Randolph AFB Lodging Guide: On-Base Inn, Off-Base Options & TDY/PCS Tips (2025)

PCSing to Randolph Air Force Base or on TDY for training? Finding the right lodging can make or break your experience. Whether you're looking for on-base lodging at the Randolph Inn, off-base hotels, or military-friendly crash pads, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know—from booking procedures to per diem rates and insider tips for maximizing your lodging allowance. Browse Randolph AFB crash pads or check our reimbursement guide.

---

Quick Reference: Randolph AFB Lodging Options

Lodging Type	Best For	Avg. Cost/Night	Per Diem Eligible?
Randolph Inn (On-Base)	TDY, short-term PCS	$65–$85	✅ Yes
Off-Base Hotels	Families, when on-base full	$80–$140	✅ Yes
Crash Pads (Furnished)	Extended TDY, PCS house-hunting	$50–$90/night	✅ Yes (if compliant)
Short-Term Rentals	Long-term TDY (30+ days)	$1,200–$2,500/month	Varies

💡 Pro Tip: Book on-base lodging 90 days in advance for TDY and as soon as you receive PCS orders—Randolph Inn fills up fast, especially during PCS season (May–August).

---

On-Base Lodging: Randolph Inn

The Randolph Inn is the primary on-base lodging facility at JBSA-Randolph, offering temporary lodging for active-duty members, reservists, retirees, and DoD civilians.

Randolph Inn Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Location	415 B Street East, Universal City, TX 78150
Phone	210-652-1844
Check-In	3:00 p.m.
Check-Out	11:00 a.m.
Front Desk Hours	24/7
Reservation Window	Up to 90 days in advance
Cancellation Policy	24 hours notice (or charged 1 night)

---

Room Types & Amenities

The Randolph Inn offers several accommodation types:

1. Visiting Airman Quarters (VAQ)

• Occupancy: Single or double occupancy
• Amenities: Queen bed, mini-fridge, microwave, TV, Wi-Fi
• Rate: ~$65–$70/night
• Best For: Enlisted TDY travelers

2. Visiting Officer Quarters (VOQ)

• Occupancy: Single or double occupancy
• Amenities: Queen bed, kitchenette, dining table, TV, Wi-Fi
• Rate: ~$75–$85/night
• Best For: Officers on TDY

3. Temporary Lodging Facilities (TLF)

• Occupancy: 2–4 guests (families welcome)
• Amenities: Full kitchen, living area, 1–2 bedrooms, laundry
• Rate: ~$80–$90/night
• Best For: PCS families, house-hunting
• Max Stay: 30 days (only 10 days reimbursed for PCS)

4. Distinguished Visitor Quarters (DVQ)

• Occupancy: Senior officers (O-6+) and VIPs
• Amenities: Premium furnishings, full kitchen, separate living area
• Rate: ~$90–$100/night
• Best For: Command visits, high-ranking officials

Common Amenities (All Rooms):

• ✅ Free Wi-Fi
• ✅ Cable TV
• ✅ Air conditioning/heating
• ✅ Daily housekeeping (for stays 7+ days)
• ✅ On-site laundry facilities
• ✅ Fitness center access
• ✅ Free parking

---

Pet Policy at Randolph Inn

Limited pet-friendly rooms available:

• Fee: $10/night per pet
• Max: 2 pets per room
• Weight Limit: 50 lbs per pet
• Restrictions: Pets cannot be left unattended in rooms

🐾 Tip: Pet rooms book up weeks in advance—if bringing a pet, call 210-652-1844 immediately after receiving orders.

Alternative: The Randolph Inn front desk can recommend nearby kennels and pet-friendly off-base lodging.

---

How to Book Randolph Inn Lodging

Step 1: Check Availability

Online Booking:
🔗 AF Inns (dodlodging.net)

• Search for "Randolph AFB" or "JBSA-Randolph"
• Enter dates and number of guests
• Select room type

Phone Reservations:
📞 210-652-1844 (24/7)

Step 2: Provide Required Information

You'll need:

• Full name and rank
• Orders (TDY, PCS, or leave)
• Duty station and unit
• Arrival/departure dates
• Number of guests
• Pet information (if applicable)

Step 3: Confirm Your Reservation

You'll receive:

• Confirmation number (save this!)
• Check-in instructions
• Cancellation policy reminder

⚠️ Important: If on-base lodging is unavailable, request a non-availability statement—this authorizes you to stay off-base and claim full per diem.

---

Priority System for Randolph Inn

Rooms are assigned based on priority categories:

Priority	Category
1st Priority	TDY personnel on official orders
2nd Priority	PCS personnel (inbound/outbound)
3rd Priority	Official travelers (DoD civilians, contractors)
4th Priority	Space-available leisure travelers (active duty, retirees, dependents)

During peak times (graduation weeks, PCS season), leisure travelers may be bumped by official travelers.

---

Off-Base Hotel Options Near Randolph AFB

When on-base lodging is full, these off-base hotels are convenient and per diem-compliant:

Top Off-Base Hotels

1. Hampton Inn & Suites Selma-San Antonio/Randolph AFB

• Address: 14655 IH-35N Access Road, Selma, TX 78154
• Distance to Base: 5 miles (10 min drive)
• Rate: $95–$120/night
• Amenities: Free breakfast, indoor pool, fitness center, pet-friendly
• Phone: 210-651-6000
• Best For: Families, extended stays

2. Comfort Suites Cibolo

• Address: 121 New Sulphur Springs Rd, Cibolo, TX 78108
• Distance to Base: 6 miles (12 min drive)
• Rate: $85–$110/night
• Amenities: Free breakfast, pool, Wi-Fi, kitchenettes in suites
• Phone: 210-566-9999
• Best For: Budget-conscious travelers, house-hunting

3. Candlewood Suites Universal City

• Address: 13707 IH-35 North, Universal City, TX 78148
• Distance to Base: 4 miles (8 min drive)
• Rate: $90–$115/night
• Amenities: Full kitchens, free laundry, 24/7 fitness center, pet-friendly
• Phone: 210-566-6700
• Best For: Extended TDY (30+ days), cooking your own meals

4. La Quinta Inn & Suites Schertz

• Address: 17650 IH-35 North, Schertz, TX 78154
• Distance to Base: 7 miles (14 min drive)
• Rate: $80–$100/night
• Amenities: Free breakfast, pool, pet-friendly, free parking
• Phone: 210-658-7777
• Best For: Budget stays, pet owners

💰 Per Diem Tip: San Antonio per diem rates (FY 2025) are $107/night for lodging + $69/day for meals. Most off-base hotels fall within this range.

---

Military-Friendly Crash Pads: The DoDCrashPads Advantage

For extended TDY assignments, PCS house-hunting, or when you need more space than a hotel, military crash pads offer the perfect solution.

What Are Military Crash Pads?

Crash pads are fully furnished, short-term rentals specifically designed for military personnel. Unlike hotels, they provide:

• ✅ Full kitchens (save money by cooking)
• ✅ Living rooms and private bedrooms
• ✅ In-unit laundry
• ✅ Flexible terms (nightly, weekly, or monthly)
• ✅ Pet-friendly options (no weight limits!)
• ✅ Lower monthly rates than hotels

---

Why Choose DoDCrashPads.com for Randolph AFB?

DoDCrashPads.com specializes in verified, compliant lodging near Air Force bases—including Randolph AFB.

✅ 1. Veteran-Verified Hosts

• All properties are managed by military families, veterans, or DoD civilians
• Hosts understand military schedules, orders, and last-minute changes
• No judgment if your orders change or you need to extend/shorten your stay

✅ 2. Per Diem Compliant

• All listings meet Joint Travel Regulation (JTR) standards
• Private bedroom & bathroom (required for per diem reimbursement)
• Full kitchen access (qualifies for meal deduction waiver)
• Receipts provided for DTS voucher submission

✅ 3. Cost-Effective

• Nightly rates: $50–$90/night (vs. $95–$140 for hotels)
• Monthly rates: $1,200–$2,200/month (vs. $2,800–$4,200 for hotels)
• Save hundreds during extended TDY or PCS house-hunting

✅ 4. Flexible Terms

• No minimum stay (1 night to 6+ months)
• Month-to-month leases (perfect for tech school, training pipelines)
• Orders-based cancellations (understand military life happens)

✅ 5. Base-Proximity

• Most crash pads are 5–15 minutes from Randolph AFB gates
• Located in safe, family-friendly neighborhoods (Schertz, Cibolo, Universal City, Live Oak)
• Easy access to commissary, schools, and San Antonio attractions

---

How to Book a Crash Pad on DoDCrashPads.com

Step 1: Search for Randolph AFB Lodging

🔗 dodcrashpads.com/search?base=randolph-afb

• Enter your dates and number of guests
• Filter by:
  • Price range
  • Pet-friendly
  • Number of bedrooms
  • Amenities (washer/dryer, parking, Wi-Fi)

Step 2: Review Listings

Each listing includes:

• Photos of the property
• Detailed amenities (kitchen, laundry, parking, etc.)
• Location/distance to base gates
• Host profile (veteran, active-duty spouse, etc.)
• Reviews from other military members

Step 3: Contact the Host

• Message hosts directly through the platform
• Ask questions about:
  • Availability for your dates
  • Pet policies
  • Lease flexibility (if orders change)
  • Receipt format for DTS

Step 4: Book & Pay Securely

• Secure payment through DoDCrashPads.com
• Instant confirmation via email
• Host contact info provided after booking

Step 5: Submit for Per Diem Reimbursement

• Download receipt/invoice from DoDCrashPads.com
• Upload to DTS voucher under "lodging expenses"
• Include non-availability statement (if on-base lodging was full)

📋 Compliance Note: DoDCrashPads.com listings meet JTR standards for TDY lodging reimbursement—private bedroom, private bathroom, and access to kitchen facilities.

---

Per Diem Rates for Randolph AFB (FY 2025)

San Antonio Per Diem Rates

Category	Rate	Notes
Lodging	$107/night	Max reimbursable (excludes taxes)
Meals & Incidentals (M&IE)	$69/day	Breakdown: Breakfast $15, Lunch $17, Dinner $29, Incidentals $8
Total Per Diem	$176/day	For TDY travelers

When Can You Claim Full Per Diem?

✅ Yes, full per diem if:

• On-base lodging unavailable (get non-availability statement)
• Staying at JTR-compliant off-base lodging
• Have receipts for lodging expenses

❌ No, reduced per diem if:

• Staying in government quarters (on-base)
• Lodging is free (staying with friends/family)
• Not on official orders

Meal Deduction Waiver

If your crash pad or hotel has a full kitchen and you cook your own meals, you may qualify for a meal deduction waiver—meaning you keep the full $69/day M&IE instead of deductions for "meals provided."

How to claim:

• Check "kitchen available" in DTS
• Provide documentation (lease showing kitchen amenities)
• Submit with your travel voucher

---

PCS Lodging: What You Need to Know

Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) vs. TLE

If PCSing to Randolph AFB:

Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) - CONUS Moves

• Who Qualifies: All PCS moves within the U.S.
• Max Days: 10 days (5 days at old duty station, 5 days at new)
• Max Reimbursement: $290/day (for family of 4+)
• What's Covered: Lodging + meals beyond what you'd normally spend at home

How It Works:

1. Save all receipts (lodging, meals, gas for house-hunting)
2. Submit TLE claim through your finance office
3. Reimbursement is actual expenses (not per diem rate) up to the max

💡 PCS Lodging Tip: If house-hunting takes longer than 10 days, consider a monthly crash pad on DoDCrashPads.com—you'll pay out-of-pocket after day 10, but it's cheaper than hotels.

---

Best Lodging Strategy for PCS to Randolph AFB

Week 1-2: On-Base TLF (If Available)

• Book Randolph Inn TLF as soon as you receive orders
• Use this time to house-hunt and get a feel for the area
• Max TLE coverage: 10 days

Week 3+: Crash Pad or Short-Term Rental

• If you haven't found a house yet, book a monthly crash pad on DoDCrashPads.com
• Cost: $1,200–$2,200/month (vs. $3,000+ for hotels)
• Stay month-to-month until you close on a house or your lease starts

Alternative: Extended-Stay Hotels

• Candlewood Suites or Residence Inn offer weekly/monthly rates
• Still more expensive than crash pads, but more hotel-like amenities

---

TDY Lodging: Maximizing Your Allowance

Short-Term TDY (1-14 Days)

Best Option: Randolph Inn or off-base hotel

Why:

• Convenience (check-in/out, daily housekeeping)
• Simple DTS voucher (one receipt)
• Covered by per diem

---

Extended TDY (15–60 Days)

Best Option: Crash pad on DoDCrashPads.com

Why:

• Save money (monthly rate vs. nightly hotel rates)
• Full kitchen (cook meals, save $20–$30/day)
• More space (living room, bedroom, office space)
• Laundry (no more laundromat runs)

Example Savings:

Lodging Type	60-Day Cost	Savings
Hotel ($110/night)	$6,600	—
Crash Pad ($1,800/month)	$3,600	$3,000 saved!

💰 Real-World Example: An O-3 on 60-day TDY staying in a crash pad for $1,800/month can pocket $3,000+ in lodging savings while still claiming full per diem.

---

Long-Term TDY (60+ Days / Tech School)

Best Option: Monthly crash pad with utilities included

Why:

• Stability (same place for entire TDY)
• Home-like feel (decorate, establish routine)
• Community (other military members in the same area)
• Pet-friendly (if you brought your dog/cat)

Where to Find: 🔗 dodcrashpads.com/search?base=randolph-afb

---

Best Neighborhoods for Off-Base Lodging Near Randolph AFB

1. Universal City (3–5 miles from base)

• Pros: Closest to base, quick commute, family-friendly
• Cons: Smaller town, fewer restaurants/entertainment
• Best For: Active-duty members prioritizing short commute

2. Schertz (5–8 miles from base)

• Pros: Great schools, newer developments, shopping
• Cons: Slightly longer commute, more expensive
• Best For: Families with school-age kids

3. Cibolo (6–9 miles from base)

• Pros: Affordable, growing town, family-friendly
• Cons: Fewer amenities than Schertz
• Best For: Budget-conscious families

4. Converse (8–10 miles from base)

• Pros: Quiet, affordable, close to shopping
• Cons: 15–20 min commute during rush hour
• Best For: Members who prefer quieter neighborhoods

5. Selma (5–7 miles from base)

• Pros: Good mix of hotels and rentals, central location
• Cons: Mostly commercial (less residential feel)
• Best For: Short-term TDY stays

---

Expert Lodging Tips for Randolph AFB

1. Book Early (Seriously)

• On-base lodging: Book 90 days out for TDY, immediately for PCS
• Crash pads: Book 30–60 days out (popular properties fill fast)
• Hotels: Book 2–4 weeks out for best rates

2. Always Request a Non-Availability Statement

If Randolph Inn is full:

• Call 210-652-1844 and ask for a written non-availability statement
• Email it to yourself for DTS records
• This authorizes full per diem for off-base lodging

3. Compare Total Costs (Not Just Nightly Rates)

• Hotel: $110/night × 30 nights = $3,300
• Crash Pad: $1,800/month + utilities = $1,950
• Savings: $1,350 (plus you have a kitchen!)

4. Use DoDCrashPads for House-Hunting

If PCSing and need a place to stay while closing on a house:

• Book a month-to-month crash pad near your desired neighborhood
• Test-drive the commute before committing to a lease/purchase
• Meet neighbors and get local insights

5. Leverage the Kitchen

Staying in a crash pad with a full kitchen?

• Cook breakfast: Save $15/day
• Pack lunch: Save $17/day
• Cook dinner 3x/week: Save $87/week
• Total savings: $300–$500/month

6. Know Your Pet Options

Traveling with pets?

• On-base: Very limited pet rooms (book 60+ days out)
• Hotels: $10–$25/night pet fees, weight limits
• Crash pads: Often no pet fees, no weight limits, fenced yards

---

Lodging Checklist: Before You Arrive at Randolph AFB

For TDY Travelers:

• Book lodging 30–60 days before arrival
• Request non-availability statement if on-base is full
• Save confirmation number and lodging address
• Add lodging address to GPS before departure
• Have orders and CAC ready for check-in
• Know your per diem rate ($107 lodging + $69 M&IE)

For PCS Travelers:

• Book Randolph Inn TLF as soon as orders are received
• Research neighborhoods near Randolph AFB
• Book crash pad for extended house-hunting (if needed)
• Save all receipts for TLE reimbursement
• Schedule house-hunting trips with realtors
• Have backup lodging plan if TLF is unavailable

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I stay off-base if on-base lodging has availability?

No, unless you have a valid reason (medical, family emergency, etc.). If on-base lodging is available and you choose to stay off-base, you won't receive full per diem—only the on-base rate (~$65/night).

Exception: If on-base lodging is inadequate (broken A/C, safety concerns), request an exemption from the lodging manager.

---

How do I get reimbursed for off-base lodging during TDY?

1. Save your receipt (hotel invoice or crash pad lease)
2. Upload to DTS under "lodging expenses"
3. Attach non-availability statement (if applicable)
4. Submit voucher within 5 days of returning from TDY
5. Payment: Typically processed within 10–14 business days

---

Can I use my Government Travel Card (GTC) for crash pads?

Yes, but ensure the crash pad host accepts credit cards. Some hosts prefer:

• Zelle/Venmo for deposits
• Credit card for final payment

Important: Your GTC must be paid off before your travel voucher is released by Finance. Use your GTC for all authorized travel expenses to avoid issues.

---

What if my orders change or I need to extend my stay?

On-Base Lodging:

• Call 210-652-1844 to modify reservation
• Extensions subject to availability (priority system applies)

Crash Pads (DoDCrashPads.com):

• Contact host directly via the platform
• Most hosts understand military orders and are flexible
• May require updated orders for lease extension

---

Are crash pads safe and legitimate?

Yes—when booked through DoDCrashPads.com, all properties are:

• ✅ Verified hosts (military families, veterans, DoD civilians)
• ✅ Inspected listings (photos, amenities confirmed)
• ✅ Reviewed by other military members
• ✅ Secure payment processing
• ✅ JTR-compliant for per diem reimbursement

Avoid Craigslist/Facebook rentals—they may not meet JTR standards and could result in denied reimbursement.

---

Conclusion: Find Your Perfect Randolph AFB Lodging

Whether you choose the convenience of on-base lodging at the Randolph Inn, the amenities of off-base hotels, or the flexibility and savings of military crash pads, the key is to book early and choose lodging that fits your mission.

Quick Recommendations:

• Short TDY (1–14 days): Randolph Inn or off-base hotel
• Extended TDY (15–60 days): Crash pad on DoDCrashPads.com
• PCS House-Hunting: Randolph Inn TLF (first 10 days) + crash pad (after)
• Long-Term TDY (60+ days): Monthly crash pad with kitchen

Ready to find your Randolph AFB lodging?
👉 Search Military-Friendly Crash Pads at DoDCrashPads.com

---

📌 Bookmark this guide and share it with fellow service members heading to Randolph AFB!

🔔 Stay Updated: Lodging rates and availability change frequently—always call ahead to confirm before booking.

---

Last updated: November 12, 2025 | Information sourced from official JBSA, DoD, and Air Force Inns resources