Strange experience last week, while I was travelling on federal government business on a trip booked by the Dept of Interior's travel agent (DOI Travel Authorization form, govt plane fare, hotel rates, etc.).

When we arrived at the Hampton Inn in Bangor, Maine, they demanded our govt photo IDs. Because we aren't federal employees, we of course don't have govt photo IDs. We offered alternate documents such as the DOI Travel Authorization form, but were pointedly refused. The desl clerk said "Hampton Inns are independently owned" and then pointed at a glossy sign on the desk which read something like "Govt rates for employees only." And that was it-no negotiation!

Ironically we were staying at the Hampton because the Dept of Interior's travel agent couldn't get the Holiday Inn we requested at the govt rate. I called 1800 Holiday and had no trouble getting the rate! My next call was for a taxi!

I'm HHonors Diamond and have never encountered anything like this. Was Hampton within their rights to do this? Any suggestions on how to avoid this in future?