Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves are stressful. Finding a comfortable and convenient place to stay during the process shouldn't add to the stress. That's where IHG® Army Hotels come in, offering accommodations that cater to the unique needs of military families during these transitions. With properties located across the US, IHG Army Hotels provide more than just a place to sleep—they offer a supportive environment designed with service members and their families in mind.
Flexible Booking for Unpredictable Timelines
Military life is anything but predictable. Orders change, timelines shift, and unexpected delays are part of the journey. Booking directly through the IHG Army Hotels website gives you the best available rates and the ability to change your reservation dates if your report date is moved up or pushed back.
Extended-Stay Options with Well-Equipped Kitchens
PCS moves can involve extended periods of time before permanent housing is assigned. IHG Army Hotels cater to this need by offering extended-stay accommodations with well-equipped kitchens that include amenities like stovetops, microwaves, refrigerators, and dishwashers.
These amenities help reduce the financial burden of dining out. Having the ability to cook your meals, store groceries, and eat in a familiar setting creates a sense of normalcy during times of change. It's a thoughtful benefit that helps to meet the needs of military families on the move.
As influencer Kirstin Navaroli pointed out, staying at one of the IHG Army Hotels on Joint Base San Antonio allowed her and her husband to keep costs down by “cooking meals in the hotel kitchenette vs. relying on takeout.” She also noted that it eliminated the need to travel with “extras” because they didn’t have to worry about “bedding, towels, a microwave, etc.” She describes the decision to stay at an IHG Army Hotels property as “one of the best decisions” she and her husband made during their PCS move.
The Benefits of Staying On-Base During the PCS Process
One of the advantages of staying at IHG Army Hotels is that they’re located right on base. Being close to schools, the commissary, and the base housing office saves you time and makes the PCS process easier. It allows for greater flexibility in scheduling appointments and managing the many other responsibilities that come with a military move.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
IHG Army Hotels welcome pets at their properties, so they can stay with you during the move. Be sure to check with the individual property about any fees, size restrictions, or designated pet areas. If your pet won’t be staying with you during the move, many IHG Army Hotels locations are near on-base kennels. And, of course, service animals are always welcome.
Real-Life Testimonials: Military Families Share Their Experiences
The impact of being able to stay at an IHG Army Hotels property is best understood by hearing directly from other military service members and their families who have found comfort and convenience in the accommodations and services offered during their PCS moves. The consistent quality, supportive staff, and tailored amenities contribute to positive experiences during what can be a challenging time.
Keith Kittle described a recent stay at the Candlewood Suites on Fort Bliss as a “[g]reat experience for a family in the middle of a PCS. Very clean, nice kitchenette, free laundry machine access, nice pool, and free breakfast.”
Shane gave the IHG Army Hotels property o Joint Base Lewis-McChord a 5-star review, saying that they stayed at the hotel while looking for a permanent place to live. She described the hotel room as amazing, noting how spacious it was, and recommended it as the perfect place to stay for a couple of days.
Others mentioned the “super comfortable beds,” the “courtesy shuttles,” the “cleanliness,” and the “safe and secure” location.
But as much as these military families appreciated the services and amenities, the highest praise was reserved for the staff. Amanda Martins described the staff at the IHG Army Hotels Main Lodge on Fort Stewart as “super kind and helpful.” The staff at the IHG Army Hotels Foster Lodge on Fort Leonard Wood were praised for being “friendly and “knowledgeable,” and Marvin Valdomar wrote a review saying the customer service at the Candlewood Suites on Fort Bliss was “absolutely amazing.”
Many of the team members at IHG Army Hotels are veterans and military families who are familiar with the challenges presented by PCS moves. This helps them to serve their guests “from a deep understanding and care.” Review after review mentions how staff members have gone above and beyond the call of duty to make guests comfortable during their stay and to accommodate their unique needs.
PCS Checklist and Moving Hacks: Tips for a Smoother Transition
In addition to choosing the right accommodations, having a plan in place can make the PCS process much easier. Here are some tips to consider:
- Start Early: Begin organizing and packing well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
- Make an Inventory of Your Belongings: Keep a detailed list and take photos of important items.
- Stay Organized: Use binders or digital apps to keep track of important documents and schedules.
- Use Available Resources: Take advantage of relocation assistance programs offered by the military.
- Communicate with the Staff at Your Hotel: Let the hotel staff know what time you’ll be arriving and communicate any special needs to ensure a smooth check-in.
Using these strategies can help manage the challenges of a PCS move, making the experience more manageable for the entire family.
Navigating a PCS can take a lot of effort, but selecting the right accommodations will alleviate some of the stress. From flexible booking to extended-stay options and convenient locations, IHG Army Hotels offer military families a supportive, convenient, and comfortable place to stay during the PCS process.
To make a reservation for your PCS move, TDY assignment, or family vacation, visit the IHG Army Hotels website at ihgarmyhotels.com. And don’t forget to sign up for IHG One Rewards to earn points on your stay.
(c) 2025 IHG Hotels & Resorts. All rights reserved. IHG Army Hotels properties are independently owned by Rest Easy LLC, a Centinel Public Partnerships LLC company, and operated by an affiliate of IHG. No DoD, US Army or federal government endorsement implied. For information on Centinel, visit CentinelUS.com.