Government rate - I.D. required

[drross]

Beardoc - Hi
Have just returned from a trip to the US where I did some flying on some new helo's that we are looking at
No probs with the ID on 5 out of 6 Hilton hotels
Last Hotel it took me three days before a nosy parker very good looking but not so clever coughalicious front desk princess said that the check ID box had not been ticked. I asked to look at it and then ticked the box with my pen and said "ther you go Darlk all fixed" before she promptly asked the other guy there if it was acceptable

he laughed - all fixed

beautiful work!

 

[beardoc]

I am finding that many government rates in the US are now specifically mentioning "US Federal ID" or "WI State ID" rather than just "Govt ID" - I'm a little more nervous about using these rates. Which is a pity, because in some cases the rates are half even the MVP rates!

For example, Hilton Wilwaukee City Center:

STATE GOVERNMENT WISCONSIN STATE OR LOCAL GOVT EMPLOYEE ID OR TRAVEL ORDERS REQUIRED AT CHECK-IN

US GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE ID-GOVERNMENT CREDIT CARD OR TRAVEL ORDERS REQUIRED AT CHECK-IN

Anyone had experience about whether this is policed when they have a specific mention of a particular US state ID or US Federal ID?

 

[Kefci2000]

I asked Hilton NY directly and they stated that any government employees worldwide are included.

That said AAA price is often cheaper.

 

[beardoc]

I asked Hilton NY directly and they stated that any government employees worldwide are included.

That said AAA price is often cheaper.

I'll book it anyway. In a number of these cases the rate is hugely cheaper (e.g. $143 AAA rate vs $119 MVP vs $92 Govt).

 

[grubbidok]

Does anyone know if public universities would be counted for this? I've just moved to VA from QF and am now looking at HHonors as part of Velocity's offer. However, as the uni doesn't have corporate rates with Hilton the price is usually a little steeper than the beancounters would allow.

Looking at the government rates though, this would bring them in range. In fact, the gov rates in Melbourne for a trip (actually related to a government tender) I have in March seem less than half of the 'normal' Hilton web prices - I never see the prices AFFers mention when I look up the rooms myself!

Also, does anyone know if the government rates are eligible for retaining HHonors status, or the benefits like brekky and wi-fi?

 

[drross]

Does anyone know if public universities would be counted for this? I've just moved to VA from QF and am now looking at HHonors as part of Velocity's offer. However, as the uni doesn't have corporate rates with Hilton the price is usually a little steeper than the beancounters would allow.

Looking at the government rates though, this would bring them in range. In fact, the gov rates in Melbourne for a trip (actually related to a government tender) I have in March seem less than half of the 'normal' Hilton web prices - I never see the prices AFFers mention when I look up the rooms myself!

Also, does anyone know if the government rates are eligible for retaining HHonors status, or the benefits like brekky and wi-fi?

Not sure about unis. Gov rate still get status credits. If you're a gold HH you are eligible for the brekkie and wi-fi regardless of rate ( I think)

 

[DC3]

I am finding that many government rates in the US are now specifically mentioning "US Federal ID" or "WI State ID" rather than just "Govt ID" - I'm a little more nervous about using these rates. Which is a pity, because in some cases the rates are half even the MVP rates!

For example, Hilton Wilwaukee City Center:

Anyone had experience about whether this is policed when they have a specific mention of a particular US state ID or US Federal ID?

I have the same concerns. I don't understand the logic of specifying rates applying to US Federal/State employees when Hilton is a global hotel chain. Why not just "Government rate", or similar, as used in Australian Hilton hotels.

Is this a trap for US hotel bookings that could bounce back when checking in, and you can only provide Australian government ID?

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Does anyone know if public universities would be counted for this?

Do you have an ID card with a Gov't logo on it? If yes, than the answer is yes, for Australia.

I cannot comment on OS as I have no experience, but in Australia I use the Gov't rate at times but it isn't always the cheapest rate. Always check all your options (mine are usually sale codes, AP, Gov't, AAA) and you will find that the best rate does change, but often one hotel will always be best on Gov't, another always better on AAA etc. Some hotels always seem dearest on Gov't. I cannot work out the logic.

I have never been requested to show the ID (but I have three and my wife has one, so it's not really an issue for us regardless).

I've always received all HH benefits when booked on the Gov't rates.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Do you have an ID card with a Gov't logo on it? If yes, than the answer is yes, for Australia.

I cannot comment on OS as I have no experience, but in Australia I use the Gov't rate at times but it isn't always the cheapest rate. Always check all your options (mine are usually sale codes, AP, Gov't, AAA) and you will find that the best rate does change, but often one hotel will always be best on Gov't, another always better on AAA etc. Some hotels always seem dearest on Gov't. I cannot work out the logic.

I have never been requested to show the ID (but I have three and my wife has one, so it's not really an issue for us regardless).

I've always received all HH benefits when booked on the Gov't rates.

My experience mirrors this exactly.
I have also used the Govt rate on numerous occasions in UK and US. I have never been asked for my ID. My HHonors account has a Govt email address

 

[grubbidok]

Do you have an ID card with a Gov't logo on it? If yes, than the answer is yes, for Australia.

Hmmm... unfortunately the NSW university I work at doesn't have the government logo (though my previous Qld one did). It seems a bit of a grey zone as we are granted access to the government travel website, but Hilton doesn't seem to participate in this portal.

I did a bit of sleuthing and in the US state universities did seem to count, but (obviously) not private, but if they were working on a government grant they could get government contractor rates.

The guidelines seem about as clear as mud! I might give the hotel a call and ask directly. I'm tempted to just try it, as I think it probably would count (wishful thinking?), but whilst the government rates fall within allowable expenses the rack rate they'd charge me if they choose not to honour my ID would blow my budget completely.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

we are granted access to the government travel website, but Hilton doesn't seem to participate in this portal.

I think that website grants access to anyone with a .gov or .edu email.

I guess the other way is to look at who pays you. I'm paid from the Qld Gov't for my edu work and my pay sheets show that clearly. If that's the same for you (but NSW instead) just take a pay advice with you in case.

 

[grubbidok]

Apparently the answer is yes... maybe.

The university has said that we're eligible for government rates. The guy on the front desk at the Hotel said yes... "he's pretty sure, anyway" (inspires confidence!). Will report back after my stay, which hopefully will be at the HOTP and not at a last-minute Wotif special because I can't afford their current rack rate of $650 a night for a standard room (I know there's a few academic lurkers here).

 

[sogg]

I work in a victorian public school. Have a .vic.gov.au email address & am paid by department of education victoria. Am i allowed to select gov rates?
Also, i dont have a formal ID, will a payslip be enough as proof?

(Im looking to only stay at hiltons within Aus)

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I work in a victorian public school. Have a .vic.gov.au email address & am paid by department of education victoria. Am i allowed to select gov rates?
Also, i dont have a formal ID, will a payslip be enough as proof?

(Im looking to only stay at hiltons within Aus)

Yes you're entitled. Why don't you have an official ID? I thought that was a mandatory thing with respect to security of school grounds. Never tried a pay slip but I assume that's OK (proof of government employment) and to be honest, I've never been asked to show ID either, but always carry it.

 

[sogg]

Yes you're entitled. Why don't you have an official ID? I thought that was a mandatory thing with respect to security of school grounds. Never tried a pay slip but I assume that's OK (proof of government employment) and to be honest, I've never been asked to show ID either, but always carry it.

Not sure why, at my last school we had an ID issued from the school. But at this one all i have is a name badge with the school logo on it. Got a working with children card, but does not prove im a government employee as anyone can get one.

 

[DC3]

... Will report back after my stay ...

Anything to report?

 

[leemin]

I work in a victorian public school. Have a .vic.gov.au email address & am paid by department of education victoria. Am i allowed to select gov rates?
Also, i dont have a formal ID, will a payslip be enough as proof?

(Im looking to only stay at hiltons within Aus)

I have never been asked for ID. I always use my .vic.gov.au email address for my HHonors profile and every booking. I think this must suffice.

 

[drross]

Yes you're entitled. Why don't you have an official ID? I thought that was a mandatory thing with respect to security of school grounds. Never tried a pay slip but I assume that's OK (proof of government employment) and to be honest, I've never been asked to show ID either, but always carry it.

never been asked either but still carry it with me...just in case