For military families, relocating as part of a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) comes with the territory, but that doesn’t mean the process is always a simple one. In fact, PCSing involves a set of unique logistics and considerations that make it an entirely different experience than a civilian “move.” Chief among those is the potential need for short-term accommodations until permanent housing is available.
One way to bridge that housing gap and make the transition to a new installation smoother for families is to take advantage of on-post lodging options such as those created by the Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) program – currently the Department of Defense’s only lodging privatization program.
During the last 15 years, Lendlease has served as the owner, design-builder, asset manager and exclusive developer for PAL, and together with IHG® Hotels & Resorts, the hotel operator and manager of IHG® Army Hotels, we have facilitated not only the renovation of existing on-post lodging, but also the construction of brand new hotels, all under familiar IHG® brands including Candlewood Suites® and Holiday Inn Express®. For all intents and purposes, these privatized hotels operate exactly like those found outside the gate – even allowing guests to earn reward points toward future leisure travel through the IHG® One Rewards program – but they are designed specifically for the needs of military travelers, including PCSing families. Here are some of the benefits they offer:
The suite life
Most privatized lodging options are designed to comfortably accommodate extended stays, which is ideal for PCSing families who may be staying for several weeks while awaiting permanent housing. While accommodations vary among installations, we intentionally include a high percentage of “family” suites with fully equipped kitchens. Even where traditional suites are not available, our format emphasizes comfortably sized rooms with features that make a longer stay easier, such as a sleeper sofa to create “living” space and add flexibility in sleeping arrangements as well as in-room kitchenettes so families can eat healthier and avoid the cost of dining out.
Daily practicalities
Privatized lodging options typically have amenities and conveniences designed to meet the day-to-day needs of PCSing families, from fitness and business centers to free on-site laundry facilities. On-post hotels also have food and beverage offerings including complimentary hot breakfast – served at all of our hotels – and vending pantries packed with snacks and quick meal options. Some Candlewood Suites properties also feature lending lockers where guests can borrow kitchen appliances, board games, office supplies or other items they may need while their own belongings are in transit.
Fun with family and new friends
We also know finding ways to spend time outside of the hotel is a priority for PCSing families. Many properties have a pool, playground, outdoor patio or gazebo, plus indoor areas where families can spend time together and mingle with other guests. In fact, the atmosphere created in a hotel full of PCSing families and the opportunity to connect over shared experiences is a unique benefit of privatized lodging. We encourage those connections by hosting weekly evening socials, such as cookout dinners, and other all-ages programming geared to relocating families.
Care and comfort
It’s not just fellow guests who understand what relocating families are going through. Our staff, from site-level associates up to senior leadership, are highly attuned to the needs of military guests, especially families. Welcoming military travelers is what we do every day – it’s in our DNA, and we go out of our way to ensure every stay is high-quality and every guest is treated with a level of care they may not receive off post. Adding to that level of service is the fact that many of our team members are former military. Personally, I grew up in a military family and went on to serve myself. Like me, many of our employees have gone through their own PCS. They understand the experience firsthand and are dedicated to delivering personalized service that helps welcome military families to their temporary home away from home.
With the summer PCS season underway, we hope all relocating military families experience a seamless move and an easy transition. We invite you to learn more about privatized lodging and IHG Army Hotels here, or experience what we offer by visiting one of our properties.
Matt Garrett is Senior Vice President and General Manager for Lendlease’s Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) portfolio, the Department of Defense’s only lodging privatization program. Lendlease is the owner, design-builder, asset manager and exclusive developer for PAL, and IHG® Hotels & Resorts is the hotel operator and manager of IHG® Army Hotels.
