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Premier Partners in Privatized Military Lodging

There’s only one partnership that the Department of Defense trusts for its Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) program: Centinel and IHG® Army Hotels. Since 2009, we’ve cornered the market on hotel lodging, delivering an exceptional on-post experience that enhances the quality of life for military members, families and travelers.

We develop, renovate and revitalize — so they can rest easy.

See where we’re located
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*as of November 2025

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Brand Experience You Can Trust, With a Personalized Touch

Under the banner of Rest Easy LLC, here’s what Centinel and IHG guarantee:

  • Sustained success: Active transformation of more than 12,000 hotel rooms across 40 military installations
  • Building community: Making temporary housing feel like home, with weekly socials to foster on-post connection
  • Personalized touch: Custom comforts from leading hotel brands, plus elevated amenities designed meet the needs of today’s military service men and women
  • Independent funding, immediate change
  • Lifelong value: More than $0.43 of every $1 made reinvested toward development and recapitalization
  • Instant improvements: Within the first 90 days, expect deep cleaning, new signage, refreshed linens, upgraded amenities and on-site enhancements

Setting the Standard for Military Lodging

We leverage private-sector best practices and commercial standards to provide the best guest experience. We don’t just work with name brands. We craft custom solutions that meet the unique needs of modern service men and women – putting the proof in privatized solutions.

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The Staybridge Suites at Fort Belvoir

Designed with military families and long-term guests in mind, this 141-suite extended-stay hotel delivers comfort, community and modern hospitality for those who serve.

Candlewood Suites, Red Stone Arsenal

The 92-room, 62,688-square-foot military hotel offers all the comforts specifically designed for military travelers, families, contractors and civilians, with amenities designed to feel like home.
The Candlewood, Fort Jackson

Candlewood Suites, Fort Jackson

The Candlewood, Fort Jackson is pet-friendly and provides great amenities, such as a complimentary hot breakfast bar, a 24-hour fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights, a business center, self-service laundry, and complimentary on-post shuttle service.

Holiday Inn Express, Fort Jackson

The Holiday Inn Express on Fort Jackson offers one-bed studios and suites with free guest internet, pet-friendly accommodations and free local phone calls. Amenities include a complimentary Express Start hot breakfast, a 24-hour fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights, a business center, and self-service laundry.

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Historia Collection by IHG, Carlisle Barracks

Carlisle Barracks, home of the U.S. Army War College, is part of our specially designed Historia Collection of hotels, consisting of carefully preserved buildings of great historic importance to the Army and the nation. These accommodations offer the same amenities and conveniences as our other properties, but also unique décor, richly appointed linens and towels, and an elevated bed-and-breakfast feel.

Lodging With Lasting Comfort

As the hotel operator, IHG® Army Hotels provides its signature guest services and programs, tailored to meet the unique needs of today’s military traveler:

  • Courtesy shuttle services*
  • Swimming pools and outdoor leisure space*
  • Pet-friendly accommodations
  • 24/7 central reservation services
  • Weekly socials
  • Free daily hot breakfast
  • Free guest internet
  • Business centers
  • Fitness centers*
  • Free guest laundry
  • Access to IHG One Rewards

*At participating properties

Chief Commercial Officer Kevin Davis is responsible for Centinel’s commercial services, including transactions, operations and government relations. He also oversees risk and compliance, along with leadership of Environment, Health and Safety, and Marketing and Public Affairs. Kevin spent 18 years with Lendlease in senior business development, commercial and legal roles, following earlier experience in private law practice and service in the U.S. Air Force.

With nearly two decades of experience in marketing and communications, Meryl Exley leads Centinel’s brand, communications and public affairs strategy as Executive Vice President, Marketing and Public Affairs. She oversees corporate communications, client and customer engagement, public relations, media, and crisis management, strengthening the company’s reputation and community connections. Before Centinel, Meryl held senior marketing leadership roles at Lendlease, where she advanced growth and visibility for its military housing and lodging platform.

Matthew Garrett is Executive Vice President responsible for Centinel’s Air Force Housing and Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) portfolios. He directs operations and strategic initiatives across both programs. Before joining Centinel, Matt held senior leadership roles at Lendlease, where he expanded its student housing platform and managed a military housing portfolio of more than 40,000 homes. He also led federal lobbying and outreach efforts, engaging with congressional and Department of Defense stakeholders. Earlier in his career, Matt served as a U.S. Army officer, earning a Bronze Star for Valor during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Leading Centinel’s legal, compliance and governance functions, Heather Niemeyer provides strategic counsel to support growth and manage risk across the portfolio. She brings more than 15 years of experience advising global organizations, including senior legal roles at Lendlease and earlier practice with two international law firms.

As Centinel’s Chief Financial Officer, Jeremy Martin is responsible for financial strategy, operations and reporting, guiding the company’s long-term growth and performance. He has more than 20 years of experience in corporate and real estate finance, with expertise in financial planning, compliance and risk management. Jeremy served as CFO for Lendlease (US) Public Partnerships Holdings LLC prior to the company’s acquisition by Centinel, where he directed financial operations for Lendlease Communities.

Gretchen Turpen serves as Executive Vice President, Asset Management, where she directs operations and asset, property and development management for Centinel’s Army housing portfolio of more than 25,000 homes. In this role, she leads corporate strategy, financial performance, and client and customer relationships. Previously, Gretchen was Head of Lodging, where she delivered the Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) program including the renovation of over 12,000 hotel rooms across 40 military installations nationwide.

In his role as President, Phillip Carpenter guides operations for Centinel’s Military Housing Privatization Initiative (MHPI) and Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) portfolios. He is responsible for property management, asset management, development, construction, and environmental health and safety. With more than 40 years of experience supporting the Department of Defense, Phillip has held senior leadership positions with Lendlease and J&J Worldwide Services, bringing expertise in real estate, development and facilities management. 

Justin Kern, Chief Executive Officer of Centinel, sets the company’s strategic direction with a focus on long-term sustainment and outcomes for customers, partners and employees. He has more than 20 years of leadership in real estate finance, construction and operations. Prior to Centinel, Justin served as President and CEO of Lendlease (US) Public Partnerships Holdings LLC, where he oversaw asset management, property management and development for military housing and lodging communities.