"Alibaba's Marriott code A7A is for the Chinese e-commerce and technology giant. Alibaba employees primarily carry Chinese company-issued credentials which Western hotel front desk staff are less familiar with verifying. FlyerTalk's corporate code thread notes that Chinese tech company codes at US and European properties face a different verification challenge: staff may request proof but be unable to assess the validity of Chinese corporate ID cards. Marriott's rate desk has documented Alibaba as a monitored account given the company's rapid growth and high travel volume. High risk due to systematic verification challenges."

"I didn't say that it was a for sure thing where you wouldn't be asked for ID. I can't speak for every hotel as each hotel is independently owned and operated (thank the franchise model), but at our hotel, we do send prearrival emails to those who we suspect may have booked the rate program when they most likely do not work for that company. As I said, anyone can book that rate if they know the corporate code. People can even book our employee discount if they know the code. But it's up to the hotel to follow procedures at check-in to determine eligibility."

"I stayed under a corporate rate at six different hotels in Japan over the course of two weeks, I did have a company name badge with me in case anyone asked, but I was never asked to provide proof. Properties were Sheraton, St. Regis, Westin, and Marriott."