"Harvard University's Marriott code 17885 is an academic institutional code. No FlyerTalk thread discusses Harvard verification incidents. University codes at Marriott receive the lowest enforcement treatment — hotel staff view academic institutional rates as similar to government rates in terms of legitimacy. Harvard's Cambridge MA presence means nearby Marriott properties (Marriott Boston Cambridge, Sheraton Commander) are familiar with Harvard employees. No verification incident documented."

"I have never been asked for proof the maybe 5 times I've used my corporate code but I at least keep my business cards with me"

"I think the last time I was asked for proof was in a JW Marriott in Beijing. I have never been asked in the US or Europe. Without a business card or ID, you may have an issue. Maybe you can contact the hotels in advance to see what info they need. I don’t remember if LinkedIn is available in China so I would talk to your Corp Travel team to see what they can do. Good news is that hotels are so much cheaper in China compared to ROW right now. ."