Have You Heard of IHG Army Hotels?

Military bases often have hotels on-site, so those visiting friends and family or who need access to the base for military business have a place to stay. IHG Army Hotels is a chain of hotels on U.S. Army bases that’s part of the IHG network — but they’re only available to a specific group of travelers.

What exactly are IHG Army Hotels, who can stay in them and what are they like? We’ll answer these questions so you can determine if you’re able to take advantage of this lodging option.

What are IHG Army Hotels?

In 2009, with the Privatization of Army Lodging program, an Army-led public-private venture, IHG began operating IHG Army Hotels. Your options will depend on the base you’re visiting, but the Army Hotel portfolio consists of several of IHG’s already familiar brands:

• Staybridge Suites — Extended-stay option with kitchens and the choice of studio, one- and two-bedroom suites.

• Candlewood Suites — Suites with the comforts of home, like a fully equipped kitchen, 24-hour laundry and a fitness center, for long-term stays.

• Holiday Inn Express — A budget option for quick stays, with a breakfast bar.

• The Historia Collection — Lodging in historic buildings that are significant to the military, with luxury amenities, unique decor and a bed and breakfast vibe.

Guests at all of these properties can earn IHG One Rewards points for their stay. If you also have a co-branded IHG One Rewards credit card, the points pile up even faster.

Who can stay at IHG Army Hotels?

Only those with access to a military base can stay at IHG Army Hotels. This means that a general tourist cannot book a stay. The hotels are located inside U.S. military bases and require permission to enter. Eligible guests typically include:

• Active duty service members and their families.

• Department of Defense employees.

• Military contractors.

• Military retirees.

Keep in mind that each military post may differ in who is allowed to enter, so it’s worth confirming with base staff before making a reservation. IHG has a complete list of on-post contacts that guests can reach out before their stay.

To make a reservation, visit IHGArmyHotels.com or call the central reservations line at 1-877-711-8326.

What are IHG Army Hotels like?

During a stay, these hotels offer the same benefits as in civilian locations. You can expect complimentary breakfast, IHG One Rewards elite status benefits, Wi-Fi and pet-friendly rooms.

One of the unique propositions of staying at an Army Hotel is a weekly barbecue social for all guests. This complimentary event is meant to boost camaraderie among the guests and provide social opportunities for travelers.

Other benefits you might find at an IHG Army Hotel are laundry facilities (especially helpful for those with longer stays), shuttles around the military post and lending lockers. These closets have a wide range of things guests can borrow for the room like DVDs, cooking equipment, books and board games.

Depending on the location, there might also be a swimming pool or gym.

» Learn more: Military travel discounts you won’t want to miss

Where are IHG Army Hotels?

There are 76 Army Hotels on 40 different Army bases around the country. If you want to discover more of these properties or read about the destinations they serve, IHG has a blog for military travelers and IHG Army Hotels.

Can you earn and redeem points at IHG Army Hotels?

The most important difference between Army Hotels and IHG civilian hotels is that Army Hotels don’t offer the same points earning structure. A general member would only earn 3 points per dollar spent at an Army Hotel, rather than 10 points per dollar at most other IHG brands (or 5 points per dollar spent at Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites).

However, if you have IHG One Rewards elite status, you would still be eligible to earn the associated bonus with your tier. Based on our most recent analysis, NerdWallet values IHG points at 0.5 cent apiece.

Another quirk of these hotels is that they’re typically unavailable for redemption stays. While you can earn points when staying at IHG Army Hotels, you can’t redeem points to stay there.

» Learn more: The best IHG redemptions

A unique offering: IHG Army Hotels

IHG has a collection of on-base Army Hotels open to eligible travelers with permission to stay there. They’re available to anyone who has access to a military base, and they offer many — if not more — amenities than you’d find off-base.

IHG Army Hotels include popular IHG brands and perks like evening socials and complimentary breakfast. The ability to earn IHG One Rewards points from a stay, especially with the bonus that comes from co-branded IHG credit cards or elite status, makes these hotels a popular option when visiting a military base.