Q.  What do you want federal and military government travelers to know about FedRooms?

A. FedRooms hotels are selected specifically for federal government travelers to accomplish their mission. FedRooms rates are always at or below per diem and on average save 5% below per diem. Hotel location and amenities are an important consideration. All FedRooms rates in the US come with a 4pm (or later) day of arrival cancellation, which is not offered with most other non-managed hotel programs.

Q. FedRooms has come a long way from the original Federal Premier Lodging Program….What do you think is the greatest change to the program (or accomplishment of the program)?

A. Since the program began, 12 years ago, the FedRooms brand is known and respected in the hotel supplier industry.  FedRooms collaborates with customers and industry stakeholders to continuously improve the program. One of the biggest accomplishments to date was breaking the milestone of one million room nights sold in a year.

Q. What is your process for finding and booking a hotel when on official business?

A. The best way to book a FedRooms hotel is to book the hotel using the Government’s online booking tools which include E-Gov Travel Services’ Concur CGE and CWT/Sato’s E2.  Travelers at DoD would use the Defense Travel System (DTS).  Using the Government’s preferred tools not only complies with the Federal Travel Regulation, it also protects the traveler when there is a need to amend or cancel a trip. Plus, you are guaranteed to get all the benefits that are negotiated into the FedRooms rate.

Q. What should hoteliers know about government travelers?

A. Government travelers are a steady source of business, traveling both peak and off-peak seasons. They stay on average of 3 nights per trip and typically eat in the hotel when service is available.

Q. Where do you see FedRooms in 5 years?

A. In 5 years, I see FedRooms continuing to be a well-respected government-wide hotel program while expanding its global brand recognition. Utilization will continue to grow with the majority of our hotels being booked in a Government online booking tool. FedRooms will be the go-to-solution for federal travelers.  

Q. What is your best travel tip for finding the best hotel?

A. The best travel tip for finding the optimal hotel is to go to your Government online booking tool (CGE, E2 or DTS) and book your room as far out in advance as you can. Hotel rates are at their lowest, and availability is at the highest, the further in advance you book the room. With FedRooms, you can always cancel your reservation up until 4pm on the day of arrival, so there is no risk. 

Hotel occupancy is at a record high this year.   To avoid having a hotel cancel your reservation, it is important to keep your credit card details current to guarantee your room.  Some hotels are running test charges on credit cards through multiple steps of the reservation process including the point a reservation is made, a few days prior to arrival and at check in.  If the credit card is invalid or an authorization isn’t given, the hotel may cancel the reservation without informing you or your travel agency.

If you have booked a hotel in advance and your credit card information has changed or you were issued a new card, be sure to update your existing reservation, your travel profile with your travel agency and hotel loyalty program profiles. This includes expiration date changes, new card numbers or any other account updates.

Becoming a hotel loyalty program member and keeping your travel profiles and reservations updated will help ensure your reservation status and rate, as some hoteliers guarantee there will always be rooms available for their frequent travelers. They will also include additional benefits such as free internet. Keep your hotel reservations safe by making sure this information is up-to-date.

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GSA has released the fiscal year (FY) 2016 travel per diem rates, which will go into effect on October 1, 2015. These rates are set by the GSA for the Continental U.S. The standard per diem rate for FY 2016 is $140 ($89 for lodging, $51 meals and incidental expenses). 

GSA calculates the per diem rates using the average daily rate data, a lodging industry data metric. Standard per diem rates are applicable in approximately 2,600 U.S. counties. These rates are based on properties that are “fire safe” and fall within the mid-range price as well as data from the prior 12-month period and business travel week data. More information can be found here.

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