teapot57 wrote:You can’t go into the hotel lobbies unless you are an overnight guest. So where do dayhikers use the restrooms or eat their “to go” meals? I can see this being an issue in Many Glacier, for example, where the only picnic and outdoor restroom facilities are at the Grinnell Glacier trailhead, which isn’t close to many of the other trailheads Presumably the campground restrooms would be closed. And where do people seek shelter if it’s raining?
The way I read it, the plan does not specify that ONLY to-go meals will be available, just that it will be an option in Phase 2 and Phase 3. Maybe (total guess) there will be some indoor dining at some point, but at reduced capacity (which would make to-go meals necessary to meet demand -- and it might be some people's preference to avoid indoor dining - I'm avoiding it at home right now, but I don't know how I'll feel in August). On the other hand, maybe they don't want to worry about hiring and housing dining room staff? I keep checking Xanterra's website for updates on dining, but have seen none so far. The Glacier Park Collection website seems to indicate that indoor dining at reduced capacity will be available at their properties.
The Many Glacier situation concerns me, too. I think it will be difficult to keep day users away from the hotel, especially if they aren't prepared for this limitation. This is probably not the year to visit the Many Glacier Valley unless you are staying there. Otherwise, I guess you pretend it's like the shoulder season when the hotels aren't open. Prepare to use the picnic area toilets, take your own food, shelter in your car if needed.
If I'm not staying at Many Glacier, I assume that I won't hang out there this year. Currently, I have reservations at Swiftcurrent, and plan to hike Cracker Lake. After my hike, I'd return to my room to use the restroom. And eat either in my room, or at the picnic area, or even in my car somewhere. I'm seriously considering switching to a room at Many Glacier if I can find one, though.
I'm also curious about gift shops (are people not staying at the hotel allowed in the gift shop?) and restaurants that require you to enter the lobby to access (like Rising Sun).
So basically, who knows how this will all work out.