FAQ
If you still have questions after going through the FAQs below please don't hesitate to text, call, or email us at 813.597.7216 or 813.716.5881 or castlecrashpad@gmail.com! We'll be more than happy to help you tackle any lodging questions, local area questions, local vacation ideas, DTS issues, IFF questions, or anything else related to your stay with us!
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What is there to do during my stay in Columbus?
So many things! Upon booking your stay with us, we will provide you with a welcome guide that gives you dozens of options on where to eat, what to do, and where to visit!
Am I allowed to stay at off-base lodging while TDY to Columbus for IFF?
Absolutely! Joint Travel Regulations, dated 1 Feb 2024, Table 2-14, row 6 specifically allows military members on TDY to choose their quarters. This means you are cleared hot to stay at Castle Crashpad and get reimbursed by the government. Just be sure to provide receipts on DTS from your stay at Castle Crashpad to get your Government Travel Card reimbursed.
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Why not stay somewhere cheaper than my allotted lodging per diem to put some money into my bank account?
The way your TDY lodging per diem works is pretty simple. The JTR allows you to receive a daily lodging per diem up to the cost of the local base hotel per night. Lets say that rate is $49 per night. If you decide to stay at an off-base hotel for only $30 per night, then the remaining $19 goes straight back to the government. In other words, you unfortunately don't get to keep any leftover cash from staying at a cheaper lodging option. That means it's in your best interest to choose a lodging option that provides you the best comfort and value for the per diem you are receiving so you can focus on your training. Fortunately, Castle Crashpad charges exactly the same as the base hotel to make things easy for you!
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What if I am already staying at the base hotel. Can I check out and move into Castle Crashpad?
Definitely! The Joint Travel Regulations allow you to move in and out of your choice of lodging as you see fit during your TDY. Just make sure you keep receipts of each lodging stay. The only thing the JTR won't cover is if you double book two lodgings for the same night.
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Can I book Castle Crashpad on DTS?
Although we haven't yet gotten our Crashpad on DTS, booking a room at Castle Crashpad is pretty simple! Just shoot us a text, give us a call, or send us an email with your dates and we'll get you squared away! No contracts to sign or hoops to jump through. Just show up on your requested move-in date and you're set! Regarding paying and reimbursement through DTS: you'll just pay us with your GTC like you would a hotel, you'll get invoices from us to upload to your DTS vouchers, and boom, you'll get reimbursed just like you would on any other TDY.
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What do I need to bring with me to Castle Crashpad?
The beauty of Castle Crashpad is that all you have to bring are your clothes and personal toiletries. We've got the rest covered to include utilities, cleaners, kitchen supplies, soap, toilet paper and paper towels, drinks, entertainment, etc.!