IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, is proud to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the IHG Army Hotels military lodging program this month. Since its inception under the U.S. Army’s Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) Program, IHG Army Hotels has continued to expand and deliver True Hospitality for Good to military guests, veterans and their families through on post accommodations under the familiar and trusted Holiday Inn Express, Candlewood Suites and Staybridge Suites brands.
To commemorate the milestone, IHG Hotels & Resorts today will host an event at its Americas headquarters in Atlanta with IHG senior leaders, the IHG Army Hotels leadership team and Army officials. The ceremony will highlight the significant contributions of IHG Army Hotels to the military community, including extensive community outreach initiatives and ongoing hospitality innovation.
Chuck Sourbeer, Vice President, Hotel Operations, IHG Army Hotels said, “It’s incredible to see the evolution of our first-of-its-kind military lodging program and our team’s dedication to its success. The program is a testament to our commitment to serving those who serve, with quality accommodations that reflect the high standards our guests expect from IHG brands. We’re proud of the impact we’ve made on our guests and communities and the relationship we’ve built with the Army, and we look forward to the future of our hospitality journey.”
A Legacy of Commitment
During the past 15 years, IHG Army Hotels has provided more than 40 million room nights and ensured a comfortable and welcoming stay for guests across 40 on-post installations throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. This standard is reflected in the capital reinvested back into the hotels – $43 for every $100 – continually enhancing the facilities and services offered.
The program’s success lies in its unique balance of familiar hotel accommodations and deep understanding of the specialized needs of military travelers and their companions. IHG Army Hotels properties are many guests’ first experience with a new post or location, and complimentary breakfast, weekly socials and pet-friendly accommodations have proven helpful in easing transitions. Hotel colleagues also largely consist of former U.S. Army Lodging employees, military personnel and spouses, and veterans, making available a team with extensive knowledge of the military lifestyle.
Beyond improved lodging and accommodations, IHG Army Hotels ensures military travelers can gain benefits from their stays. Guests earn IHG One Rewards points for future stays at any global IHG hotel, with 6.8 billion points awarded so far to members staying at IHG Army Hotels.
Continued Community Outreach and Support
Since the beginning, IHG Army Hotels has given back to the military community through donations of time and resources across a host of impactful initiatives. The group contributes more than $300,000 annually to sponsorships and community efforts – such as the U.S. Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program – while also raising money for charitable partners including the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (a non-profit organization that honors the sacrifice of first responders during the 9/11 attacks) and the Fisher House Network (which provides comfort and support to military families).
IHG Army Hotels additionally welcomes and encourages the next generation of military hospitality leaders through its Teen Academy, a summer internship program in which the children of its hotel employees receive hands-on training and gain practical work experience.
What’s Next?
IHG Army Hotels is committed to growth and modernization, focusing on new property developments, conversions and renovations to meet the demands of contemporary hospitality. These include a recently completed upscaling of the Holiday Inn Express Magnolia House & Cypress Inn – which became the first branded IHG Army Hotels property upon its 2010 opening – on Louisiana’s Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk) and the transition of a historic hotel within New Mexico’s prestigious White Sands Missile Range to the Historia Collection brand (a group of on-post historic buildings converted into hotels and chosen for their significance to the Army, post or nation).
