The Complete Guide to Hotels with a Military Discount

Traveling can be expensive, especially when you factor in the cost of transportation, food and lodging. Add to this that saving for a vacation can become overwhelming. One silver lining for those in the armed forces: There are many military discount hotel offerings.

This includes options from major chains, such as Marriott and Hilton, as well as dedicated websites that’ll save you money. Let’s take a look at what hotels with military discounts are out there.

Yes, there are several options when it comes to hotels with military discounts.

Most major hotel chains will either specify a percentage discount. For example, Wyndham’s is up to 15%. Others will allow members to search online for discounted rates. For instance, both Hilton and Marriott’s military discount allows this.

Most hotel chains will offer a military discount of some type.

Searching for discounts is usually simple. You’ll simply want to navigate to the hotel’s website and look for the military rate in the search bar.

Marriott, for example, has a drop-down that lets you select pricing for members of the government and military.

You’ll want to look carefully at the rules for the military rate you choose. Some are available only to those traveling on orders.

Others apply specifically to active duty service members and aren’t valid for use by veterans. You’ll generally be asked to provide identification when you check in to verify your eligibility for the rate.

If you’re not particularly loyal to one hotel chain, it may instead make sense for you to book alternative vacation accommodations. These include hotels, resorts and even vacation rentals.

Only available to active duty military, guard, reserve, retired military and those with Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) privileges, American Forces Travel allows you to search for a variety of hotels at once.

This is a useful option if you’re looking for military discount hotels near you and want to see what’s available.

You’ll need to verify your eligibility before entering the site, which is done using your social security number. Once in, you can book hotels, rental cars, flights, cruises, event tickets and more at specially negotiated rates.

The Armed Forces Vacation Club allows active duty military and veterans to book resorts and cruises for deeply discounted rates. It’s free, but the best discounts are offered to those who sign up for their premium membership.

How good are the deals? Think “a week in a two-bedroom condo at a resort in the Bahamas for $409” good. There are some limitations around dates, but if you’re flexible this can be a great deal.

Hotels.com is an online travel agency that, like American Forces Travel, allows you to search for a wide variety of hotels at once. Hotels.com uses ID.Me to verify your military status. Once you’re registered, you’ll score an 8% discount on all your hotel bookings.

You’ve probably heard of those much-lauded military resorts in the Alps, Hawaii and even South Korea. If not, let’s talk about them, plus other options for properties catering specifically to military members.

Nearly all military bases offer hotels for service members. Although priority is usually given to those who are moving or Temporary Duty Station (TDY), you can still book rooms for other reasons.

This can be especially good at some awesomely located bases, such as Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, California. It hosts the Navy Lodge North Island, which sits beachfront on one of California’s best coasts.

You can also check MWR listings for local resorts, cottages and cabins. Naval Base Coronado, for example, also offers 20 two-bedroom beach cottages for rent.

Pointes West Army Resort is another option. Located lakefront in Appling, Georgia, this resort rents out three-bedroom cabins for just $125 per night.

The MWR maintains four distinct resorts only available to members of the military. All active duty service members qualify to book these properties, as do retirees and certain eligible veterans.

• Dragon Hill Lodge: Located in Seoul, South Korea. 

• Edelweiss Lodge and Resort: Located in Garmisch, Germany.

• Shades of Green at Walt Disney World Resort: Located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

• Hale Koa Hotel: Located in Honolulu, Hawaii.  

If you’re a member of the armed forces and want to travel, you’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of military discounts on offer. These include savings at big hotel chains such as Hyatt, Hilton and Marriott.

However, you’re also entitled to specialty discounts — and even exclusive resorts — as a service member. Do yourself a favor and check out all available options, crunch the numbers and then enjoy your savings as you sip a strawberry daiquiri in your beachfront accommodations.