Marriott VIP Athletic Card
 

Just a heads-up to those of you who have the card (and maybe a warning to those of you who use the VIP rate without the card)....

Carry the card with you!

In my last four stays, all booked at the VIP rate, I have been asked to see my VIP card three times. I have had the card for almost three years now, and before this month, I had maybe been asked to show it twice....ever. Once was to someone who had never seen one, and wanted to know how I obtained it, and the other was at a hotel that was oversold and they thought that they might not have to "walk" someone who was staying on a rate to which they were not entitled (I also saw them ask the guy after me for his corporate ID, as he was staying on a discounted rate, too).

My recent stays, though....

Marriott Dallas Quorum by the Galleria - asked upon arrival; was told that the hotel regularly sells out and anyone staying on such a heavily discounted rate is asked to show ID for that rate.

Long Island Marriott (Uniondale) - asked upon arrival, on two separate stays, at a hotel where I stay frequently (30+ nights per year for the last couple of years). One of the managers knows me by name, so I asked him if this was a new policy, and he said that they should always ask for the card, but they have been more diligent in enforcing it lately, as the hotel has been full.

Marriott Islandia - was not asked for the card.

Personally, I hope that this is a trend. I am glad that more properties are asking for the card. It is a capacity controlled rate, and if people are using it illegitmately, then there are less rooms available for me. ;)

What exactly is the "VIP Athletic Rate"? For sports teams? :confused:

Interesting. Who sent you the card? My DH is entitled to the VIP rate and has used it for probably as long as it has existed! He doesn't have a specific card. I guess if asked he would just pull out his business card. I'll have to ask if he has ever had to prove that he is entitled to it.

Yes, the VIP rate is for people employed in sports both at the collegiate level and professional level. This would be for things like recruiting, scouting and meetings. No idea if athletes are eligible. Also, I've never thought when making some of DH's reservations that the rates were deeply discounted. Might have been the properties.


When teams travel they typically have a group contract with the hotel which includes specific meals. Unfotunately, that means that only the one person who arranges the stay gets any points.