If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Learn how your comment data is processed. And most hotels have a limited number of rooms available at a special rate for . So, I got a job with a company that has their best corporate rate. Why does this affect you? Start saving now! The potential savings isnot worth the risk! The Student Advantage Card caters to college students and faculty only. No results could be found for the location youve entered. Google should help you find it. At the edge of the Arts District, Dallas Marriott Downtown presents possibilities for hotel travelers to retreat in the heart of Downtown Dallas. The company operates under 30 brands. "Note: At most Marriott hotels the government rate is available to eligible guests regardless of whether they are traveling on business or pleasure.However, some hotels may only make the government per diem rate available to guests traveling on official business. Government hotel rates only apply to federal employees on official government business. These are military contractors who are typically are required to bill the Government no more than Per Diem for their travel. Other restrictions apply. Well just like each flight only has a certain number of seats available for 25,000 miles, hotels only set aside a certain number of rooms per night at the Government Rate. Here's how it works: 1. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Bonvoy. Scan this QR code to download the app now. Linger longer and enjoy spring savings on 5+ consecutive nights at participating hotels and 7+ nights at resorts. ', U.S. Airlines Sell Schedules They Don't Really Plan To Operate, And Then Refuse Refunds, These American Airlines Status Members Will No Longer Speak To Dedicated Elite Phone Agents, Middle Seat Passenger Eats Full Slab Of Ribs, Skin-On Fries And Half An Ear Of Corn, Thursday Was A Tough Day For Southwest Airlines Labor Relations As Pilots And Cabin Crew Protest. Refer to Section 301-11.18 of the Federal Travel Regulation for specific guidance on deducting these amounts from your per diem reimbursement claims for meals furnished to you by the government. There are a number of excellent increased sign-up bonuses on hotel cards right now. My understanding is that you are only eligible for the state government rate in the state where you are a state government employee. Editorial Note: The opinions, analyses, and evaluations here are mine and not provided by any bank including (but not limited to) American Express, Chase, Citibank, US Bank, Barclays or any other company. It used to be that most Marriott properties merely required a guest to be a federal employee to take advantage of a federal government rate. The other 20% or less is for leisure travel often I have chosen Marriott in the past rather than other brands. And thats just how we like it! Best Western and Marriott are two like that. The End Date of your trip can not occur before the Start Date. Hyatt values those who actively serve in the U.S. government and military. Generally, Marriott says yes. Your email address will not be published. You are referring to government rates that are negotiated and to use them you usually use a specific code. And the risks of booking this way if youre not a government employee. Some school districtsparticularly large urban onesinclude access to programs such as Plum Benefits, Recreation Connection, Perks at Work and Tickets at Work in their employee benefit packages. Thats why I would NOT recommend booking the government employee rate if youre not eligible. I'm a federal government employee. Save 12% as a current or former military member or as the spouse of a military member. Thanks guys. And at the payment page, it says Ill be required to provide ID when I check-in to the hotel. The rate plan is currently valid for arrivals through June 30, 2021, but could be extended. Unrelated, but important for lots of Iceland-bound travellers: From July 27, GMT 00:00, travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test result when boarding a flight to Iceland, not older than 72 hours. PCR or antigen test are both accepted. Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. Its not like they fight for freedom at home and defend actual borders at home. Heres our full advertising policy: How we make money. Your separation orders. We offer accommodation choices at over 3,000 GSA (U.S. Government Service Agency)-participating hotels worldwide, along with IHG hotels on-post at 39 military installations. These havent been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And at the payment page, it says Ill be required to provide ID when I check-in to the hotel. Theres no longer a need for a policy of looking the other way., Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel - a topic he has covered since 2002. 3 Activity required per calendar year to achieve or maintain status. Why was there no notice for trips already booked? But some hotels dont ask for an ID when you check-in. As I mentioned above some of these specifically state in their terms they are for government and leisure travel. If your school district doesnt provide this benefit, some educational credit unions do, so check your credit unions membership details. Looking for U.S. government information and services? In one example, I found agovernment rate thats45% cheaper than the price for loyalty members. That being said, I think the front desk very rarely confirms government ID for qualifying rate. Plus, an AARP membership can save you money in other ways. QQ2, we are I think talking about two different things. They did so by booking online using agovernment employee rate. Valid identification is . Arlington, VA. Fort Sill, OK *. For example, if your trip includes meals that are already paid for by the government (such as through a registration fee for a conference), you will need to deduct those meals from your voucher. 4. Previously you just had to show your federal ID (yeah I know there were also rates that were official duty only). When you book a stay at most major hotel chains, including Hilton, IHG, , and Starwood, there are usually multiple room rates available to choose from. This matches Hiltons approach. Signing up for credit cards through partner links earns us a commission. The compensation we receive and other factors, such as your location, may impact what ads and links appear on our site, and how, where, and in what order ads and links appear. But at check-in, youll likely be required to provide proof of your membership or employment status to get the discount. IHG Hotels include Candlewood Suites, Crowne Plaza, Even Hotels, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, and more. Here are what the major chains list for their Military/ Govt rates for personal use: Dont Miss: Full Time Jobs In Warner Robins Ga. What is their military discount? Also Check: Government Jobs Redstone Arsenal. Marriott instituted a rule change that says you can only use the gov/federal rate on official business only. IHG is state specific in that you must be a state employee from the state in which the IHG is located to receive the discount. Fine print is usually buried somewhere on their main sites but it's there. Present an official ID card or work orders when checking-in to the hotel after booking the Flexible Rate. As an employee of BAH and working with about 9 diff agencies I can say that there is no way to tell the diff between contractor/FTE from just an ID. Our reporters create honest, accurate, and objective content to help you make decisions. In fact, you might be able to book any of the discounted rates, even if you dont qualify. When it doesnt work is when the front desk attendant is inexperienced and incompetent and does not understand that university employees work for the state. For example, you might see: Theres nothing to prevent you from comparing prices across the different rate categories. As a private sector employee Ive always resented that govt employees get discounted rates while traveling for leisure. When planning a family vacation, finding a discount on a hotel can save you a little bit of money. Because if youre not eligible and book it anyway, you could endup paying a lot more than you planned. Save On Winter Travel. Then there are the OMG, Ive never heard this, Ive never been asked for ., This is outrageous! Banner advertising, in contrast, is paid for by advertisers (we do not directly control the banner advertising on this blog). Federal employees have discretionary income (so a good market to target) but generally arent wealthy (so discounts matter). But at check-in, youll likely be required to provide proof of your membership or employment status to get the discount. They get paid with tax dollars to do what is often unhelpful to the public. Who is eligible for this military discount? There is a government rate at over 3,000 of their hotels. Do I need a letter from the university stating official business as well? Whether its a souvenir T-shirt for yourself or a book or map for your classroom, you might be able to knock up to 15% off the price tag. We Salute Those Who Serve. Employees of public school districts can take advantage of the government rate at some national hotel chains. Generally, Marriott says yes. Please note that a change in the length or dates of your reservation may result in a rate change. However, hotel chains usually have a separate rate for Federal Government contractors which is sometimes higher than Per Diem. I was able to book a State govt rate at a Sheraton in San Diego I never saw the pop-up! etc etc etc. NOT VALID FOR OFFICAL GOVERNMENT OR MILITARY TRAVEL. Its a good idea for anyone wishing to book the GOV rate to click on the rate details. They may it may not ask for ID. Cities not appearing below may be located within a county for which rates are listed. There are various responses when we ask for documents. On the Search Criteria screen, tap within the ' Special Rates ' field [ Click here to view Image] Enter your Corporate Code in the field at the bottom and tap ' Apply ' [ Click here to view Image] Tap ' Find Hotels ' to proceed with the Reservation. Canadian Government Travelers: Most of our Canadian Best Western properties and many in the United States honor special Canadian Government discount hotel rates. More About Gary . Who is eligible for this military discount? Plus, I prefer to use hotel points for free stays to avoid paying anything at all! It 110% didnt say this when I booked my trip a few months ago and the front desk manager tried gaslighting me and convincing me its always been that way. Usually its just a purchase order or contract, and it invariably details the requirment for me to travel into the US and perform the required services. I was very upset, and I told the lady I was stuck like chuck. You might not save as much as the government employee rate, but there are other memberships that can get you a discounted hotel stay. The lady at the counter asked me for my ID, I showed her and she said its only for active duty! Discover Dallas from our conveniently located Downtown Hotel. Instead, I write primarily about cards which earn airline miles, hotel points, and some cash back (or have points that can be converted into the same). Even open to Canadian government employees (like me). Your email address will not be published. In addition to discounts in select countries, its Worldwide Assistance provides help to students and faculty with lost passports, travel documents, legal problems and even emergency cash. Alternatively, you may use, Courtyard New York Manhattan / Fifth Avenue, Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, an IHG Hotel. Btw, You can not book that rate w/out acknowledging the rate detail pop-upWe actually keep a copy (laminated, as many have torn them up in anger) as a reference for the front desk staff and something to show a guest to validate the stance. How do you get this discount? Here are the terms and conditions of this rate plan: This rate is bookable using any official Marriott reservation channel (Marriott.com, Marriott Bonvoy App, Customer Engagement Centers, or directly with a hotel) using the code QWO. I checked the cost of a night at theFour Points by Sheraton Los Angeles Westside. Traveler reimbursement is based on the location of the work activities and not the accommodations, unless lodging is not available at the work activity, then the agency may authorize the rate where lodging is obtained. Marriott changed the rules for stays on government rates, CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, American Airlines Flight Attendants Take The First Step Towards A Strike, U.S. Airlines Sell Schedules They Dont Really Plan To Operate, And Then Refuse Refunds, FAA Administrator Nominee Goes 0-For-7 In Aviation Policy Quiz, New Kansas City Airport Terminal Creates Controversy With Gender Neutral Bathrooms, Your Friend Or Spouse Flies Free With New Southwest Airlines Credit Card Offer, Delta Air Lines Passenger Uses His Coach Seat As A Standing Desk, And Im Here For It, Passenger Loses His Cool When He's Unable To Sit Next To His Wife On The Plane 'It's Her Birthday! Using Federal/Gov Discount Rates on Personal Travel. Folks say some hotels dont ask for your ID, which means its possible for anyone to book a government rate. The killer to this is that Government State rates listing the same price as Govt/military rates for the same stay do not include requirement of being on official business. You can also search using the 'GOV' Corporate Rate Code or Government & Military Rate on our website [ Click here to view Image] or Mobile App [ Click here to view Image] Upon check in, showed my retired military ID and sorry active duty only. My University ID was not sufficient. The purpose of the government program is for participating hotels in the United States to provide a rate to U.S. government travelers on business at or below the allowable federal per diem . They have not reviewed, approved or endorsed what I have to say. So, your actual offer terms from an advertiser may be different than the offer terms on this site. And you have to provide a valid ID at check-in. Credit card is required to reserve your room. Why not military too? And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. However hotels are filling up in the U.S. You might look at comparable occupancy statistics and say that the hotel business still hasnt fully recovered to 2019 levels, and thats true. The rate plan appears to include breakfast for two. It is nice that Marriott is offering discounted rates for medical, government, military, or relief organization employees. No results could be found for the location you've entered. In any case, theres no reason to offer deep discount inventory to stimulate extra room sales to government workers taking a weekend getaway, since hotels are in many cases filling these rooms at much higher prices. Called the platinum desk and they said sorry, blame the USG for that. Rates for Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. This page may include: credit card ads that we may be paid for (advertiser listing); and general information about credit card products (editorial content). Excludes Free Night Stays. Now every rate detail says only eligible to government employees on official business.. Our central location in the heart of Orange County, California offers easy access to those visiting JFTB or Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station. It is right to use that discount for leisure travel? For more information, please see How we make money. But some hotels dont ask for an ID when you check-in. Menu. Marriott removed that perk. For example, Million Mile Secrets team member Jasmin saves 10% off her AT&T wireless bill each month just by being an AARP member. For example,I made a test booking at a Starwood hotel using the government rate. To register a hotel with FEMA, you will need to go to https://apps.usfa.fema.gov/hotel/. But based on the readers experience and folks on FlyerTalk, some hotels do NOT ask for ID at check-in. Using the MMP code gives you the Explore Rate on Marriott, where you can get discounted rates for personal leisure travel at participating Marriott hotels and resorts all over the world. Meals . I know that I have sometimes had to get a room far away from where I wanted due to no Federal Government rooms being available. This rate is not part of a GSA agreement unless your organization has made it so. Take Advantage Of Early Bird Discounts. This subreddit is independent, unofficial and community based, it is not controlled by Marriott. Required fields are marked *. Marriotts policy, said director of media relations John Wolf, is also to let the individual hotels decide. The potential savings is not worth the risk! To qualify for the government rate across all states you must be a federal employee. The government employee rate is ~$100, or 45% cheaper than the price for loyalty members, seniors, and AAA members. That said, I wouldnot be comfortable booking this way. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Dont Miss: Government Grants Dental Work. To book your U.S. Government rate, search destinations and dates above. Eligible government, public sector, and non-profit employees get up to 25% off at participating hotels. Contact our Government Representative at 623-780-6842. Many do not qualify state university employees as state government employees. Not a member? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Rates are available between 10/1/2012 and 09/30/2023. Who Is Eligible for Government Rates? Meaning they they pay upfront cost on travel expenses and have to be reimbursed. I just stayed at the Marriott Marquis in NYC, I had the same exact problem as another military retiree. It would be great of Marriott clarified this. Destination. Great Rates & Exclusive Offers Await. Every other chain extends military benefits to retirees. Looking forward to hearing people's opinions! Ive never had a hotel in 20+ years verify that I was traveling on official business (or even verify that I was indeed a government employee for that matter). Marriott Eliminates Discount For Federal Government Employees. I work for a state university in Texas, which means it's part of the state government. Remember Marriott has released its latest 20% off Escapes for stays at select countries in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Make the most of your travel with our free and daily newsletter with the latest hotel and airline news and promotions. Marriott Proprietary Information. Then there are government rates that are a general offer to government employees, you usually use these just by clicking a box (like with Hilton). So they contractors try to slip one by and often do. You may check the availability of the rooms offered at government discount rates using the Marriott.com website. Online & in store. When we called back, a customer service agent said, As long as you have ID, I dont think going to trouble you about whether youre on business or pleasure. Starwood spokeswoman Nadine Ayala said the company, which operates Sheraton, was looking into our policy., Offering the per diem rates is a hotel-by-hotel decision, said Kathy Shepard, vice president for corporate communications at Hilton Hotels. The government employee rate is ~$100, or 45% cheaper than the pricefor loyalty members, seniors, and AAA members. Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards. National Association of Counties (NACO) website (a non-federal website), Meals & Incidental Expenses Breakdown (M&IE), Rates for Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Our free daily newsletter sends you the latest information on hotel and airline programs. These include a free breakfast, free phone calls, and more. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Used to stay at SPG all the time as a State Govt employee. Does the trip HAVE to be for work specifically or the discount simply a perk? Participating Hyatt hotels and resorts offer a government rate to the following individuals when traveling for government work related business: Government employees (federal, state, county, local, provincial governments) U.S. Military personnel. But the savings can add up if you have lots of paid hotel stays! All Rights Reserved, BonusTracker: Best credit card bonus offers, When to use miles or points vs. paying cash (using our points calculator with newly added features! All information is presented without any warranty or guarantee to you. Other restrictions, including blackout dates, may apply. Advertiser Disclosure: Many (but not all) of the credit card offers on the site are from banks from which we receive compensation if you are approved. We strive to keep our information accurate and up-to-date, but some information may not be current. To answer your question, yes, you get points/enc on a GOV rate. Your email address will not be published. The terms & conditions for booking a government rate usually stateyou must be a a state or federal government employee or active military. See More Information. Military and government employees can receive great benefits from a number of participating hotels and resorts worldwide. Generally it's travel for government purposes. Proof of Canadian Government identification or work orders at check in is all that is required. As an NEA member, you qualify for exclusive travel discounts through the NEA Travel Program. Copyright 2023 Marriott International , Inc. All Rights Reserved. 162 wrote: You can get the government rate as long as you show or give the front desk your business card. Keep in mind, the discount can vary depending on the hotel. You arent allowed to call and make your own reservation. Keep in mind, the discount can vary depending on the hotel. Really sad to see the rules posted that it is for official travel only. Please check the hotel's rate description for details. Comments made in response to posts are not provided or commissioned nor have they been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any bank. "Note: At most Marriott hotels the government rate is available to eligible guests regardless of whether they are traveling on business or pleasure. Laziness on the part of the check-in staff? Many, but not all, of the offers and clickable hyperlinks (such as a Apply Now button or Learn More button) that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us. We may have to stay near LAX to find a room. For example, you can become anAARP member (anyone of any age can join AARPfor $16 per year). Other organizations may have different rules that apply for their employees; please check with your organization for more assistance. My question is how do they know if you're on official business or not if all I'm showing is . Ive found these rates are only a few dollars cheaper or the same as the member rate. Fort Sam Houston, TX *. Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. Yes, thank you for your service. For more details, visit the Best Western website. Teachers in this community are guided by a code of etiquette that aims to keep all members safe and respected, and transactions smooth and successful. If you call Hilton general reservations and ask they will put you on hold and call the property and go with what they say. I hate humans, the gvt rate is NOT a perk but a discounted rate for current employees working. If were able to offer the government rate, the truth of the matter is that we dont care whether people are on business or leisure travel.. Plus, itll likely be too late to cancel your stay without paying a penalty. Government rates are generally rates negotiated by the General Services Administration for the benefit of employees of US government agencies wihen traveiling on government business. Were providing an environment that aligns with expert protocols. RATE VALID FOR LEISURE STAYS ONLY. Museums from coast to coast offer free or discounted admission to school employees living in-state or in neighboring states. I too prefer to patronize them rather than Marriott and will continue to do so unless they change their policy. It is not the responsibility of any advertiser to ensure that questions are answered. Our website states quite clearly that rate is for official gov business travelers only and that we will require your ID and travel orders upon check-in. I will not be using the Marriott in the future unless they add military retirees to the policy. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Free Access to Admirals Clubs for Military Members, How to Get Your Annual Fees Waived on Chase Credit Cards, Trying to Use Miles for Official Travel and Then Get Reimbursed Doesn't Fly, My Epic Journey to Antarctica Getting There, Veterans Day Discounts and Free Meals Travel Blogs, do rental cars include liability insurance? A lock ( . By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Our dedicated Marriott account representatives can assist with your group, meeting and event needs at our hotels worldwide. So some nights the government rate can be the same or more expensive than the rate for loyalty members. Who is eligible for this military discount? *Taxes are not included in the rate. You should check both ways, regular rates and Govt rates, as I have often found that empty hotels will offer rooms at below Govt rates. Normally, a state government employee wouldn't be expected to travel out of state for work.