MSPeconomist

IIRC Hyatt asks for the AAA number too. Unfortunately I haven't found a way to store it in my profile and avoid hunting for the card every time.

I wish all hotels would ask for the AAA card at check in when someone is using an AAA rate, just as front desks should verify the age for senior rates. I suspect that lots of people (here on FT) are using rates to which they are not entitled.

Leisuremiles

MSP- While I agree with you that there are likely many folks here on Flyertalk that take advantage of rates to which they are not entitled. AARP, for example, has no age requirement for membership. People of virtually any age are eligible for membership, of course, you actually do have to have a membership to be eligible for AARP discounted rates, be it for lodging or flights (BA).

Non-NonRev

People under 50 joining AARP are given "Associate Membership", but AFAIK this grants you to the benefits and discounts.

MSPeconomist

For AARP rates, you show your card, just like when using AAA rates.

I was talking about senior (NOT AARP) rates that some hotels offer to those over 60, 62, or 65. These are based solely on age and have no connection to AARP. The norm should be that the front desk agent checks the age on the photo ID that is presented.

MSPeconomist

Again, the senior offered by some hotels have nothing to do with AARP, although I've seen some AARP rates listed as AARP member or over age 62 for example, but these are more typically labelled as "AARP or Senior" or "Senior or AARP."

SkiAdcock

My experience is similar to flyinhawaiian's.

I've rarely been asked for the card. I'm a AAA member so use the rate legitimately. Because I rarely (ie, never up until a few years ago) was asked I got out of the habit of taking the card w/ me, especially when overseas (I tend to purge my wallet of all non-essential items when traveling).

So of course the LHR Ren asked me for it. I explained that I was a member but that because I was so rarely asked for the card I left it behind. They kept the rate as a 1-time courtesy & since then if I've booked the AAA rate anywhere I bring the card w/ just in case. The only other time I've been asked for it was at the Prague Marriott (and they wanted to copy it - uh, no).

I give the Orlando World Center kudos for telling you in advance that you'll need to show the card. It would suck if you were a member & showed up w/o it & then got charged rack rate.

Cheers.

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I logged into the AARP Member Benefits Guide. Under 'hotels' they list a general diccountof 10% off best available rate at all Choice, Hilton, Starwood and Wyndham properties. I am sure that other brands like Marriott etc. also have agreements with regional or state AARP organizations.

MSPeconomist

I'm not denying that some hotels have AARP rates for AARP members.

However, my post earlier in this thread was about SENIOR rates, and NOT AARP rates. Thses senior rates have nothing to do with AARP and do not require an AARP membership, although at some properties they are the same as AARP rates.

Often1

This one isn't difficult.

There are rates for people who are members of AARP and there are rates for people who are seniors. Sometimes the rates are the same. Sometimes they are not. Sometimes an individual may qualify for one or the other, sometimes for both.

pinniped

I don't mind showing the card...it's always in my wallet.

I get asked for the card maybe once a year, usually at RI or FI among the Marriott brands.

darthbimmer

+3.
It's rare that I get asked for my card.
I always carry it with me (primarily in case of car related trouble).
I'm glad to show it in the rare cases where hotels police use of the AAA rate.

Non-NonRev

Interestingly enough, the AAA and the AARP rates are often the same (especially at Hiltons).

MSPeconomist

Thank you.

Time traveller

I believe on the Hilton website, you have to enter your AAA account number to book the AAA rate. Maybe Marriott will follow...

MSPeconomist

Starwood doesn't do this, although they sometimes ask for the card at check in.