This satellite image from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows Hurricane Michael inching closer to the Florida coast.Courtesy of NOAA
As thousands flee the Florida Panhandle in anticipation of Hurricane Michael’s landfall, a major question looms: where will they all go?
With prolonged rain and flooding expected throughout most of the coast, there’s no telling how long these evacuees will be gone — and many families don’t have the funds to cover extended hotel stays or vacation rentals.
Fortunately, a few hotel chains, along with Airbnb, have stepped in to help. Here’s where Hurricane Michael evacuees can head for free or reduced-rate lodging to ride out the storm:
- Airbnb Open Homes – Hundreds of Airbnb hosts throughout Florida, Alabama and Georgia have opened their homes to hurricane evacuees as well as emergency workers. Rates are waived from October 8 through October 29 at all designated Open Homes.
- Rosen Hotels & Resorts – A number of Rosen hotels are offering reduced rates for emergency workers and those displaced by the storm. Rates of $59 to $79 per night are offered at the following locations: Rosen Inn International, Rosen Inn Universal, Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando, Midpointe Hotel, Clarion Inn & Suites at International Drive, Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista, Rosen Plaza, Rosen Centre, Rosen Shingle Creek. Most are located in the Orlando area.
- Magical Vacation Homes – The Kissimmee-based hotel rental operation is offering discounted rates for evacuees and workers, according to WMFE reporter Danielle Prieur.
Evacuees with animals or livestock should head to one of the following locations:
- Dothan Boots and Saddle Club – The club has water and power hook-ups for RVs, as well as open horse stalls at no charge for hurricane evacuees.
- Heart of Dixie – The location offers campsites and horse accommodations at a discount for anyone fleeing the hurricane.
- Garrett Coliseum – Garrett is offering emergency livestock sheltering for evacuees. Owners are encouraged to bring any medical or vaccination records for their pets, if possible.
- IHG Hotels – The IHG hotel chain is waiving all pet fees for evacuees traveling with their animals. This includes locations throughout Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi.
Contact me at twitter.com/alyjwriter if you learn of additional discounted lodging for those affected by Hurricane Michael.