FedRooms is a government-sponsored lodging program designed for the federal traveler. FedRooms negotiates hotel rates for those areas where government travelers need to stay while performing official government business. This program provides a substantial savings to the government because rates are at or below per diem, no hidden costs or penalties are associated to the rate, travelers are not charged for early check-out, and travelers can cancel a reservation until 4:00 pm on the day of arrival without incurring a penalty.
For the convenience of travelers, FedRooms offers a website which offers helpful information. There’s a convenient search page for travelers to easily find a FedRooms hotel. This site also offers an overview of the FedRooms program, a traveler newsletter, a screen where travelers may sign-up to receive special offers and updates, and an opportunity for travelers to provide feedback.
Federal Government employees (military and civilian) can always use the FedRooms rate when on official travel but can also use the reduced rates for leisure travel at select FedRooms properties.
The FedRooms program offers more than 4,100 hotels in more than 1,400 cities around the world which is an increase from 636 hotels in 2004. They also offer a help desk to answer program-related questions.
It is important for the government traveler to realize that the FedRooms rate and ‘Government’ rate are not the same. The ‘Government’ rates may have hidden fees and cancellation policies that add up to a larger bill at checkout and 15 percent of ‘Government’ rates are over per diem. The FedRooms rate can be accessed through other avenues, such as the E Gov Travel system we currently use in our office.
by Cindy Moore
Disclaimer: The contents of this message are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the Government or my agency. Use of this equipment is consistent with the agency’s policy governing limited personal use.