GOV rate question
GOV rate question
Aug 26, 2022 | 10:25 am
#2
Join Date: Dec 2004
Programs: DL Plat
Posts: 794
In the US, the government rate applies to Federal employees (not teachers or professors that are State employees) on official government business (not leisure trips). I think the policy changed in mid-2021. However, enforcement is inconsistent and its possible that the front desk employee won't know what to do with a non-English international identification card. Of course, the consequence for being ineligible for the gov rate is reversion to the current rate, which could be quite expensive. So... officially, probably not, but YMMV.
Aug 26, 2022 | 10:33 am
#3
Join Date: May 2012
Location: HNL
Programs: Atmos Ti MM
Posts: 1,842
In the US, the government rate applies to Federal employees (not teachers or professors that are State employees) on official government business (not leisure trips). I think the policy changed in mid-2021. However, enforcement is inconsistent and its possible that the front desk employee won't know what to do with a non-English international identification card. Of course, the consequence for being ineligible for the gov rate is reversion to the current rate, which could be quite expensive. So... officially, probably not, but YMMV.
Aug 26, 2022 | 11:36 am
#5
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As well as Native tribes. But they do not include foreign governments.
OP, most hotels are not likely to check for the gov't ID card but if they do they can technically deny you on a foreign gov't ID. Will they? Really depends on the hotel and the agent working. I think there's been so much churn and turnover in front desk agents lately that most have no clue the gov't rate is for US/Canada/Native tribes only.
-RM
OP, most hotels are not likely to check for the gov't ID card but if they do they can technically deny you on a foreign gov't ID. Will they? Really depends on the hotel and the agent working. I think there's been so much churn and turnover in front desk agents lately that most have no clue the gov't rate is for US/Canada/Native tribes only.
-RM
Aug 26, 2022 | 8:32 pm
#6
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: ATL
Programs: DL PM 2 Mil Miler, Marriott LT TI, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 640
Most front desk agents don't want to be confrontational; saying that, the only time I have been asked for my ID is when it is a manager working the desk. Now when it comes to a foreign ID who knows what they would do.
Aug 27, 2022 | 2:28 am
#7
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 1,265
Get the email of reservation for that hotel and ask them!
I have never been asked when I book PAG rates in Renaissance Beijing Capital, I think because the PAG rate for that hotel is only 12% cheaper than non-flexible. But the shang rila Guangzhou and Ritz Carlton Guangzhou used to do email confirmation given the P&G rate is significantly cheaper than market rate and both of those hotel have quite high occupancy all year around, with the former having a strict policy of only allowing one room per one P&G employee during check-in, very frustrating when your childrens are young adults.
I have never been asked when I book PAG rates in Renaissance Beijing Capital, I think because the PAG rate for that hotel is only 12% cheaper than non-flexible. But the shang rila Guangzhou and Ritz Carlton Guangzhou used to do email confirmation given the P&G rate is significantly cheaper than market rate and both of those hotel have quite high occupancy all year around, with the former having a strict policy of only allowing one room per one P&G employee during check-in, very frustrating when your childrens are young adults.
Aug 27, 2022 | 8:17 am
#8
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I've seen foreign hotels offer government rates, so they're presumably not for the exclusive use of USA federal employees. Also, many USA hotels have more than one government rate, with different target groups and different rules. I've also started seeing some explicit "government leisure" rates that are higher than other government rates but don't say that they're for official business only or require government travel orders.
Feb 18, 2025 | 4:50 am
#10
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: AVV
Programs: QF, HH
Posts: 1,217
This is overbroad. You really have to look at T&Cs for individual hotels. Some are limited to federal employees on official business, others include contractors, state employees, etc. That said, I haven’t seen any that were broad enough to include employees of foreign governments.
The Sheraton in Samoa states:
Please be prepared to show proof of eligibility for your rate (such as a membership card, corporate or government identification card, or proof of your age).
As a teacher in a government school, I'm assuming that I cannot use this rate. However, the Ts and Cs are unclear and make it seem like I could...
Feb 18, 2025 | 5:20 am
#11
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The Sheraton in Samoa states:
.
Does this mean that I only need to show proof of my age to make a booking with this rate?
As a teacher in a government school, I'm assuming that I cannot use this rate. However, the Ts and Cs are unclear and make it seem like I could...
.
Quote:
Please be prepared to show proof of eligibility for your rate (such as a membership card, corporate or government identification card, or proof of your age).
.Please be prepared to show proof of eligibility for your rate (such as a membership card, corporate or government identification card, or proof of your age).
Does this mean that I only need to show proof of my age to make a booking with this rate?
As a teacher in a government school, I'm assuming that I cannot use this rate. However, the Ts and Cs are unclear and make it seem like I could...