Lodging through the ages

A standard room?s amenities include a refrigerator, television, full bathroom, microwave and coffee dispenser. The rate for rooms is between $60 and $73, with business suites receiving higher quality amenities along with being fully stocked with miscellaneous items that may have been left at home. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)

Lodging through the ages

Ietrice Porter and April Jones, 2nd Force Support Squadron guest services representatives, check arrivals and departures for the day at the Barksdale Inn on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 9, 2014. More than 50 staff members, both military and civilian, help to provide comfort and security to travelling service members and their families 24 hours a day, seven days a week. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)

Lodging through the ages

Construction workers remodel the exterior of one of the lodging facilities on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 9, 2014. The lodging facilities have been updated through various renovations and upgrades throughout the years while maintaining the French architectural style in compliance with the Barksdale historical society. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)

Lodging through the ages

Published Dec. 9, 2014
By Senior Airman Kristin High
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Barksdale's historical lodging has provided service members and their families quality and affordable suites for more than eight decades.

What started out in 1934, as just 26 rooms in Holtzen Hall grew to seven buildings with 189 rooms available for lodging needs.

"Our purpose is to provide transient quarters for personnel on temporary duty," said George Featherston, 2nd Force Support Squadron lodging general manager. "We also provide lodging for families that are in the process of changing duty stations and Department of Defense employees who are travelling."

Although lodging was originally established to alleviate the cost of business travel, the rooms can be booked for leisure as well.

"If a family was heading on vacation and there was a military installation near them, they can book rooms with that base's lodging office," said Featherston. "In comparison to cost for the same amenities in the local area, our prices are highly competitive."

Based on the type of room booked, the cost for one night is between $60 and $73. This is the standard rate at every Air Force lodging establishment.

"The amenities include refrigerators, televisions, bathrooms and the latest coffee dispensers," said Featherston. "The business suites have higher quality amenities and are fully stocked with miscellaneous items that may have been left at home."

In addition to the low-cost and updated amenities, Barksdale has kept the lodging up-to-date through various renovations and upgrades while maintaining the French architectural style in compliance with the Barksdale historical society.

"Holtzen Hall received a face-lift in the front desk and lobby areas creating a smooth flow throughout," said Tech. Sgt. Charles Bell, 2nd Force Support Squadron lodging superintendent. "Building 2914 is having the entire exterior remodeled to include safety windows to ensure added security and ventilation when needed."

More than 50 staff members, both military and civilian, help to provide comfort and security to travelling service members and their families 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"We are the home of southern hospitality where everyone is welcome," said Featherston.

KEYWORDS: Lodging, suite, amenities, force support