Just a heads-up to those of you who have the card (and maybe a warning to those of you who use the VIP rate without the card)....

Carry the card with you!

In my last four stays, all booked at the VIP rate, I have been asked to see my VIP card three times. I have had the card for almost three years now, and before this month, I had maybe been asked to show it twice....ever. Once was to someone who had never seen one, and wanted to know how I obtained it, and the other was at a hotel that was oversold and they thought that they might not have to "walk" someone who was staying on a rate to which they were not entitled (I also saw them ask the guy after me for his corporate ID, as he was staying on a discounted rate, too).

My recent stays, though....

Marriott Dallas Quorum by the Galleria - asked upon arrival; was told that the hotel regularly sells out and anyone staying on such a heavily discounted rate is asked to show ID for that rate.

Long Island Marriott (Uniondale) - asked upon arrival, on two separate stays, at a hotel where I stay frequently (30+ nights per year for the last couple of years). One of the managers knows me by name, so I asked him if this was a new policy, and he said that they should always ask for the card, but they have been more diligent in enforcing it lately, as the hotel has been full.

Marriott Islandia - was not asked for the card.

Personally, I hope that this is a trend. I am glad that more properties are asking for the card. It is a capacity controlled rate, and if people are using it illegitmately, then there are less rooms available for me.