Originally Posted by
SK AAR
This is a corporate rate so IBM employees only. IBM ID is required at check-in and as most properties in Asia play strictly according to the rules, there is IMO a significant risk that you will be required to show ID at this property. I recall my stay at Hilton KL last year; I was required to show and use my VISA card when staying on the (notorious and great) 25% off VISA rate.
The same applies to the Blackstone rate.
Asia seems to be more strict re: corp id, although presumably if the rate rules didn't specify IBM id needed at check-in one could potentially argue that it's not required. US & other countries are not as strict on showing id at check-in. Having legit worked for F50 & F500 companies who did have negotiated corp rates, I was never asked to show id when checking into Hiltons (or any chain for that matter).
Of course the #1 rule when booking a code that you might not be eligible for, is be prepared to pay rack rate (or another discount rate if you've done your homework & checked what's available the day of check-in) or have a back-up reservation somewhere else.
Sometimes corp rates are great; sometimes publicly available rates and promos are better.
FWIW - I'd be leery of using the Blackstone rate, but to each their own.
Cheers.