bump for answer

The code NPR gives me 25% off. But do I wanna book it? What kind of ID would that require? Upon putting that code, it says "VIP athletic code".

Are public school employees eligible for the government rate?

Anyway if you know how to use this in conjunction of EEO's and PP's/BB's you can have very inexpensive stays.

axast said:The code NPR gives me 25% off. But do I wanna book it? What kind of ID would that require? Upon putting that code, it says "VIP athletic code".

I'd like to know the answer to this one also. Any one have any idea?

My husband is a govt employee and we use the rate whenever we can when we travel for leisure. We have never had a problem!

FountainRunner57 said:axast said:The code NPR gives me 25% off. But do I wanna book it? What kind of ID would that require? Upon putting that code, it says "VIP athletic code".

I'd like to know the answer to this one also. Any one have any idea?

OK, after doing further research I've discovered that the "VIP athletic code" can only be used by members of such groups as APSE aka the Associated Press Sports Editors and NASO aka the National Association of Sports Officials. They are issued a card which must be shown as proof of membership. Here is part of the disclosure given: The Athletic VIP card must be shown at check-in. The discounted rate is space-available only and may not be offered if a hotel is sold out or anticipates being sold out. You can check with the individual hotel you plan to stay in for room availability.

JakeTheSnake said:Hoteldude said:I am a Front Desk Clerk at a Full Service Marriott just outside of Washington, DC. All Front Service Employees have attended Marriott required training on ensuring guests are eligible for the rates booked. Marriott estimates they lose millions of dollars in room revenue per year due to guests booking under ineligible rates. The most notable violation has been the Government Rate. If you plan to book this rate and you are not a Federal or State Gov't employee and can not produce the proper proof (i.e. Gov't Credit Card, Gov't ID) than you will be asked to pay the rack rate when you check in (regardless of your status with Marriott Rewards). If you book any other corporate rate (such as the ACC rate mentioned earlier in the thread) and can not produce proof that you are eligible for the rate (a photo ID, a paycheck stub, or a business card with your name on it) you should plan on paying the rack rate when you arrive. We are not allowed to offer the BAR (best available rate) in cases where a rate code has been improperly used. Any Front Desk employee who does not enforce rate code eligibility rules may be fired on the spot according to our Hotel GM. I, for one, do not want to be fired, and will ask you for ID.

Please note, if the rate is a publicly available rate such as TFB (Two for Breakfast) than it is not a problem for anyone to use that rate.

What about those who are Government but works for a City or County. Where do they fall under?

On many Marriott hotels listed at marriottrewards.com, they show two gov't listings: 1 for federal, 1 for state. The state rate is nearly always lower than the federal per diem lodging rate (though I don't understand why). I think you have a strong argument for selecting the state rate and pleading your case in the event you're challenged.

Btw, I use the fed rate when traveling, regardless of whether it's official or personal. As long as I can provide an ID, I've never had a problem. I've also never seen a rate quote stating the the official BOA card must be used. Though this IS a DoD policy, I've never seen a hotel use it. On very rare occasions, I have seen the 'must be on official orders' used, but again...who can really enforce that? With the automated travel system implemented last year, nobody actually has paper copies of orders in hand anymore when they travel.

etsmyers said:
I spent over 4 hours trying multiple codes, for multiple properties, on both weekend and weekday stays and less than 5% of the codes worked. Not to mention, some of the codes actually INCREASED the price from the listed rate

Most of the time the corporate has made a deal with a specific property or two at a certain city. You have to use imagination.

I was thinking about trying the MMP rate. It's 1/2 what the disocunts are.
Do you think I'll get away with it