Travelers during peak pandemic months were mostly accepting of necessary changes in hotels, such as reductions to food-and-beverage offerings, housekeeping services and other amenities. But now hoteliers must deal with guests who expect a return to normal, even if it’s not yet economically viable.

Cities and counties continue rolling out mandates requiring many businesses to demand customers show proof of vaccination before being allowed inside...Independent hotels and restaurants, who make up a big segment of the hospitality industry, might be less prepared to turn a host who greets and seats guests into a vaccination bouncer.