Last edit by: SPN Lifer
Do government rates qualify for points?
-Yes, government rate stays receive full points.
Apparent acceptable forms of government identification:
DD Forms 2, 1173, 1173-1 (ID cards)
Credit card issued by a government entity
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Will Hilton check my government ID when I check in?
-It depends:
Starting on June 14, 2019, FlyerTalk members are reporting increased scrutiny in checking for proof that guests are eligible to pay government rates to stay:
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FlyerTalk members report successfully bypassing the front desk when staying at a property with Digital Key enabled, thus avoiding being checked for government identification.
Consolidated "Hilton Honors Government and Military Rates" thread
#136
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: BNA
Programs: AA,NW,UA,DL, HH GOLD, Platinum AMB IC
Posts: 332
I am a Federal worker. I have booked several federal hotels rates will different hotels such as Hilton , PC, ect. Very rarely am I as to show an I.D. I have one book for Uath in Aug of 06. I booked Hilton. They had a different rate for state and Federal. The state was $10 lower than the Fed rate
#137
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Phoenix
Programs: UA1k;HH Gold;MR Gold
Posts: 6,112
I am a state employee. In 5 yrs I have been asked for ID 3 times. I have even offered it and been told dont bother.
That said - if I didnt have the ID to show - I dont think that I would book the rate.
That said - if I didnt have the ID to show - I dont think that I would book the rate.
#138
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: RDU
Posts: 812
As a federal employee, I am required to use a credit card obtained through my agency when on official business (which stinks, since I'd love to use my HH AMEX card or some other card with points or miles). One glance at this card (which is emblazoned with "United States of America - For Official Government Travel Only" and has a picture of the capitol) is usually all the "ID" the front desk clerk needs. However, when I book the government rate for personal travel (and hence not using the official CC), I am almost always asked to show government ID.
#139
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA MP 1K Million Miler, HHonors Diamond, SPG Platinum
Posts: 646
San Diego Gas Lamp Hilton
I booked this Hilton in June under a federal rate. I am a city employee and my SO is a Fed employee. Have never been asked for an ID before. On checking in at this hotel, they promptly asked for the proper ID. My SO pulled out her ID and the gentleman at the desk did a careful look at it and the SO (we have different last names). Then said okay, fine...welcome.
The Federal rate was the only gov. rate available. Lesson well taken about be sure if necessary you can prove it if asked.
What I have noticed recently is something called "government alternate" I am not exactly sure what that means. Anyone know?
The Federal rate was the only gov. rate available. Lesson well taken about be sure if necessary you can prove it if asked.
What I have noticed recently is something called "government alternate" I am not exactly sure what that means. Anyone know?
#140
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA1K, HH Diamond, SPG Plat
Posts: 558
Originally Posted by MarkMColo
As a federal employee, I am required to use a credit card obtained through my agency when on official business (which stinks, since I'd love to use my HH AMEX card or some other card with points or miles). One glance at this card (which is emblazoned with "United States of America - For Official Government Travel Only" and has a picture of the capitol) is usually all the "ID" the front desk clerk needs. However, when I book the government rate for personal travel (and hence not using the official CC), I am almost always asked to show government ID.
#141
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Parts Unknown
Programs: DL PM/MM, IHG SA, National EE, Hertz PC, Marriott Silver
Posts: 530
As posted by others here, the GSA sets a "per diem" rate for each locality.
It is up to the hotel to decide if it has a Government rate, and what it should be. If that rate is greater than the per diem, then you could have to pay out of your pocket the difference. In many of the areas I travel the AAA, AARP, State Gov, are all much higher than the GSA sets the per diem amount.
It is up to the hotel to decide if it has a Government rate, and what it should be. If that rate is greater than the per diem, then you could have to pay out of your pocket the difference. In many of the areas I travel the AAA, AARP, State Gov, are all much higher than the GSA sets the per diem amount.
Originally Posted by Karter
Can someone explain why Government Rates exist? Do US government employees not earn enough money and thus the hotels sympathetically lower their rates for them?
And what's with AAA rates? Isn't AAA some sort of car repair service?![Confused](https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/images/smilies/confused.gif)
And what's with AAA rates? Isn't AAA some sort of car repair service?
![Confused](https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/images/smilies/confused.gif)
#142
Join Date: Jul 2006
Programs: AA EXP, PC PLT, HH Gold
Posts: 320
I have never been asked to show id when booking a gov't rate, but most of my 30 nights this year have been with a different chain. I just started being loyal to Hilton. However I have found that most Hilton hotels do not offer a true government rate, with the exception of the Hampton Inn. I have found the government rate at Hilton to be a lot higher than the alloted room rate for the area.. what gives?
#143
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP MM, HHonors Lifetime Diamond, Marriott Lifetime Ti, UA Silver
Posts: 5,044
Originally Posted by daggett24
I have never been asked to show id when booking a gov't rate, but most of my 30 nights this year have been with a different chain. I just started being loyal to Hilton. However I have found that most Hilton hotels do not offer a true government rate, with the exception of the Hampton Inn. I have found the government rate at Hilton to be a lot higher than the alloted room rate for the area.. what gives?
#144
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Pennsylvania
Programs: HHonors Silver
Posts: 4,030
Originally Posted by daggett24
I have found the government rate at Hilton to be a lot higher than the alloted room rate for the area.. what gives?
#145
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Roseville, CA
Programs: Lifetime Plat Marriott
Posts: 1,358
You've got to be joking....
Originally Posted by Karter
Can someone explain why Government Rates exist? Do US government employees not earn enough money and thus the hotels sympathetically lower their rates for them?
And what's with AAA rates? Isn't AAA some sort of car repair service?![Confused](https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/images/smilies/confused.gif)
And what's with AAA rates? Isn't AAA some sort of car repair service?
![Confused](https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/images/smilies/confused.gif)
How much an employee makes (salary) has absolutely nothing to do with the government is charged for their stay. For the most part, the government rates are utilized for business travel (like some one else said, many times other rates are lower, i.e., AAA).
And I don't know what you have heard or your experiences, but no one that I know becomes a government worker for the money!!!! Most that I know live paycheck to paycheck like everyone else. Now the benefits, IMHO, are great and keep me happy, but no one is getting rich Karter. At least no in any state job that I am aware of....
You said "US" government workers, but I think you are bluffing because if you were truly a government worker, you wouldn't have posted such a ridiculous statement and you would have know about the per diem rates vs. salary.
Dawn
#146
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: CAE
Programs: HH Gold; Marriott Gold; Hertz #1 5*
Posts: 425
I never get asked to show ID because I offer the 4 cards before asked -- Gov't Travel ID, Drivers License, HH Gold Card, and Credit Card.
Why invite the questions -- if you are eligible, no worries, right?
I work for a Govt Sponsored Enterprise with a GSA number on our ID Badges, but we have a Travel ID since that isn't accepted by most hotel clerks.
Why invite the questions -- if you are eligible, no worries, right?
I work for a Govt Sponsored Enterprise with a GSA number on our ID Badges, but we have a Travel ID since that isn't accepted by most hotel clerks.
#147
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Hoboken, NJ, USA
Posts: 200
Originally Posted by Karter
Can someone explain why Government Rates exist? Do US government employees not earn enough money and thus the hotels sympathetically lower their rates for them?
And what's with AAA rates? Isn't AAA some sort of car repair service?![Confused](https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/images/smilies/confused.gif)
And what's with AAA rates? Isn't AAA some sort of car repair service?
![Confused](https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/images/smilies/confused.gif)
#148
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: IAH
Programs: UA 1K, Bonvoy Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, HH Gold
Posts: 157
Their are only a limited number of rooms available at the per diem rate at a given property. Once those are gone, the rates go to an "alternate government rate" or rack rate, etc. I often have to book well in advance to get the per diem rate, esp in DC in the summer.
#149
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 372
Originally Posted by Karter
Can someone explain why Government Rates exist? Do US government employees not earn enough money and thus the hotels sympathetically lower their rates for them?
And what's with AAA rates? Isn't AAA some sort of car repair service?![Confused](https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/images/smilies/confused.gif)
And what's with AAA rates? Isn't AAA some sort of car repair service?
![Confused](https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/images/smilies/confused.gif)
Not repeating the earlier responses, the government rate is available for official business; my companions have to flash their badge virtually all of the time. If a hotel offers the rate to government employees on personal travel, then it's solely at the hotel's discretion. Many high-line hotels have no interest in providing government rates; on average, government rates are offered in the the 2- to 4-Star hotel range. Again, it has nothing to do with salary.
Do understand that the States and Federal governments have considerable buying power and, as said before, can negotiate rates. If a major corporation in the US doesn't do the same, then its CFO isn't doing her/his job. What do you think airline employees pay at hotels when on official business; just get overnighted by an airline and you'll see the value of the voucher (a small fraction of the rack rate). AAA is a travel club and uses a club to entice hotels to offer special rates to its members; AARP, AMA and other professional societies, etc. have buying power and so do the travel websites.
Just imagine the government employee traveling with a contractor of hers/his; some times a hotel offers the government rate to government contractors as well. Some hotels under contract with the government, just as with contract air carriers, will sell the last space to a government employee on official business. Others do not. Some hotels have a certain number of rooms set aside for government employees [(sym)pathetically they pick out the choice rooms overlooking the ventilation systems, the alley, the parking lot, or the ones conveniently located next to the noisy elevator, the frequently used ice maching, or the vending area]. Most have a certain number of rooms until they hit a certain occupancy factor and then the rack rate kicks in. So what happens in that case, you downscale to the 1-Star hotel as your private enterprise companion gets the rack rate and bills your agency for a quality room; or, if you were so inclined, you could stay at the same hotel at the higher rate and absorb the difference; or, your contactor sympathizes and downscales with you. On occasion, some hotels even charge a government rate that is higher than the government's reimbursement for the area. If you're a contractor, you should be aware of that to avoid an awkward situation.
Sympathy? I think not. The government rate is far greater than the marginal rate to clean a room that would otherwise be left empty overnight. It's a good business decision based on the occupancy factor approach described above. Hotels are not in the business of losing money. For those who offer the last room to the government employee, they gain loyalty;good will has value as well.
Ergo, for the government employee, I recommend that you reserve early when your plans develop and get status with one supplier; you just may be treated humanely. If the plans don't work out, cancel by the deadline. More often than not, the hotel will sell the room at a higher rate and, if it can't, then the room would probably have been left empty overnght anyway. If there's no government rate available when your plans crystalize, then check in with the hotel directly; if you have status with them, they may empathize and use some discretion to accommodate you.
Safe travels to our Fed/State friends. Some of us really appreciate what you do.
#150
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: DCA
Programs: DL DM, HH Diamond; SPG Gold; MR Platinum :)
Posts: 521
Originally Posted by denis in denver
I booked this Hilton in June under a federal rate. I am a city employee and my SO is a Fed employee. Have never been asked for an ID before. On checking in at this hotel, they promptly asked for the proper ID. My SO pulled out her ID and the gentleman at the desk did a careful look at it and the SO (we have different last names). Then said okay, fine...welcome.
The Federal rate was the only gov. rate available. Lesson well taken about be sure if necessary you can prove it if asked.
What I have noticed recently is something called "government alternate" I am not exactly sure what that means. Anyone know?
The Federal rate was the only gov. rate available. Lesson well taken about be sure if necessary you can prove it if asked.
What I have noticed recently is something called "government alternate" I am not exactly sure what that means. Anyone know?
![Thumbs down](https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/images/smilies/thumbsdown.gif)