetic media won’t tell Canadians is that quick PCR tests could be easily administered upon landing. The technology exists right now. The Spartan COVID-19 System is one and it is Made in Canada! That fact may be a detriment though, as our leaders will send it out to bid and buy a Chinese machine with a 2024 delivery date.
    It will be left up to the airlines to purchase these machines I am sure, as our hapless leaders try to figure out how to get to number 51 in the world in vaccine rollout efficiency.
    Air Canada has a note on their webpage that travelers flying to the United States from YUL Montreal-Trudeau Airport, can get a pre-departure COVID-19 rapid antigen test right at the airport through Biron before their flight. We need more private business innovation like that.
    And the airlines need to push for rapid antigen tests being valid for entry into Canada. The United States allows them for entry. They do work. The Ontario Government is using them as well.
    The more the truth is told, the more the motives of the Canadian Government are revealed.
    Stay at home, or you WILL be punished!

  15. Usman Raja

    Hi Andrew
    Thank you for such detailed and useful info. I have two questions, 1. If our test result comes earlier, say on day two, do we pay for full three nights or our two? 2. Can we refuse the food and save that charge?
    Thanks again, this is very useful.
    Best
    Usman

    1. Andrew D'Amours

      Officially online all hotels say that the rates are not refundable, unfortunately. We haven’t had anyone confirm that they were able to get a refund :S

  16. Barry Wijnandts

    I just came out of the Travelodge Richmond. They charged me the full three nights for a one night stay. Somebody is getting rich.

  17. Guest

    Quarantine at West Wall Vancouver 3 day stay $1845.27
    Facility was acceptable but one of the highest prices in the country.
    Received negative test within 24 hours and checked out, Hotel refused any refunds.

  18. mara davis

    The hotel quarantine is basically illigal, it’s against the Canadian charter of rights and carantine act, one can refuse to go, you will receive $880 ticket, which you will never have to pay, since it’s illigal. All one has to do is refuse it at the airport when they arrive. Even if you had to pay the ticket it’s cheaper than any hotel package, and you can stay at your own house and eat decent food.

    1. Andy

      Is this true?? Who issues the ticket and why do you claim you never have to pay it??

  19. Rogelio

    Terrific article. You have really done your homework

  20. Aleksandra

    Thank you for this guide!! You made it detailed, clear and transparent – unlike the government website. Must travel to my home country in couple weeks and coming back to Toronto in April – so your price list and notes are super helpful. And I had no idea of estimate expiration date of this draconian policy on April 21, so this is good news.
    Hope to see more details on prices once they become available. Look forward to more updates from you on this.
    Thank you, Andrew and team.

    1. Andrew D'Amours

      Thank you for following us, we’re just glad we can help! We’ll try to have more prices up for sure. Have a safe trip!

      1. Niloo

        We would appreciate it much more if you can just provide the info without shoving your political opinions doen our throat at every paragraph.
        And that “Canada being the 52nd country with regard to vaccination” didn’t age well… it’s now number 7. And we might need to remember who cancelled the vqccine production facilities projects.

      2. Andrew D'Amours

        That’s like saying I was 7th in the first half of my exam. Pretty stupid argument if you’re near last in the second half. We are among the very worst in terms of fully vaccinated population, 26th out of 27th “highly advanced economies” last time I checked a few days ago.

  21. Tim

    I am currently in day 2 of quarantine at the Holiday Inn close to Pearson airport in Toronto.

    Cost for three nights is CAD$ 1,159.92

    I was given no choice of hotel, but it was really easy to book the hotel on arrival at Pearson – there is a dedicated number not supplied on the government web site (although, even then I was cut off twice; once when my reservation was made but before I had a confirmation number, needed to exit the “booking” room). First night dinner was poor at best – cold and meagre – breakfast better, but still very much a “brown bag” aproach (e.g. small box of frosted flakes with mini milk but only a paper cup to eat them from rather than a bowl).

    Bottom line: it is grim, but survivable. The stupid thing is that I live alone in a house so I’m actually far safer and better separated from others at home rather than at the hotel. Obviously the intent of this is to discourage travel and, judging by my flight from the UK, it’s working. There were maybe 30 people in the whole plane.

    FYI I was travelling for my mother’s funeral in case it’s anyone’s business.

  22. Alan Pagoto

    It would be much easier if the government put the prices online. They would reduce 50% of the calls. They say to “call 48 hours in advance” but I need to prepare myself for the costs I’ll have because I’m moving from another country and this information is really important.

  23. Confused

    Thanks for this great guide — you’re doing a much better job in detailing the process than the government is 🙁

    I’m trying to work out how you continue on to your home quarantine after the 3-day hotel quarantine (e.g. if your home is on Vancouver Island, and all transportation routes from YVR involve public transport). The government website still talks about going directly without stopping to your final destination and wearing a mask, and no other restrictions are listed — which implies that this is fine — but that hasn’t been updated since the hotel quarantine stay was enforced, so it’s very unclear.

    Is there any official guidance about whether you can still fly on to your final destination? Can you still book a through-ticket with an airline? There is so little information being provided about a program that affects everyone flying into the country 🙁

    1. Andrew D'Amours

      Hi, glad we can help. So yes, once those 3 days are done, you are free to use any type of transportation to make your way back home. If you had a connecting flight booked initially, airlines are supposedly more flexible now and willing to reschedule the second leg 3 days later so yes you can still book that (check with the airlines to confirm their policies).

      1. (less) Confused

        Thanks again! I’d hoped that was the case, but that’s reassuring to hear.

        I wish there was more official guidance on this — flying in the middle of a pandemic is bad enough even when it’s clear what the rules are.

      2. Andrew D'Amours

        Glad we can help! And yes, it sure doesn’t help that there is not much that is clear and simple with this program 😛

  24. Fernanda

    Questions from travelers who carefully monitor their environment abroad (wl rent our own apartment, avoiding hotels ) :
    1. How safe is the ventilation system in these hotels ? Any risk aerosols circulate between rooms through the central ventilation system ? Can we ask them to post detailed info re air filters if any ?

    2. Is natural ventilation possible, do windows open ?

    1. Andrew D'Amours

      Hi, the air quality is surely not as good as on planes (no building can compete with airplanes) but here is what the Government’s official requirements for hotels were in terms of ventilation (no mention of windows opening though):

      Compliant with:

      -Standard Practice for Inspection and Maintenance of Commercial Building HVAC Systems (ASHRAE Standard 180, Standard Practice for Inspection and Maintenance of Commercial Building HVAC Systems)
      -Indoor Air Quality Standards for optimal humidity levels (ASHRAE 62.1, Ventilation for acceptable Indoor Air Quality)

  25. AMANI

    Hi, I don t have a credit card to pay for the hotel stopover.Coming to Montreal.Is there any hotel accepting payments with debit cards?Thank you

    1. Andrew D'Amours

      Hi, I don’t think so unfortunately. Usually hotels require a credit card for the deposit. Maybe some will be making exceptions due to the quarantine rule though :S

  26. Alan

    Do you believe other hotels will be cheaper than Aloft and Marriot in Montreal?

    1. Andrew D'Amours

      It seems they could be, as they are both cheaper than the Aloft at “regular” prices. We don’t want to call to clog up the archaic phone booking system to find out, but we will once things calm down.

      1. Nancy

        Any word yet on refunds of you leave early?

      2. Andrew D'Amours

        Officially online all hotels say that the rates are not refundable, unfortunately. We haven’t had anyone confirm that they were able to get a refund :S

  27. Ana A

    Hey there,

    I would like to know where do I confirm my exemption on the hotel quarantine since I’m on medical treatment abroad, do I have to send my doctor’s note somewhere or just “show” to the immigration at landing, under the risk of them not accepting it? I cannot find this info anywhere, please help me?

  28. Guest

    “They will now have to do a “hotel stopover” (as the government calls it) and it’s actually less strict than the home quarantine, in a way: travelers will be allowed to go outside (which is not allowed at all under the home quarantine rules, unless you live in a private home).”

    Can you provide your source for this statement? This seems false. Multiple news sources are saying that leaving the hotel room for non-emergency or medical reasons is not allowed.

    https://globalnews.ca/news/7650525/coronavirus-hotel-quarantine-list-canada/ (CTRL+F Quarantine Act to get to the paragraph where it says the opposite of what you’re claiming)

    1. Andrew D'Amours

      Hi, well they didn’t read the full text it seems. We did.

      To be clear, we were just as surprised as I said. But the government site is pretty clearly written.

      On the official government page titled “COVID-19 mandatory hotel stopover: Traveller expectations during hotel stay” there is a “meals and activities” section.

      It explicitly says:

      “Going outside – Travellers who don’t have symptoms can go outside for limited and monitored outdoor time.”

      Here is the link: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice/mandatory-hotel-stay-air-travellers/traveller-expectations-hotel-stay.html

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