Lodging rates increase by 30 percent; first time in 4 years

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  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaksa --  After four years without a rate increase, Air Force lodging rates went up beginning Oct. 1, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.

The increase is necessary to ensure Air Force Lodging rates cover current operating and capital improvement costs, said Maj. Gen. A.J. Stewart, AFPC commander.

As an example, the current $39 nightly room rate for a visiting quarters room will be $53.25 next week, and temporary lodging facilities will go from $43 to $55 per night.
Increased rates will fund costs for operations, room renovations and construction, Stewart said.

As the Air Force works to improve business processes, implement efficiencies and maintain lodging operations in a constrained budget environment, other adjustments may be necessary, according to Col. Thomas Joyce, director, AFPC Services Directorate.
"We are committed to keeping room rates as low as possible while providing clean, comfortable, quality facilities," he said. "This is part of our commitment to caring
for Airmen and we take that obligation very seriously. However, we must be realistic as well."

Even with next week's rate increase, Air Force rates are lower than comparable commercial rates outside Air Force installations, the director said.

"Coupled with quality service, clean facilities and reasonably priced room rates, Air Force lodging facilities are still a great choice for Airmen, whether they're on temporary duty orders, retired and traveling, or just passing through," Stewart said.

Mike Higby, JBER lodging general manager, said the increase is well overdue.

"Rates increased 30 percent across the board," he said.

Higby emphasized that due to the joint nature of JBER, the increase applies to lodging on JBER-Richardson as well.

"This is the first increase since September of 2008," Higby said.

JBER lodging provides about 230,000 bed-nights annually, Higby said.