Courtesy Photo | Located on the white sands of the world famous Waikiki Beach, the Hale Koa Hotel is a...... read more read more
UNDISCLOSED LOCATION - Adam Bashaw knows a good deal. In 2002, he and his wife Miranda were given free airline vouchers from a family friend when they were living in Seattle. The former Enlisted Petty Officer who commissioned later in his career, juggled Navy Reserve and a new role as director of public affairs at the United Way. Like most military families, he said, “We needed to get away for a while.”
With tickets in hand and a tight budget, they chose to visit the military vacation resort in Hawaii. The resort is one of four Armed Forces Recreation Centers — two in the U.S. and two overseas — where service members and their families enjoy deep discounts on lodging and local attractions.
Whether you are traveling for leisure or official military duty, all authorized patrons of the Department of Defense total force can enjoy the benefit of the Armed Forces Recreation Center Resorts -- full-service affordable hotels located in premier destinations around the world.
Aloha relaxation
Seeking time to recharge, Bashaw said he got a great price and fantastic view at the Hale Koa resort located on Waikiki beach. The hotel's two towers are surrounded with lush tropical vegetation and overlook the world famous beach. The location is right next to the Hawaiian Hilton Village, and within walking distance to restaurants and shopping in Waikiki.
Bashaw liked the convenience of the onsite PX and the discounted tours and ticketing office. “The MWR staff treated us well,” he said. The staff consulted them on available tours and gave them a great deal on a fireside luau dinner and dance presentation, he added.
If you like a great view, Norma Gomez, the wife of a retired Marine, suggests a hike to the top of Diamond Head. The volcanic crater that served as a military observation post and artillery bunker boasts incredible views over Waikiki. The cost is just $1 for each hiker entering the park. “The stairs up are a bit of a workout, but the view is picture perfect.”
Gomez suggests a rental car to get around the island. “The Pearl Harbor memorial, Polynesian Center, and the North Shore are great day trips as well.”
Whether you seek a romantic getaway or a family beach vacation, you can obtain huge savings on the big island of Hawaii.
Disney charm attracts
If East coast travel is in your plan, great deals and family fun can be found at Shades of Green located on the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla.
One of the key benefits of this resort is its location to Disney. Shades of Green is actually located within the Disney property, so there is not a need for a rental car, said Shades Management Analyst Toshi Matsumura. The Disney monorail train is walking distance from the hotel and there are free shuttles to local theme parks, he added. “You can even see the Disney fireworks right from the resort.”
“The hotel has the largest standard resort rooms on Walt Disney World property,” said Matsumura. The 450-square-foot standard rooms comfortably sleep five and the large three-bedroom suites sleep up to 14.
Premium rooms have views of the pools while others overlook the lush gardens or face the former-PGA Championship golf courses—three in all, stated Matsumura.
Another benefit of these resorts is price. Like all four of the Armed Forces Recreation Centers, room rates are priced according to rank and location. Shades of Green rates range from $95- $131 for a standard room and will drop to as low as $89 for travelers staying between Aug. 17 - Sept. 30.
The prices for comparable rooms at nearby resorts can be twice or even three times as much during peak seasons, stated Matsumura. To add to the savings, you can purchase discounted attraction tickets and shop the local AAFES store just past the lobby for reasonably-priced souvenirs and grocery items.
“Low price does not equate to poor service,” said Matsumura.
Matsumura has been an employee of the hotel for over 10 years. During that time he has seen significant changes. Shades of Green has spent much effort into improving the property and perfecting customer service, he said.
“Former guests will immediately recognize the improvements,” he said. “One pool was recently renovated a few months ago and the other is scheduled for rework in August.”
Trip Advisor took notice of the improvements and quality service too. Shades of Green was recently ranked as one of the top three resort destinations in the specialty lodging category among competing hotels in Orlando.
With easy access to Orlando, U.S. military travelers are sure to save big on this destination. Those stationed or traveling overseas find deals as well.
Bargains in Bavaria
Nestled in Germany's Garmisch Valley with picturesque mountain views of the alps sits the Edelweiss Lodge. Edelweiss has the newest facilities of the Armed Forces Recreation Centers around the world, yet it has been serving U.S. troops since 1945.
Rebuilt in 2004, the 246-room, mountain-view resort replaced facilities that had been used by service members since the end of World War II as a popular R&R destination.
According to the website, there are various summer activities like hiking, rock climbing, white water rafting, and mountain biking. As the winter rolls in, ski and snowboard instructors can help you improve your skills. Beyond the many outdoor activities there are also many attractions.
“There is so much to see and do in the area,” said Cmdr. Rebekah Johnson, executive officer assigned to the 7th Fleet Navy Office of Information.
Neuschwanstein Castle and the smaller Linderhof Palace are two trips that she highly recommends. Both are very ornate and lavish. The larger Neuschwanstein is so awe-inspiring that even Walt Disney constructed his Sleeping Beauty Castle to look like it, she said.
Johnson also enjoyed the trip to the brewery where she learned the secrets of Bavarian beer-making and even received an official brewmeister certification at the end of the tour.
Getting around is really easy, she says. Bus tours leave directly from the lodge and you can walk from Edelweiss to downtown Garmisch to see all the shops, restaurants, and market displays. Most people speak English and you can even get English menus at most restaurants. Johnson liked Edelweiss so much that she has been there twice.
Back at the lodge, Johnson stated that the rooms have breathtaking views of snow-capped Alps. In fact, the lodge sits at the base of the Zugspitze, Germany's tallest mountain. The lodge offers three types of lodging facilities to include luxury rooms, vacation cabins, and campgrounds.
Johnson likes the fact that military resorts are very open and friendly to your friends and relatives. The resorts allow you to sponsor guests who are not military and want the privacy of their own room. Your sponsored guests pay the same room price as you, she said. On top of that there are not any taxes or surcharges like most other hotels, she added.
According to the Edelweiss website, prices for standard rooms range from $86-$149 depending on rank. Larger suites and lofts range from $169-$269 but can accommodate from 2-10 people depending on the room.
A TripAdvisor.com user stated, “For a couple, just the base room is fine. Pretty much every room has a great view.” While another recommends, “Splurge for a Junior Suite - the additional half-bath and balcony are worth it.”
“The best tip is to make a reservation with plenty of time and book the tours in advance,” said Johnson.
Edelweiss Lodge allows up to 365 days advance reservation to accommodate service members who seek an authentic alpine adventure.
South Korean Gem
The Dragon Hill Lodge is located on the Army's Yongsan Garrison minutes from the bustling city center of Seoul, South Korea.
Bashaw, now a Lieutenant Commander and public affairs officer in the reserve, was in Korea on official orders for an exercise with the Navy’s 7th Fleet in 2012. During that time he and a few of his comrades stayed at the Dragon Hill while on leave. “It’s a great hotel, close to everything,” he said.
Being one of the most expensive cities in the world, “Dragon Hill is a great deal in the middle of Seoul,” said Bashaw. Others state the same.
“It has all of the first class facilities that you would ever need at half the price of similar facilities in the city,” wrote BBowers11 on TripAdvisor.com. Prices are $74 for E5 and below, $85 E6-O3, and $97 for O4 and above.
Although the Army's Yongsan Garrison is slated to close in 2016, the Dragon Hill Lodge will continue its proud tradition of serving those who serve in one of Asia’s most exciting and dynamic capital cities, said Ed Fagan, the hotel’s general manager.
Whether you are strolling barefoot on the sands of Waikiki Beach, sightseeing historic European castles, shopping Seoul’s exciting shopping district or visiting the enchanting Walt Disney Resort, there is a vacation getaway that will leave you with fresh memories and new perspectives all at an affordable price.
Explore all the resorts online at http://www.armymwr.com/travel/recreationcenters or search keyword “AFRC.”
| Date Taken: | 06.27.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 06.30.2014 10:50 |
| Story ID: | 134851 |
| Location: | (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION) |
| Web Views: | 468 |
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