Finkface

I have two residences and use resident rates often. Specifically, the Fairmont YVR has a BC Residents rate and in Hawaii, I use kama'aina rates all the time. Nothing discriminatory about it.

xar

Similar topic.
US/Canada folks get Bonvoy Credit cards but not available in my location. That is level 100 "discriminatory"!

EuropeanPete

Local rates are normal in the tourism industry. It's not a surprise you often need to offer people from the area a little extra to stay. In any case, piece of advice for Dubai: Don't ever try to "call someone out" on your perspective of law when in the Emirates. It won't end well, at all.

nmpls

Yeah, this is common. Marriott often has a 10% off for CA residents on CA hotels.
This is for anyone who lives in the UAE, which doesn't require you be a citizen. If it was whites or arabs only or something, you might have a case.

Blumie

mecabq

Yes, ths is "discrimination" by definition. But it's lawful and common in the UAE and elsewhere.

KRSW

Came to point out the Florida Resident discounts which hotels, theme parks, restaurants, and other service establishments often give. Actually, these practices are very common. Airline employees have special rates at airlines and hotels. People who work for car dealerships often can get special leases from manufacturers. Teachers/first responders/military/senior citizens are often given discounts. Bars and night clubs will do "ladies' night". And yes, Marriott offers Marriott Rewards Rates for Marriott Rewards members.

If you really want to see something like this in practice, go visit Thailand with a local, where just about everything has a locals price that is substantially less than what a "Farang" (foreigner) would pay.

Or go to a casino and watch how some players get comp'd suites, endless food, and beverages, whilst other players don't get squat. That's how it works.

Keyser

wouldn't call it discrimination at all....if a property is offering a special rate for locals then there is nothing wrong with it....if they are asking for a particular type of id then its no different than a government or corporate or aaa rate....if you don't qualify then you are not entitled to it....

gcuk

Duck1981

Don't forget that staycations are an essential revenue generator for hotels in the UAE - e.g. lots of expats live in villas without a pool or direct sea access (only the one with the biggest income will stay on the Palm) so they spend a weekend on a lower rate in a hotel and enjoy beach, pool, etc.

EK has agreed for its cabin crew several discounts at various hotels so FA's can use pools, spas, etc. when having a day off.

My corporate rate gives me also access to the Ritz Carltons in JBR or Abu Dhabi for AED550 a night mostly all the year.

I don't think that's discrimination (you would also get it if you live there) so I reserve that word for anything linked to racial discrimination e.g. not serving black people in a restaurant or anything similar bad.

Orwaid

Hi -

Could the title somehow be edited to lose the self-righteous indignation ... or at the least the ALL CAPS and exclamation points?

I think the discussion on local rates is informative.

margarita girl

TerryK

Yes, this is common in travel industry. Residency based "discrimination" for hotel rates, flights, admission tickets or even restaurant meals. Nothing new to see here. This is call market segmentation in marketing.

This would have been a real discrimination it rates were based on race. For example a discount for whiles only.

Tedgrrrr

Weird that I have never noticed these special rates for locals at Marriotts... Oh well, I'll just live with the "regular" rate - not a bad deal anyway, and the hotel has amazing reviews and seems absolutely magnificent - I'll report back in the Dubai travel thread when I return!!

GUWonder