BLUF: Selection Military/Government rate when booking for CAC holders; old foggies with retired ID can search using corporate code XYD for the potential of 15% off standard rates. Remember, sometimes the military rates can be more expensive than membership or other promotions.
Disclaimer: I am nearly at the lifetime Marriott Platinum Elite level. This review is based on my experience with Marriott and not any financial incentive to blow smoke up the skirt of Mr. Marriott.
The Marriott brand is everywhere you are likely interested in being, as well as a few other places like Fort Bragg. The spectrum of brands is broad, from a rack to a pampering experience for those Air Force types. Regardless of how soft your traveling butt is, Marriott provides discount options to those in uniform and those out of uniform…yet hopefully still clothed.
The link below provides the details from the mouth of Marriott and will likely include updates when this blog is as stale as a gas station donut, but here is the takeaway:
- A DOD CAC will get you the GS rate at properties that have the rate available, which is most of the time. Simply select military/government rate while searching the app or website.
- If retired, select properties offer a military and first responder rate. From my experience, those are less available than the military/government rate. To check for availability, select the corporate code XYD or call customer service
- Another option, which isn’t as easy to use, is to search through current Marriott offers at https://www.marriott.com/offers.mi and enter “Veterans” and click “Find Offers” for unique deals.
An important consideration when searching rates; the military rate may actually cost more than the Marriott member rate or senior rate, so check that result closely. If you are not a travel procrastinator, consider checking back on the Marriott site to check the price even after booking. The ebb and flow of demand and dynamic pricing may result in a less expensive option that can be exploited by booking a new reservation and canceling the old.
See you on the other side.
