Veterans Guest House 2026: Free VA Hospital Lodging Guide

Veterans Guest House: Complete 2026 Guide to Free Lodging Near VA Hospitals

A veterans guest house provides free or low-cost temporary lodging for veterans and their families traveling to receive medical care at VA or VA-authorized hospitals. The two main federal programs are Fisher Houses (for families of hospitalized veterans) and Hoptel (for veterans with outpatient appointments who live 50+ miles away). Apply through your VA social worker or Fisher House Manager.

Quick Facts

What Is a Veterans Guest House?

A veterans guest house is a temporary lodging facility that provides free or low-cost accommodations to veterans and their families who must travel significant distances to receive medical care at VA medical centers or VA-authorized community hospitals. These facilities exist to keep families together during treatment and remove the financial burden of extended hotel stays.

The term “veterans guest house” covers several types of lodging:

• Fisher Houses — Comfort homes built by the Fisher House Foundation and donated to VA, located on or near major military and VA medical centers

• Hoptels — VA-operated temporary lodging programs, often at or near VA medical centers, for veterans with outpatient appointments

• Lodgetels — VA-funded hotel and motel lodging for veterans traveling for care

• Community guest houses — Nonprofit organizations like the Veterans Guest House in Reno that provide free lodging to veterans and families

All of these programs share the same goal: ensuring that no veteran misses medical care because they cannot afford or arrange lodging.

What you should do next: Determine which type of lodging fits your situation, contact the VA medical center where you receive care, and ask to speak with a social worker or the Fisher House Manager.

Fisher House: The “Home Away From Home”

A Fisher House is a comfort home where families of veterans and active-duty service members can stay free of charge while their loved one receives medical care at a VA or military medical center. Fisher Houses are built by the Fisher House Foundation and donated to VA as part of a public-private partnership.

What Fisher Houses provide

• Private bedrooms and bathrooms for each family

• Shared kitchen with cooking facilities

• Shared living, dining, and family rooms

• Laundry facilities

• Comfortable, wheelchair-accessible common areas

• No cost to stay

The newest Fisher House opened in Montrose, New York, in October 2026. The 11,400-square-foot home at the VA Hudson Valley Healthcare System has 12 wheelchair-accessible suites. At full occupancy, it is expected to save families a combined $700,000 in lodging expenses each year.

There are now 101 Fisher Houses located across the country, in Germany, and in the United Kingdom. Construction is underway on a replacement house in West Palm Beach, Florida, and a new house in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. New houses are being designed in Madison, Wisconsin, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Fisher House eligibility

To stay at a Fisher House, you generally must meet these criteria:

• Have a loved one receiving care at the VA medical center or a VA-authorized community hospital

• Live 50 miles or more away or have a 2-hour commute from the Fisher House

• Be medically stable and able to care for yourself independently

• Be actively involved in the veteran’s treatment plan and provide ongoing support

• Agree to the Fisher House guest agreement rules

The 50-mile/2-hour rule is set in 38 CFR § 60.5: “a veteran must be required to travel either 50 or more miles, or at least two hours from his or her home to the VA health care facility.” The facility Director can make exceptions to the distance or time requirement in individual cases.

Who can stay at a Fisher House

An “accompanying individual” is defined broadly under 38 CFR § 60.2 to include relatives, close friends, and caregivers who provide familial support or the equivalent of familial support to a veteran during an episode of care.

In limited circumstances of immediate need when no alternative lodging exists, a veteran or service member may also be accommodated at a Fisher House with their accompanying individuals. However, Fisher Houses are primarily for the families and caregivers, not the patient. The veteran is typically admitted to the hospital.

How to apply for a Fisher House

Step 1: Contact the VA medical center where your loved one is receiving care. Ask to speak with a social worker, case manager, or the Fisher House Manager.

Step 2: Complete VA Form 10-0408A, the application for Fisher House and other temporary lodging. Applications may be submitted by mail, telephone, fax, in person, or electronically.

Step 3: Submit the completed application to the Fisher House Manager at the VA health care facility of jurisdiction.

Step 4: Wait for processing. Applications are generally processed in the order they are received, and lodging is granted on a space-available basis. In extraordinary circumstances such as imminent death, critical injury, or organ donation, applications may be processed out of order.

Step 5: If approved, you will be assigned a room. Lodging may be provided for the duration of the veteran’s episode of care, including while the veteran is hospitalized or undergoing extended outpatient treatment.

Fisher House locations

Fisher Houses are located at major VA medical centers and military installations across the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Use the Fisher House Foundation’s “Current Houses” directory to find the location nearest you and contact the manager directly for specific eligibility and reservation requirements.

Hoptel: VA Lodging for Outpatient Care

Hoptel is a VA program that provides temporary overnight lodging to eligible veterans who are receiving outpatient care at a VA medical center and must travel a significant distance. Hoptel is similar to a motel or hotel but is funded by VA.

What Hoptel provides

• Overnight accommodations at or near the VA medical center

• Linens and towels provided

• Kitchen facilities in many locations (veterans provide their own food)

• Free parking at most locations

• No cost to the veteran

Hoptel eligibility

To stay at a Hoptel, you must meet all of the following criteria:

• Live 50 miles or more from the VA medical center (as determined by the VA Travel Office)

• Be medically stable

• Be completely self-sufficient for all activities of daily living and self-care (unless you have a caregiver with you)

• Have a medical appointment within 24 hours at the VA medical center that necessitates the overnight stay

• No invasive medical procedures within the previous 24 hours (unless you have a caregiver with you)

A caregiver is defined as anyone 18 years or older who assists with your care.

How to make a Hoptel reservation

Reservations must be made by phone. Veterans must call the Hoptel office at the VA medical center directly. No rooms will be booked by the hotel.

• For Radiation/Oncology, surgery, or procedure requests: Call three weeks in advance

• For clinic appointments: Call three weeks prior to your appointment

• No reservation will be accepted before the three-week window due to limited space and priority of care

For radiation/oncology and surgery requests, lodging requests may be taken at any time, but early reservation is strongly recommended.

Hoptel check-in and check-out

• Check-in: 4:00 p.m. (no check-in before 4 p.m.)

• Check-out: 11:00 p.m.

• The veteran must be present with family members to check in

What to bring

• Food (kitchens are available in the rooms; there are no restaurants at most Hoptel locations)

• Toiletries

• Any personal items needed for your stay

Hoptel availability

Hoptel programs are not available at every VA medical center. More than 115 VA medical centers offer some form of lodging assistance to veterans who travel significant distances for care. Check with your local VA medical center to see if a Hoptel program is available.

Lodgetel: VA-Funded Hotel Lodging

The Lodgetel program provides VA-funded hotel or motel lodging for eligible veterans who must travel for VA care. Unlike Hoptel, which is often located on or near the VA campus, Lodgetel places veterans in commercial hotels.

Lodgetel eligibility

• You must be receiving VA care and travel a significant distance

• You must have a medical appointment or procedure that necessitates an overnight stay

• The Lodgetel Coordinator reviews eligibility

How Lodgetel works

Step 1: Your VA care team refers you to the Lodgetel Coordinator.

Step 2: The coordinator reviews your eligibility.

Step 3: If approved, the coordinator contacts you with hotel reservation information.

Step 4: You must notify your VA care team or the Lodgetel Coordinator immediately if your plans change.

Comparison: Fisher House vs. Hoptel vs. Lodgetel

Community Veterans Guest Houses

In addition to VA programs, nonprofit organizations across the country operate independent veterans guest houses that provide free or low-cost lodging to veterans and their families. These are not VA facilities but often partner closely with VA medical centers.

Veterans Guest House (Reno, Nevada)

The Veterans Guest House in Reno is one of the oldest and most established community guest houses in the country. Located across the street from the VA Medical Center in Reno, it provides free overnight accommodations, meals, transportation, and post-operative care to eligible veterans and their families.

Eligibility:

• Veterans, active-duty military personnel, and family members or caretakers

• Must be receiving treatment at a medical facility in the Reno-Sparks area

• Must live at least 30 miles away

• Proof of medical appointment and military service required

How to apply: Call (775) 324-6958 or email info@veteransguesthouse.org. Room requests are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Proof of your dog’s current vaccination record is required at check-in if you bring a pet.

Other community guest houses

Community veterans guest houses operate in various cities across the country. Many are affiliated with VA medical centers or veterans service organizations. To find one near you, contact your VA medical center’s social work department or search for “veterans guest house” plus your city.

Required VA Forms

Fisher House Guest Agreement rules

Guests must agree to house rules, which include:

• No guns, firearms, or weapons on the premises

• No smoking in Fisher Houses or on VA grounds

• No animals except service dogs as defined in 38 CFR

• Quiet hours and other policies set by the individual house

Violations of the guest agreement may result in removal from the Fisher House.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

For Fisher House

Step 1: Contact the VA medical center where your loved one is receiving care. Ask to speak with the Fisher House Manager or a social worker.

Step 2: Complete VA Form 10-0408A. The form is available from any VA health care facility or online.

Step 3: Submit the form to the Fisher House Manager at the VA health care facility of jurisdiction.

Step 4: Wait for review. Applications are processed in order received, on a space-available basis.

Step 5: If approved, you will be assigned a room. Check in according to the Fisher House’s check-in procedures.

For Hoptel

Step 1: Determine if you live 50 miles or more from the VA medical center where you receive care.

Step 2: Call the Hoptel office at your VA medical center. Reservations must be made by phone.

Step 3: Call three weeks in advance for most appointments. Space is limited, and priority is given based on medical need.

Step 4: Provide your appointment details and confirm your eligibility.

Step 5: Check in at 4:00 p.m. on the day of your reservation.

For Lodgetel

Step 1: Talk to your VA care team about lodging needs for your upcoming appointment.

Step 2: Your care team will refer you to the Lodgetel Coordinator if you are eligible.

Step 3: The coordinator reviews your eligibility and contacts you with reservation information.

Step 4: Notify the coordinator immediately if your plans change.

For community guest houses

Step 1: Contact the guest house directly by phone or through their website.

Step 2: Verify your eligibility and provide proof of your medical appointment and military service.

Step 3: Make a reservation as early as possible. Rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Waiting until the last minute to request lodging.
Hoptel reservations should be made three weeks in advance. Fisher Houses process applications in order received and fill up quickly. Contact the facility as soon as you know your appointment date.

2. Calling the hotel directly for Hoptel reservations.
Hoptel reservations must be made through the VA Hoptel office, not the hotel. The hotel cannot book rooms for the VA program.

3. Assuming the veteran can stay at a Fisher House.
Fisher Houses are primarily for family members and caregivers. Veterans are typically admitted to the hospital. In limited circumstances, a veteran may be accommodated when no alternative lodging exists.

4. Not meeting the 50-mile/2-hour requirement.
Both Fisher House and Hoptel require that you travel at least 50 miles or 2 hours from home. The facility Director can make exceptions, but do not assume you qualify if you live closer.

5. Forgetting the guest agreement rules.
Fisher House guests must sign and follow the guest agreement. Violations can result in removal. No firearms, smoking, or pets (except service dogs) are allowed.

6. Not bringing food to Hoptel.
Most Hoptels have kitchen facilities but no restaurants. Bring your own food or plan to purchase groceries.

7. Failing to notify the Lodgetel Coordinator of changes.
If your plans change and you cannot use the Lodgetel reservation, notify the coordinator immediately so the room can be offered to another veteran.

8. Missing the check-in time.
Hoptel check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. No check-in before 4 p.m. Plan your travel accordingly.

Appeals Process

If your application for Fisher House or temporary lodging is denied, the decision is considered a final VA decision concerning your individual medical treatment plan and the use of VA lodging facilities. These decisions are not appealable to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.

However, if VA denies your application for one type of lodging, such as a Fisher House, the application will be considered for other temporary lodging, and vice versa, if you are eligible. If VA denies all types of temporary lodging, the application is referred to a VA social worker to determine if other arrangements can be made.

If you believe the denial was made in error, contact the Fisher House Manager or the temporary lodging program coordinator at the VA medical center to discuss the decision.

Latest Updates for 2026

New Fisher Houses

• Montrose, New York: A new 12-suite Fisher House opened in October 2026 at the VA Hudson Valley Healthcare System. It is the fourth Fisher House in New York.

• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Ground was broken in March 2026 for a second Fisher House at the H. John Heinz III VA campus, increasing capacity from 10 to 26 families per night.

• Madison, Wisconsin: Construction is expected to begin in 2026 on a new Fisher House with 16 guest suites.

Fisher House Availability Act of 2026

Legislation introduced in Congress would expand eligibility for Fisher House lodging to additional individuals receiving medical care at VA or non-VA facilities. The bill would also allow TRICARE beneficiaries, including active-duty service members and their families, to use VA Fisher House lodging on a space-available basis when traveling for medical care.

VA Hoptel Program Contract Renewal

The VA Hoptel program contract has been renewed for the period of April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2031. This ensures continued funding for lodging veterans outside the hospital at participating VA medical centers.

New VA Fisher House Directive

VHA Directive 1107 was updated in October 2023 and provides current policy for Fisher Houses and other temporary lodging. The directive includes criteria for new Fisher House site selection and information on the application process. It is scheduled for recertification by October 2028.

Common Questions

What is a veterans guest house?

A veterans guest house is a temporary lodging facility that provides free or low-cost accommodations to veterans and their families traveling for medical care at VA hospitals. The main types are Fisher Houses (for families of hospitalized veterans), Hoptels (for veterans with outpatient appointments), and community guest houses (nonprofit facilities).

Who qualifies for a Fisher House?

You qualify if you are a family member or caregiver of a veteran receiving care at a VA medical center or VA-authorized hospital, you live 50+ miles or have a 2+ hour commute, you are medically stable and self-sufficient, and you are actively involved in the veteran’s treatment plan. The facility Director can make exceptions to the distance requirement.

Who qualifies for a Hoptel?

You qualify if you live 50+ miles from the VA medical center, are medically stable, are completely self-sufficient (unless you have a caregiver), have an appointment within 24 hours, and have not had an invasive procedure in the previous 24 hours (unless you have a caregiver).

How do I apply for a Fisher House?

Contact the VA medical center where your loved one is receiving care and ask for the Fisher House Manager or social worker. Complete VA Form 10-0408A and submit it to the Fisher House Manager. Applications are processed in order received on a space-available basis.

How do I make a Hoptel reservation?

Call the Hoptel office at your VA medical center directly. Reservations must be made by phone. Call three weeks in advance for most appointments. Space is limited and priority is based on medical need.

Is there a cost to stay at a Fisher House or Hoptel?

No. Both Fisher House and Hoptel are free for eligible veterans and their families. VA covers the cost of lodging under 38 CFR § 60.15. There is no charge for the room, linens, or facilities.

How far away do I need to live to qualify?

The general requirement for both Fisher House and Hoptel is that you must travel at least 50 miles or 2 hours from your home to the VA health care facility. The facility Director can make exceptions to the distance or time requirement. Some community guest houses have different distance requirements (e.g., 30 miles in Reno).

Can the veteran stay at the Fisher House?

Fisher Houses are primarily for family members and caregivers. In limited circumstances of immediate need, when no alternative lodging exists, a veteran or service member may be accommodated at a Fisher House with their accompanying individuals.

What should I bring to a Hoptel?

Bring your own food (kitchens are available but there are no restaurants), toiletries, and personal items. Linens and towels are provided. Free parking is available at most locations.

Can I bring my pet to a Fisher House?

No. Animals are prohibited in VA Fisher Houses except service dogs as defined in 38 CFR. If you need a pet-friendly option, check with the Fisher House Manager about alternative lodging arrangements.

Are there Fisher Houses outside the United States?

Yes. Fisher Houses are located in the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. There are currently 101 Fisher Houses in the network.

What if my Fisher House application is denied?

If your Fisher House application is denied, it will be considered for other temporary lodging if you are eligible. If all lodging is denied, VA will refer you to a social worker to explore other arrangements. These decisions are not appealable to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.

Key Takeaways

• Veterans guest houses provide free or low-cost lodging for veterans and families traveling for VA medical care.

• Fisher Houses are comfort homes for families of hospitalized veterans, with 101 locations in the U.S., Germany, and the U.K.

• Hoptel provides free overnight lodging for veterans with outpatient appointments who live 50+ miles away.

• Both programs require a 50-mile or 2-hour travel distance, with exceptions possible.

• Apply for Fisher House with VA Form 10-0408A through the Fisher House Manager.

• Hoptel reservations must be made by phone three weeks in advance.

• Community guest houses like the Veterans Guest House in Reno provide additional free lodging options.

• New Fisher Houses opened in Montrose, NY, in 2026; more are under construction in Pittsburgh and Madison.

• Fisher House and Hoptel are free — no cost to veterans or their families.

• Contact your VA social worker or Fisher House Manager for help with lodging arrangements.

Official Resources

• VA Fisher House and Temporary Lodging Directive (VHA Directive 1107): https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=11512

• 38 CFR Part 60 – Fisher Houses and Other Temporary Lodging: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-60

• Fisher House Foundation: https://www.fisherhouse.org/

• Fisher House Foundation – Current Houses Directory: https://www.fisherhouse.org/programs/fisher-houses/

• Hoptel Program Information (VA): https://www.va.gov/indiana-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate/hoptel/

• VA Form 10-0408A: Available at any VA health care facility or online at VA.gov

• Veterans Guest House (Reno, NV): https://www.veteransguesthouse.org/

• VA Caregiver Support Program: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/

• VA Social Work Services: https://www.socialwork.va.gov/

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