Hilton HHonors - checkin upon arrival

I know i've read this thread before but if I want to book a govt-rate online and I myself do not work for the govt, but one of my clients is a govt business, can I get a written statement from my client stating that I'm there on official govt business and show that at the counter upon arrival? Pls advice.

Pretty much NO!!! Although each individual hotel will interpret the rules differently however if they want to be a stinker about it; then they can interpret them to mean Gov't employees only.

Some hotels extend their Government rate to government contractors (I assume you're one), some do not. Based on my experience, Hiltons often do (but you need to confirm this with the hotel in advance), Marriotts usually do not (at least in the locations I typically travel to).

Next week I'll be staying at the Doubletree at Tysons Corner. They have a Government rate ($150) and a Government Employee Rate ($160). But the AAA rate is $143, so that's what I'm using (maybe I should talk to my boss about paying for my AAA membership...).

I mentioned ealier that we have a wallet card to show to hotels to try to get the Government rate. Here's what is on the card - it has a Defense Contract Management Agency letterhead:

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
The undersigned, an authorized representative of the United States Government, certifies that (Company X) is a Department of Defense contractor whose travel expense reimbursements are subject to Federal Acquisition Regulations (31.205-46 (a) (2) -- Travel Costs) and are generally restricted to similar per diem rates as Government employees.

Upon presentation of sufficient documentation to identify the bearer of this certificate as an employee of (Company X), on official travel, please grant the bearer lodging at the same rates granted to Government employees.

This certification should only be used when travel occurs in connection with DoD prime or subcontracts. If you have any question concerning this request, please contact the undersigned at (555)555-5555.

(signed)
Joe Smith
Divisional Administrative Contracting Officer
</font>

We generally book the Government rate when it is available (and there isn't a corresponding Government Contractor rate). FWIW, we are reimbursed for actual costs on travel, but any expenses in excess of Govt per diem are reimbursed to the employee but not charged to the contract.

My observation with Hilton chain is that more of them are stipulating that Government rates are for Government employees only...

This week I've stayed at the PHX and SLC Airport Hiltons at the government rate. Each time I was asked to present my military ID card at check-in as proof of eligibility.

I thought you had to have gov't travel orders to get the gov't rate. I contract to the gov't now and in my years, this is what we have done.

I worked on a major project for the State of Rhode Island two years ago.

I was given a letter indicating my contractor status and requested the hotel I was staying at to honor the govt rate for me. I never had any problems getting the govt rate........


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AA member since 1981.