Business Travel

Secure the Best Hotel Deals with Corporate Codes in 2025

Corporate codes for hotels are a game changer for organizations that spend heavily on business travel. Frequent business travelers spend an average 88 days a year away from their homes and families, on business. The average business trip costs $1,293, with accommodation, airfare, food, and ground transportation costs taking up the biggest share of travel expenses.

This financial strain can be felt company-wide; a solid reason why travel managers grapple with cutting down travel expenses while optimizing their travel budget. One popular way to bring down travel expenses is through corporate travel codes.

In this article, we’ll highlight the many ways business travellers can get the best hotel deals with corporate codes.

What are hotel corporate codes?

Put simply, hotel corporate codes are exclusive discounts negotiated between hotels and individual companies. These codes are provided in an alphanumeric format. Unlike standard hotel discounts, these codes are only offered to the company and its employees and not for the general public. 

Hotel corporate codes serve two essential purposes: cost savings for the company and enhanced loyalty to the hotel chain. Eligible employees, associates, and other authorized personnel of the company may use corporate codes to enjoy reduced rates when traveling for business.

On average, hotel corporate codes can help businesses save between 10% to 50% off on the lowest publicly available rate. While these savings may appear marginal on a small scale, they can quickly build up into thousands of dollars for large companies with hundreds of traveling employees.

>> Related:  Guide to Hotel Corporate Discounts <<

Eligibility Criteria: Who is Eligible for Hotel Corporate Codes?

The specific terms of use for a particular code may vary depending on company and hotel policies. However, in most cases, only the employees of the company or its associates are authorized to use its negotiated rates.

Some policies offer provisions for other eligible categories of users. These may include:

Regardless, it’s worth pointing out that the general public may use hotel corporate codes. Under these circumstances, the hotel’s management is entitled to scrutinize your eligibility for the program through your business card, corporate ID or other relevant document.

Using Corporate Discount Codes for Hotels

Major companies negotiate for discounted rooms at major hotels. The discount rate depends largely on how much business the company can bring the hotel in the given year.

On the flip side, determining how hotel rates codes should be used is not always straightforward.

On the one hand, hotels and their management advocate for using these codes for business travel-related purposes. On the other hand, some hotels will still allow their guests to leverage the negotiated discounts for personal travel.

For Business-Related Travel

Corporate discount codes for hotels are primarily made for business travelers. Employees can use these codes at any of the hotel’s properties across the world. But there’s more.

Many hotels that offer these codes will allow their guests to accrue points through a loyalty program. Getting started with hotel corporate codes can be as easy as getting in touch with your company’s travel department, travel manager, or human resources.

Often, companies will notify their staff about changes to the travel policy through internal communication channels such as Slack. More details about the negotiated rates may also be shared through internal documents and third-party websites.

For Personal Travel

While hotel corporate codes are typically reserved for business travelers, you can use your company’s code for personal travel. The terms and conditions in this case may vary by hotel policy. Some hotels allow corporate guests access to discounted rates, even when travelling for leisure.

Essentially, how corporate hotel codes are used boils down to the hotel’s policy and the specific terms of agreement laid down with your company.

What’s Included in Hotel Corporate Code?

Hotel corporate codes grant access to exclusive deals and discounts, often in the form of reduced rates for business-related stays. 

Here’s a brief list of what may be included:

Again, such room perks and benefits largely depend on negotiations with individual hotels. It also depends on the volume of business that the company brings to the hotel.

How to Find Corporate Discount Codes for Hotels

Hotel discount codes are displayed on third-party travel guide websites. Sometimes though, one has to dig around to get the best rates and compare them with the standard rates.

Here’s how to find hotel corporate codes and discounts:

1. Talk to the Hotel’s Management Directly

Where more information is unavailable, check in with the hotel’s management to see if they offer discounts through corporate codes. Reaching out to management directly enables you to secure better rates. Business travel expense managers can expect to negotiate bulk discounts for their company.

2. Consult With a Travel Management Platform

Travel management platforms like TravelBank stay ahead of the best business travel expense management trends. Some hotels may have long-running partnerships with travel management platforms that can help you find favorable hotel corporate codes and other exclusive deals. As such, they’re a viable place to start if you’re looking for travel savings opportunities without having to scour the internet for hours.

A travel management platform is an online service that allows users to plan for travel, book, and manage their business trips and expenses all in one place. Such platforms provide access to exclusive deals and discounts as well as a variety of features that make it easier to stay on top of your travel spending.


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3. Shop Around

When looking for hotel corporate discounts on your own, it pays to compare prices and services between different hotels. Different hotels and companies negotiate different terms and rates.

Start by looking at all the major travel sites. Compare the publicly available prices. You may also check the services and amenities and any special offers like discounts or loyalty programs that may be available. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, compare each hotel’s specific corporate codes against the lowest publicly available rates.

The essence of shopping around is to find more attractive discounts than the publicly available rates. Hotels may choose to provide the code directly to the company or display it on their website. In this case, you can find the code on the hotel’s website under “Corporate Account” or a similar field where the code can be entered.

4. Negotiate Your Own Hotel Corporate Rates

If you can’t find suitable hotel corporate codes, you can always negotiate new agreements with your preferred hotel. Hotels are often willing to offer discounted rates for companies that have a high volume of travelers staying with them. To get started, contact the hotel directly and:

Once you’ve established a relationship with the hotel, they might be willing to lower their prices even further if they know they can count on consistent business from your company.

Hotel Corporate Codes for Small Businesses

Regardless of the business size, many hotels will go above and beyond to ensure that their corporate guests are well taken care of. With hotel corporate codes, small businesses can also take advantage of discounted rates on rooms, meals, and other amenities to reduce their business travel spend. 

Here are some of the benefits of using hotel corporate codes for small businesses:

Besides, using corporate codes is a great way for small businesses to build relationships with individual hotels. 


Earn rewards when you beat the average cost   Book a trip under the average price, and you'll earn back some of the money saved.  

 

Are Corporate Codes Always The Best Rate?

While they can offer significant discounts, it is worth noting that some corporate codes may still cost more than the standard nightly rate. As such, it is important to compare and contrast the available rates to ensure you are getting the most out of your travel budget.

For instance, Marriott has an Explore by Marriott Bonvoy program that offers discounted room rate, food and beverage discounts for its associates. In short, be sure to do your research and explore all potential discounts or deals available. You may be surprised by what you find!

Is it Possible to Use Corporate Codes At All Hotels?

Using corporate codes at all hotels should be possible, but it depends on the availability of such programs at the specific hotel. Some hotel chains are more likely to accept corporate codes than others, and individual hotels may also have their own policies in place regarding corporate codes.

In order to use a corporate code, you will first need to find out if the hotel has them. You can do this by calling the front desk or visiting the hotel’s website. If corporate codes are accepted, you will usually be required to present proof of your company’s affiliation before being able to take advantage of the discounted rate.

Conclusion

Corporate codes can be a great way to get the most out of your hotel stay. With these codes, you can save money while also enjoying exclusive amenities and services that would otherwise not be available. However, it is important to do your research in order to find the best rate and additional benefits.  

FAQs

Q: How can I obtain hotel corporate codes in 2023?

A: First, contact the hotel directly and inquire about their corporate discounts. They may have special rates and codes available. Many hotels work with companies to provide exclusive discounts to their traveling employees and associates through corporate codes. If your company uses a travel management platform, like TravelBank, they will get these codes on your behalf.

Q: Are hotel corporate codes valid for all hotel chains?

A: Corporate codes are not available for all hotel chains. For example, if you have a Marriott corporate code, it will only be valid at Marriott-branded hotels. This is because the discounts are negotiated specifically with each hotel chain, meaning different discounts may be available between different brands.

Q: Can I use hotel corporate codes for personal bookings?

A: While some companies may allow their employees to use the corporate codes for personal travel purposes, this is generally not recommended. The corporate code is meant to be used for business travel and using it for personal purposes could be viewed as a breach of trust.

Q: How can I maximize savings when using hotel corporate codes?

A: There are several ways to maximize savings with hotel corporate codes. First, research the discounts available to you and select the best one for your needs. If your company does not use a travel management platform, be sure to book directly through the hotel or an online travel agency. Ask for any additional incentives or loyalty programs that you can take advantage of as well.