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Message
Booking a government rate as a retiree
Posted on 4/21/26 at 11:33 am
Posted on 4/21/26 at 11:33 am
I admit that this topic is about looking for a dishonest (but fun) travel hack.
Before I retired, I enjoyed the benefit of booking nice hotels at a government rate. Even for personal use, it was nice getting $300+ per night rooms for over $100 less.
Now we find ourselves settling for Residence Inn, Embassy Suites, and Courtyard instead of higher tier brands.
Before I retired, I remember it was rare to be asked to show a government ID at check in.
It also occurred to me that I could also try electronic check in for the higher end Marriott and Hiltons that offer it. I remember being able to check in under a government rate that way without showing an ID unless I tried for an early check in. So it’s tempting to book a rate and find out if I can still get away with it, but since I haven’t tried in almost 3 years I wonder if electronic check in is still offered for government rates.That could make early check ins difficult, but to save $100+ to be used for a nice meal later is tempting.
Any federal or state retirees (or even those who never were a government employee) have recent experience with getting away with booking government rates after retirement? What happens when carded and you can’t show proof of being a current government employee?
Before I retired, I enjoyed the benefit of booking nice hotels at a government rate. Even for personal use, it was nice getting $300+ per night rooms for over $100 less.
Now we find ourselves settling for Residence Inn, Embassy Suites, and Courtyard instead of higher tier brands.
Before I retired, I remember it was rare to be asked to show a government ID at check in.
It also occurred to me that I could also try electronic check in for the higher end Marriott and Hiltons that offer it. I remember being able to check in under a government rate that way without showing an ID unless I tried for an early check in. So it’s tempting to book a rate and find out if I can still get away with it, but since I haven’t tried in almost 3 years I wonder if electronic check in is still offered for government rates.That could make early check ins difficult, but to save $100+ to be used for a nice meal later is tempting.
Any federal or state retirees (or even those who never were a government employee) have recent experience with getting away with booking government rates after retirement? What happens when carded and you can’t show proof of being a current government employee?
4
Posted on 4/21/26 at 2:38 pm to Willie Stroker
THere are some rental car rates that I may have used a few times that are more than 50% off. never asked to show any proof.
Also, there are some company's whose corporate rates are just their stock symbol....
Also, there are some company's whose corporate rates are just their stock symbol....
Posted on 4/21/26 at 2:48 pm to Willie Stroker
Airlines used to give a reduced rate if you said it was for an unplanned funeral of a family member. I have used this twice when my grandmothers died.
I have a feeling, this like other altruistic discounts have been abused.
If you qualify, no problem.
I have a feeling, this like other altruistic discounts have been abused.
If you qualify, no problem.
This post was edited on 4/21/26 at 2:51 pm
Posted on 4/21/26 at 3:04 pm to nuwaydawg
quote:
Now we find ourselves settling for Residence Inn, Embassy Suites, and Courtyard instead of higher tier brands.
This is bait.
Posted on 4/21/26 at 6:58 pm to nuwaydawg
quote:
Now we find ourselves settling for Residence Inn, Embassy Suites, and Courtyard instead of higher tier brands
Ain't nothing wrong with a RI or a Courtyard. I know *exactly* what I'm going to get, and that has a real value. A/C that works, clean room, and there is never a valet fee.
Posted on 4/22/26 at 1:15 am to Willie Stroker
quote:
What happens when carded and you can’t show proof of being a current government employee?
They’ll cancel your stay and you’ll be searching for another hotel.
Posted on 4/22/26 at 3:43 pm to jasonbr1975
quote:
They’ll cancel your stay and you’ll be searching for another hotel.
Lol, unless they are at 95% occupancy they certainly wouldn't dare send you away. Worst case they would just make you pay a higher rate. IDK if they could even flag you in their system for the future? That's probably the worst case.
Are you a member of their loyalty/ rewards program OP? If you are then they won't check you, they want your business and loyalty.
I haven't looked, but are government rates still 30% off? I find that doubtful outside of very select locations that target that crowd. I would also not be surprised if government rates did not apply for Friday or Sat nights.
Posted on 4/23/26 at 9:43 am to baldona
I did this a few times back when I was young and "broke". I would use a twic card if they asked for the ID. I then decided it wasnt worth the risk.
Posted on 4/23/26 at 1:32 pm to Willie Stroker
I've always booked the military / government rate and hardly ever get asked for my ID card. On the occasions I have, I show my retired ID Card and never been denied the rate.
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