Let's just get something clear for people regarding the employee rates with Marriott... The rate codes themselves are not a secret, Marriott does not try to protect these rates (which is part of the employee compensation) that way, but rather require a "room rate authrization form" upon checkin. Any Marriott employee (called associate in Marriott terms) can request a room rate authorization form from their HR department and/or department manager and share with their friends and family as they see fit. Any violation in the issuance of these forms leads to disciplinary actions and/or termination of employment.

There are 2 rates available with Marriott that falls under this scheme.

1: Associate pleasure rate. In general, only associate and close family (spouse, children, parents, parents-in-law and the associate themselves)

2: Friends & Family rate. This rate is for everyone else who is friends or family of a current Marriott associate.

Imagine, if you will, that the room rate authorization form is like a visa. If you do not have it, the front desk clerk will not let you check in at that rate. They are trained to offer you best available rate at the time of checkin.

Our hotel loves it when people show up with a friends&family rate booking without qualifying for it. "Have you not been told Sir? That's unfortunate. Best available rate is... Have you forgotten the form? Supply it at checkout and we will rebate your bill when provided a complete form. Meanwhile, the best available rate is..." We experience on average 5-10 checkins per week of clever people who think that just because they can google up a booking code, they should be entitled to a discount that we offer to our employees as part of their compensation.

As an FYI, the rates are for leisure only. If an employee of for instance the Boston Marriott travels to the Miami Marriott to meet a large corporate client or to attend a trade show, there is a Marriott Associate Business Rate to be used.

In short: if you have a close friend of family member that is a current Marriott employee (Marriott, Renaissance, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, Nickelodeon Resorts, Marriott Vacation Club, Marriott Executive Apartments, Springhill Suites etc) then by all means ask them for a form before making a booking.

If not, don't use the booking codes. They will work all the way to checkin where you will be denied.

Please also note that the forms are only valid for 60 days and originals must be produced at each checkin. If you plan to stay at 3 different Marriott hotels, you need 3 original forms. No fax, scan or copy will be accepted.