Lodging

For information about CalHR’s lodging rates and reimbursement policy, please review CalHR Manual Section 2203 to verify the applicable lodging rates for the date and location of your travel.

When booking hotel reservations through STP, hotels must be guaranteed with a credit card. For agencies utilizing the Virtual Card Number (VCN) for hotel payments, hotels will be guaranteed using the VCN. A personal credit card is still required at check-in for incidentals. For agencies NOT utilizing VCN for hotel payments, hotels must be guaranteed and paid with a personal credit card.

Regardless of payment method used, travelers are REQUIRED to obtain a final receipt/folio upon checkout.

For more information about VCN, please visit STP’s VCN Resources page.

DGS STP has established relationships with hotels to provide a Preferred Hotel Program (PHP) that benefits agency travelers when conducting overnight state business. The PHP consists of agreements with individual hotels and consists of negotiated rates at or below published federal General Services Administration (GSA) rates. In addition to securing rates at or below GSA rates, these hotel agreements provide complimentary amenities, last room availability, acceptance of Virtual Card Numbers (VCN), and flexible cancellation policies similar to DGS’ existing travel contracts. Reservations must be made with PHP properties by booking in Concur or with a travel agent.

The PHP will use Concur to promote properties that have entered into agreements with DGS with a notation of “Preferred” or “Most Preferred.” Properties listed as “Preferred” in Concur will meet the minimum requirements for acceptance. Properties listed as “Most Preferred” in Concur will meet the minimum requirements, provide additional amenities at no extra cost and/or will have active sustainability programs in place.

Travelers are not required to use the PHP but are strongly encouraged to use PHP properties to take advantage of negotiated rates/cost savings and guaranteed amenities.

If you have questions about the PHP, please email DGSHotelProgram@dgs.ca.gov.

For more information about lodging for state business travel, please visit STP’s FAQs and look for "Lodging."