Does anyone know which major chains give military discounts? I know the Outrigger does, but are there any others in great vacation locations? Thanks!

I use travelweb (www.travelweb.com) to book my hotel reservations so I can look at all the rates (AAA, military, manager's special, etc). It takes some time and effort but often it really pays off.

I work for a major hotel chain and the Military discount is often higher than AAA or our special. I do know that some hotels in Hawaii give Military discounts under the Govt rate and there is a large Military hotel next door to the Hilton in Oahu for active/retired Military persons.

Have you checked the Armed Forces Vacation Club? I don't know much about it, other than what's below, but it might be worth checking into.
www.afvclub.com
The AFVC offers all DoD civilian employees, reservists, active duty, retired military and their family members the opportunity to book a seven-night luxury resort vacation for only $234. Please note that effective August 1, 2002, the price will increase to $249. To enjoy the lower $234 rate, patrons are encouraged to book their AFVC reservation before August 1st.

Participating resorts are located around the world and throughout the United States. Accommodations are booked on a space-available basis and usually during the "off-peak" season. Check out the Club’s web-site at www.afvclub.com to search resorts and dates. To book your family vacation, call the AFVC reservation center at 1-800-724-9988.

Definitely the AFVC- I've known some people that had great luck with that. My husband and I have been to great places with the military discount. In San Francisco, there is a Marine hotel that's very close to the Wharf, and I can't remember the name of it, except that it's like Marine Memorial something... In Orlando, the Shades of Green hotel right outside the Magic Kingdom is a military hotel, it's on Disney property. We had a great time there. Those hotels operate on a sliding scale according to rank. Same with the Hale Koa in Oahu on Waikiki Beach. These hotels also book way ahead- even a year ahead, so it's better to plan. As far as chain hotels, we've had good luck with LeMeridien Hotels (very nice)for their government rate. There's also a book that's available listing all the military bases/posts that offer billeting space available. You'll be amazed at how many obscure and not so obscure places there are available. Hope this is helpful- happy travels!

Contact your local base's Morale Welfare and Recreation Office. They will have all this info and MORE! There are fantastic places to stay for military folks at bargain prices all over the world.

Hopefully you are REALLY in the military...
Active duty personnel on business can book military discounts at almost every chain. If you are retired DOD, a dependant or cannot produce valid military ID you could be refused the rate upon check-in.
Be sure to check the rate rules if you are self booking on a website.
I never have a problem booking military rates for leisure travel and I save $$.
Also, many attractions offer substancial military discounts. Universal Studios offers 1/2 off for up to 5 people if you are DOD active/retired OR a policeman, fireman, Fed, etc... Don't even think about trying to scam this discount.
All the people listed above carry government issued ID. If you don't have it... you DON'T get the discount!
In France a DOD ID will get you in most museums FOR FREE!!!!!
ALWAYS ASK!
There is a travel office at just about every military installation, you may not see it as it may not be in the PX.
We stayed at the Hale Koa on Waikiki for 42.00/night!!! Next March we are staying in a beautiful suite at either Pearl Harbor or Scholfield Barracks and will pay around 20.00/night!

An absolute must is the Military Lodging book available at every PX or through AAFES.com
You would not believe the prices at these places... and it's better than a hotel anyday.

This is really great info that all of you have posted. Question: How does one go about proving RETIRED status, such as from the Public Health Service?

Qualified retirees will have a benefit card. Typically you must be DOD retiree to qualify for the discounts, certainly the ones at any military installations.

Thanks for the response, TvlPro. I was interested in the Armed Forces Vacation Club, and amy's post had mentioned it as being available to "retired military and their family members." I was hoping that would apply to someone who had retired as a comissioned officer from the Public Health Service (NIH), but I'm not aware of any benefit card. Actually, there are no benefits I'm aware of (other than USAA membership--which is great) since the time served was less than 20 years. I guess that means we're not eligible?

Thanks, all, for your suggestions! Does anyone have info on luxury hotel discounts? I wasn't really thinking about Navy Lodges....not for a nice vacation anyhow. And yes, both my husband and I have DOD ID's. My husband is an active duty officer. We would not be travelling on military business (just on leave, enjoying a vacation!)
Anyhow, like I said before, I know about the Outrigger discounts. Any luxury hotels with good discounts? Thanks!

Sorry Judy... I don't think you will qualify for this type of discount : (

Military wife... Luxury, yes.
Please email me with more details like where/when and I can look it up and give you some details.

Dept of Defense Instruction (DODI) 1015.10 is the guide for determining eligibility for various lodging benefits. You can find it at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/c...tml/101510.htm . I'm a retired DOD civilian, and have legally used the AFVC for a week in Nantucket (last Dec., but did have a 3BR hose,) and the 3rd week in May for an oceanfront efficiency in Ocean City MD. $234/week.

One caveat--and it can be a big one. Even if you are eligible to use a specific MWF facility, if it's on a DOD installation, you better have a DOD-issued photo ID. The base commander is generally the one who makes the determination about who can use his facilities. And he (or she) has pretty much decided you've got to have the ID. Current DOD civilians, of course, will have DOD photo IDs. They're not issued to DOD civilian retirees, though.

Judy: If you served less than 20 years (without any creditable prior military service) you did not "retire" from the Public Health Service. I am a current USPHS officer and receive the same benefits and service IDs that the armed forces have. When I retire with 20 yrs. I will have the same pension and benefits as any other retired military person, but you have to put in the time.

Jilly: I think I see what you're saying. Maybe I'm just getting confused with the semantics. My husband served for four years, during which time we had full military benefits (PX privileges, medical, etc.). When he separated, he was given the choice of remaining "inactive" (in which case he could be called up again) or being "retired" and chose retired. You're absolutely correct that he receives no pension, etc. But what confused me was that he is eligible for USAA Insurance services as a "retired commissioned officer." So I guess I was hoping these vacation benefits fell into the same category. (I can dream, can't I?) I guess there is "retired" with full benefits and just plain old "retired." Thanks.

You may NOT be entitled to a "military discount". Some properties/hotels/cars only allow discounts when it's business related only...not for vacation purposes. Also to qualify for that rate, you have to use a government credit card. Be careful!

Not a "real" military discount (in my book) but until the end of the year, Amtrak is offering 50% FIFTY discount on coach for "Veterans Advantage" card holders.

The catch is "Veterans Advantage" is a "travel club" that charges ~$20 year ... I'll bet they're the same ones as "Student Advantage" and "Travelers Advantage" .... but at 50% (and 15% thru out the year) I might join it .. heck, I'll break even on just one trip to NYC. (remove x in my eddress to reply)