On Base? Off Base? Lackland Air Force Base has 3 lodging hotels inside the base. The Gateway Villa, The Gateway Inn, and The Gateway Lodge. In a few words, if you like convenience and practicality book early on base. Another important thing to note is that your airmen need a "Hotel Waiver" in order to enter the hotel room.
Booking a room for the Air Force BMT graduation can be tough. On base, hotels are very practical, but you might also end up having to share a bathroom with a stranger, o so says Zoe Wolf from Military Spouse Guides*.
The hotels are basic but comfortable. Comparable to a best western, they are not luxurious but they aren't bad either. Prices range from $35 - $65 per night. You can request to stay at a specific hotel, but it's really subject to available rooming.
It's also important to note that officers on active duty have priority on booking. This means that if there is a reservation conflict or over-booking you might have to give up the room. Off-base alternatives are usually arranged for you in case you are asked to "surrender" the room. Still, Zoey recommends you always have a backup plan, such as these off-base alternatives. The benefits of booking on-base are being close to everything, also the disposition of areas where to spend time with your airmen when they have base liberties. As there are little other options to spend time together. More about the Gateway Inn
Here is a video from Karey Ellen, who stayed at the Gateway IN, in San Antonio, Texas for her husband's graduation from basic military training in August of 2011.
More on the Gateway Villa
All of them were built to provide facilities to duty airmen, reservists, and families.
Now for some insights into the Gateway Lodge we could not find a video, but found these reviews instead.
For example:
"Well…the room was clean and decently decorated. The sleeping area is about 12 x 13 with enough space to walk around the queen bed. There is a desk on one side of the bed and an easy chair on the door side. At the foot of the bed there is about three feet of walking space and a large cabinet that the TV (a flat 32”) site. If someone is sitting at the desk they occupy all the space between the desk and bed. On the other side of the wall that had the desk is another small area with a sink, closets, refrigerator/microwave and the connecting door to the shared bathroom. If you share the connecting room with a family member the set up isn’t too bad. Bad - The worst thing I noted was that you can hear bathroom noises very loudly (since there is only a slab door for separation) and the toilet is extremely loud when you flush. In fact it was so loud that I felt bad flushing the toilet on my nightly sojourns. There was new carpet in the room but it is a thin industrial grade carpet glued to a concrete floor. This is not very comfortable underfoot. I stayed here for five days and our toiletries were never replaced. Shower head was awful as it was mounted at about 5’6” and the spray came out in a circle pattern with a fine mist. The head has settings available but it was calcified in place so there was no chance of changing it. Good - The bed slept very well and the room seemed to stay nice and dark in the early morning hours so it was easy to sleep in. The internet was fast and reliable. The price is reasonable as you pay less than $45 for the room - I think $44 as of 1 Oct 2014. I wouldn’t stay here if I had to pay more! Stayed: September 2014, traveled with family" AIRFORCE BMT GRADUATION OFF BASE HOTELS
On-Base Lodging at JBSA Lackland
For those seeking the convenience of on-base accommodations, JBSA Lackland offers facilities managed by the Air Force Inns program. These accommodations often fill up quickly due to high demand, particularly during peak graduation periods. Staying on-base can be ideal for easy access to graduation events, minimized travel time, and immersion in the military environment. References: Off-Base Hotels and Accommodations If on-base lodging is at capacity or if families prefer off-base accommodations, a variety of hotels and rental properties are located just minutes from JBSA Lackland. Options range from budget-friendly motels to mid-range hotels and extended-stay suites, many of which offer military or government rates. Additionally, proximity to the base allows easy commuting to and from graduation events, ensuring families can fully participate in every milestone. References: Here are some lodging options near Lackland Air Force Base (AFB)Here are some lodging options near Lackland Air Force Base (AFB) for those visiting loved ones at Basic Military Training (BMT) graduation. Each mini-review includes an approximate commute time to Lackland, plus tips and insights that especially moms (and all proud family members) might appreciate. Distances and travel times are best guesses based on the provided info and typical San Antonio traffic—your mileage may vary (pun intended)! 1. Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Near Lackland AFB The Vibe: Budget-friendly, newly renovated rooms, and just about as close as you can get without bunking with your trainee. Why Moms Love It: Quieter location, daily-sanitized rooms, Tex-Mex on-site (fajita fix = happiness), and a refreshing pool for those “finally able to relax” moments. Commute: Approximately 2–5 minutes by car (it’s practically next door). Helpful Tip: Book early for graduation weekends—they fill up faster than your cadet can snap to attention. Map directions, reviews and more information 2. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Lackland AFB (San Antonio), TX The Vibe: Cozy, classic, and well-reviewed—repeatedly praised for being so near the base. Why Moms Love It: The free cookies in the lobby (a Country Inn & Suites hallmark) and a comfortable place to unwind after a busy day. Commute: About 5–8 minutes by car—close enough to pop back for a forgotten item (like more tissues!). Helpful Tip: Ask about military family rates, and indulge in the free breakfast—it’ll keep you fueled for the big ceremony. 3. Studio 6 San Antonio - Lackland AFB The Vibe: Motel-style simplicity with a lovely outdoor pool and grilling area—perfect for low-key family time. Why Moms Love It: In-room kitchenettes for storing homemade goodies your cadet’s been missing. Commute: Roughly 7–10 minutes from base, but factor in a bit more on graduation day. Helpful Tip: Denny’s next door means 24/7 access to pancakes—just what you need if you’re awake with excitement or jet lag. 4. Best Western Near Lackland AFB/Seaworld The Vibe: Reliable chain property with free internet and a solid track record of cleanliness. Why Moms Love It: Customer service that goes “above and beyond,” plus a restful vibe—ideal for those pre-graduation jitters. Commute: About 5–10 minutes to the base, depending on traffic signals (and how eagerly you’re racing to see your Airman!). Helpful Tip: Take advantage of the business center for last-minute sign-making or printing out that pride-filled speech. 5. Homewood Suites By Hilton Lackland AFB/Seaworld, TX The Vibe: Spacious suites with kitchenettes—like having a mini-apartment for the week. Why Moms Love It: Extra elbow room for the extended family, plus a comfy living area to chat about all the day’s highlights. Commute: About 10–12 minutes from the base; still quite close, but with more of a “suburban sanctuary” feel. Helpful Tip: Make a grocery run and stock the kitchenette. Having a favorite snack ready can bring big smiles to newly minted Airmen. 6. Travelodge by Wyndham San Antonio Lackland AFB The Vibe: Straightforward and budget-friendly, with free Wi-Fi and easy highway access. Why Moms Love It: Keeps costs down so you can splurge on celebration dinners or souvenirs from the base exchange. Commute: Roughly 5–10 minutes, pending traffic lights (and your caffeine level). Helpful Tip: Double-check the pet policy if you’re bringing the family pup—some fees may apply unless it’s a service animal. 7. Candlewood Suites San Antonio Lackland AFB Area, an IHG hotel The Vibe: Extended-stay style with a small kitchen, free parking, and friendly staff. Why Moms Love It: Barbecue facilities on-site—just imagine the post-graduation cookout potential. Commute: Typically about 7–12 minutes to Lackland, depending on how quickly you navigate that U.S. Highway 90 exit. Helpful Tip: Call ahead to confirm availability of handicapped-accessible rooms if needed—especially important during busy graduation weeks. 8. Hampton Inn & Suites San Antonio Lackland AFB Seaworld The Vibe: Polished, modern, and includes a heated indoor pool for year-round splashing. Why Moms Love It: The free hot breakfast is a mom’s best friend, especially on early graduation mornings. Commute: Approximately 10 minutes, with an extra 5 if graduation-day traffic is bustling. Helpful Tip: Ask the front desk about printing your base pass—one less detail to handle on the big day. 9. Comfort Suites Near Seaworld The Vibe: Mid-range comfort close to the big attractions—SeaWorld and Lackland. Why Moms Love It: Big suite-style rooms mean plenty of space for siblings, grandparents, or all the luggage you packed “just in case.” Commute: About 10–15 minutes to the base, but factor in more on graduation weekends. Helpful Tip: Request a top-floor room for a quieter stay—handy if you’re tucking in the younger kids early. 10. Spark by Hilton San Antonio near SeaWorld The Vibe: Fresh, trendy aesthetic with a name that implies you’ll be glowing by checkout. Why Moms Love It: “Spark” might also describe the excitement you’ll feel after a restful night here—plus the easy airport access. Commute: Roughly 15 minutes to Lackland if you’re not traveling during peak times. Helpful Tip: If you plan to do some sightseeing at SeaWorld or downtown River Walk, this location is a convenient midpoint. 11. Best Western Plus Lackland Hotel & Suites The Vibe: Another Best Western gem with a bit of an upscale spin—“Plus” means bigger breakfast, better amenities. Why Moms Love It: Spacious lobby and lounge areas great for gathering the whole family to swap stories about the day’s events. Commute: Typically 5–10 minutes, but do plan for a possible security gate line at the base. Helpful Tip: Check out the suite options if you’re traveling with a bigger group—plenty of room to stretch your feet after all that standing at graduation.
12. Candlewood Suites San Antonio NW Near Seaworld, an IHG hotel The Vibe: Another Candlewood option—family-friendly with a pool, barbeque area, and free Wi-Fi. Why Moms Love It: Full kitchenettes for that from-scratch cooking if your cadet’s craving a homemade treat. Commute: 15–20 minutes to Lackland, but it’s a smooth drive on a good day. Helpful Tip: This is a good pick if you want to explore NW San Antonio, like Bandera Road or Fiesta Farm, in between base festivities. General Tips for Graduation Visitors
References & Links
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