Hoteliers Supporting Veterans

While we celebrate our active duty military and veterans on a special day each November, many hotel brands offer year-round discounts for those who have served our country. A number of hotels and brands are offering more than just discounts this year as well, extending jobs, meals, donations and more to military and veteran members of the community. Below is a quick list of some the major hotel chains offering some great military and veteran programs.

HILTON

Hilton’s founder, Conrad Hilton, was a US Army Veteran whose legacy is deeply ingrained in the brand’s values. In 2013, Hilton launched Operation: Opportunity, with a mission to hire 10,000 veterans and military spouses by 2018. Hilton reached that goal, and has now raised the target to 20,000 hires.

CHOICE HOTELS

Choice Hotels offers incentives throughout the year to support veterans in need. Currently, those who book rooms in advance using the “Pay Now and Save” rate will be providing a free meal to a current member of the military or veteran. Choice also announced a partnership with Operation Homefront in 2018, donating 20 million Choice Privileges loyalty points to enable veterans and service members to connect with their family and friends. 

HYATT

Just last month, Hyatt announced a new and improved initiative focused on military travelers that includes a larger discount on rooms and a new rate for U.S. veterans. Hyatt is also pushing to increase veteran hires and aid them in the job placement process. In addition, the hotel brand has made a commitment to seek out and support veteran-owned businesses throughout the country.

IHG

IHG hotels offer a competitive leisure rate for members of the military and veterans, in addition to offering IHG Army Hotels that are directly on-post for the convenience of the travelers. IHG also makes a great effort to employ veterans, and offers a unique job portal for veterans looking for a position with the company.

LA QUINTA

For active duty service members, veterans or military spouses, La Quinta offers its own military rewards program for leisure travel. In addition to these lower rates, veterans, spouses or military caregivers are eligible for flexible career options with La Quinta including transferable careers. As a member of the Coalition for Veteran Owned Businesses, La Quinta is proud to support veterans in all aspects of their business.

We want to thank our hotel partners for all that they do to support our veterans and help them reconnect with their families and communities.

Extended Stay Hotels: When to Book and What to Expect

Extended stay hotels are becoming an increasingly popular option for travelers on long business trips, families relocating to new cities, or even leisure travelers looking for a more budget friendly option than a traditional hotel. Many extended stay properties offer low rates under $100 per night with minimal extra amenities. Some locations offer deals at around $125 a night and also include things like free breakfast, complimentary drinks and grocery deliveries. Depending on your needs and the nature of your trip, extended stay properties can be a great value.

For the government or military traveler there are a few things to keep in mind, however, as extended stay properties differ from traditional hotels. Be sure to check ahead of time to see if the extended stay property offers the amenities that are important to you. If breakfast is included, is there a variety of hot and cold options, or is it a continental offering with fruit, pastries and coffee?  Is there a fitness or business center? Will the room have an iron and ironing board? Most extended stay properties do not include daily housekeeping with towel/sheet changes; bathroom amenities may also be limited.

Extended stay properties typically offer other amenities like full-size refrigerators, stoves or cooktops, and laundry facilities. These properties can be a great fit for the traveler with a longer stay who wants to prepare his or her own meals (check ahead to see if the property provides pots, pans and dishes) and likes the additional privacy of not having housekeeping staff coming in the room each day. The smaller staff required generally results in a more affordable room rate, but also means that there may not be maintenance staff or management available 24/7.

If you enjoy added amenities while away from home, extended stay might not be your best option. On the other hand, extended stay properties are ideal for travelers who are looking for an economical and budget-friendly long-term stay. Make sure to research a property thoroughly before making a final decision so you will be fully prepared to receive the experience that you expect.

For travelers who are staying 30 nights or more, be sure to check out the GSA Long Term Lodging contractors for more information!

Is it Time to Renew Your TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry?

The TSA Pre-check and Global Entry programs have saved frequent travelers a lot of time at the airport in recent years. Membership of these programs unfortunately does not last for life, as both TSA Pre-check and Global Entry only last for five years. If you signed up for these programs in 2013 or earlier, it’s likely time to check your expiration date.

You can renew your TSA Pre-check up to six months before expiration, and can retain the same Known Traveler Number (KTN) as long as you renew within one year of expiration. For some, renewal is a simple online process, but others may have to do an in-person interview due to security changes within the last five years. The renewal fee is $85, and if you have your KTN, you can renew now through TSA!

Global Entry has a similar process, though you can apply for renewal one year in advance of expiration. There is a slightly higher fee of $100 for Global Entry, with the added benefit of automatic TSA Pre-Check with the approval of Global Entry. If you have a Trusted Traveler membership, log on to your account here to renew. As with Pre-Check, you may be asked to do an in-person interview to complete the process.

To learn more about the various programs available to you, visit U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Hotel Cancellation Policy Updates

In July of 2017, Marriott International announced that cancellation policies associated with published rates would become more restrictive, changing the previous one day cancellation policy to two or four days cancellation notice prior to arrival. Many hotel companies followed Marriott’s lead and implemented increased restrictions on hotel cancellations.

FedRooms is a negotiated hotel program with a requirement that hotels in the United States allow for cancellations 4:00 p.m. day of arrival, or later, and that participating hotels extend a competitive rate at or below per diem. 

Do not be fooled by hotel rates that are marketed as “FLEXIBLE”, or marketed to travelers as a published “Government Rate” or “Best Available” rates.  Many of these rates have cancellation restrictions of two, three and four days, and in some cases require instant purchase. This means that when you book it, you buy it – no refunds or cancellations!

FedRooms properties are audited weekly to confirm that they are competitive, and that their cancellation policy is 4:00 p.m. day of arrival, or later, for properties in the United States and one day, or less, for properties outside the United States. Properties that do not meet these requirements are suspended from the FedRooms program until they address the rate loading issue.

Be sure to book FedRooms properties and rates to avoid the risk of cancellation penalties!

Lots of Loyalty Love: Radisson and Wyndham

Radisson Rewards

Radisson Hotel Group is a leader in hospitality, providing beautiful, unique hotel brands with an emphasis on design and superior service. Radisson Rewards offers every member an enhanced experience, from member only rates, to exclusive offers from Radisson and other partner companies. Each stay at any Radisson Hotel around the world will earn you points toward free nights and member benefits, including free breakfast, car rental rewards, and discounts at partnering restaurants. Learn more and become a Radisson Rewards member today!

Wyndham

As the largest hotel franchise company in the world, Wyndham has an exceptional portfolio of hotel brands that can’t be matched. Wyndham Rewards offers a generous points program, making it easier than ever for members to earn free nights, or redeem points for flights, merchandise, car rentals and even charitable donations. In addition to exclusive rates, Wyndham Rewards offers programs for members of the military, meeting planners, and other professionals. Rated as the Best Hotel Loyalty Program by USA Today, this is one of the top choices in rewards for the frequent traveler. Find out how to sign up for Wyndham Rewards today!