"Oracle's Marriott corporate rate is GDS only and cannot be used for direct consumer booking. Multiple FlyerTalk threads confirm this restriction has been in place for 3-4 years due to Oracle's close partnership with Marriott (Oracle even owns a Marriott property). Any hotel booking that bypasses the internal portal is essentially unauthorized use of the rate, raising the verification risk significantly at luxury/full-service Marriott properties."

"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."

"Corporate codes can sometimes be used for personal travel, it depends on whether: (1) your company has a negotiated rate with the specific hotel and the contract allows for personal use (2) your company has a flat percentage discount with Marriott, which typically is not subject to contractual restrictions regarding personal use. Given the rate includes breakfast, it seems like it would fall as a rate plan negotiated with the specific property. I’ve used corporate codes many times for personal travel, and am usually asked for ID for negotiated rates (particularly in Japan). With regards to your second question, when you book a flexible rate your card guarantees the reservation but no amount is taken as deposit until you arrive at the hotel (or no-show) unless the terms specifically say a deposit is to be taken."