Jeri Clausing While the pandemic forced many hotels to close for much or part of 2021, it didn't stop the Forbes Travel Guide from moving ahead with its annual Star Awards that recognize what it considers the best of the best in luxury hotels. It also prompted them to add some categories of recognition for luxury hotels, including one for outstanding pandemic-related health and safety responses and one for philanthropy. "In this unprecedented time for the travel industry, every persisting staff member at a hotel, restaurant and spa is a winner," said Filip Boyen, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. "But we also wanted to honor those hospitality workers who went above and beyond during the pandemic to aid their guests and colleagues."