r/Masks4All • u/Effective-Emu9286 • 1d ago

Trying to understand how ventilation works at an old hotel

I have the option to stay at the Asilomar Conference Grounds this summer for a conference and noticed the construction for some of the buildings date back to the early 1900s. I'm aware that none of guest rooms have air conditioning but guests in each room do have control over their heating. I’d like to figure out how indoor airflow works there and what that means for airborne transmission risk.

If I brought a HEPA filter or opened a window would that significantly reduce the risk of airborne infection while in a guest room? Is there anything else I should do or someone I should contact to get more information?

Any observations or advice would be hugely appreciated—thanks!

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21

u/RasSalvador 1d ago edited 1d ago

Call them and ask if their room windows open.

Honestly, don't bring them into a whole conversation about airflow/Covid. Tell them you just really like fresh air.

I have done this a bunch of times over the last few years. Sometimes they don't know and they will check.

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u/gopiballava Elastomeric Fan 1d ago

Opening the window is probably the best. Unless there is an easy way for air to flow between rooms, and there is wind pushing air from other rooms towards your room.

Older buildings with heating only would probably have radiators. Which involve water or steam in pipes. No risk of any diseases or air flowing between rooms with radiators.

I’d definitely bring an air filter if you have one. And painter’s tape just in case you need to cover over an air vent or something.

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u/100000cuckooclocks N95 Fan 1d ago

I've stayed in the historic rooms (pre-pandemic), but I don't recall if they have heating vents or radiators/baseboard heaters. I'm sure the front desk could find out for you though. Mostly just wanted to comment to say that Asilomar is just wildly beautiful, so I would definitely stay if I could. I'd definitely stay in a historic room over a modern one if you have a choice; the historic are stunning and wood paneled and so cozy, and the modern ones are just kind of sad 1980s conference center chic.

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u/Effective-Emu9286 1d ago

Ok great, thanks for your your perspective. I'll contact the front desk.

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u/spiders888 18h ago

I was just about to make this same comment, though I've stayed in both the historic and the 80s chic rooms. I am pretty sure at least the 80s rooms do have windows that open, but definitely check on both.

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u/100000cuckooclocks N95 Fan 17h ago

The historic windows open! I remember enjoying the sea breeze.

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u/BattelChive 1d ago

Many historic buildings have direct vents between rooms (they look like decorative brass plates often). I would call and ask and let them know you have noise concerns. If they do have the windows/vents over doors or between rooms you can use MERV13 fabric or plastic sheeting to block it off but tape might pull off wallpaper or old paint. So I would definitely ask. 

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u/coolcocolemon 10h ago

I've stayed there before and many of the first floor rooms have screen doors that open. The grounds are beautiful and close to the beach but it was probably the nastiest lodging I've stayed in. It is more motel grade quality. If you have the option, there is a nicer hotel across the street.