Originally Posted by
serpens
If I replace "has always been" with "is" in arlflyer's response, I agree with it. I read the rate rules and stayed many times as a leisure traveler, but it has been some years since I found a government rate that did not say something like official travel only. I don't doubt PHLGovFlyer's assertion that Hilton properties could offer a government rate without requiring that the traveler be on official travel (and I continue to check), but in my experience, they don't anymore (to my great disappointment).
Gov rates for leisure travel are still around at Hilton properties. Admittedly, they are harder to find lately. For example, Hilton Pensacola Beach offers this rate:
Government % discount. Govt id or travel orders reqd at check-in special room type/discount promotion.
The rate rules make no mention of it being for duty travel or official travel only, and orders are not required. Granted the rate is generally over per-diem, but it is still typically less than the best available rate and the HHonors Discount rate(s).