New base lodging facility opens for business

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Sophia Piellusch
  • 459th Air Refueling Wing
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md --  The Presidential Inn, a new lodging facility here, opened its doors June 11 to over 80 459th Air Refueling Wing reservists during the Unit Training Assembly.

Located on 1380 California Ave., the 265-room facility was first constructed in 2007 and completed in time for the June UTA. The Presidential Inn has the look and feel of a five-star commercial hotel with room amenities that include high definition televisions, DVD players and wireless internet.

"It's nice to serve a bulk of the reservists and get them back on base rather than paying a much higher rate for an off-site facility," said Phylis McComb, general manager of the Presidential Inn.

Prior to the opening of the new lodging facility, most of the 459th ARW Airmen authorized lodging during UTAs were being quartered off-base. Master Sgt. Eric Adkins, 459th Services Flight Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of operations, said the contracted lodging had been costly both to the wing and for the Air Force Reserve Command in the past.

"We're now going to save AFRC and the wing approximately $70 per room and per individual who stays in the new lodging facility," said Sergeant Adkins.

Not only does the construction of the new Presidential Inn help the 459th ARW save money in lodging costs, but it also aids in cutting overall energy costs with its more environmentally-friendly features, said Sergeant Adkins. Each room has automatic faucets in the bathroom, light blocking window shades and energy-efficient lighting.

459th ARW members wishing to make lodging reservations during UTAs should call the Automated Lodging Reservation System at 1-866-379-6323. Once the 80 to 100 rooms that have been blocked for 459th ARW Airmen are filled at the Presidential Inn, the ALRS will then filter Reservists to off-base lodging.

On the other hand, wing members performing annual tour here should contact the front desk directly at the Presidential Inn to make reservations.

With its close proximity to the base gymnasium and dining facility, the Presidential Inn is an ideal lodging destination for drilling Reservists.

"I've been with Air Force lodging for 12 years and opening the new facility is what I've been working for," said Ms. McComb. "I think it's really cool," she said.