US woman, 41, poses as sister of Marriott staff to get discounted rates for 14 nights at Sheraton Towers S'pore

A 41-year-old American woman, Kao Jane Zhao, made several stays at Sheraton Towers Singapore in September 2024.

On six different occasions totalling 14 nights, Kao received discounted room rates.

She had obtained these by posing as the sister of a Marriott associate, entitling her to receive discounts on all Marriott International properties.

False details in membership form

According to court documents seen by Mothership, while in the U.S., Kao went on Craigslist in 2024 and purchased an Explore membership, a programme by Marriott Bonvoy, from an unknown seller for US$300 (S$381).

The seller helped her falsely state in her membership form that she was the sister of one Michael Melendez, a Marriott associate and Explore member.

Kao was aware that the details were false, and only Marriott associates and their family members get to receive discounts on hotel rates.

14 nights

In September 2024, Kao stayed a total of 14 nights at Sheraton Towers with discounted room rates.

It was only after she checked out from Sheraton Towers on Sep. 27, that the front desk manager attempted to verify her identity with his counterparts in the U.S.

The manager was then informed that Kao was unrelated to Mendelez.

Subsequently, the manager filed a police report and Kao was arrested.

In total, she received S$1,563.94 in discounts.

According to The Straits Times, Kao has obtained nearly S$3,400 in discounts, including the S$1,563.94.

She pleaded guilty to one charge of cheating.

She still has eight other outstanding charges linked to the remaining amount, and she will be sentenced in October.

She has since made full restitution to the hotel.

For cheating, an offender can be jailed for up to three years, fined or both.