IHG Army Hotels and Lendlease, a global real estate and investment group, have opened the Candlewood Suites hotel at the Aberdeen Proving Ground, a U.S. Army facility adjacent to Aberdeen, Md.
With 69 guestrooms and covering nearly 50,000 square feet, the new-build Candlewood Suites on Aberdeen Proving Ground is the latest extension of the engagement between IHG, Lendlease and the Privatized Army Lodging initiative—a U.S. Army-led, public-private venture to revitalize on-post lodging for, and support and serve, soldiers, their families and all government travelers. The hotel also represents the 16th Candlewood Suites property made possible through PAL, which now supports more than 12,000 hotel rooms at 40 military installations nationwide.
“For more than 13 years, IHG Army Hotels has proudly worked to extend the spirit of true hospitality to military members and their families through first-class, service-minded properties, and the opening of the new Candlewood Suites on Aberdeen Proving Ground further underscores the successes of our collaboration with the PAL initiative," Chuck Sourbeer, VP of operations for IHG Army Hotels, said in a statement.
The Candlewood Suites on Aberdeen Proving Ground has a studio and one-bedroom suites with a full kitchen. The property also has a lending locker to provide specialized appliances such as slow cookers and waffle irons as needed. Other amenities include an outdoor gazebo grill and fireplace and the Distinguished Visitors Quarters lounge.
“I am incredibly proud of the entire Lendlease and IHG Army Hotels teams for working diligently to deliver this impressive hotel despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Matt Garrett, SVP at Lendlease and GM of PAL. "One of PAL’s priorities is to improve the guest experience through outstanding hotel amenities and services. This brand-new Candlewood Suites on Aberdeen Proving Ground represents the very best in hospitality, specifically designed to meet the needs of our military travelers and their families.”
Aside from service, IHG Army Hotels and Lendlease offer benefits for military travelers and their families. IHG Army Hotels employ veterans and military spouses who recognize the specific needs of the on-post environment and are qualified to serve guests accordingly. Family members and spouses working at these hotels have the option to maintain employment with IHG if relocated.
An IHG Green Engage Hotel, the Candlewood Suites on Aberdeen Proving Ground participates in IHG Army Hotels’ sustainability and environmental impact measurement and management program, and can access more than 200 enhancements to reduce waste and energy and water consumption.
IHG Hotels & Resorts serves as the operator and manager of the hotel, with Lendlease—the exclusive developer for the Department of Defense’s only lodging privatization program—assuming the roles of property owner, developer, design-builder and asset manager.