Government Rates?

[get me outta here]

People I know in Defence certainly get gov rates everywhere.

It shows many check-in staff do not understand the rate either. There are lots of Gov't training institutions that only use .edu emails and they are certainly public servants and lots would be on "official" business. Also, IIRC when travelling on defence business, we did carry travel chits (mind you, that was a few too many years ago to remember clearly) and I agree with the proof bit for retired military would be hard (I'm not even sure if I still have my discharge certificate) and to be honest, I'm not sure if that is offered to any military personnel outside the US.

 

[kpc]

I have a .gov.au email and have photo ID with the word "Government" on it so I'll continue to book Government rates if they are the cheapest. ..the Hilton Athens and Hyatt Singapore are the only 2 hotels who have asked to see it....

 

[Deleted member 29185]

People I know in Defence certainly get gov rates everywhere.

Sorry, I should have been clearer.......I meant to say that I'm not sure that is offered to any retired military personnel outside the US. The various spiels I've read seem to be very US centric.

 

[DC3]

"FOR OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT TRAVEL ONLY OFFICIAL ID-ORDERS REQUIRED AT CHECK-IN. NOT APPLICALBLE FOR GROUPS-LIMIT 2 ROOMS"

... The various spiels I've read seem to be very US centric.

As is the term "orders", which is never referred to as such in Oz, IME.

Rather, there would be an authority to travel, authorised by some approving authority/delegate, but it is unlikely that you would ever carry a copy of that on you as you already have the air/rail tickets (or authority to travel by own means) and the accommodation is already pre-booked (and usually to be paid through, or reimbursed by, the employer) for you. Just carrying your govt/department ID card is the most likely situation. Certainly no "orders" as such in Oz.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Doesn't 'government rates' refer to the employees of the government of the country you are in only?

No it doesn't ( or didn't). The rate said "Worldwide Government "

 

[TheRealTMA]

No it doesn't ( or didn't). The rate said "Worldwide Government "

Starting to sound like a conspiracy against us working folk who have to pay for our own helicopter rides!

 

[serfty]

"FOR OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT TRAVEL ONLY OFFICIAL ID-ORDERS REQUIRED AT CHECK-IN. NOT APPLICALBLE FOR GROUPS-LIMIT 2 ROOMS ...

As already suggested above I think it is an OR situation, that is:

OFFICIAL ID REQUIRED AT CHECK-IN.

OR:

ORDERS REQUIRED AT CHECK-IN.

 

[Buzzard]

I'll just keep booking and carrying my ID.

 

[turtlemichael]

As already suggested above I think it is an OR situation, that is:

OFFICIAL ID REQUIRED AT CHECK-IN.

OR:

ORDERS REQUIRED AT CHECK-IN.

But of course the first words of the new description would now appear to exclude private travel which would have been covered by the old worldwide government rate. I'll add that that is in theory as I can't really imagine a hotel receptionist cross-examining why you are there.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I'll just keep booking and carrying my ID.

That's my plan as well Buzz. If I notice any change later this week, I'll report back. I note the rate is listed as just plain "Government", but the rate description states nothing about any proof of ID so that's not much help.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I stayed at Hilton Leeds earlier in the week on Govt rate and was not asked for any credentials or ID. No different to any of my other Govt bookings. Will be in LHR and DXB later next week and will report back.

 

[DC3]

I wonder whether HHonors woud be prepared to consider something like this, as a revision to the Wordwide Government Rate, which is more closer to the other version, but has a subtle difference?

"WORLWIDE GOVERNMENT TRAVEL RATE. OFFICIAL I.D. OR ORDERS REQUIRED AT CHECK-IN. NOT APPLICALBLE FOR GROUPS. LIMIT 2 ROOMS"

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I wonder whether HHonors woud be prepared to consider something like this, as a revision to the Wordwide Government Rate, which is more closer to the other version, but has a subtle difference?
"WORLWIDE GOVERNMENT TRAVEL RATE. OFFICIAL I.D. OR ORDERS REQUIRED AT CHECK-IN. NOT APPLICALBLE FOR GROUPS. LIMIT 2 ROOMS"

I think we might find that'll be the effective outcome regardless.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

H-CNS last night. Usual warm welcome, upgrade to 9th floor, no request for ID (which I had anyway) and no mention of Gov't only rate. In fact nothing different from the usual.

 

[DC3]

H-CNS last night. Usual warm welcome, upgrade to 9th floor, no request for ID (which I had anyway) and no mention of Gov't only rate. In fact nothing different from the usual.

Good to hear.

I'm expecting similar, for a stay booked for later in the year, based on their response to an email enquiry that I made about just using govt ID, as for past stays.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I stayed at Hilton Leeds earlier in the week on Govt rate and was not asked for any credentials or ID. No different to any of my other Govt bookings. Will be in LHR and DXB later next week and will report back.

Pleased to say that not asked for anything extra at Conrad St James and Conrad DXB.
Mind you offered something extra at St James but I digress :mrgreen:

 

[kermatu]

No problems for me at several stays this past fortnight (Adelaide, Brisbane, HSW and Auckland).

 

[Nug300]

Ive completed approx 100 nights on Govt Rates at IHG hotels and only been asked twice for ID.

Once at the Beverly Hills Crowne Plaza and once at the Double Bay IC which was my most recent stay in mid Feb.

As with most above, if i book on Govt rates, I always have my Govt ID on hand.

 

[moa999]

I think there are a limited number of beds available for government rate - a bit like fare buckets.

Same goes for most corporate rates