HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS OPENS ON FORT SILL

FORT SILL, Okla., Feb. 3 -- The U.

S. Army issued the following news release:

Soldiers and family members can now join in the statement of 'I'm not a [fill in the blank], but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night,' as the Fires Center of Excellence celebrated the opening of its first own trademark hotel. Actus Lend Lease and InterContinental Hotels Group renovated Allin and Aultman Halls to make them up to the hotel chain standards as part of the Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) program.

A ribbon cutting ceremony marked the momentous occasion Jan. 27 as the hotel stood in the background waiting to welcome in guests.

"This is where I checked in in 1979 when I was a lieutenant. This is where I had to figure out how I was going to pass this thing called gunnery," said Maj. Gen. David Halverson, Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill commanding general.

Much has changed since then with renovations on the 544-room hotel beginning last January. Also during that time was an ice storm which created only a minor hiccup in progress.

"We actually moved the renovation back to be able to rent rooms to people who had no power," said Gabriele Whitaker, Fort Sill IHG general manager.

After post thawed out, construction continued and was completed on time with new lighting, carpeting, paint, furniture, 32-inch TVs, bedding, and landscaping. Guests can now enjoy the pet friendly hotel, with perks such as a complimentary hot breakfast served daily, a TV lounge, high speed Internet, and courtesy shuttle service.

Guests will also find new furnishings, and appliances including refrigerators and microwaves which Whitaker said will come in handy for those who come here for training and stay as long as six months. She believes the amenities offer a home away from home.

Of course, the rooms also have an Army twist to them; some with deep green walls decorated by framed artillery pictures and other Soldier-related events.

Guests staying in one of the 298 rooms in Allin Hall have also seen the addition of a central laundry facility as well as a new fitness center. The hotel also offers a weekly barbecue which gives guests an opportunity to socialize, and an opportunity for staff to meet with guests.

"It's a great communication tool for us to have them in a nice atmosphere and really talk with them rather than them running off to class in the morning and they just come back in the evening. There's not much contact," said Whitaker.

Unused office space in both buildings were converted adding an additional 14 rooms in all with seven being American Disabilities Act compliant. Whitaker believes the ADA rooms are one of the biggest changes as they can now offer service to wounded Soldiers and veterans.

"I have been working here for 19 years. I think it's the greatest thing that ever happened. Because to me the Soldiers are finally getting the services they deserve and the amenities that they deserve," said Whitaker.

The PAL program, which is being executed in three phases, is part of an ongoing initiative of the U.

S. Army to improve the quality of life for Soldiers, their families and government travelers.

"Our future plans include complete renovation of the guest bathrooms and kitchens at Geronimo Lodge and to complete extensive guestroom renovations and exterior improvements at Comanche House," said Jim Wickenheiser, Actus Land Lease, senior development manager. For any query with respect to this article or any other content requirement, please contact Editor at htsyndication@hindustantimes.com