I have a reservation at the Marriott San Diego & Marina for 3/29-3/31 weekend at a federal government rate of $99/night for city view. (I just checked online and that rate is still available.) The best AAA rate for city view is $208/night. The best Marriott promotion rate is a leisure rate of $169 or $179 (incl. breakfast for two).

Last fall I stayed at the Marriott LAX for one Thurs. night at a federal government rate of $99 also. I remember the next lowest rate available was around $170. (That hotel room was certainly not worth a rate of more than $99.)

I guess it just depends on the location. Lesson for those who qualify for federal government rates: Don't assume that the gov. rate will be the cheapest rate; check all available rates.

[This message has been edited by Scotch (edited 02-09-2002).]