Gov. rate and ID question regards hotels

[Anonymous]

I have a government issued ID, so do my kids. My DH works for federal government. I have traveled many times by myself, or with kids, without DH and got the rate without any issues. So, has my DS. I was told today that DS can't get the government rate, nor can I, that only DH can get it in person. In the past, I got the rate even when my travel wasn't on travel orders, but for personal travel. Does anybody know what the rules are? And are they just trying not to give DS, who just turned 18, a room? I am confused. This is the same chain, Marriot, that we have used many times in the past. In the past even Hyatt gave him the rate without asking for his gov ID, when DS was traveling with a coach. If anybody knows exact rules, please let me know. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a government issued ID, so do my kids. My DH works for federal government. I have traveled many times by myself, or with kids, without DH and got the rate without any issues. So, has my DS. I was told today that DS can't get the government rate, nor can I, that only DH can get it in person. In the past, I got the rate even when my travel wasn't on travel orders, but for personal travel. Does anybody know what the rules are? And are they just trying not to give DS, who just turned 18, a room? I am confused. This is the same chain, Marriot, that we have used many times in the past. In the past even Hyatt gave him the rate without asking for his gov ID, when DS was traveling with a coach. If anybody knows exact rules, please let me know. Thanks.

There are no exact rules. It's up to the hotel. When you book online and click on the definition of the rate it should tell you. But I've never heard of a hotel where the government rate can be extended to a non gov employee (you). Your husband should be checking in and prepared to show his ID.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a government issued ID, so do my kids. My DH works for federal government. I have traveled many times by myself, or with kids, without DH and got the rate without any issues. So, has my DS. I was told today that DS can't get the government rate, nor can I, that only DH can get it in person. In the past, I got the rate even when my travel wasn't on travel orders, but for personal travel. Does anybody know what the rules are? And are they just trying not to give DS, who just turned 18, a room? I am confused. This is the same chain, Marriot, that we have used many times in the past. In the past even Hyatt gave him the rate without asking for his gov ID, when DS was traveling with a coach. If anybody knows exact rules, please let me know. Thanks.

No. They are just not going to give the government rate, which is a steal, to non government employees. What is confusing about this? He probably was flagged at check in because most 18 year olds aren't government employees.

[Anonymous]

The rule is that you need to be traveling for business.

[Anonymous]

Only your DH is a govie right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The rule is that you need to be traveling for business.

Exactly, you are supposed to be traveling on government orders to use the government rate. Some hotels will ask for your I'd. Others will ask for your orders. And, some will never ask.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The rule is that you need to be traveling for business.

This. It's not for personal travel or family members. You've been scamming hotels.

[Anonymous]

I think it's really meant for official travel, but it can be used for personal by the employee. But it needs to include the employee being present.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The rule is that you need to be traveling for business.

Not true. It's up to the hotel. Many openly extend the rate to gov't employees traveling for leisure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The rule is that you need to be traveling for business.

This. It's not for personal travel or family members. You've been scamming hotels.

Actually you can use the government rate for personal travel but it's up to the discretion of the hotel. You'd need to ask when booking. But no - it's not for family members. I can't believe someone would be trying to scam the system like this and wouldn't even realize what they were doing wrong. Their 18 year old trying to use the government rate?!?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a government issued ID, so do my kids. My DH works for federal government. I have traveled many times by myself, or with kids, without DH and got the rate without any issues. So, has my DS. I was told today that DS can't get the government rate, nor can I, that only DH can get it in person. In the past, I got the rate even when my travel wasn't on travel orders, but for personal travel. Does anybody know what the rules are? And are they just trying not to give DS, who just turned 18, a room? I am confused. This is the same chain, Marriot, that we have used many times in the past. In the past even Hyatt gave him the rate without asking for his gov ID, when DS was traveling with a coach. If anybody knows exact rules, please let me know. Thanks.

There are no exact rules. It's up to the hotel. When you book online and click on the definition of the rate it should tell you. But I've never heard of a hotel where the government rate can be extended to a non gov employee (you). Your husband should be checking in and prepared to show his ID.

This.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The rule is that you need to be traveling for business.

Not true. It's up to the hotel. Many openly extend the rate to gov't employees traveling for leisure.

+1. You have to confirm with the hotel when booking.

[Anonymous]

OP here. DS didn't just show up. I always call ahead before making the reservation and ask about the rate and their age policy. It has never been an issue and I am very honest about the reason for travel, and so far it was always fine with all hotels, apart from this one. Hence my question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. DS didn't just show up. I always call ahead before making the reservation and ask about the rate and their age policy. It has never been an issue and I am very honest about the reason for travel, and so far it was always fine with all hotels, apart from this one. Hence my question.

Your DS is NOT a government employee! Why do you not understand this?!?

[Anonymous]

The reason is not the issue - Marriott usually says it in the rate rules that it does not have to be on travel orders.
The issue is that your son is not the government employee.