How do I get government rate at hotels during PCS? Can I use CWT Sato to make reservations?

2017-09-06T01:57:14-04:00

I will be PCSing to a small town as a student detachment ( Green to Gold). Sadly all hotels out there are over priced and over authorized per diem. I used to be a DTS rep and know that we go through CWT SATO to make travel reservations for TDY. Since I am PCSing, who do I go through to make reservations at the Government rate. I will call CWT SATO to find out more but would also like to know from my peers and seniors if they have any knowledge or experience on this matter.
Thank you.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2017 6:25 AM

2017-09-06T06:25:37-04:00

Show the desk person your government ID. If you make reservations online, use the government rate, they will ask for ID at the desk. I traveled frequently on orders that allowed me to stop where I needed, when I needed so I asked for government rate upon check-in and had very few problems.

If a hotel refused was not helpful to me, I stayed elsewhere and made a note to avoid it in the future. I always liked Holiday Inn Express, nice showers, decent breakfast and fresh fruit usually. I had a buddy who felt the same about Hilton offerings.

If possible I made my own reservations when traveling POV. Given a choice if I had time I would travel POV instead of air and arrange my own hotels and billeting.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2017 12:29 PM

2017-09-06T12:29:52-04:00

All you have to do is ask for a room at government rate if they have it and then show your ID.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Sep 6 at 2017 9:49 PM

2017-09-06T21:49:40-04:00

Most national chains have two rates. One for travelers on orders and another, discounted rate for military on leave. When you make reservations, advise them you are on official travel and you will get the government rate, not just the discounted rate.