"Because this code is widely known, it is hard-coded into IHG's auditing software to trigger a request for ID. The IBM code often has a bigger discount, so hotels are inclined to ask for IBM ID at check-in. Staff ID is required, otherwise the best available rate will be applied."

"I did check and my companies corporate rate allows it to be used by employees on vacation etc. hence no issue when I turn up in Koh Samui on a corporate rate! Not sure about using the rate for contractors but I have definitely been booked on an IBM rate consulting at IBM, in fact they insisted on it."

"I have once forgotten my ID in the car of a colleague, who was staying at a different hotel. The hotel refused to honor my rate without ID and offered to cancel my reservation despite being after the dealine free of charge (i.e. if I coould not deliver an ID, it would be either I pay the rack rate or cancelation). In the end, we agreed the hotel blocked the rack rate on my cc and I showed the ID as soon as got it."