Public-private partnerships transformed military lodging to support mission-readiness

The article reports that the Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) program has used private funding to modernize more than 12,000 rooms at 40 Army installations since 2009, and guest satisfaction averaged 4.5 stars in 2025.

Military lodging has shifted from older, budget-limited on-base rooms to modern hotel-style accommodations through the Department of the Army’s Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) program. The program is described as relying on private-sector investment and operations rather than Army funds or guarantees. Centinel Public Partnerships is presented as the program’s development partner and property owner, while IHG Army Hotels is described as the operator. The change is framed as improving comfort for service members and supporting mission-readiness. Key facts: - Since 2009, Centinel reports investing $1.3 billion to develop or renovate over 12,000 hotel rooms across 40 installations. - Guest satisfaction ratings averaged 4.5 stars in 2025, according to the article. - Centinel is reported to reinvest $0.43 of every dollar earned back into properties after opening. - The article reports PAL saves the Army about $85 million in travel costs each year. - About 25% of IHG Army Hotels’ workforce are military spouses, veterans, or retirees, per the article. - Centinel and IHG are reported to have contributed over $4 million to nonprofits and to have supported 2,300 DOD employees transitioning to the private sector, with 89% rehired within PAL properties. Summary: The article describes PAL as delivering renovated lodging, ongoing reinvestment, workforce transitions, and reported cost savings and guest satisfaction over more than 15 years. It notes that the portfolio has maintained consistent performance and that the model is presented as potentially scalable beyond the Army. Undetermined at this time.