IHG marks 15th anniversary of Army hotels program

IHG HOTELS & RESORTS marked the 15th anniversary of the IHG Army Hotels military lodging program, part of the U.S. Army’s Privatization of Army Lodging initiative. The program offers military guests, veterans and their families on-post accommodations under the Holiday Inn Express, Candlewood Suites and Staybridge Suites brands.

Army Hotels provided more than 40 million room nights across 40 on-post installations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico since its founding in 2009, reinvesting $43 of every $100 to improve facilities and services, IHG said in a statement.

"It’s incredible to see the evolution of our first-of-its-kind military lodging program and our team’s dedication to its success,” said Chuck Sourbeer, IHG Army Hotels’ vice president of hotel operations. “The program is a testament to our commitment to serving those who serve, with quality accommodations that reflect the high standards our guests expect from IHG brands. We’re proud of the impact we’ve made on our guests and communities and the relationship we’ve built with the Army, and we look forward to the future of our hospitality journey.”

Recently, IHG Army Hotels completed the upscaling of the Holiday Inn Express Magnolia House & Cypress Inn at Louisiana’s Fort Johnson, its first branded property in 2010, and transitioned a historic hotel within New Mexico’s White Sands Missile Range to the Historia Collection, showcasing on-post historic buildings converted into hotels.

The Army Hotel staff is composed mainly of former U.S. Army Lodging employees, military personnel, spouses, and veterans, ensuring a team well-versed in the military lifestyle, the statement said. Guests earn IHG One Rewards points for future stays at any global IHG hotel, with 6.8 billion points already awarded.

IHG Army Hotels contributed more than $300,000 annually to sponsorships and community efforts, including the U.S. Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation program. It also supports charities like the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Fisher House Network. Additionally, the company offers a summer internship program for the children of hotel employees, providing practical work experience.

IHG, based in Berkshire, England, recently reported a 3 percent increase in global RevPAR for the first half of 2024, with a 3.2 percent growth in the second quarter, largely driven by a recovery in U.S. markets.