Originally Posted by
Fanjet
Some will require a letter from the company stating that the stay is for business purposes (usually if the rate booked is not a contracted corporate rate). However, this can be circumvented by someone making up such a letter on company letterhead paper.
Because most people travelling for their work on business have their company re-imburse them for their hotel expenses. And the employee doesn't normally "pick-up the tab" for them by using their award points.
Well, I'm not saying it didn't happen, but I'm in Berlin almost every other week, and since this tax has been introduced I've stayed at the Adlon, Grand Hyatt, both Sofitels, the Ritz Carlton, and at least two other hotels. I've never had anything more challenging than "Are you staying with us for business purposes?" to which I reply "Yes." The Hyatt initially went through a period of losing my business address, but they got better when I reminded them that I was running out of business cards. A few weeks ago I stayed there with my wife and four children and again said that I was staying there for business, which I was.
I would find it very odd to be asked by a hotel staff member to present a letter from my company confirming that I was staying in the hotel on business. By definition almost, many/most people in hotels are from a different city/country, where this procedure would not be known. And I doubt it would stand up to a challenge by the guest anyway. And what if you own your own company? Do you write yourself your own doctor's note?