Marriott International

I have stayed at the same Mariott in Georgia numerous times. We have ALWAYS been given the military rate as well as shown our military identifications. Today when booking through the central booking line all information including credit card was given. She then asked was the military active or retired. I answered retired. She said, "Well, then the rate is back up to $129 rather than the $82 because we only honor active. I explained how many times I've stayed always with military discount. She said no I'm booking the higher rate now. I explained to please wait...she hung up or we may have been cut off. I'm not sure. I call the Mariott that I always stay direct. She said yes they did give retired military rates. She asked that I wait and when she returned to the phone she said she checked with the front desk and could not honor the rate. After considering the situation I told her it was only a few dollars but retired had served their country in Vietnam just as military in Afghanistan, although it is not as politically correct to honor Vietnam today still war is war. Mariott's answer was "consider yourself lucky you've stayed all these other times" No, I consider it deserving not lucky. She returned me to the main menu I did talk with a very understanding person who made sure the first person had not booked me. She did explain that was the policy for active only. I could not and will not ever book with Mariott or it's affiliates. I looked up the policy on line and yes I could have booked if I was Canadian military or Tribal government or active U.S. this is a terrible policy. I will begin today contacting all national veterans and retired military. Conventions are planned including all branches of service and I will be contacting them as well as all vet organizations on line. This word needs to be spread. This is not a money issue it is a matter of principle and honor for all Americans who have honorably served their country. Yes, retired military stepped up to the plate to protect even the lady that said we were lucky to have stayed there previously at military rate. Not that Mariott is interested but my husband is 100% military disable and I left a career I loved to care for him, but maybe she's right I am "lucky" Nevertheless, this is a highly discriminating policy that "sucks" excuse me "needs to be addressed and changed.