Prices rose between 20 percent and 35 percent at Army lodging facilities in South Korea as of Oct. 1, Army officials said this week.
Stays at lodges on camps Casey, Humphreys, Carroll and Walker and their annexes will cost more, Richard Gorman, chief operating officer for the U.S. Army Community and Family Support Center, stated via e-mail.
The Dragon Hill Lodge on Yongsan Garrison is not affected.
Rooms at the lodges on camps Casey and Walker saw some of the highest increases. Camp Casey’s formerly $49 standard rooms now are $60 and formerly $52 junior suites now are $70. Camp Walker’s $53 standard room now is $75.
“In general, rates will increase worldwide; however, the level of increase varies by operation,” Gorman stated.
Payroll rates, currency exchange rates and other requirements are factors, he said.
Price increases were much lower at Army lodging in Japan. Camp Zama’s rooms increased $2 to $34 per night for standard rooms and $39 for suites.
However, the dollar has lost considerable ground to the South Korean won and is expected to fall further next year, Gorman said. The dollar has seen less fluctuation when compared to the Japanese currency.
Army lodging room rates are recommended in the annual budget submission by area lodging managers and approved by the Installation Management Agency regional office.
All costs are totaled at each facility, then divided by the expected occupancy rate, Gorman said.
Under such a system, high-occupancy lodges can charge lower rates if their operating costs are kept in check.
The lodges then add a capital assessment used for worldwide Army Lodging construction to come up with final room rates.
Juliana Gittler contributed to this report.
