Can You Still Use the Hilton MVP Rate for 20% Discounts?
Hilton offers an MVP rate with a 20% discount, often better than the AAA, AARP, even the advance purchase rate, but it looks like the rules might have changed. When it started, it was specifically for those affiliated with sporting teams, though credentials were rarely checked. Then it was broadened to include the general public.
I’m a Starwood & Hyatt devotee, so I rarely stay at Hilton but have found this rate useful upon occasion. It had been a year or two since I last checked, so I was surprised this week to see the Hilton MVP program once again had a sports affiliation requirement:
Please note: You must be an athletic administrator, athlete, or affiliated with a sports entity, sports-related company, sports group or event to be eligible. You will be asked to show credentials, such as an official business card designated with your team logo, etc.
The language was rather broad, so I decided to investigate a little. A sample look at some of the hotels in DC reveals eligibility varies across brands. Some require proof of affiliation, with others you just have to request it or apply the code when booking online.
In Washington, DCÂ Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn require proof of membership when applying MVP corporate code 1135262.
Embassy Suites, Homewood Suites, and Hampton Inn require you specifically ask for the MVP rate or apply corporate code 0561135262 when booking online, but no credentials.
Should you use these codes? I love taking advantage of good deals, but only when I’m eligible for them. The language about being affiliated with sports groups, sport events, or amateur sports associations is pretty inclusive. I think if you can claim with a straight face (or with a membership card) to participate with and/or support such a group, then the MVP rate is worth checking when making your next Hilton booking.
i used this rate a couple weeks ago at the Helsinki Strand and the person at check-in asked if i was affiliated with Hilton in any way (i assume because it shows Hilton MVP as a rate code or something) — i just said nope, it’s something you get online and she was pretty much “oh ok ¯\_(ツ)_/¯”
(it didn’t say anything about sports affiliation when i booked because as we all know, i ain’t sporty and i would have noticed such a thing.)
I just checked a couple hotels but it seems cheaper with Hilton Diamond rates on the few I checked.
I believe there are many sports associations that are free or cheap to join (U.S. Ski Association for example, is free). I use the MVP rate all the time, however, and have NEVER been asked for credentials. I have noted that the MVP rate at some properties now is prepaid and non-refundable, so check the rate rules when booking.
@Robert Trying to join the US Ski Association but every membership I add seems to want to charge me. Do you know which option allows you to join for free?