As service members and families we have many benefits such as exchange, commissary, discounted tickets, etc. Did you know that there are hotels exclusive for only military, government officials, DOD, and others that are government affiliated? These hotels offer very low rates based on status of active duty, reservists, retired, etc. Being a military wife for 15 years I still learn something new and was unaware that hotels such as this was meant for only military and any others that are eligible. I have not had a chance to visit these hotels this is based on research of the hotel websites. My husband and I came across this find planning a family trip.

Each hotel is located in certain locations around the world. The hotels offer many different specials and services. U.S. Naval Joint Services Activity, The Armed Forces Recreation Center, etc. operates these hotels. The hotels are for service members and any other eligible person that provide a place of where you can have fun and relax.

Plus, it is only available to service members and eligible person, so no civilian will be able to get accommodations unless the service member sponsors them. Whatever hotel you may be interested in, check for eligibility. Each hotel offers many different services and events.

The Shades of Green is located on Walt Disney Resort in Orlando, Florida. This Resort offers many different specials such as the New Year’s Eve Gala, Escape Winter Special, etc. The Resort has a Spa, Fitness Center, and Golf. There are many different dining facilities offered by the resort. The Resort also offers shuttle service to the Walt Disney Resort theme parks for their guest. www.shadesofgreen.org

The New Sanno Hotel is located in Tokyo. There are many events for their guest such as Midsummer Night’s Escoffer Dinner, Oktoberfest, Hawaiian Luau, etc. The New Sanno offers many different styles of dinning to an elegant dinner to a New York Style Deli. This hotel also offers babysitting service that is based on availability, so that is a great service for parents who may want to dine at the elegant restaurant offered at the hotel. The hotel also offers strollers so if you looking to travel light with your children this service would be beneficial for you. There is a Beauty Salon, Navy Exchange, and different shops to grab something to remember your visit. There is also a Pack and Wrap and an APO that can mail a package for you. They have many different style rooms such as a standard room, Family Suite, and Japanese Style Suite. www.thenewsanno.com

Hale Koa Hotel is located in Waikiki on the beach. The hotel offers events such as the Oktoberfest, Luau, etc. So if you want to vacation in a tropical setting than this hotel would be great. The hotel also offers shows such as the Magic in Paradise, dinner shows, and Comedy. The services that the hotel offers are fitness center, massage, tennis, and swimming pools. There is a video game room, outdoor walking and running track, and even a sand volleyball court. www.halekoa.com


Dragon Hill Lodge is located in Yongsan South Post in Seoul, South Korea and is operated by the US Army. This lodge offers different style eateries such as a Deli, a Pub, and even a Pizza Hut and Subway. The Dragon Hill Lodge website has a section of things to do. So if you are not sure what to do in Korea the things to do section explains the nights, tickets, and places to visit. www.dragonhilllodge.com

The Cape Henry Inn and Beach Club is located in Chesapeake, Virginia coast. Different lodging options are available such as bungalows, cottages, and Log cabins. The Inn has cabanas, playgrounds, and outdoor grills. This is great if you are looking for a family vacation place. There are many historic things to do such as Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. Visit old and new lighthouses. Take the family to Busch Gardens Williamsburg or if you want water fun try Water Country USA. www.capehenryinn.com

Edelweiss and Resort is located in Alps of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. Wonderful place if you are looking for snow fun. The Lodge has programs specifically for kids that way they can have fun just as much as the parents. This Lodge also offers babysitting services. There are English guided tours of the area. A beautiful Neuschwanstein Castle guided tour. Horse and Carriage rides, indoors rock climbing, hiking, ski and snowboard instruction, etc. www.edelweisslodgeandresort.com