While DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) can be redeemed toward most room rates and on-property charges, certain rates, fees, and services are exempt from D$ redemption according to the GHA DISCOVERY Programme Terms & Conditions.
1. Ineligible Booking Rates & Third-Party Channels
D$ cannot be applied to bookings made under Ineligible Rates, including:
Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) & Wholesalers: Stays booked via third-party sites such as Expedia, Booking.com, Hotels.com, Agoda, or tour operators.
Airline Crew / Staff Rates: Bookings pre-arranged or paid by airlines or corporate crew programs.
Travel Industry & Employee Rates: Heavily discounted staff, travel-agent, or friends-and-family rates.
Complimentary & Bartered Stays: Free nights, traded stays, or promotional gift stays.
2. Taxes, Tips, and Mandatory Hotel Fees
D$ can only be redeemed against Net Eligible Spend. You cannot settle the following line items using D$:
Government taxes and local tourism fees (e.g., VAT, municipality fees, city occupancy taxes).
Tips and service gratuities paid to staff.
Certain mandatory property surcharges, unless bundled into an eligible room rate at the time of booking.
3. Ineligible Outlets & Third-Party Services
Outlets and services that are not directly managed by the hotel brand typically do not accept D$:
Third-Party Concessions: Boutiques, independent retail stores, souvenir shops, or independent rental desks located inside the hotel property.
Outsourced Spas or Salons: Wellness facilities operated by external vendors that do not settle to the hotel's central billing system.
External Transport & Tours: Airport transfers, external car services, third-party excursions, or concierge-arranged outside vendor bookings.
4. Banquets, Catering, and Large Events
Meetings & Events (MICE): Charges for conference facilities, meeting room rentals, and event staging.
Banquets & Weddings: Group catering contracts, banquet hall rentals, or private event packages.
5. Cash Conversions & Deposits
No Cash Equivalent: D$ cannot be redeemed, refunded, or cashed out for physical currency or bank credit under any circumstances.
Pre-Authorization & Security Deposits: D$ cannot serve as a credit pre-authorization or security deposit at check-in (a valid credit card or accepted deposit method is required).
Key Redemption Rules to Remember
Minimum Redemption: Redemptions start at a minimum of D$10 per transaction (and in whole $1 increments thereafter).
Split Payments: If any portion of your bill is ineligible or exceeds your D$ balance, you can pay the difference with cash or card at check-out.