Fort Belvoir, Va. (Nov. 13, 2014) - The International Hotel Group hotel at Knadle Hall is now a Holiday Inn Express. Representatives of U.S. Army Garrison Fort Belvoir got a sneak peak at the improvements made by the Army Lodging program's re-branding of the hotel during a grand opening ceremony, Thursday.
The re-branding, to the standards of operation set by Holiday Inn Express hotels, ensures Service members and Department of Defense employees know the level of service they will receive when they stay in a Holiday Inn Express branded hotel on post.
"The value to the Soldier and the government is they know what they are getting when they check into a branded hotel," said Arthur Holst, IHG vice-president of projects.
Privatization was established in 2003 to respond to the Army's desire to improve their lodging standards. By August 2009 renovations began at 10 locations. IGH and Lendlease did their initial renovations on Knadle Hall in 2011.
The re-branding of the hotel ensures that standards for rooms, breakfast offerings and amenities will be the same as every Holiday Inn Express in the U.S. These standards make Fort Belvoir even more appealing to outsiders, said Col. Michelle Mitchell, USAG Fort Belvoir, commander.
"I think this speaks volumes for Fort Belvoir," said Mitchell. "It's another reason for people to say Belvoir is a wonderful place to be, because the care that's going into taking care of folks will be evident. This is another perk for coming to the installation."
Guests of the hotel can expect a breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage and cinnamon rolls; free guest internet access; and the same size television and programmed channels as any Holiday Inn Express, said Holst. Being able to provide this level of service is why the Army pushed for the re-branding.
"The Army wanted a branded solution to lodging, they didn't want it to be a no-name hotel," said Holst. "They wanted to ensure certain standards of operation were going to exist."
The renovated rooms, and the amenities they offer, are going to be a real treat for Service members and DOD civilians who stay at the hotel in the future, said Mitchell.
"I did not have the opportunity to look at them before, but I have seen the after and I'm very impressed," said Mitchell. "It's really a quality room and service being provided. So, I think re-branding it under something people know and understand is a good thing."
The time and effort put into re-branding the hotel will be evident, too, said Mitchell.
"I think you are getting better quality," said Mitchell. "A lot of time has been put into ensuring the standard of lodging provided to people who come to Belvoir is quality. So, I think people are going to be impressed with what they see here."
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