Yesterday I called the Hilton 800 # and asked for the lowest priced room (1 room, 1 person, no conventions etc) in the Crystal City Hilton for Nov 23. The girl said "We have a nice room for at $112, and shall I book it for you". I said thatsa too much for a "off-night" and do you have anything better. She chimed back in 1 min with "We do have a Holiday Special at $69". Hmmmm.... I thought I asked for the LOWEST PRICED ROOM THE FIRST TIME?. I hung up quite disgusted and dismayed with Hilton.

So I checked my handy book of 800 #'s and called the Hyatt 800 # 2 min later and asked that girl for the lowest priced room in the Crystal City Hyatt for Nov 23. She chimed back in 1 min with "We do have a Holiday Special at $69 and shall I book it for you". I booked it immediately. Hyatt is looking nicer and nicer in my eyes.

Hilton is dangerously close to making my (and my employees) infamous DO NOT USE FOR SIX MONTHS LIST. Anyone else sense this is now the usual and customary Hilton "lets lie about the lowest rates for the customer is tooooo stupid to know better" policy? What are your recent experiences?

ps: points, miles and potential upgrade possibility appear the same

Thats not something that is the 800 number policy. Hotels set the "Best Avalible Rate" which is the default that comes onto the screen. In this case, the Hilton decided it would try to sell its room at 112. After asking further, she offered you a rate at 69. It may have been an upgraded room, or it may have just been the default.

On the other hand, the Hyatt hotel knew that the weekend was not going to be full, and offered the lower rate off the bat. Again, that hotel had set its rate that low.

Unlike airlines, which supposedly have to offer you the lowest rate avalible, hotels have no such restrictions. Always get the default rate, then ask for anything lower. Do not ask for discounts (entertainment, AAA, etc) before getting quoted the default rate. Corporate accounts are notorious for getting bad rates on weekends!

I have to say that since all the chains have come up with decent internet booking engines I don't bother calling the 800# for this very reason. Every call was a negotiation - "is there anything lower..." And I'd be surprised if its changed much - they never tell you about their special "Holiday Package" that includes a room, breakfast, parking, and other perks for $59 unless you specifically ask "what packages are available". At least on the web, you can generally find all these deals. P.S.- When I checked the Hyatt website, I noted that in addition to the $69 rate you got for a standard room, they also have a $109 rate in a "Balcony Suite". I just find its better to avoid talking to anyone on the 800# and seeing all the available rooms myself!

I rarely check Hyatt's or Hilton's websites anymore, especially Hilton, as they rarely list their lowest available rate. I've consistently found http://www.travelweb.com to offer the best available rate at most properties. Both the $69 rates you quoted are there, by the way, but the Hilton's is non-refundable.

In my experience Travelweb ALWAYS lists lower rates than either Sheraton or Westin's websites.

You know, with rates that low, you could probably get a 3* through Priceline for half that price or even less with bonus money.

For this very reason, I do not use 800 numbers. I am not interested in playing a cat and mouse game for negotiating rates. I generally use Travel Web or Travelocity -- they list all the available rates.

Once I find the best rate, I go ahead and bid on Priceline. All the chains are so inconsistent, that I'm willing to give up choice of property to save 50%. And I get pretty nice hotels such as the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver for $60 per night or the Sheraton Seattle for $50 per night.

Hotels take note...by being dishonest on the 800 number, I now book via Priceline because I have better things to do than monkey around with your reservation agents.

This really touches a sore nerve with me. I, too, can't deal with 800# hotel reservation agents. I always feel like I'm getting jerked around, lied to and played for a sucker. Like some others on this board, I've come to rely exclusively on the internet (as well as the few hotel GMs, mgmt. personnel I know).