Using rate codes online - wrong length?
 

My current client has a negotiated rate at a nearby Courtyard. If I call in to reservations, they can find the rate just fine and book it for me. However, I'd rather do it online. I asked the person on reservations for the code, but what he gave me was 4 letters. The online only accepts 3 in the corporate/promotion field. What am I doing wrong?

I think this question has been answered before, but I searched the archives & couldn't find it. If you look at the codes thread for Marriott, you'll notice that all the codes are 3 letters. If it's 4 letters, I think that means that it's the rate program which they use on their internal systems. You may be able to get the three letter internet code from the sales manager at the hotel.

I've run into the same issue before. It is an internal reservation code. Will never work on the internet. What I do is make a list of the dates that you are planning to stay and then just call the Reservations line. Tell them you are going to make a series of reservations and then bang thru them. If you get a someone that knows what they are doing, it'll only take 15 to 20 mins to make 10 to 15 reservations. I normally book months in advance if I know that I'm going to be someplace for a while. The reason for this is the possiblity that the rate code could get sold out (it's happened to me before).

I know the reservation agents are able to convert a 3 digit GDS code to the 4 digit internal code but I'm not sure if they are able to do the reverse...but it might be worth a call....otherwise you'll have to ask the hotel directly


Note: not all negotiated rates are setup to book via the internet/travel agency systems

Try a few other codes and see if you can find one that is the same rate and then book it online using that code. It's pretty easy to guess at company codes (IBM is IBM, AT&T is ATT, Tyco International is TYC, etc.)

I would not recommend this....just because one rate is available doesn't mean a different rate (even though the $$ is the same) would be available....in addition you will need to produce the correct ID