What a hotel stay is really like during COVID-19

Kristin Lam | USA TODAY

USA TODAY

Instead of dreading the day he has to move into a nursing home, one Texas man plans to live his "golden age" with thrifty style.

Almost 100,000 Facebook users have already shared Terry Robison's retirement strategy to stay at multiple Holiday Inn hotels to save money, get better service and see the world.

"This is AWESOME!! Must share," one user commented.

While the average nursing home costs $188 per day, Robison wrote that reservations at the hotel chain cost $59.23 per night with both a long-term stay and senior discount. Factor in free breakfast and happy hour and Robison calculated that would leave $128.77 a day for food and entertainment.

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Not to mention, Robison said Holiday Inns offer a spa, swimming pool, workout room, laundry room and a lounge. Of course, complimentary shampoo, soap, toothpaste and razors will rack up savings, too.

Securing a room at the right nursing home may take months, but Robison said reservations for quality customer service can be made now.

"$5-worth of tips a day and you'll have the entire staff scrambling to help you," Robison said. "They treat you like a customer, not a patient."

Hotel staff will fix any issues from light bulbs to mattresses, Robison said, and apologize for the inconvenience. A night security guard will keep watch and a maid will check in daily.

And, Robison said, the staff will "call an ambulance . . . Or the undertaker" if anything goes wrong.

With more than 1,100 Holiday Inn locations, Robison said he can travel wherever he wants. A local change of scenery and social opportunities are also reachable with an airport shuttle, church bus or city bus.

And family visits? No problem, Robison said.