According to Spokane’s The Spokesman, “Spokane Valley-based Stay Alfred is closing its properties nationwide for eight weeks, beginning April 1, to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.”
“While we regret the impact this decision will have on our guests and our teams, we are seeking to minimize that impact in every possible way. All stays booked for this period will be automatically refunded in full,” Jordan Allen, CEO of Stay Alfred, said in a statement. “We at Stay Alfred look forward to serving our guests again in brighter days ahead.”
According to an inside source, Stay Alfred walked away from 17 apartments in downtown Savannah that the company rented under a master long-term lease. Companies like Stay Alfred, Sonder, Lyric, and Domio rent apartments in urban areas under long-term leases (or master leases) and then furnish and provide these apartments as short-term rentals for visitors. With a short-term drop in travel demand, a projected transformation in business travel, and an anticipated shift to leisure markets for vacationers, these urban providers are expected to face a bumpy road ahead.
According to The Spokesman, “Through a company spokeswoman, Allen declined to comment on if Stay Alfred would offer refunds to guests who booked reservations prior to the closing date. He also declined to say how many employees would be affected by the 60-day closure, but indicated the company will continue to provide health benefits during the furlough period.”
“Allen said the company, known for popularizing the concept of upscale travel apartment rentals in walkable downtown locations, plans to rehire employees after the furlough ends.”
Good luck to all getting your funds back. I was removed in the middle of my long-term stay despite sharing with them that I was battling COVID-19. I have raised this with the local Attorney General in the state of PA.
I am having the same results. In April, I was told that they were refunding all of the reservations from April 1-30 and told to call back in May. Here it is May and I can’t reach anyone on getting a refund. My trip was scheduled this Summer but I had to pay a healthy deposit just to hold the room that I can no longer stay in. First thing Monday morning I will be on the phone with the Attorney Generals office. I need answers NOW. Thanks for the info