IHG Army Hotels: Elevating Hospitality for Those Who Serve

Since its launch in 2009 as part of the Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) program, IHG Army Hotels has continued to redefine on-post hospitality for service members and their families and guests. The IHG Army Hotels portfolio currently spans more than 13,000 rooms across 40 U.S. Army installations, bringing the renowned, consistent hospitality and signature comforts of trusted IHG brands – such as Holiday Inn Express and Candlewood Suites – to military communities.

Much like traditional “off base” hotels, IHG Army Hotels properties require ongoing renovations to uphold high standards and accommodate changing guest needs. In 2025, IHG Army Hotels – alongside owner and developer, Centinel – embarked on the latest stage in its mission to raise the bar for military lodging through significant upgrades across several prominent hotels. These ongoing improvements are made possible through IHG’s close partnership with Centinel, the PAL program’s owner and developer responsible for advancing the modernization of on‑post lodging across Army installations. Each renovation brings a fresh update to on-base properties–along with an unwavering commitment to supporting those who serve.

Chuck Sourbeer, Vice President of Operations for IHG Army Hotels, said, “Every renovation is a step forward in our promise of elevating the quality and sustainability of lodging for those who serve and their families. We are grateful for our partnership with Centinel and proud to continue creating welcoming spaces that meet the needs of military travelers.”

Holiday Inn Express Magnolia House & Cypress Inn (Fort Polk, Louisiana)

Magnolia House and Cypress Inn on Fort Polk (formerly Fort Johnson) became the first branded IHG Army Hotels properties, establishing the campus as the flagship and proof-of-concept for Army lodging privatization. As the inaugural PAL hotels received a comprehensive rebranding and modernization into a Holiday Inn Express, the Fort Polk properties demonstrate the program’s commitment to beneficial upgrades and exceptional service.

In 2025, a multi-million dollar renovation project included comprehensive interior and exterior renovations, along with updated room configurations specifically designed to better support extended training stays and permanent change of station transitions. These upgrades not only modernized the facilities, but also expanded room capacity to 98 while ensuring that guests benefit from improved comfort, functionality, and convenience during their stays.

Matthew Garrett, Executive Vice President at Centinel, said, “Fort Polk is where the PAL program began, and this latest development reaffirms our commitment to those who serve. The PAL program isn’t a one-time investment; it’s a lasting promise to continuously enhance the lodging experience for service members and their families.”

Holiday Inn Express Morelli Heights (Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri)

Every IHG Army Hotels renovation ensures that service members, families, and guests enjoy the comforts of home wherever duty takes them. This includes a restful night’s sleep, inviting communal spaces, and – in some cases – modern, full-service kitchens.  Alongside these enhancements, all stays at IHG Army Hotels earn IHG One Rewards points — giving service members and their families the ability to redeem points at thousands of off‑post IHG hotels worldwide.

This commitment shines through in practical improvements recently made to the newly-branded Holiday Inn Express hotel on the former Foster Lodge at Fort Leonard Wood. Here, 66 guest rooms were updated with kitchenettes, making them suitable for both short visits and extended stays. The project also included enhancements to communal spaces, such as a redesigned lobby and a covered outdoor patio. Exterior updates—such as energy-efficient LED lighting and improved landscaping—were paired with interior upgrades, including new furniture, fixtures, HVAC equipment, and flooring. Additional improvements such as a new Suite Shop, state-of-the-art fitness center, renovated laundry facility, and new elevators come together to create a welcoming space where guests refreshed, supported and part of a welcoming community.

Organ Mountains Inn – Historia Collection (White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico)

IHG Army Hotels properties strive to reflect larger industry and organizational initiatives, such as energy modernization projects that drive more sustainable operations and conserve resources. One such example is the recent transformation of the Organ Mountains Inn on White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, the 16th hotel to join the IHG Army Hotels Historia Collection (a special group of Army hotel properties selected for their historical significance). The recent renovation demonstrates IHG Army Hotels’ commitment to honoring the past and preserving its military heritage while embracing the future and eco-friendly hospitality.

Originally built in 1951, the property now artfully blends its rich military roots with a host of modern, sustainable amenities. Sustainability was thoughtfully woven into every aspect of the project, with eco-friendly improvements including a new climate system, motion-sensing LED lighting, and Energy Star appliances. The comprehensive renovation also features a redesigned lobby, expanded fitness and dining facilities, and new guest room furnishings. The Inn’s 58 rooms offer travelers an elevated experience that maintains the timeless character and historic ambiance of the original building.

Looking Ahead: More Innovative Renovations Shaping Tomorrow’s Guest Experiences

The recently completed renovations of the IHG Army Hotels properties at Fort Polk, Fort Leonard Wood and White Sands Missile Range set an example for future military hotel modernization. As core IHG brand elements and travelers’ needs evolve, IHG Army Hotels will explore future upgrades to ensure a consistent and memorable experience. With Centinel’s ongoing stewardship of the PAL program helping modernization efforts stay aligned with the needs of today’s service members, this commitment is reflected in several planned renovations either kicking off or continuing into 2026, as well as the grand opening of the newly constructed Candlewood Suites on North Carolina’s Fort Bragg.