"Sony's Marriott codes (SON and 12698) appear in FlyerTalk's Marriott corporate code compilations. Sony has major US presence in New York (Sony Pictures, Sony Music, Sony Electronics) and several Marriott full-service properties near those offices. hotelcorporatecodes.com lists SON as "⚠️ Sometimes" with 10-15% discount. Japanese multinational codes tend to face higher scrutiny at international properties. No specific SON denial documented in FlyerTalk. Properties near Sony's Culver City (entertainment) and Park Ridge NJ (electronics) offices carry higher verification risk."

"I have stayed 100s of times with various corporate rates (including Japan) and the only hotel that has asked is W hotels. Even then they didn’t push much. I have been a consultant for 20 years and many clients require you to use their rates when they are paying the bill. The hotel doesn’t have an up to date list of every employee that works for a company globally. The woman at the W said “I don’t really care, just show me anything on your phone that says your name and that company. You can type an email now “."

"I am very rarely asked to prove my eligibility for a rate...but they have every right to ask and if you can't produce it, you will be re-rated to the current rate, which is often even higher and there is no guarantee points rooms will be available. Doing online check in rarely helps this as most properties don't actually do online anyway - especially to people who are not returning guests to the property or elite. You are taking a gamble. One that is likely to be fine. But understand you are intentionally breaking the terms of the bonvoy program and if someone really cared, there can be consequences."