FedRooms: The Government Hotel Program for Federal Travelers

FedRooms is a government-wide hotel program designed to provide federal employees with affordable and convenient lodging while traveling for official business. Managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), FedRooms offers pre-negotiated hotel rates at thousands of properties across the United States and internationally. The program ensures that government travelers receive fair pricing, flexible booking options, and high-quality accommodations that meet federal per diem rates.

For government employees, understanding how FedRooms works can help them save money, simplify the booking process, and ensure compliance with federal travel policies. In this article, we will explore the benefits, eligibility, booking process, and key features of FedRooms, as well as how it compares to other travel options available to government personnel.

1. What is FedRooms and How Does It Work?

FedRooms is an official government lodging program created to provide federally approved hotel accommodations for U.S. government employees on official duty travel. The program was developed to streamline travel expenses while ensuring that government personnel have access to safe, comfortable, and cost-effective hotels.

Hotels that participate in the FedRooms program offer rates at or below federal per diem rates, which means travelers will not exceed their allocated travel budget. Additionally, these hotels agree to specific terms that benefit federal travelers, such as:

• No hidden fees or cancellation penalties (as long as cancellation policies are followed).
• Last-room availability, ensuring that government employees can secure a room even during peak travel times.
• Compliance with fire safety and security standards, making these hotels safer for official government stays.
• Flexible booking policies that allow for changes or cancellations without heavy penalties.

Unlike standard hotel reservations, FedRooms ensures government travelers are not overcharged or subjected to unpredictable fees. This makes it a trusted option for federal agencies when booking lodging for their employees.

2. Who is Eligible to Use FedRooms?

FedRooms is primarily designed for U.S. government employees traveling on official business. This includes:

• Federal civilian employees traveling for work-related purposes.
• Department of Defense (DoD) personnel, including active-duty military traveling under orders.
• Government contractors whose travel expenses are reimbursed by the federal government.
• State and local government employees in some cases, depending on their agency’s travel policy.

To book a FedRooms hotel, travelers must be on official government business and use an authorized government travel system, such as the Defense Travel System (DTS) or the E-Gov Travel Service (ETS). Travelers should also present a valid government-issued ID at check-in to confirm their eligibility.

While FedRooms rates are not generally available for personal travel, some participating hotels do extend government discounts to federal employees for leisure travel at their discretion. However, these are separate from official FedRooms rates and may not include all of the same benefits.

3. How to Book a FedRooms Hotel

Booking a FedRooms hotel is easy and straightforward, as the program is fully integrated into official government travel systems. Here’s how federal employees can book a room through FedRooms:

1. Use an Approved Travel Booking Tool
   • Most government agencies require travelers to book hotels through ConcurGov, the E-Gov Travel Service (ETS), or the Defense Travel System (DTS). FedRooms hotels are listed within these platforms and marked with the FedRooms logo.
2. Search for FedRooms Properties
   • Travelers can search for hotels in their destination city and filter results to show only FedRooms-approved locations. Each listing will display the rate, amenities, and booking policies.
3. Select the Hotel and Confirm the Reservation
   • Once a FedRooms hotel is chosen, travelers can confirm their reservation through the travel system. The rate is guaranteed to be at or below the federal per diem rate, ensuring compliance with government travel policies.
4. Check-in with Government ID
   • At the time of check-in, the hotel may request to see a valid government ID to confirm the traveler’s eligibility for the FedRooms rate.

Because FedRooms hotels follow flexible cancellation policies, travelers can usually modify or cancel their reservations without facing high penalties. This makes the program highly convenient for government personnel who may experience last-minute travel changes.

4. Benefits of Using FedRooms

One of the main advantages of FedRooms is that it provides government employees with a secure, budget-friendly lodging option that meets strict federal guidelines. Some of the key benefits include:

• Guaranteed Low Rates – FedRooms rates are at or below federal per diem rates, ensuring government travelers stay within budget.
• No Additional Fees – Unlike some standard hotel bookings, FedRooms does not include extra fees, such as resort fees, early check-out penalties, or additional surcharges.
• Flexible Cancellation Policies – Government travelers can cancel or modify their reservations without heavy financial penalties, making it easier to adapt to unexpected travel changes.
• Safe and Secure Accommodations – All FedRooms hotels must meet federal fire safety standards and comply with government security requirements, making them a trusted choice for federal travelers.
• Convenience and Availability – The program offers access to thousands of hotels across the U.S. and internationally, ensuring federal travelers can find suitable accommodations even in high-demand locations.

By using FedRooms, government agencies save money on travel expenses while ensuring that employees receive the best accommodations available under federal guidelines.

5. FedRooms vs. Other Government Hotel Programs

While FedRooms is the official government hotel program, there are other lodging options available to government travelers. These include:

• Government Rates at Non-FedRooms Hotels – Some hotels offer government discounts outside of the FedRooms program, but these do not always include the same benefits, such as waived fees and guaranteed per diem rates.
• Privately Negotiated Rates – Some government agencies or contractors negotiate their own hotel discounts, but these may not have the same cancellation flexibility or last-room availability guarantees as FedRooms.
• Extended Stay Hotels – For longer assignments, some travelers prefer extended stay hotels, which offer kitchen facilities and longer-term accommodations. While some extended stay hotels are part of FedRooms, others require direct booking.

For short-term official travel, FedRooms is often the best choice, as it ensures cost savings, security, and compliance with federal travel regulations.

Conclusion: Why Government Travelers Should Use FedRooms

FedRooms is a trusted and cost-effective lodging program designed specifically for U.S. government employees traveling for official business. By offering guaranteed low rates, flexible booking policies, and secure accommodations, the program ensures that federal personnel have access to the best possible lodging options without exceeding federal travel budgets.

Whether you’re a federal employee, military personnel, or government contractor, using FedRooms can make your official travel smoother, more affordable, and more reliable. By booking through authorized government travel systems and staying at FedRooms-approved hotels, travelers can focus on their work without worrying about lodging costs or unexpected fees.

For government travelers looking for the best hotel options, FedRooms remains the smartest choice—providing the convenience, security, and affordability that federal employees need when on the road.

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