As part of the program, the existing hotels receive significant upgrades and renovations. The Holiday Inn Express at Fort Polk, for example, underwent a $2 million renovation and now provides guests with complimentary hot breakfast served daily, a TV lounge, business center, guest laundry facilities and courtesy shuttle service.

In every room, guests will find new furnishings, new bedding and linens, flat screen televisions and granite vanities in the bathrooms. Other notable upgrades include a renovated lobby and front desk, new carpeting, new window treatments, upgrades to the air conditioning in guest rooms, fire alarm system replacements, and guardrail and railing repairs.

Additionally, the hotel’s staff has undergone a training program to ensure guests are provided with a high level of professional customer service. These additional services and improvements were able to be achieved and still provide lodging at or below the government per diem rate for Leesville, LA.

For example, the per night rate including taxes for the Holiday Inn Express at Fort Polk is around $55 per night. In contrast, the off-post Holiday Inn Express has a rate of $151 per night before taxes, according to Aole Ansari, senior vice president and general manager – lodging portfolio operations for Actus Lend Lease.

In addition to the renovations, Actus Lend Lease plans to construct several new hotels totaling 800 rooms, which IHG will operate under its Candlewood Suites