orca15

Interestingly Marriott, but not Hilton, specifically calls out "Federally Funded Research and Development Corp." ID as being OK for the government rate. My FFRDC ID is an "around your neck" badge, and I have shown it when asked and gotten the go ahead. They can't possibly have actually figured out why this badge allows me to get that rate, since it looks nothing like a government ID and the FFRDC name is not well known, but they always take it.

writerguyfl

Huh? It took me under a minute to search "Federally Funded Research and Development Corp" and find this statement:

"Federally funded research and development centers, or FFRDCs, are unique independent nonprofit entities sponsored and funded by the U.S. government to meet specific long-term technical needs that cannot be met by any other single organization."

That seems pretty straight-forward. All it takes is one person with authority at the corporate level to do the exact same thing and then update the eligibility requirements on the rate.

socrates

I do understand the point your making but there is one big difference between the government per diems and the other discounts....the GSA sets their rate - it's up to the hotel if they'll accept that rate, with other discounts the hotels set the rate

socrates

actually Lockheed doesn't receive the government rate....but they do require (in many locations) that their rate be equal to the local per diem rates as set by the GSA, technically different but in $$$ it's the same

jr1202sr

Would you classify Public Schools Teachers at State Employees and thus eligible for the State Government rate?

My Parents work for the State University (public school) and are allowed the State Rate. One is paid directly by the state and the other by the County.

ohmark

Opinions/votes here are irrelevant. Paycheck from the state government = state employee. But each property will interpret differently. Some will demand and only accept state ID, some will accept public school ID, some will accept local government ID, some will ask for ID but will do nothing more than glance at it; most won't even ask for ID. My advice is to ask property in advance of stay and if told that that whatever is acceptable, ask them to notate in reservation to avoid problems when checking in.

Often1

Common misperception. GSA does not set the rate. GSA sets the rate at which it will reimburse federal employees. And, it permits, with proper supervisory approval, reimbursement at up to 300% of that rate.

This is no different than any other employer. The employer sets the maximum it will reimburse (or chooses not to set a maximum) and it is up to the employee to find a hotel which will house him at the maximum reimbursement he will receive.

Whether you work for the federal government or Corporation ABC, if the maximum reimbursement is $150 and the property at which you want to stay won't sell you a room for less than $200, your choices are to stay somewhere else, eat the $50 or seek a waiver.

ohmark

Socrates posted "the GSA sets their rate." I assume what he meant is that the GSA sets the federal government per diem. Clearly he knows, as do most of us, that the GSA has no authority to set a hotel's government rate, or any other rate. There is no contractual relationship and, as of now, there is no federal law which authorizes the federal government to decide a hotel's rate, government or otherwise. On the other hand, maybe that will be the newest executive order.

rstidolph

The last three places I checked, the senior rate was less than the Government rate

dayone

Very much the exception to the rule.

ohmark

That generally depends on the day of the week (on weekends, senior rates generally cheaper) and the locale.

dank0014

This is interesting to say the least. I've noticed the last two check-ins (both in Florida), that they have requested the government card from me. The last time I've been asked this was over two years ago.

I have a slight problem with this. I do have a card, but the first hotel and I got in quite an argument as they wanted to make a copy of my government ID, which is actually against federal law. Second, both hotels wanted to carefully examine the card. I have no problem with a quick glance, but the fact is that on my federal ID, my SSN is listed on there - I don't like openly sharing my SSN & DOB with some desk agent I just met one minute ago. What is Marriott hoping to achieve out of this - can't wait till an identify theft issue comes up and a class action lawsuit hits Marriott for this.

ohmark

The front desk clerk wants to make a copy to demonstrate to management that he/she fulfilled his/her duty to check ID. I simply carried a copy of the statute when traveling. Since the statute mentions six months in prison and a fine, I never had a clerk further insist. http://www.aerotechnews.com/lukeafb/...ibited-by-law/
http://www.merchantcircle.com/answer...-FBI--ICE-etc-

SkiAdcock

Well done you. Others should probably copy that & bring w/ them too. In your second link it sounds like the FDC knew it wasn't kosher but needed something to show to management showing it wasn't.

Cheers

tom_MN

Ummm, federal ID cards do not list DOB or SSN, is this card something you picked up in Bangkok?