I guess the topic has been discussed a few times at FT but the view seems to be divided.

So, I am going to join a company in a month and through a friend, I know of the corporate rate code. I plan to book a Hyatt hotel using that code - does the offer letter make me eligible to use it. If not, can the still hotel create a problem if I show them my offer letter and email from the new employer?

The hotel is in India - does that increase the probability of the hotel asking for stricter documentation (company ID/ business card)

Thanks!
-R

In some companies, the corporate rate is only authorized to be used for approved business travel. If so, you should assume that someone in the corporate travel office gets periodic reports of who used their rate, where, and when. Others might, when permitted by the contract, encourage employees and even retirees to use the rate code for personal travel also, including when traveling with friends and family (but not without the employee/retiree being present).

Any unauthorized use of a corporate discount could jeopardize your new job before you start. It could also create trouble for your friend when the company asks about the source of your knowing the code before the effective date of your new position. If you tell the hotel that you're a not yet new employee, they could contact the company for verification. All of this might be unlikely, but do you want to risk it?

Thanks for the prompt response MSPeconomist. While I can't be 100% sure, I have been told that the current employees frequently use the corporate codes for personal travel and no issues have been reported so far. My bigger worry therefore is if the hotel will have a problem, given that I am yet to formally join the company.

Do they do it or does company policy and the company's contract with Hyatt authorize them to do it? There's a big difference.

It would be different if your "friend" will be your supervisor/manager or of the "friend" is an official in the company's personnel department.

You could always ask your new supervisor or your personnel department contact, but I don't think this would make a very good initial impression unless you're statying at the hotel for some business related purpose, such as part of a relocation or for training.

BTW, how much money would you save by using the corporate rate code?

Honestly, I don't know!

None - the "friend" works in a different department, but he is neither part of personnel team, nor my direct supervisor.

Yes, that would be odd, especially because neither my supervisor, nor the personnel department has formally informed about the corporate code

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