Hotels vs. Corporate Housing vs. TDY Rentals
Hotels vs. Corporate Housing vs. TDY Rentals
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When preparing for a Temporary Duty (TDY) assignment, the lodging you choose can make all the difference. For years, government travelers have relied on base lodging, hotels, or corporate housing. But each of these comes with limitations — and none were designed with long-term TDY comfort in mind. That’s where TDY Rentals comes in. Think of it as the new way to TDY: compliant, customizable, and far more comfortable than the old options.
Hotels
Hotels are the default choice for many TDY travelers. They’re easy to book and provide flexibility for short assignments. But they come with downsides for longer stays: small spaces, lack of full kitchens, limited storage, and the feeling of living out of a suitcase. For assignments longer than a few weeks, hotels quickly become costly and uncomfortable.
- Good for short stays or quick trips
- Daily cleaning and basic amenities
- Itemized receipts required for every night
- Not cost-effective or comfortable for 60+ day assignments
Corporate Housing
Corporate housing offers furnished apartments marketed to relocating professionals and business travelers. While convenient, these units are often priced above per diem limits and don’t always produce invoices formatted for government vouchers. They also tend to come with standardized furnishings and limited customization.
- Move-in ready apartments with utilities
- Often exceeds GSA per diem rates
- Not always JTR-compliant
- Generic furnishings, little flexibility
TDY Rentals: The new way to TDY
TDY Rentals was built for government employees and military members on assignment. Instead of being stuck with the one-size-fits-all approach of hotels or corporate housing, TDY Rentals allows you to choose your lodging and then personalize it with the furnishings and items you actually need. Whether it’s fitness equipment, pet supplies, or upgraded kitchen tools, everything is new, compliant, and tailored to your lifestyle.
- 100% JTR and GSA compliant
- All utilities included in one invoice
- Personalized furnishings that fit your needs
- Nationwide coverage across the United States
Key differences at a glance
| Feature | Hotels | Corporate Housing | TDY Rentals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compliance | Requires careful tracking of receipts | May not align with per diem rules | Built for JTR and per diem compliance |
| Comfort | Small spaces, hotel-style living | Standard furnishings, not customizable | Feels like home with personalized setup |
| Cost | High daily costs add up quickly | Often exceeds per diem allowance | Always within per diem limits |
| Flexibility | Very limited | Basic furnished packages | Custom furnishings, utilities, and support |
The bottom line
Hotels and corporate housing were never designed with government TDY in mind. TDY Rentals is different: it’s per diem compliant, nationwide, and focused on making long assignments feel like home. It’s the new way to TDY — simple, flexible, and far more comfortable than the old options.
