Government Rates?

[Mike in NC]

Many months back, I called Starwood for reservations at the Swan. My wife is a county government employee and so I asked about that rate. The rep. told me at that time that she HAD to have a photo ID from the county and that a pay stub would not be sufficient. I did not know if she had a photo ID so I booked at AAA rates until I could ask her. She told me that most county employees did not have photo IDs unless they went out into the field on their jobs (eg. tax appraisers), but that they were available and that she could get one if she asked the county manager. She did obtain the ID and I called back to Starwood to change the reservation and book the new rate.

At that time, the rep. asked if we were traveling on county business and indicated that the rate did not apply unless we were. So now, it looks like she has to attend a training session in Orlando in order to qualify. I've never heard of this requirement nor seen it on any board before.

Both calls to Starwood left me feeling that they were looking for reasons not to give us that rate. Is there anything else that I need to be prepared for? Our trip is fast approaching and I don't want to stand at the check-in counter and receive a nasty surprise. Thanks for the input.

 

[Trekker]

Call the Swan and Dolphin direct - they have discounts that you cannot get by calling Starwood reservations. 888-828-8850

 

[goofy4tink]

My dh is an elected official, part-time. I was interested in the Swan/Dolphin also. I had read on some sites that he needed to have a photo-id badge also. Well...our town doesn't do them!! I called the Swan directly. I explained my dilemna. She said...and I quote..."Bring a letter, on town stationary, stating that your husband works for them. Also, bring a pay stub. The amount doesn't matter." We do have the letter now. But we are unsure about whether or not we'll be staying there. We do have a 9 y/o dd and think that maybe there is more magic to be had elsewhere.

 

[WiscMomof2]

I agree that you should call the hotel directly with any questions about the govt rate. They were always so helpful whenever I called them with questions. Keep in mind, the Starwood agents are making ressies for the entire chain so I think sometimes they may not know some things that the Swan/Dolphin in-house agents do.

We were just at the Dolphin last month and we were never asked if we were on government business. In fact, the front desk clerk that checked us in barely looked at the employment verification I brought. I didn't have a picture ID, so I brought a check stub, my union card, and the yearly retirement statement I get from the State just to be on the safe side.

I hope this helps you. We really enjoyed our stay at the Dolphin!!

 

[Mike in NC]

Thanks all, we're really looking forward to this trip. I need it bad! I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

Last Dec. I stayed at The Swan, I got the gov't discount, they did not even ask if I was on official gov't business. I presented my photo ID, my check stub, my union card, AND my New York State employee health card. ( I wanted to bring EVERY piece of proof ) LOL ! I had no problems at all, and I got the discount for THIS Dec. also.