Here's what you need to know about government hotel rates, GSA per diem, FedRooms, and why more federal travelers are choosing apartment hotels.
Government travel comes with enough logistics already. Between GSA per diem rates, FedRooms, travel authorizations, and agency policies, choosing where to stay shouldn't add more work.
Understanding your lodging options can help you stay compliant while finding accommodations that actually feel comfortable, whether you're traveling for a few nights, a month-long TDY, or an extended government assignment.
Here's what you need to know about GSA rates, FedRooms, and why more federal travelers are choosing apartment hotels.
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) establishes lodging per diem rates for official government travel. These rates determine how much federal agencies reimburse for overnight lodging and vary by destination and time of year.
Many hotels and apartment hotels offer government rates designed to align with these per diem limits, making it easier for federal travelers to book compliant accommodations without additional approval or reimbursement challenges.
At Placemakr, government travelers can book directly on our website using promo code GOV to access available per diem rates, no need to book through a separate platform or contact our sales team.
Before booking, it's always a good idea to confirm your agency's travel policies and verify the applicable per diem rate for your destination.
FedRooms is the official hotel booking program for eligible federal government travelers. Participating properties meet government lodging requirements and provide benefits designed specifically for official travel, including:
FedRooms rates are available through approved government booking channels, including agency online booking tools and Travel Management Companies (TMCs). Travelers should select or request the FedRooms rate when making their reservation.
For longer assignments, FedRooms Extended Stay is also available for stays of more than 30 consecutive nights at participating properties.
Learn more about FedRooms and current program benefits directly from GSA.
While traditional hotels work well for short overnight trips, many government assignments last much longer. Temporary Duty (TDY) travel and other extended assignments can require lodging for weeks or even months. Training programs, military support, disaster response, and project-based work often keep travelers away from home for extended periods.
That's where apartment hotels offer a meaningful advantage.
Instead of squeezing everything into a single hotel room, apartment-style accommodations give you the space to settle into a routine. Having a kitchen, laundry, and room to spread out can make a long assignment feel much more manageable.
Placemakr is a GSA Schedule approved and SAM.gov registered lodging provider, offering apartment-style accommodations for government and military travel. Government travelers can book available per diem rates directly on our website using promo code GOV, or work with our government sales team for help finding the right stay for their assignment.
Select Placemakr properties also participate in FedRooms, giving eligible travelers another way to book accommodations that meet official government travel requirements. Participation and availability vary by location.
Rather than a traditional hotel room, Placemakr offers fully furnished studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartment hotels designed for the way people actually live while traveling.
Depending on the property and unit type, you'll enjoy:
Whether your assignment lasts four nights or four months, you'll have the comforts of home with the support you expect.
Placemakr operates in several major government travel markets across the country, including:
Some of our most popular destinations for federal travelers include:
Our largest market features multiple properties throughout the city, including West End, Dupont Circle, and Navy Yard. With convenient access to federal agencies, Capitol Hill, and downtown offices, Washington D.C. remains one of our busiest destinations for government travel.
Located in Ballston, just across the Potomac from Washington, Arlington is an ideal home base for travelers working near the Pentagon, defense contractors, and Northern Virginia agencies.
Home to Joint Base San Antonio, Brooke Army Medical Center, the South Texas Veterans Health Care System, and one of the nation's largest military communities, San Antonio is a major destination for federal employees, military personnel, and government contractors. The Maverick, powered by Placemakr, offers apartment-style accommodations in the heart of downtown with the space, flexibility, and home comforts that make longer assignments more comfortable.
Home to Redstone Arsenal, NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, and a thriving defense and aerospace community, Huntsville is a strong choice for government employees, military personnel, and contractors supporting federal projects.
Explore our corporate and government travel locations to find the destination that fits your assignment.
Many government assignments don't fit neatly into a two-night business trip. If you're staying for several weeks or longer, having more space can make a significant difference.
| Traditional Hotel | Placemakr | |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Mini fridge and microwave | Full kitchen or kitchenette |
| Living Space | One room for everything | Separate living and sleeping areas |
| Laundry | Valet service | In-unit or on-site laundry |
| Workspace | Desk beside the bed | Dedicated workspace with room to spread out |
| Best For | Overnight business trips | Week-long and extended government assignments |
A kitchen makes grocery shopping practical instead of relying on restaurants for every meal. Separate living space gives you room to disconnect after work. Those everyday comforts become even more valuable during longer assignments.
If you're planning an extended stay, you may also enjoy our guide explaining what makes extended stay hotels different or explore our guide to corporate housing for another look at longer-term lodging options.
Eligibility depends on your agency and travel authorization. Federal employees traveling on official business typically qualify. Some contractors and other authorized travelers may also be eligible based on agency policy. Check with your travel office if you're unsure.
Government hotel rates are generally available to active federal employees, military personnel, and in some cases certain contractors or state government employees. Eligibility varies by property and booking program.
In some cases, but eligibility varies by agency, contract, property, and booking program. Some government contractors may be eligible for government lodging or per diem rates, but travelers should confirm their eligibility and reimbursement requirements with their contracting agency or travel administrator before booking.
Not exactly. FedRooms is a government lodging program where participating properties offer rates at or below the applicable GSA per diem rate. GSA per diem, on the other hand, sets the reimbursement limits for official government travel. You can also find government or per diem rates outside of FedRooms, so a property doesn't have to participate in FedRooms to offer an eligible government rate.
Yes. Select Placemakr properties participate in FedRooms, but you don't have to book through FedRooms to stay with us for government travel. Participation varies by location, and our government sales team can help you find available options for your destination and assignment.
Visit FedRooms, search your destination and travel dates, and select a participating property. You'll need your government travel authorization to complete your reservation.
Absolutely. For TDYs and longer assignments, apartment hotels offer more room to live comfortably while you're away from home. A kitchen, laundry, separate living areas, and flexible accommodations make it easier to maintain your routine throughout your assignment.
Per diem rates vary by city and are updated annually by the General Services Administration. Check the current GSA per diem rates before booking.
Planning official government travel? Browse our government travel locations to find apartment-style accommodations with more space and the comforts of home.
Ready to book? Use promo code GOV to access available per diem rates directly on our website, or contact our government sales team at governmentsales@placemakr.com. Whether you book through FedRooms or directly with our team, we'll help you find the Placemakr stay that's the best fit for your destination, dates, and assignment.
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