Cardboard boxes? Check. Packing tape? Check. A to-do list that seems to get longer and longer? Check.
It’s that time of year again. PCS season is in full swing and military families across the country are packing up to move to a new post. According to the Department of Defense, approximately one third of service members make a PCS move every year.
PCS is important to us at IHG® Army Hotels, because we know the importance of finding quality lodging when you’re between homes. As a father, I know how challenging it can be to travel with children, especially when relocating for work. By the time you get to a hotel, you need to rest and recharge without the worry of having a clean and comfortable place to do so.
Our hotels are ideally suited to meet the demands of PCS travel because they’re conveniently located on post and include amenities to make your stay as stress-free as possible:
- Complimentary hot breakfast
- Fitness centers – great for spouses, too
- Pet friendly
- Free guest laundry facility – a huge convenience for extended stays
- Weekly evening socials – a chance to relax, enjoy a meal, and mingle with other guests
- IHG One Rewards points – perfect to bank during extended stays and redeem toward a relaxing vacation later
Many of our hotels also offer brand hallmarks that make extended stays easier:
- Vending Pantries – packed with snacks and quick meal options, our Candlewood Suites hotels offer the Candlewood Cupboard, and all hotels have a lobby pantry area
- Candlewood Lending Locker – has many items for Candlewood Suites guests to check out, including:
- Board games
- Kitchen appliances
- Office supplies – for work or crafts
- Outdoor gazebos and patio areas for families and kids to gather
- Playground equipment and courtesy shuttle service (at select locations)
Moving is stressful anytime, but it can be especially difficult now with ongoing housing shortages and significant increases in rental and housing costs. That’s why I’m proud that IHG Army Hotels has extended the offering of the BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) rate at all 40 on-post locations throughout the U.S. through the end of fiscal year 2023. By extending the rate, we can help families minimize their out-of-pocket expenses during PCS.
The BAH rate is available through September 30, 2023, upon request, under certain terms and conditions*, and not a default rate at check-in at IHG Army Hotels. A family (or anyone on PCS orders) having trouble securing housing should contact the housing office (or hotel front desk) for a form that provides hotel staff with the information they need to manually adjust the rate, so the going-forward rate equals their particular BAH.
If you’re on the move this year, consider staying at IHG Army Hotels. It might be one of the easier decisions you make during PCS. Safe travels!
To book a room at IHG Army hotels, visit www.ihgarmyhotels.com.
*Terms & Conditions: The BAH rate will need to be determined by rank and number of dependents. Guests must request the rate with the General Manager or Operations Manager. The BAH rate cannot be retroactive or be applied to a past stay. BAH rate is available through September 30, 2023. After this date, the standard PCS rate applies. Rooms are based on availability. All applicable state and local taxes apply and vary by locations.
Charles “Chuck” Sourbeer is Vice President of Operations for IHG® Army Hotels. He has been with IHG® since 1994 and part of the IHG® Army Hotels estate since its inception in 2009.