You’ve likely seen the address or heard the name if you’re heading to Virginia for military training. Holiday Inn Express Building 308 isn't your typical roadside hotel with a pancake machine and a lobby that smells like industrial lemon cleaner. It’s part of the IHG Army Hotels network, and honestly, staying here is a specific experience that catches people off guard if they’re expecting a standard vacation stay.
It's located at Fort Gregg-Adams (formerly known as Fort Lee). If you haven't kept up with the news, the base underwent a massive name change in 2023 to honor Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg and Charity Adams Earley. This transition wasn't just about swapping signs at the gate; it’s a cultural shift for the entire installation, including the lodging. Building 308, often referred to as the Mahone Avenue location, is right in the thick of it.
Military travel is weird. One day you’re in a tent, the next you’re in a room that looks exactly like a Holiday Inn in suburban Ohio, but with soldiers in ACUs walking through the hallways. Building 308 serves a very specific purpose: it houses the influx of students, TDY (Temporary Duty) personnel, and families transitioning in or out of the Petersburg area.
The Reality of Staying at Building 308
Let’s get the layout straight. Fort Gregg-Adams is the "Home of the Sustainment." That means logistics. It means a lot of people coming and going. Because of that, the IHG footprint here is massive—one of the largest in the entire Army inventory. Building 308 is a core piece of that puzzle.
Walking into the lobby, you get that familiar IHG scent. It’s comforting. But then you realize the scale. This isn't a boutique setup. It’s built for volume. The rooms are generally what you’d expect from the "Express" brand: clean, functional, and equipped with those surprisingly good blackout curtains. If you’re a light sleeper, those curtains are your best friend because the base doesn’t exactly go silent at night.
Is it fancy? No. Is it reliable? Mostly.
The most common thing you’ll hear from folks staying at the Holiday Inn Express Building 308 is about the breakfast. It’s free. It’s fast. In the military world, that’s a win. You’ve got the cinnamon rolls that everyone obsesses over and the automatic pancake maker that feels like a piece of high-tech machinery from 1998. It works. It feeds a battalion of hungry lieutenants before they head to the Logistics University.
Why the Location on Mahone Avenue Matters
Geography is everything on a base as spread out as Gregg-Adams. If you’re stationed in Building 308, you’re relatively central. You are close to the Sustainment Center of Excellence.
Wait.
Think about the commute. If you don't have a car, you’re basically stranded. While there are shuttles, they operate on "Army time," which is a polite way of saying they might show up or they might not. If you’re staying here, having your own wheels or a solid plan for a rental is non-negotiable.
Most people don't realize that Holiday Inn Express Building 308 is technically part of a larger complex. You might check in at a central desk—often the Larkspur Forest main building—before being sent over to 308. It’s a bit of a bureaucratic dance. You arrive, wait in line behind three people trying to fix their DTS (Defense Travel System) vouchers, get your key, and then drive another half-mile to your actual room. It’s a bit disjointed, honestly.
Room Specs and What to Expect Inside
The rooms in 308 aren't massive suites. They are designed for the solo traveler or a couple. If you’re bringing a family of five for a PCS (Permanent Change of Station) move, you’re going to feel cramped.
- Work Space: Usually a decent desk with enough outlets. Important for the "death by PowerPoint" sessions you’ll be prepping for.
- The Bed: It’s the standard IHG "Firm" or "Soft" pillow setup. Surprisingly comfortable.
- The Noise: This is the kicker. You’re on an active military installation. You will hear sirens. You will hear the giant voice during reveille and retreat. You might hear neighbors who are waking up at 0400 for a PT test.
One thing that genuinely surprises people is the internet. Military base Wi-Fi is notoriously spotty. However, because this is an IHG-managed property, the Wi-Fi usually bypasses the typical government throttles. It’s good enough for Netflix, though maybe not for high-intensity gaming.
Navigating the "Army" Part of IHG Army Hotels
You aren't just a guest; you're a "distinguished visitor" or a "service member in transit." This means there are rules.
For instance, guest access. If you have civilian friends visiting you at Building 308, they have to go through the Visitor Control Center (VCC). Do not—I repeat, do not—try to sneak someone through the gate without a pass. The gate guards at Fort Gregg-Adams take their jobs very seriously, and "I'm just going to the Holiday Inn" won't get you a pass.
There’s also the tax situation. If you are on official orders, you should be tax-exempt. Make sure you have your orders printed out. Don't rely on showing them a PDF on your phone that won't load because the signal dropped. Having that paper copy saves you twenty minutes of back-and-forth at the front desk.
Comparisons: Building 308 vs. Off-Post Hotels
Why stay here instead of a Hilton in Colonial Heights?
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Convenience is the obvious answer. If you have a 0600 formation, being five minutes away is better than being twenty minutes away plus gate traffic. Gate traffic at Fort Gregg-Adams can be a nightmare during the morning rush. The Sisisky Gate and the Lee Avenue Gate get backed up fast. Staying at Building 308 means you skip the morning "Show me your ID" crawl.
But there’s a trade-off. Off-post, you have more food options. On-post, near Building 308, you’re limited. You’ve got the PX food court, a few DFACs (Dining Facilities) if you have access, and maybe a bowling alley snack bar. If you want a decent steak or a local craft beer, you’re driving off-base anyway.
Honestly, the "vibe" is different. Off-post hotels feel like the real world. Building 308 feels like an extension of work. For some, that’s a plus. You stay in the mindset. For others, it’s a grind.
Insider Tips for a Better Stay
If you end up assigned to 308, ask for a room away from the ice machines. Those things are loud and people use them at all hours. Also, check your HVAC unit immediately. These buildings are older than they look on the outside, and the "Express" renovation sometimes masks aging pipes. If the AC sounds like a jet engine, ask to move early before you unpack.
Another thing: the laundry. IHG Army Hotels usually offer free guest laundry. This is a massive perk for soldiers who have been in the field or are living out of a duffel bag. But here's the catch—everyone else wants to use them too. Tuesday and Wednesday nights are usually the best times to snag a washer. Sunday nights are a literal war zone in the laundry room.
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The Broader Context of Fort Gregg-Adams
You have to understand the history to appreciate why these buildings are the way they are. Fort Gregg-Adams is the nerve center for the Quartermaster, Ordnance, and Transportation Corps. That is a lot of people. The hospitality infrastructure was struggling for years until IHG took over the management.
Since the privatization of Army lodging, the quality has gone up, but the soul of the building is still "military lodging." It’s efficient. It’s standardized. It’s not meant to be a resort.
The renaming of the base to Gregg-Adams in 2023 brought some much-needed investment into the area. You’ll see newer signage and some attempts at beautification around the lodging areas. But at the end of the day, Building 308 is a workhorse. It’s there to give you a place to crash so you can do your job the next day.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often confuse Building 308 with the "main" hotel. As mentioned, the IHG operation at Gregg-Adams is spread across multiple buildings. You might see photos online of a beautiful, multi-story glass building and think that is where you're staying. That might be the Sustainment Center's primary lodge. Building 308 is more of a traditional, exterior or corridor-style annex that has been renovated.
Manage your expectations. It is clean, it is safe, and the water is hot. Beyond that, don't expect a spa.
Also, don't assume the GPS will take you straight to the door. Most GPS apps struggle with internal base roads. They might try to take you through a "closed" gate or a tank trail. Stick to the main arterials like A Avenue and Mahone Avenue.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
- Verify Your Check-in Location: Before you arrive, call the main IHG Army Hotels Fort Gregg-Adams number. Confirm if you check in directly at Building 308 or if you need to go to the central desk at Building 5017 (Larkspur Forest).
- Download the Gate App: If the base is using a specific gate access app or notification system (like Digital Garrison), get it. It will tell you if a gate is closed for a holiday or an exercise.
- Pack an Extension Cord: Even with renovations, some of the outlets in 308 are in awkward spots behind the bed. A 6-foot cord makes a world of difference for charging your phone.
- Bring Your Own Coffee: The in-room coffee is... fine. But if you're a snob about it, bring a small travel press.
- Check the Tax-Exempt Status: If you're on TDY, ensure your GSA SmartPay card is ready and your orders are printed. This prevents a headache at checkout.
- Explore the Museum: Since you're right there, take an hour to visit the Quartermaster Museum. It’s surprisingly cool and very close to the lodging area.
Staying at the Holiday Inn Express Building 308 is a rite of passage for many in the logistics world. It’s a place of transition. Whether you’re there for a week of training or a month of PCSing, it’s a functional slice of Army life. Just remember to grab a cinnamon roll before they run out at 08:00.