You must make the booking using corporate rate plan QWO and have qualified identification upon checking in. To answer your question, yes, you get points/enc on a GOV rate. Mini swaps are also available for those traveling spontaneously, or vacationing nearby or for shorter duration. You must make the booking using corporate rate plan QWO and have qualified identification upon checking in. It seems that Marriotts are now enforcing the actual rules when it comes to allowing customers to use the Federal Government rate. My understanding is that you are only eligible for the state government rate in the state where you are a state government employee. 1 mile from Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base (JFTB) In fact, you might be able to book any of the discounted rates, even if you dont qualify. As I mentioned above some of these specifically state in their terms they are for government and leisure travel. On this basis, would I be eligible for government employee rates when booking with Starwood worldwide, and if so, do these rates earn points and status?< /font> View Full ProfileView Full ProfileView Full ProfileView Full ProfileView Full Profile< font face=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif size=2> Originally posted by Ken hAAmer:I think the operative phrase is Cost recoverable contractor. If youre expenses are billed directly to the government, which ever one, then you probably fall into that group. 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 . The government employee rate is ~$100, or 45% cheaper than the price for loyalty members, seniors, and AAA members. Save On Winter Travel. In other words, in leisure markets, leisure stays are back and beyond 2019 levels. Just be truthful and tell them you are on vacation, like I told them I will be going on a cruise on my first response to your original post. Marriottnot for retired military. Rate is not applicable to groups of ten rooms or more. And you have to provide a valid ID at check-in. An official website of the U.S. General Services Administration. You can access this offer on Marriotts websitehere. Required fields are marked *. They won't ask for anything else. Sometime in the past couple of months Marriott changed the rules for stays on government rates. Each hotel could be different as far as requiring travel orders or not too. Marriott tends to update and clean up the terms and conditions of its guest loyalty program every few months. And if the hotel is full, the nightlyrate can be much higher than what youd expect. Official websites use .gov For more details, visit the Best Western website. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Maybe consider enrolling in an ethics class, Jack. Rates are available between 10/1/2012 and 09/30/2023. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Government hotel rates only apply to federal employees on official government business. I was able to book a State govt rate at a Sheraton in San Diego Please ladies and gentlemanIf youre not on official business its important to know that State and Federal employees are not supposed to use their official positions for private gain. At Hiltonhotels, the AARP rate is up to 5% less than the best available rate. Read Also: Congress Middle Class Mortgage Relief. A thread on Flyertalk caught my eye the other day and I thought you may be interested. However, just like cheap airline seats, once a hotel sells however many rooms they set aside for that rate, it will become unavailable. Active-duty military members are eligible for discounted rates when they are available. Rates for Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. My question is how do they know if you're on official business or not if all I'm showing is . Marriott Eliminates Discount For Federal Government Employees. For example, Million Mile Secrets team member Jasmin saves 10% off her AT&T wireless bill each month just by being an AARP member. Book your next destination today. We have partnerships with advertisers such as American Express, Brex, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Wells Fargo and Discover. A Red Ventures Company. I don't know what the alternate government rate is, but if I were you I would be sure I qualified for it before trying to use it. I dont know of any other hotel chain that does not provide a generic military discounted rate. Here is a list of hotels with military discounts that you might be staying at on your next vacation. The terms & conditions for booking a government rate usually stateyou must be a a state or federal government employee or active military. All guests checking in under the Community Caregiver Rate must show identification at check-in (medical, government, military, or relief organization identification). Check out our list of free museums and other attractions throughout the country. Error, The Per Diem API is not responding. Please try again later. Plus, an AARP membership can save you money in other ways. Eligible government, public sector, and non-profit employees get up to 25% off at participating hotels. I have had mixed results doing this. Excludes Free Night Stays. The Government Employee Price at a Sample Starwood Hotel Is ~$100 Cheaper Than Other Rates. But at check-in, youll likely be required to provide proof of your membership or employment status to get the discount. 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. Read the whole thread here and let us know what you think. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Will it go back? But even better if you can stay for free! For example, Holiday Inn and InterContinental Hotels allow government contractors to use the hotels' government rates, while Marriott's website states that contractor employees are not eligible to . As to whether government employees can use it for leisure travel Hilton seems to have left that call up to the individual property. 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. Sometimes meal amounts must be deducted from trip voucher. To qualify for the government rate across all states you must be a federal employee. 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. Why does this affect you? And AARP members enjoy late checkout until 2:00 pm, when available. Credit card is required to reserve your room. I never saw the pop-up! etc etc etc. M&IE Total = Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner + Incidentals. 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! Please try again later. 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. Our dedicated Marriott account representatives can assist with your group, meeting and event needs at our hotels worldwide. The price went from $490 for 3 nights to trying to charge me over $1000. How do you get this discount? 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. VALID ID REQUIRED AT CHECK-IN. Google should help you find it. Actually if you check the fine print for gov rates most are for gov employees traveling on business or leisure. 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. Stay up-to-date with the MyMilitaryBenefits Discount Newsletter. No results could be found for the location you've entered. The discount at Hampton hotels is capped at 15%. That being said, I think the front desk very rarely confirms government ID for qualifying rate. And the advertised offers may be subject to additional terms and conditions of the advertiser. Pete_Coach wrote: Not to prolong the obvious but my point was that as a Government employee you are obliged to perform under the rules of the Canadian Government which states The negotiated rates are to be used only by the Identified Users while on official Government business travel authorized by Federal, Provincial or Territorial Governments and paid or reimbursed from public funds in accordance with Government Travel Policy.If Marriott choose to give you the equivalent rate to get your business, fine, but if you book requesting Government rates, you are working against the rules the Treasury Board has set out and you can be held responsible. Nobody should have any problems when a hotel chain decides to give discounts to govt. This plan has now been extended for stays through June 30, 2021. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Please check the hotel's rate description for details. La Quinta Inn & Suites Government rates are available to active duty/retired military personnel, federal and state government employees, cost reimbursable contractors, and employees of foreign governments. Take Advantage Of Early Bird Discounts. In fact, you might be able to book any of the discounted rates, even if you dont qualify. I am struggling to find a decent hotel near my meeting in LA within the GSA per diem. Called the platinum desk and they said sorry, blame the USG for that. I hate humans, the gvt rate is NOT a perk but a discounted rate for current employees working. 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). All teachers in this home swap community are verified, and its easy to find the perfect match for your needs. Proper ID is required at check in. According to Viki Reath, spokeswoman for the U.S. General Services Administration, thats easy: It is strictly a business decision of the lodging establishment as to whether or not they will extend the government per diem rate to employees traveling on personal business., Getting a firm answer on actual hotel policies was a bit trickier one reservations agent at the Sheraton Manhattan told us it was against the law to book government rates for personal time. One could easily just write up a letter on letterhead. Unless otherwise specified, the per diem locality is defined as "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city, including independent entities located within those boundaries. This plan has now been extended for stays through June 30, 2021. After six years as a platinum rewards member, made a reservation at the Marriott Marquis in NYC at the military rate. The lady at the counter asked me for my ID, I showed her and she said its only for active duty! And most hotels have a limited number of rooms available at a special rate for . Hilton, for example. There are a number of excellent increased sign-up bonuses on hotel cards right now. For more details, please visit the Motel 6 and Studio 6 website. Sometime in the past couple of months Marriott changed the rules for stays on government rates. You should choose the rate when you are booking your room. However, some hotels may only make the government per diem rate available to guests traveling on official business. Do I need a letter from the university stating official business as well? We are an independent publisher. So, your actual offer terms from an advertiser may be different than the offer terms on this site. 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. Step 2: Start Your Reservation. 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. Your email address will not be published. We may have to stay near LAX to find a room. The rate the OP is talking about, the Hilton Alternate Government Rate, is one of these general offers. . Instead, considerjoining AARPor other associations to book discounted hotel stays. I felt completely embarrassed when I was checking in. 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. 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. Many concessionaires that run gifts shops at national parks offer teacher discounts on purchases. Here are the best current deals for hotel cards. Blackout dates may apply. I am retired as well, but as much as I would love to have a discount or other bennie extended as a thank you for the service, I dont take the entitlement attitude that so many seem to have, including those here. Go here. The company operates under 30 brands. Only points earned on qualifying nights . The military is a form of welfare. Did you know that most of the major chains will also give you those rates when you are on vacation with your family? SeaWorld in Orlando is free for teachers in Florida with a teachers pass. Employees of public school districts can take advantage of the government rate at some national hotel chains. 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. There is no such thing as retired anyway. And mosthotels have a limited number of rooms available at a special rate for government employees. But in 12 years on the job traveling to at least a dozen states, I've never had a hotel even mention that when showing them a California employee ID, so I wouldn't worry at all about that. READ MORE:Marriott Bonvoy Rate & Bonus Points And Miles Promotions. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. All hotel reservations have to be made through Concur reservation system and Marriott is not an option. EDIT: After rereading Marriott's policy, it sounds like the valid ID is a state issued ID and travel orders. Your email address will not be published. Also Check: Government Jobs Redstone Arsenal. Member Rates are valid for Marriott Bonvoy members only; to join, visit www.MarriottBonvoy.com. It would be great of Marriott clarified this. It is nice that Marriott is offering discounted rates for medical, government, military, or relief organization employees. For things you need on your trip, NEA Discount Marketplace can help you save on luggage, restaurant gift certificates, travel apparel and more when you shop at thousands of retailers. Your separation orders. Fine print is usually buried somewhere on their main sites but it's there. All active and retired military personnel. That said, I wouldnot be comfortable booking this way. :), 2023 MillionMileSecrets.com. More About Gary . I've seen government rates, but I've not noticed something called "alternate government" rate. The potential savings isnot worth the risk! Or look for the AAA / CAA hotel rates to see if you can save. The government employee rate is ~$100, or 45% cheaper than the pricefor loyalty members, seniors, and AAA members. Marriott will make any future determination in regard to extension of the rate as the current situation continues to unfold. Also Check: Dental Grants For Low Income Adults. "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. Book Discounted Advance Purchase Rates. She squared me away, and I thanked her. More than just a home swap site for teachers all over the world, Teacher Tourist offers additional useful services, including hosting, guide, and home and pet sitting. Same rate offered to military personnel and their dependents, as well as members of certain government/military associations on business or leisure travel. This. Sometimes meal amounts must be deducted from trip voucher. When a military installation or Government-related facility (whether or not specifically named) is located partially within more than one city or county boundary, the applicable per diem rate for the entire installation or facility is the higher of the rates which apply to the cities and/or counties, even though part(s) of such activities may be located outside the defined per diem locality. Contact our Government Representative at 623-780-6842. 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. Dont buy that the USG doesnt tell Marriott how to price their rooms. Of course federal workers who have even minimal travel are typically issued a federal travel card. I work for the State of California and live in Chicago (they have an office out here). Meaning they they pay upfront cost on travel expenses and have to be reimbursed. Per diem localities with county definitions shall include"all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city as well as the boundaries of the listed counties, including independent entities located within the boundaries of the key city and the listed counties (unless otherwise listed separately).". ), How much are Amex points really worth? I book government rates all the time. If military we allow retired or active to book. Comments made in response to posts are not provided or commissioned nor have they been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any bank. I replied I could understand if I didnt retire, but after serving on active duty for 24 years you would think that you earned the right to a discount as if I was still on active duty. by Gary Leff on July 25, 2021. To support our work, we are paid for providing advertising services. last week for $125 a night regular $259. Generally, Marriott says yes. Throughout the UK and Ireland, Marriotts UK Public Sector Programme delivers exceptional value, expertise and service to those looking for government rates. A thread on Flyertalk caught my eye the other day and I thought you may be interested. And most hotels have a limited number of rooms available at a special rate for government employees. Note that there is availability on this rate plan outside of the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America (these are listed on the page). It is a general open offer to all government employees. However, hotel chains usually have a separate rate for Federal Government contractors which is sometimes higher than Per Diem. You can book it online, but youre expected to present your government ID at check-in. Find comfort in our modern guest rooms and suites and enjoy our thoughtful amenities including on-site dining at The Bistro, complimentary Wi-Fi and 24-hour fitness center. As a tribute to the men and women of service and as a way of saying thank you, we'd like to present Military and First Responders with a special savings of 15% off flexible rates at participating Marriott Vacation Club, Westin Vacation Club and Sheraton Vacation Club resorts in the U.S., Caribbean and Mexico.. Looking forward to hearing people's opinions! So they contractors try to slip one by and often do. Ive found these rates are only a few dollars cheaper or the same as the member rate. And at the payment page, it says Ill be required to provide ID when I check-in to the hotel. You May Like: Dental Implant Grants California, 2021 KnowYourGovernment.netContact us: [emailprotected], Booster interval reduced, NSW government to help small businesses | Coronavirus | 9 News Australia, Government Releases Guidelines For Converting Hotels To Hospitals Rates Start From 8 Thousand, Hotel occupancy rates up to about 90% as more use SingapoRediscovers Vouchers, How Can You Get Free Money From The Government, What Is The Mortgage Stimulus Program For The Middle Class, list of free museums and other attractions, What Is The Best Free Government Cell Phone. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. For example,I made a test booking at a Starwood hotel using the government rate. Who is eligible for this military discount? Most will show ID and will either have a paper travel order or will show an email order on phone. . No results could be found for the location youve entered. I work hard for my money too and they dont cut me a break! 3 Activity required per calendar year to achieve or maintain status. But i always get the discount. Canadian Government Travelers: Most of our Canadian Best Western properties and many in the United States honor special Canadian Government discount hotel rates. - Car Insurance FAQ, Rental car benefits, including primary liability, through USAA, does usaa insurance cover rental cars? I checked locations into FY 22 and rate rules on the Marriott website have not changed, They do state a traveler must be able to show either orders, federal travel card, standard government employee ID (with photo), or a CACI card with photo. At the edge of the Arts District, Dallas Marriott Downtown presents possibilities for hotel travelers to retreat in the heart of Downtown Dallas. 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.. Enjoy benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases, plus more. Thats why I would NOTrecommend booking the government employee rate if youre not eligible. I feel they should be held accountable for their idiotic behavior. I travel approximately 80% for work. Really sad to see the rules posted that it is for official travel only. It allowed me to book! To qualify for the government rate across all states you must be a federal employee. @ Franz Christian Gone are the days of putting official travel on personal cards to get the points. Meals . Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Bonvoy. The owner of this site is not an investment advisor, financial planner, nor legal or tax professional and articles here are of an opinion and general nature and should not be relied upon for individual circumstances.