As we look ahead to 2021, we’d like to reflect on 2020 and seek to highlight a few areas of positivity as we embark on this new year. In a year full of the unexpected and challenges set out to slow us down, our mission never changed; we were motivated to work harder for our colleagues and for our service members. Our year was full of both big and little wins from our IHG® Army Hotels family, and we’re proud to say that we’ve been able to provide the True Hospitality that IHG® is known for globally.
New Properties
In July 2020, IHG® Army Hotels and Lendlease, under the Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) program, celebrated the grand opening of the Candlewood Suites® on Fort Gordon, the largest in the world for the brand. The construction of the 311-room hotel includes a variety of rooms with kitchenettes and amenities that include complimentary breakfast, laundry facilities, business center, fitness center, a pool, and BBQ area.
Image: Candlewood Suites® on Fort Gordon
IHG® Army Hotels and Lendlease also announced the first phase opening of the newest Candlewood Suites® on Fort Jackson, the fourteenth Candlewood Suites in the PAL portfolio. The 171-room West Building hotel is pet friendly and includes a variety of rooms with kitchenettes and amenities such as free Wi-Fi access, laundry service, 24-hour Candlewood Gym, and more. Despite any hurdles created by the pandemic, both hotels were completed on time thanks to the hard work and dedication of all partners involved.
“I am extremely proud of these two new hotels, our hotel colleagues, and of our partnership with Lendlease,” said Chuck Sourbeer, Head of Operations for IHG® Army Hotels. “Both projects were completed right on schedule despite the many unexpected challenges brought about by the pandemic and resulting closures.”
Updates
In response to COVID-19, we strengthened our cleaning procedures by quickly updating and implementing our IHG® Clean Promise at all of our properties to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and safety. Guests can see updated sanitation on high touchpoint areas, social distancing, and contactless amenities at the reception desk, public spaces and facilities, food and beverage services, meeting and event areas, and most importantly, the guest rooms. Our mission is to give our guests a higher rank of hospitality, while keeping those who serve us, safe.
Holiday Celebrations on Post
What makes an IHG® Army Hotel unique and special is that our staff and guests are one big military family. So, when it comes to celebrating holidays, especially for those who spend them away from home, our staff make an effort to bring the holiday spirit into the hotel. Last year, our colleagues celebrated the holidays by carving pumpkins for Halloween, creating and donating Thanksgiving meals for those in need, and even hosting a gingerbread house contest. In a socially distant world, our IHG® Army Hotels family found a way to celebrate together (six feet apart, of course.)
Even a tumultuous year like 2020 couldn’t slow us down or keep us from our mission of serving those who serve. We look forward to continuing our call of duty in 2021 as we continue to keep service members and their families at the heart of what we do.