6 things to know about IHG’s little-known hotel brand offering on-post lodging

Editor's note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.

If you frequently stay at IHG Hotels, you're probably familiar with most of the program's brands. However, have you heard of IHG Army Hotels? You may be surprised to learn that there are IHG Army Hotels available at 40 U.S. Army posts.

The Privatization of Army Lodging program led to the creation of IHG Army Hotels, founded in 2009. Since then, IHG has renovated existing hotels and built new properties on Army posts. Here's what you need to know about IHG Army Hotels, including who can stay and what to expect during stays.

Who can stay at IHG Army Hotels?

IHG Army Hotels are on Army posts, so only individuals who can access posts can stay at these hotels. In general, IHG Army Hotels serve:

• Active-duty service members and their families
• Department of Defense employees
• Military contractors
• Military retirees

Each post sets its access requirements. Guests without Department of Defense ID cards should check the post access contact list to determine access requirements before their stay.

Related: Best IHG beach hotels ranging from family-friendly resorts to luxury stays

Benefits at IHG Army Hotels

Many IHG Army Hotels are branded as Candlewood Suites or Holiday Inn Expresses. Guests staying at IHG Army Hotels will find the same perks they'd normally expect from these IHG One Rewards brands. Also, guests can enjoy the following benefits at all IHG Army Hotels regardless of brand:

• Complimentary hot breakfast
• Fitness centers
• Internet access
• Pet-friendly rooms

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Many IHG Army Hotels also offer on-post shuttles at select locations, weekly socials and self-service laundry facilities. Contact the specific property you're interested in to learn what amenities they offer.

Related: IHG elite status: What it is and how to earn it

Earning points at IHG Army Hotels

When staying at IHG Army Hotels, you'll earn 3 IHG points per dollar. Based on TPG's valuation of IHG points at 0.5 cents each, this equals a return of 1.5%. Note this earning rate is much lower than what you'll get at most IHG properties located off-post.

However, you can boost the number of IHG points you earn by paying for your stay with a cobranded IHG credit card, such as the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (see rates and fees), IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card (see rates and fees) or IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card (see rates and fees).

Related: How to earn IHG points via stays, credit cards and more

Redeeming points at IHG Army Hotels

You can earn IHG points at IHG Army hotels. However, you usually can't redeem IHG points at these properties. So, you'll typically have to redeem your IHG points with IHG One Rewards partners or for IHG stays off-post.

Related: How to maximize redemptions with the IHG One Rewards program

Locations of IHG Army Hotels

Currently, you'll find IHG Army Hotels on 40 posts. You can stay at most IHG Army Hotels for leisure if you can access Army posts. But, in most cases, you would stay at these properties because you must visit a particular post.

Here are the current locations and the number of IHG Army Hotels at each post:

• Alabama: Fort Novosel (2) and Redstone Arsenal (1)
• Alaska: Fort Wainwright (1)
• Arizona: Fort Huachuca (2) and Yuma Proving Ground (2)
• California: Fort Hunter Liggett (1), Parks RFTA (1) and Presidio of Monterey (1)
• Colorado: Fort Carson (1)
• Georgia: Fort Eisenhower (2), Fort Moore (2), Fort Stewart (1) and Hunter Army Airfield (2)
• Hawaii: Tripler Army Medical/Fort Shafter (2)
• Kansas: Fort Leavenworth (2) and Fort Riley (2)
• Kentucky: Fort Campbell (1) and Fort Knox (4)
• Louisiana: Fort Johnson (1)
• Maryland: Aberdeen Proving Ground (1) and Fort Meade (1)
• Missouri: Fort Leonard Wood (4)
• New Mexico: White Sands Missile Range (1)
• New York: Fort Drum (1), Fort Hamilton (1) and West Point (2)
• North Carolina: Fort Liberty (2)
• Oklahoma: Fort Sill (3)
• Pennsylvania: Carlisle Barracks (1)
• Puerto Rico: Fort Buchanan (1)
• South Carolina: Fort Jackson (4)
• Texas: Fort Bliss (2), Fort Cavazos (2) and Joint Base San Antonio (5)
• Utah: Dugway Proving Ground (1)
• Virginia: Fort Belvoir (2), Fort Gregg-Adams (2) and Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall (1)
• Washington: Joint Base Lewis-McChord (4)
• Wisconsin: Fort McCoy (1)

Related: The best credit cards for active duty military: Get waived annual fees

IHG military discount

Even if there isn't an IHG Army Hotels property at your destination, you may still be able to save by staying with IHG.

U.S. government, state and local personnel can use the Government Discount rate for extra savings when traveling on official business. Active-duty and veteran military personnel can book using the Military Appreciation rate when traveling for personal reasons.

Related: The best military travel discounts and perks for service members

Bottom line

IHG Army Hotels is a brand most travelers may not realize exists. However, these hotels can provide eligible travelers with an affordable and convenient option when visiting Army posts. So, if you have access to Army posts, you may find IHG Army Hotels useful for both official and leisure stays.