Coronavirus, canceled events put Centre County hospitality industry at a ‘standstill’

As travel slows to a grinding halt during the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitality providers both big and small around Centre County are feeling the effects.

“The effect on the industry is tremendous, as restaurant and hotel closures are causing employees to be out of work, and given the current climate, there is no clear cut answer on when this will end,” said John Longstreet, CEO of the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association.

There are 600 restaurants and hotels in Centre County that are members of the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association.

“The hospitality industry in Centre County, like the rest of the commonwealth, is being directly affected by the halt of operations and service due to the outbreak of COVID-19,” Longstreet said.

The recently opened Graduate State College, which took over the Atherton Hotel last year, temporarily closed its doors completely, effective March 20, in response to the coronavirus. Meanwhile, properties such as Hyatt Place State College and Toftrees Golf Resort remain open, but with limited or adjusted service, such as takeout and delivery dining only from The Field Burger & Tap, versus dine-in service.

Smaller accommodations options around the region, such as inns and bed and breakfasts, are seeing significant declines in business, especially as major events that draw travelers to Centre County — Penn State spring commencement, Blue-White weekend and others — are canceled.

“The majority of our business comes from activities and events Penn State hosts — conferences, sporting events, concerts and cultural activities. With all of these postponements and cancellations, we have lost a tremendous amount of business,” said Tamara Schuster, owner of Our Fair Lady, A Victorian Bed & Breakfast, in Bellefonte.

Still, Schuster and her team are taking the COVID-19 threat seriously, with frequently touched items such as lamps, light switches, door knobs, handles and remotes are disinfected before, during and after visits.

“Hand sanitizer is at the front and rear entrances. We wash our hands and cooking/prep food surfaces frequently with hot water, soap and disinfectant,” Schuster said. “Pillows and mattresses are steamed after each guest.”

Jenn Marx, owner at Shields House B&B in Pleasant Gap, said her business is now at a “standstill.” Relatively new to the B&B scene, she’s been trying to build her clientele.

“I have been fortunate to get booked for most of the Penn State football games, and having repeat guests. This year, though, I was happy to see I was getting bookings for some of the other Penn State events,” she said. “Unfortunately, all of the bookings I had canceled because of the pandemic.”

The Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association encourages locals and frequent travelers to Centre County alike to continue supporting the local hospitality industry, especially independently-owned properties, in ways other than stays during this time.

“Purchasing gift cards and gift certificates, and utilizing pick up, delivery and curbside operations are great ways to help support and keep the industry moving forward,” Longstreet said. “Right now, supporting independently-owned properties is crucial, as they rely on their day-to-day operations to keep afloat.”

Even non-monetary support is valuable, as Schuster requests past guests at Our Fair Lady to go online and write a review, as it may spur other travelers to purchase gift certificates for stays at a later date.