Government Rates?

[JessicaTam]

I'm now getting the impression that this change extends well beyond my examples of Australia and Hong Kong. Does it mean anything? I guess we'll find out.

I have spotted it recently too. I guess if they ask me for an order I will ask for an internet connection so I can download a letterhead, write the order, print it and give it to them!

 

[Flyer 777]

Do you think this will effect current bookings? Have a stay in Cairns next week.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Do you think this will effect current bookings? Have a stay in Cairns next week.

So have I. I'm believing they may be seeing an increased number of guests staying on a Gov't rate inappropriately. Perhaps this is just the warning shot over the bow to put people on notice they intend to start checking ID more regularly. I've only once been asked to show ID (HSP IIRC) and I know of people never asked to show it despite years of staying on Gov't rates (appropriately) so it's never been a high priority previously.

Where have people seen this warning (as I can't recall seeing it).

 

[DC3]

The change to the government rate seems to be very recent. I first noticed it last week when looking at HCNS availability. The previous Worldwide Government rate never specified a condition for official travel as I recall. Government ID was sufficient, and I have only ever been asked once, several years ago (at either HSP or HSW, can't recall which) and produced it as requested.

On checking an existing reservation (for Rome), under My Reservations, booked as "WORLDWIDE GOVT RATE" I see that it has since been changed to just "GOVERNMENT" but has no specific conditions mentioned. Another reservation, at ORD, was booked as "STATE GOVERNMENT" and has not been changed.

I have a printed copy of the original bookings in any case.

Edit: However, doing a dummy booking for ORD on my already booked dates, I see: FOR OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT TRAVEL ONLY OFFICIAL ID-ORDERS REQUIRED AT CHECK-IN. NOT APPLICALBLE FOR GROUPS-LIMIT 2 ROOMS

 

[DC3]

Do you think this will effect current bookings? Have a stay in Cairns next week.

You can email HCNS at [email protected] to clarify. They may say that you are eligible on leisure travel.

Edit: If you booked under the WORLDWIDE GOVT rate, then I would think that you have nothing to worry about, so long as you can produce government ID if asked

 

[turtlemichael]

Whatever its application is to be, there is also the issue of Hilton changing a reservation's terms after you have made the booking. I had taken the precaution of printing out my reservations, including the government definition, prior to the change.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I'm frequently on the Govt Rate in UK/Europe/Australia/Asia.
Never really used it in the US/Canada as the rate rules were frequently complex and rarely said "Worldwide Govt".
It's interesting if they are changing existing bookings. Any tightening up of legitimate use of Govt travel rates by Govt employees will be to their detriment in terms of revenue I'd say.

 

[k_sheep]

I just email the Hilton Curacao to check, and they said I can certainly use my QLD government ID for their rate.

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

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I can't find any T&C condition to state what they've added to the description. In fact, it's still a combined Gov't/military check box and for the military they state "we'd just like to thank you for all you've done" and I believe it's also for retired military folk....so how are they going to be able to produce "official Gov't travel" documentation? In fact, when I was in the military they organised all flying and accommodation and it wasn't at Hiltons.

 

[DC3]

The whole terminology seems very USA centric, and unfortunately makes it much more difficult for anyone in Oz to comply with the T&C as described.

Edit: As already mentioned, who would be carrying "orders" in Australia, when any accommodation/travel has already been organised (and paid) by Army/Navy/Air Force/etc?

 

[TheRealTMA]

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

 

[DC3]

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

Quite possibly so.

However, if they ever try that one, I'll be firing back a reminder that I understand that Hilton Worldwide is an international chain with " .. 550 locations across 6 continents ..", managing more than 4600 properties (and, anyway, as an international traveller and supporter of Hilton, how am I expected to comprehend every T&C for every booking that I make, in good faith), while handing over my govt ID?

Do you think that they would buy that?

 

[TheRealTMA]

Quite possibly so.

However, if they ever try that one, I'll be firing back a reminder that I understand that Hilton Worldwide is an international chain with " .. 550 locations across 6 continents ..", managing more than 4600 properties (and, anyway, as an international traveller and supporter of Hilton, how am I expected to comprehend every T&C for every booking that I make, in good faith), while handing over my govt ID?

Do you think that they would buy that?

They well might but it doesn't address my original query. How do they verify the government credentials of foreign governments.

 

[get me outta here]

I know a .gov email address works, but what about a edu.au - would they know that as 'gov'?

 

[DC3]

The thought came to me that I should check if anything is happening over at Flyertalk:

Hilton HHonors Government and Military Rates: The Definitive Thread - Page 34 - FlyerTalk Forums

Slowing moving, but nothing definitive as yet, following a post by an AFF member. Maybe the Flyertalk HHonorsRepresentative will chime in at some point.

 

[Buzzard]

I know a .gov email address works, but what about a edu.au - would they know that as 'gov'?

I asked a couple of years ago about Uni ID and was told it's not considered Govt.
Not all Govt. employees have an email address so it's no good if Hilton demand one.
And if you were in the military 30 or 40 years ago, what if you can no longer prove it?

 

[penegal]

It's pretty impractical to provide your "orders" as they are often confidential or classified.

The same applies for any corporate or company rate - whatever documentation exists approving a trip is often company confidential. In the age of social media and stock market disclosure laws telling anyone why you are in a particular place isn't wise.

FWIW, on the rare occasions that ID is checked a business card and/or photo ID usually suffices. If you get asked just say "meetings and discussions at X office / location".

 

[penegal]

From my own personal experience on government projects I was asked for ID at a hotel once (out of probably hundreds of stays) and an Australian Government Department of Defence base pass satisfied the check in agent. She didn't even look at it properly.

 

[get me outta here]

I had the same experience, but I had booked from a .gov email. And, I'd flash a business card, but it was never looked at.

From my own personal experience on government projects I was asked for ID at a hotel once (out of probably hundreds of stays) and an Australian Government Department of Defence base pass satisfied the check in agent. She didn't even look at it properly.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I asked a couple of years ago about Uni ID and was told it's not considered Govt.
Not all Govt. employees have an email address so it's no good if Hilton demand one.
And if you were in the military 30 or 40 years ago, what if you can no longer prove it?

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.