Hotel Deals - Expedia brg tips and results

Hi I have searched this forum and I cant find a dedicated page with info regarding the expedia brg... can anyone point me in the right direction

cheers

cal

Here's a thead you may find useful,

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hotel-deals/930133-other-best-rate-programs-now-wyndham-over.html

By and large, I've had good success with Expedia BRG. In the past I've praised them for handling the BRG process over the phone vs submitting a claim form over the Internet, waiting days for a response as well as hoping the lower rate is still viewable when the person reviewing the claim gets around to processing. However my past two BRGs took quite awhile over the phone due to language barriers and waiting for the CSR to get approval from their "support" desk. But in the end I still prefer handling claims over the phone. And Expedia BRG has the advantage that their $50 certificate is valid for a one night stay, unlike Travelocity who requires a two night minimum.

The best advice I can give is to know the BRG terms & conditions and have them readily available. If you feel your claim is legitimate but the CSR doesn't, ask them to point out in the T&Cs where your claim is invalid. This has been very beneficial to me on a few occasions where the CSR felt I didn't have a valid claim, for whatever reason.

Thanks BEAV

I did my first 2 expedia brgs today and it has left me feeling exhausted just short of 3 hours on the phone..Granted I got 2 $138 a night hotels for $68 and 2 $50 coupons banked but I never thought I would have to go into battle with agents who would try every stalling tactic and excuse not to agree the BRG ... Only when a supervisor was called for was the BRG granted . I have read other posts where some seem to get approved BRGs in 10 Mins... I like a challenge but today was testing to say the least

regards

cal

Thanks BEAV

I did my first 2 expedia brgs today and it has left me feeling exhausted just short of 3 hours on the phone..Granted I got 2 $138 a night hotels for $68 and 2 $50 coupons banked but I never thought I would have to go into battle with agents who would try every stalling tactic and excuse not to agree the BRG ... Only when a supervisor was called for was the BRG granted . I have read other posts where some seem to get approved BRGs in 10 Mins... I like a challenge but today was testing to say the least

regards

cal


My experience with Expedia is like yours. Rather an hour or more for one BRG case with all stacky flicky excuses.... My conclusion then was: It is a waste of time and I did no longer book with Expedia.

Further to that: They do not allow you to use your BRG vouchers for a new BRG booking case!

My best successes with the Expedia brg is to call during normal working hours (i.e. before 7pm eastern time on weekdays). The people who answer at night or on the weekends appear to try to find ways to either stall or give reasons why they cant approve the BRG. The ones I have done in normal working hours are approved within minutes.

I've done 4 BRGs in the last few months. 2 were done normal weekday hours.(I don't know why that would make any difference, since the call center is in the PI.) All were a complete pain in the butt. Each was 45 - 60 mins. Their MO is to put you on hold 'till you hang up. IMO it just ain't worth it anymore. wj

My average is about 25 minutes for an Expedia BRG. Sometimes the 50 coupon comes in right away, but I am still waiting on one from last week, was told 7 - 10 business days. No idea why some are immediate, others there is a wait....

www.bestrateguarantee.blogspot.com

My average is about 25 minutes for an Expedia BRG. Sometimes the 50 coupon comes in right away, but I am still waiting on one from last week, was told 7 - 10 business days. No idea why some are immediate, others there is a wait....

Did you receive an email confirming the amount of your BRG refund? I've found the two seem to go hand in hand ... first comes the refund notice email along with the $50 coupon being deposited into my account.

Did you receive an email confirming the amount of your BRG refund? I've found the two seem to go hand in hand ... first comes the refund notice email along with the $50 coupon being deposited into my account.

Yes - I did. I received the email for the refund amount but still no coupon.

A question: I have 3 saved coupons in my account, could this be a factor? I remember something about a 3 coupon issue limit per month, the saved coupons were issued in November...in fact, they say "Oct" on them but were issued in Nov... has anyone had more than 3 saved coupons in their account at one time?

Yes - I did. I received the email for the refund amount but still no coupon.

A question: I have 3 saved coupons in my account, could this be a factor? I remember something about a 3 coupon issue limit per month, the saved coupons were issued in November...in fact, they say "Oct" on them but were issued in Nov... has anyone had more than 3 saved coupons in their account at one time?

If you received 3 coupons in November that shouldn't affect your December BRG as the terms and conditions state no more than 3 coupons per calendar month.

Very true. So I called and they finally dropped the coupon. Add 18 minutes....

Just a quick question. Hilton has a 50% off sale. Looking at Hilton KL for the night of 22/10/10

The Hilton site lists it as a Twin Hilton Deluxe Plus Room - $95.61 (inc free breakfast)
Expedia has:

Twin Hilton Deluxe Plus - $157
Twin Hilton Deluxe Plus (inc breakfast) - $175

Which would I book on Expedia to then be able to get the price guarantee?

Just a quick question. Hilton has a 50% off sale. Looking at Hilton KL for the night of 22/10/10

The Hilton site lists it as a Twin Hilton Deluxe Plus Room - $95.61 (inc free breakfast)
Expedia has:

Twin Hilton Deluxe Plus - $157
Twin Hilton Deluxe Plus (inc breakfast) - $175

Which would I book on Expedia to then be able to get the price guarantee?

Book the one with free breakfast on Expedia so the two will be the same incl. all amenities.

My average is about 25 minutes for an Expedia BRG. Sometimes the 50 coupon comes in right away, but I am still waiting on one from last week, was told 7 - 10 business days. No idea why some are immediate, others there is a wait....

Similar experience here, not sure how you get to an hour on one BRG. Most of the time is spent waiting for agent to contact the "help desk" and coming back to check in every 3-4 minutes saying "just a few more minutes."

Best to throw on the bluetooth headset (or speakerphone) while on hold and browse FT while you wait :).

Similar experience here, not sure how you get to an hour on one BRG. Most of the time is spent waiting for agent to contact the "help desk" and coming back to check in every 3-4 minutes saying "just a few more minutes."

Best to throw on the bluetooth headset (or speakerphone) while on hold and browse FT while you wait :).

I had a 90 min BRG a few months ago. 1/2 the time spent arguing with the CSR because she thought any lower competitive rate was a "promotion" and for that reason solely would invalidate the claim. The second half waiting for the help desk to confirm, etc. Before hanging up, I asked to speak with the help desk. She was genuinely shocked I had been on the phone 90 minutes. I asked her if she had approved the claim as a "one time exception" or because my BRG was 100% legit. She replied it was a perfectly legit BRG. My response back was that the CSR needed some training on the whole BRG program...

My last BRG, however, was pretty quick -- about 20 minutes. I hit the jackpot and got a good CSR who was quickly able to verify the lower rate. The majority of the 20 mins was, again, waiting to get through to the help desk for verification and approval.

I wish Expedia had a dedicated line for BRGs so that all the collective time wasted for the CSR to get through to the help/support desk could be eliminated.

I'm a bit cynical and tend to think the "help desk" holding is just a stalling tactic. Doesn't make sense from a cost perspective to not transfer immediately to an empowered agent once customer requests BRG.

I'm a bit cynical and tend to think the "help desk" holding is just a stalling tactic. Doesn't make sense from a cost perspective to not transfer immediately to an empowered agent once customer requests BRG.

From my experience, I'm speculating that the CSRs out "on the floor" aren't empowered to approve the claims, orchestrate the refunds and deposit the $50 coupons into your account. I believe they simply gather the information from the customer, review it, and present it to the help desk for approval/denial and processing if approved. As I said earlier, it's too bad it's a two-step process and there isn't a dedicated BRG "desk".

I see the Orbitz BRG now gives a $50 future discount coupon, too. But I couldn't find anywhere in their T&Cs whether using the coupon requires a 2-night minimum stay (like Travelocity) or just one night (like Expedia). ???????

I see the Orbitz BRG now gives a $50 future discount coupon, too. But I couldn't find anywhere in their T&Cs whether using the coupon requires a 2-night minimum stay (like Travelocity) or just one night (like Expedia). ???????

Even worse - it's only good for a minimum 3-night stay. Useless.

Even worse - it's only good for a minimum 3-night stay. Useless.

Thanks, and I agree -- totally worthless.

I booked a room on Expedia today; (after finding it for $2 less on Orbitz.) I scheduled the reservation out far enough that there aren't any cancellation fees (just in case). I called and spent around ten minutes listening to the agent tell me, "Just one moment." I asked (in my most polite voice), what, specifically, she was waiting on. She said she was checking something, then said, "The other line is very busy. It's only a $3 difference; how about I just give you a $50 coupon." I asked her when she would give me the coupon, and she said immediately. I logged in and WALLA! the $50 coupon was in my account.

SWEET! ^:D

Hopefully, things will go as smoothly for my next two BRG reservations.

** Call #2: Not quite so easy this time. I was put on hold on and off for 27 minutes. Still - saved me another $50 and I'm sitting at a nice cafe looking out at the ocean - so not a bad use of time. :)

** Call #3: Interesting. No refund during call #1, but super-fast coupon. Refund will be mailed to me during call #2, fast coupon. Refund will be issued to my credit card during call #3, coupon will be posted in 24-hours. I asked if I could possibly see the coupon today, and the agent said she would expedite my request. (The coupon was posted in 10 minutes.)

Thank you to the other FTers who helped save me $150 today!

Good luck everyone!

I booked a room on Expedia today; (after finding it for $2 less on Orbitz.) I scheduled the reservation out far enough that there aren't any cancellation fees (just in case). I called and spent around ten minutes listening to the agent tell me, "Just one moment." I asked (in my most polite voice), what, specifically, she was waiting on. She said she was checking something, then said, "The other line is very busy. It's only a $3 difference; how about I just give you a $50 coupon." I asked her when she would give me the coupon, and she said immediately. I logged in and WALLA! the $50 coupon was in my account.

SWEET! ^:D

Hopefully, things will go as smoothly for my next two BRG reservations.

** Call #2: Not quite so easy this time. I was put on hold on and off for 27 minutes. Still - saved me another $50 and I'm sitting at a nice cafe looking out at the ocean - so not a bad use of time. :)



Good luck everyone!

BRG #1 -- That's fantastic!

BRG #2 -- Was the wait due to the CSR waiting to get through to the so-called "support desk" ? Agreed, a nice ocean view helps!

Do u still get to keep the $50 coupons if you cancel the reservation within the specific hotel's cancellation deadlines?

Do u still get to keep the $50 coupons if you cancel the reservation within the specific hotel's cancellation deadlines?

Of course.

Do u still get to keep the $50 coupons if you cancel the reservation within the specific hotel's cancellation deadlines?

After receiving the $50 coupons, I cancelled the original reservations, then rebooked the reservation using the coupons. What made it even better was that Expedia had cottoned on and had lowered the prices! So, I saved even more money. ^:D

Can you 2 accounts per household? For example, if I get 3 coupons per month and my husband have his own account with expedia and get another 3 coupons?

I'm just curious to know if they check with the billing address or something.

Can you 2 accounts per household? For example, if I get 3 coupons per month and my husband have his own account with expedia and get another 3 coupons?

I'm just curious to know if they check with the billing address or something.

I think you can. I used my three coupons to book three days, and now I'm using coupons from my mother's account. :p Same name, same credit card - and not a peep from Expedia.

Having said that, the newest glitch is that although the coupons post to my account, when I try to use them, I get an error message stating that they have already been used. Then, to get the coupons to work, I have to call Expedia and spend about 30 minutes on the phone (per coupon) as they work through the glitch. It's a pain in the tuckus, but I'm back in the hotel I want for a price I can afford - so - now worries.

I see the Orbitz BRG now gives a $50 future discount coupon, too. But I couldn't find anywhere in their T&Cs whether using the coupon requires a 2-night minimum stay (like Travelocity) or just one night (like Expedia). ???????

orbitz coupon require 3 night min

I think you can. I used my three coupons to book three days, and now I'm using coupons from my mother's account. :p Same name, same credit card - and not a peep from Expedia.

Having said that, the newest glitch is that although the coupons post to my account, when I try to use them, I get an error message stating that they have already been used. Then, to get the coupons to work, I have to call Expedia and spend about 30 minutes on the phone (per coupon) as they work through the glitch. It's a pain in the tuckus, but I'm back in the hotel I want for a price I can afford - so - now worries.

i had the same issue and simply used another credit card in order to make it work. remember the "refer a friend" promo? there, you also had to use different cards for different coupons - maybe it is the same now with the BRG coupons in the u.s.

Having said that, the newest glitch is that although the coupons post to my account, when I try to use them, I get an error message stating that they have already been used. Then, to get the coupons to work, I have to call Expedia and spend about 30 minutes on the phone (per coupon) as they work through the glitch. It's a pain in the tuckus, but I'm back in the hotel I want for a price I can afford - so - now worries.

You should use a different credit card for each coupon.

You should use a different credit card for each coupon.

You mean use ALL the coupons with a single different card than you originally had on the account when u earned the coupons?

If u have 5 coupons, you don't need 5 different credit cards, right?

You mean use ALL the coupons with a different card than you originally had on the account when u earned the coupons?

If u have 5 coupons, you don't need 5 different credit cards, right?

i assume you can use 1 credit card on 1 brg coupon. thats it. so: 5 coupons = 5 credit card numbers.

You mean use ALL the coupons with a single different card than you originally had on the account when u earned the coupons?

If u have 5 coupons, you don't need 5 different credit cards, right?

5 different cards. Don't you have them from refer-a-friend already? ;)

i assume you can use 1 credit card on 1 brg coupon. thats it. so: 5 coupons = 5 credit card numbers.

No way.:eek: That is ludicrous if that really is their policy.

No way.:eek: That is ludicrous if that really is their policy.

So strange. Two coupons required me to call, and then the last one didn't. I think it's a "glitch" on their side. Good idea with the different credit cards though - I'll try that if it happens again.

I call in today for BRG but they give me a coupon that will not active until Oct 14,2010. Is this something new? Because the coupon I got last week was available to use right away.

Any one have this experience? I'm thinking about call them and have them change the active date.

Travelbug, have you had a long history of getting these BPGs? I would be tempted to call also, because what I have been told is that the BPG is good for one year, so what one year period would yours be good for?

My Expedia rate says "One or two queen beds".

The Travelocity rate allows you to choose a room with 1 queen bed, or a room with 2 queen beds, either for the same price, and it is $7 cheaper per night than Expedia.

Would Expedia disqualify this for the BPG?

I call in today for BRG but they give me a coupon that will not active until Oct 14,2010. Is this something new? Because the coupon I got last week was available to use right away.

Any one have this experience? I'm thinking about call them and have them change the active date.

Just curious, what is the travel date of the hotel you used to get the BRG?

my latest is a coupon that was "dropped" that never showed up - twice. The 3rd call they said I had too many coupons in my account (3) and couldn't drop it so I needed to open a new account (???) which I did....and it dropped.


weirdness.....

I have a coupon I can't use also, its listed but not accessible. I think there are probably a dozen "glitches" with the brg coupon drop, and I intend to experience them all :rolleyes:

my latest is a coupon that was "dropped" that never showed up - twice. The 3rd call they said I had too many coupons in my account (3) and couldn't drop it so I needed to open a new account (???) which I did....and it dropped.


weirdness.....

I have a coupon I can't use also, its listed but not accessible. I think there are probably a dozen "glitches" with the brg coupon drop, and I intend to experience them all :rolleyes:

Ugh..So now, if you have 3 coupons (which i do), you have to use 3 diffierent credit cards (as noted above) and/or open 3 new expedia accounts. :rolleyes:

Weird

Not looking forward to using my coupons.

Ugh..So now, if you have 3 coupons (which i do), you have to use 3 diffierent credit cards (as noted above) and/or open 3 new expedia accounts. :rolleyes:

Weird

Not looking forward to using my coupons.

Not neccessarily....

I recently used 2 coupons from 6 stored in my account with the same CC - no problem.

my latest is a coupon that was "dropped" that never showed up - twice. The 3rd call they said I had too many coupons in my account (3) and couldn't drop it so I needed to open a new account (???) which I did....and it dropped.

Were the three coupons received in the same month as the fourth that wouldn't drop? There's a limit to three BRG coupons a month, so that might explain it.

I have four unused ones sitting in my account at the same time right now, so it's at least possible for some accounts to have more than three at a time, but I received them in two different months.

Were the three coupons received in the same month as the fourth that wouldn't drop? There's a limit to three BRG coupons a month, so that might explain it.


I think the 3 coupon/month rule applies to receiving the coupons, not using them.

Like...they will only give you 3 coupons/month, but you can redeem more than 3 coupons in a single month if you have enough coupons in your account.

I think the 3 coupon/month rule applies to receiving the coupons, not using them.

Like...they will only give you 3 coupons/month, but you can redeem more than 3 coupons in a single month if you have enough coupons in your account.

Yes, that's true, but wasn't the problem that the coupons wouldn't "drop" i.e. be received initially in the account, not be redeemed?

Travelbug, have you had a long history of getting these BPGs? I would be tempted to call also, because what I have been told is that the BPG is good for one year, so what one year period would yours be good for?

No, I just start getting BPG first time this month. Infact, I was using my husband account and it was the 1st BPG coupon. I called expedia today, she said it was the error when the previous customer service enter the coupon date. The coupon should active right away from the day you get it. She did issue me a new $50 coupon and let me keep the one that will be active in Oct.

I have had very good luck with these.

I call during business hours and I average just under 30 min. per BRG, I haven't tried doing multiple BRGs on one call. CSRs are usually female and sound Indian. They are super courteous, maybe a bit too apologetic during the wait, and I get the $50 coupon in minutes after the call.


I have never had any errors redeeming.


The BRG blog says it, but the hotel gets their full rate, the coupon is transparent to them, so they really don't care what you paid.

This is not on point exactly to his thread however I last week booked a hotel in DC through AA.com. I have always assumed that AA.com does not actually run the hotel booking service itself but that rater it is contracted out to someone else. However the offer of 500 miles for a one night booking had convinced me to use the service. So I booked one night at the Marriot. Well the point to my story is that when I picked up the Marriot bill slipped under my door it listed my room as paid (as I expected) and the source of payment as being Expedia. So I wonder what kind of best rate guarentee you get for hotel booking on AA.com if is really Expedia pulling the strings?

I did 2 BRGs in the past couple days with pretty easy success. I was worried that if we did them back to back, they would frown upon that and be more problematic in getting the BRG cleared. I didn't notice that, but anyone else have issues?

Only ever had issues once out of the two times I've done this. That's a rate of 50% failure or success depending on how you look at it. *lol* Its a nice deal if you have the patience for it.

Did my first BRG yesterday. Had my speaker phone ready after reading about long wait times :). Was connected to a center in Philippines. Agent was courteous and yes it did take 28 minutes and most of the time I was on hold. Had to guide her exactly to find the lower rate on another site as she could not see that rate ***
Got mysteriously disconnected when she put me on hold to talk to the team which does the refund and the coupon :(
Called again a couple of minutes later and got another rep. Explained the problem to her and thankfully she could see that my request was under processing. Had to again guide her for the lower rate and then she put me on hold again to talk to the refunds team. Thankfully no hiccups this time and was done with the process in under 10 minutes this time. Refund email came immediately and voucher was also in the account within 5 minutes of the call.

I had a BPG with Expedia, comparing against Travelocity.

I phoned to talk to an agent, and she saw the lower price, but she was saying the room type was different. I disagreed, and she put me on hold to talk to a supervisor.

When she came back (5 minutes later), she said that Travelocity had updated their site, and the price was now greater. I had done a fresh search at the start of our call, and the price was $69 when we started talking (compared to Expedia at $73), but by the time she came back, Travelocity was $78.

I argued I should still get the coupon. What she ended up doing was giving me a $25 coupon for each night, that otherwise has the same terms as the $50 coupon. I still come out ahead, and there's not much I can do about it.

I feared the worst last night when calling in to file a BRG claim when the recorded message came on about heavy call volume due to the weather-related problems on the East Coast. I waited on hold 10-15 minutes before an agent answered. But to my surprise I don't think this guy was your regular call center agent as he first apologzied for my lengthy wait. As I began discussing the BRG it was apparent he was definitely one of Expedia's more experienced employees. When I told him the lower rate found (on Travelocity) was only $1.32 less than Expedia's rate, he didn't even bother to take the time to go to Travelocity's site to verify, instead saying "oh, we can match that, no problem". He put me on hold to get approval, which I thought would be another lengthy wait, however he was back within just a minute or two. He gave me the reference number and we were done in no time flat.

All was going too well until I noticed the usual immediate email confirming the amount of the refund didn't appear. Neither was the $50 certificate deposited into my account. I checked a few times over the next hour and no email or certificate. I figured they were backlogged and had set my claim aside, which meant I would have to call in at some point and remind them. But, surprisingly, this morning the certificate is in my account along with an email confirming the whopping $1.32 refund.

I wouldn't be surprised if the employee I dealt with is from the Expedia Elite desk. Perhaps they were pressed into service answering regular calls due to the heavy volume?

I wouldn't be surprised if the employee I dealt with is from the Expedia Elite desk. Perhaps they were pressed into service answering regular calls due to the heavy volume?

It's ironic, the busier they are, the better the service.:p

It's ironic, the busier they are, the better the service.:p

You said it.

Has anyone had any trouble redeeming an Expedia BRG coupon in Asia (I like to use them in Bali and Bangkok, in particular)?

These aren't just for U.S. hotel destinations, are they?

I redeemed them back to back for hotel in Thailand and Vietname without any problem.

I feared the worst last night when calling in to file a BRG claim when the recorded message came on about heavy call volume due to the weather-related problems on the East Coast. I waited on hold 10-15 minutes before an agent answered. But to my surprise I don't think this guy was your regular call center agent as he first apologzied for my lengthy wait. As I began discussing the BRG it was apparent he was definitely one of Expedia's more experienced employees. When I told him the lower rate found (on Travelocity) was only $1.32 less than Expedia's rate, he didn't even bother to take the time to go to Travelocity's site to verify, instead saying "oh, we can match that, no problem". He put me on hold to get approval, which I thought would be another lengthy wait, however he was back within just a minute or two. He gave me the reference number and we were done in no time flat.

All was going too well until I noticed the usual immediate email confirming the amount of the refund didn't appear. Neither was the $50 certificate deposited into my account. I checked a few times over the next hour and no email or certificate. I figured they were backlogged and had set my claim aside, which meant I would have to call in at some point and remind them. But, surprisingly, this morning the certificate is in my account along with an email confirming the whopping $1.32 refund.

I wouldn't be surprised if the employee I dealt with is from the Expedia Elite desk. Perhaps they were pressed into service answering regular calls due to the heavy volume?

These things are just all over the map. Some folks wait over an hour (!!) and coupons take days or weeks to post and some calls (like my last one) are over in less than 10 minutes with no questions asked and coupons immediately deposited. They really do need to get their act together, although I suppose there is no incentive for them to do so.

I had an agent yesterday who said that BRGs using booking.com were not allowed because it was not a US web site but this one time they would deposit a $25 voucher!!! Never heard this one before and have had a few BRGs using that site.

cal

I had an interesting BRG experience the other day:

BRG Blog had a deal for a hotel in Orlando that Easyclicktravel had listed as simply "Standard Room," while Expedia listed the rate as "2 Queen Beds, Complimentary Wireless Internet, Complimentary Airport Shuttle." The rate on Expedia was refundable, so even though it was a stretch to get it honored with the difference in room description, I figured I might as well give it a shot (and figured I'd see just how strict they'd get).

Of course, the initial reaction was that the Easyclicktravel rate didn't explicitly include Internet or the Airport Shuttle - but on the Easyclicktravel hotel description, it had those listed as basic amenities for the hotel, so the agent accepted the fact that they're amenities for any room. She then said that she couldn't honor it because the bed type wasn't the same, so here's where I got a little creative: I basically said that the "Standard Room" had to match up with some kind of room, and all the basic rooms on Expedia (2 queens, 1 king, smoking, and non-smoking) were all a higher price than the "Standard Room" on Easyclicktravel. She still said that the policies state that the room type has to be the same, which is true, but I asked if I could call the hotel on a 3-way call and ask them what room type the "Standard Room" would be match up to and be booked as. She was hesitant at first, but agreed and when I briefly explained the situation to the front desk agent at the hotel, we were told that the Standard Rate would indeed book into a regular 2 queen bed room. So the Expedia agent then agreed to honor the BRG.

All in all, it probably wasn't necessary to go through all that hassle (because Expedia still could have refused the claim based on the fact that the room type must explicitly be the same), but it could be an interesting approach and it may help someone at some point if they get stuck with an extra-picky agent. In the end, the call took about 35 minutes, which isn't too out of line for the extra steps I had to take, and the coupon was in my account within 5 minutes after the call ^

just checked a expedia BRG from yesterday and the "expedia travel coupon" that has been deposited shows : active from 3 May 2010 ( which happens to be the day after checkout ) where as one from a few days ago shows expires 31 march 2011.

anyone else had this voucher

regards

cal

I had an interesting BRG experience the other day:

BRG http://www.bodybuilderspro.info/pictures/35/1274732818/random.gif Blog had a deal for a hotel in Orlando that Easyclicktravel had listed as simply "Standard Room," while Expedia listed the rate as "2 Queen Beds, Complimentary Wireless Internet, Complimentary Airport Shuttle." The rate on Expedia was refundable, so even though it was a stretch to get it honored with the difference in room description, I figured I might as well give it a shot (and figured I'd see just how strict they'd get).

Of course, the initial reaction was that the Easyclicktravel rate didn't explicitly include Internet or the Airport Shuttle - but on the Easyclicktravel hotel description, it had those listed as basic amenities for the hotel, so the agent accepted the fact that they're amenities for any room. She then said that she couldn't honor it because the bed type wasn't the same, so here's where I got a little creative: I basically said that the "Standard Room" had to match up with http://bodybuilderspro.info/customimages/9/1240197088/random.gifsome kind of room, and all the basic rooms on Expedia (2 queens, 1 king, smoking, and non-smoking) were all a higher price than the "Standard Room" on Easyclicktravel. She still said that the policies state that the room type has to be the same, which is true, but I asked if I could call the hotel on a 3-way call and ask them what room type the "Standard Room" would be match up to and be booked as. She was hesitant at first, but agreed and when I briefly explained the situation to the front desk agent at the hotel, we were told that the Standard Rate would indeed book into a regular 2 queen bed room. So the Expedia agent then agreed to honor the BRG.

All in all, it probably wasn't necessary to go through all that hassle (because Expedia still could have refused the claim based on the fact that the room type must explicitly be the same), but it could be an interesting approach and it may help someone at some point if they get stuck with an extra-picky agent. In the end, the call took about 35 minutes, which isn't too out of line for the extra steps I had to take, and the coupon was in my account within 5 minutes after the call ^http://bodybuilderspro.info/customimages/8/1240197088/random.gif

If you have the patience and the nerve, definitely should work for someone :D

My request was denied by CSR because the price offered on expedia included the taxes and fees.

Asked to speak with supervisor who gave me the refund on difference and $50 coupon after I questioned what was the base rate and what were the taxes and fees. If expedia doesn't break out the taxes and fees than how are the CSRs suppose to know what the base rate is?

Ultimately the supervisor is going to send a message to marketing for more information as the the T&Cs seem to be contradictory. the Best Price Guarantee applies only to the cost of booked travel, as presented in the Expedia.com search results, without including any taxes and fees.

16 minute wait for agent
11 minute conversation with CSR
12 minute wait for Supervisor
7 minute discussion with Supervisor

46 minutes for $20 refund & $50 coupon.

2 things:

First, did a BRG today with a hotelclub.com rate. At first, the CSR said, "not valid because hotelclub.com is not public and requires a membership"

I corrected her and said it has "memberships" only in the way expedia has memberships--you can sign up for free. I also mentioned, I could book the rate and I was NOT a hotelclub.com member anyway.

She put me on hold, and a few minutes later I had a "hotelclub.com membership confirmation" e-mail in my inbox.

In researching my claim, an Expedia CSR signed me up for a hotelclub.com account? I'm always impressed that Expedia CSR's will go online and check the rate on the fly with you on the phone, but I find that odd, and a bit invasive. Nonetheless, it happened.

Anyone else have a similar experience?

Second, in the times that I've done BRGs (and I'm *very* new to it), I find mixed results on getting coupons instantly or being told "you will get a coupon in 3-5 or 7-10 days." (had that happen 2x this week).

--Why in some cases won't they drop coupons immediately?
--Does the "delayed" coupon processing mean its subject to further review?
--Should I try again until I get a CSR who will do it instantly?

Just had a BRG processed in about 35-40 mins. It was annoying to stay on the phone, but other than that, it was painless. No sales pitch, no questions asked, nothing.

Had my third BRG this time it was denied they claimed that altough hotel is bookable to Expedia it is not a Expedia rate and the payment was trough hotel directly.I tried a dummy booking again for same hotel and realized that you cannot apply any coupon to this hotel .

I tried another hotel found a 50 USD less rate same standard room,tried BRG again everything went well until the rep asked to speak with his support desk then he claimed the BRG cannot applied as the other site does not list the bed type only the description standard room.

I gave up cancelled both booking and tried Orbitz instead.It wass painless no phone calls filling only the web form received confirmation of BRG approval in two hours and CC refunded.I am waiting to receive the coupon they said one week untill is received.

I know this has been noted before, but it's somewhat strange.

I did three bookings, for three consecutive nights, and phoned three times.

The first and last difference refunds, and 2 coupons, are deposited in my account, but not for the middle one, 2 hours later. Any idea why the discrepancy?

just checked a expedia BRG from yesterday and the "expedia travel coupon" that has been deposited shows : active from 3 May 2010 ( which happens to be the day after checkout ) where as one from a few days ago shows expires 31 march 2011.

I'm curious if this is universal now. I haven't done an Expedia BRG recently.

Are the coupons now not good until the day after checkout?

In other words, presumably, if you cancel the hotel room, the coupon disappears?

just checked a expedia BRG from yesterday and the "expedia travel coupon" that has been deposited shows : active from 3 May 2010 ( which happens to be the day after checkout ) where as one from a few days ago shows expires 31 march 2011.

anyone else had this voucher

regards

cal

I've done several since then and have never seen that so must be a rogue agent.

I'm curious if this is universal now. I haven't done an Expedia BRG recently.

Are the coupons now not good until the day after checkout?

In other words, presumably, if you cancel the hotel room, the coupon disappears?

I have had no problem since, dont know why it happened that once

cal

I did a BRG on an all-air itinerary. The resulting coupon is good on the hotel. The itinerary was an intra-EU itin, that priced less on Lufthansa's LH site (due to currency issues, I suppose). The call took about 15 minutes, but I had to call the next day to get the coupon deposited.

I have had no problem since, dont know why it happened that once

cal


For some weird reason I got one last year that isn't good until Oct of this year and no CS agent can fix it (so they say) so there it sits.:rolleyes:

If it doesn't "drop" within a couple of hours, in my experience, its never going to and it just means yet another long, tedious phone call. Ok, sometimes they do fix it within a few minutes but I had one lady trying to reconfirm the actual BRG 10 days later to get the coupon that was authorized 10 days before. Its a bit of pot luck over at the BRG customer service center, always a surprise!

Usually I have pretty good luck with expedia but I did have a run in with them a couple of months ago with their BRG and I stayed on the phone with their supervisor and they gave me $50 coupon.
I used it for another hotel but it was my first bad experience with expedia.
Hopefully it will be my last!

Made a couple of BRG claims this past weekend and week. Had an interesting conversation yesterday as was told smoking preference not listed on competitor website. Finally, rate was agreed however instead of $50 off coupon was told I would be given a $25!?? :confused: I was told that I already received a $50 off coupon the day before. I told them that was for a different itinerary number for a different hotel and reservation city and state entirely. I politely asked her to point out to me where on the website it showed $25, as I only found $50 BRG coupon quoted.
Phone call would have been completed in 10 minutes but getting the extra $25 took another 25 minutes. Anyone else get or offered the lower coupon?

Is there any way to establish whether a particular coupon comes from a certain booking or not? I had one $50 Mastercard coupon, and 2 BPG coupons, in my account, I am fairly sure. I did another BPG, and got the refund email, and was told the coupon was dropped. However, I still have what seems to be the same number of coupons.

Will the agent be able to tell which booking led to which coupon, if I call?

Is there any way to establish whether a particular coupon comes from a certain booking or not? I had one $50 Mastercard coupon, and 2 BPG coupons, in my account, I am fairly sure. I did another BPG, and got the refund email, and was told the coupon was dropped. However, I still have what seems to be the same number of coupons.

Will the agent be able to tell which booking led to which coupon, if I call?

They can tell what date a coupon is issued that is what I am sure, from non-related experience.

So none of the existing coupon would be associated with the most recent BRG coupon they promised.

Man, it's frustrating but I got 2 $50 hotel coupons but it was a lot of work for about an hour of dealing with supervisors and hold time.

Usually I have pretty good luck with expedia but I did have a run in with them a couple of months ago with their BRG and I stayed on the phone with their supervisor and they gave me $50 coupon.
I used it for another hotel but it was my first bad experience with expedia.
Hopefully it will be my last!

Sounds like my experience

From my friend and my own experience

Websites they can't match with:

1.venere.com

reason: list price are not final

2.booking.com

reason: not a U.S based company

P.S: These BS reasons are from their 'supervisor'...and hard to argue.

From my friend and my own experience

Websites they can't match with:

1.venere.com

reason: list price are not final

2.booking.com

reason: not a U.S based company

P.S: These BS reasons are from their 'supervisor'...and hard to argue.


That is strange, I was able to match to a booking.com price about 2 months ago.

I have a $50 coupon from an earlier BRG request.

I have found a hotel I would like to book using this $50 coupon. Expedia rate is about $170

I have also found that easyclicktravel.com has a lower, $100 rate, for this hotel.

Question: If I book the hotel at Expedia's $170 rate, and use the $50 coupon to reduce net payment. Can I still call Expedia for a BRG to get a $70 refund down to easyclicktravel's rate, and another $50 coupon?

I have a $50 coupon from an earlier BRG request.

I have found a hotel I would like to book using this $50 coupon. Expedia rate is about $170

I have also found that easyclicktravel.com has a lower, $100 rate, for this hotel.

Question: If I book the hotel at Expedia's $170 rate, and use the $50 coupon to reduce net payment. Can I still call Expedia for a BRG to get a $70 refund down to easyclicktravel's rate, and another $50 coupon?

I asked one of Expedia customer service once about this. She said NO. She said if you use the coupon to book the room Expedia will not give you the refund and another coupon. But someone here might have the experience getting it.

I have a $50 coupon from an earlier BRG request.

I have found a hotel I would like to book using this $50 coupon. Expedia rate is about $170

I have also found that easyclicktravel.com has a lower, $100 rate, for this hotel.

Question: If I book the hotel at Expedia's $170 rate, and use the $50 coupon to reduce net payment. Can I still call Expedia for a BRG to get a $70 refund down to easyclicktravel's rate, and another $50 coupon?

IMO there's no need to use your $50 coupon to reduce the net payment when Expedia will probably match the $100 Easyclick rate anyway. I'd simply pay the $170 (plus tax) upfront w/Expedia (if it's a refundable rate), file another claim, obtain the $100 price match and then have 2 $50 certificates in your account for use elsewhere.

Thanks to both Travelbug2225 and BEAV.

I was inclined to use up the $50 coupon I already have. But I guess it is better safe than sorry.

Thanks to both Travelbug2225 and BEAV.

I was inclined to use up the $50 coupon I already have. But I guess it is better safe than sorry.

Yes, and the $50 coupon would have been wasted assuming Expedia would match EasyClick's $100 rate anyway.

Never done BRG with expedia before, here are my questions:

1. Do you guys normally use refundable rate to do it? Since if it gets denied, you can still cancel it on expedia.

2. I found a property had this promotion on its site, "stay 4 or more nights save 40%", so it came out about 20 bucks cheaper per night for a 5-nts reservation compared to expedia, but it's a non-refundable rate. Will you guys think it would be a done deal?

3. I also have a $25 off coupon, can I use that combined with BRG? with 5-day reservation, it's essentially $5 off expedia's rate, still 15 more expensive than the hotel's website. I asked this because it's a non-refundable rate, in case I need to eat the loss keeping expedia's reservation when BRG is denied, I still have some compensation from the coupon

4. Why is there only this thread about expedia BRG? How about other travel sites' price match policy, such as orbitz, travelocity etc? Or simply because expedia has the best policy?

Thanks.

Never done BRG with expedia before, here are my questions:

1. Do you guys normally use refundable rate to do it? Since if it gets denied, you can still cancel it on expedia.

2. I found a property had this promotion on its site, "stay 4 or more nights save 40%", so it came out about 20 bucks cheaper per night for a 5-nts reservation compared to expedia, but it's a non-refundable rate. Will you guys think it would be a done deal?

3. I also have a $25 off coupon, can I use that combined with BRG? with 5-day reservation, it's essentially $5 off expedia's rate, still 15 more expensive than the hotel's website. I asked this because it's a non-refundable rate, in case I need to eat the loss keeping expedia's reservation when BRG is denied, I still have some compensation from the coupon

4. Why is there only this thread about expedia BRG? How about other travel sites' price match policy, such as orbitz, travelocity etc? Or simply because expedia has the best policy?

Thanks.




Everything you need to know about BRGs can be found on this brilliant site http://bestrateguarantee.blogspot.com/

As far as the limit of 3 per month, If I make claims for future August stays will they count against my limit of 3 for July or August?

Also can I stockpile 10 of these and redeem them for one booking of $500 worth of stays? Or only apply one coupon per booking?

I read the above link buyt want to clarify.

Also do any hotel programs count 3rd party bookings for either points or qualifying nights? If so I will try and book that brand.


Thanks,
Tony

As far as the limit of 3 per month, If I make claims for future August stays will they count against my limit of 3 for July or August?

Also can I stockpile 10 of these and redeem them for one booking of $500 worth of stays? Or only apply one coupon per booking?

I read the above link buyt want to clarify.

Also do any hotel programs count 3rd party bookings for either points or qualifying nights? If so I will try and book that brand.


Thanks,
Tony

I can't be sure, but I believe the claims are counted within the month you file them.

You can certainly have more than 1 BRG coupon in your account at any given time, however can only redeem one at a time.

From my experinece, I've never earned qualifying nights in any program when booked through a 3rd party, however I've earned points for incidental charges.

Never done BRG with expedia before, here are my questions:

1. Do you guys normally use refundable rate to do it? Since if it gets denied, you can still cancel it on expedia.

2. I found a property had this promotion on its site, "stay 4 or more nights save 40%", so it came out about 20 bucks cheaper per night for a 5-nts reservation compared to expedia, but it's a non-refundable rate. Will you guys think it would be a done deal?

3. I also have a $25 off coupon, can I use that combined with BRG? with 5-day reservation, it's essentially $5 off expedia's rate, still 15 more expensive than the hotel's website. I asked this because it's a non-refundable rate, in case I need to eat the loss keeping expedia's reservation when BRG is denied, I still have some compensation from the coupon

4. Why is there only this thread about expedia BRG? How about other travel sites' price match policy, such as orbitz, travelocity etc? Or simply because expedia has the best policy?

Thanks.


IMO Expedia has the best BRG program compared to Travelocity & Orbitz. Each gives you a $50 certificate on a winning claim, however Orbitz requires a 3-night minimum when redeeming, Travelocity two nights, but Expedia only one night. Even with all the well-documented reports of lengthy calls to file a BRG with Expedia, I prefer that method over submitting on line claims with Travelocity and/or Orbitz. Sometimes it's difficult to lead someone to a lower rate if it involves clicking more than one link, which is impossible to do if filing a claim form on line. With an Expedia rep on the phone, you can walk them through the process, one step at a time, if necessary.

I generally do not book non-refundable rooms with Expedia if I'm looking to lower the rate by filing a BRG claim with them.

You will find other BRG threads in the hotel program sections (Marriott, Hilton, Starwood, etc).

60 minutes on the phone, I really have to question how I value my time! Booked a refundable rate over the phone with Expedia that is $25 more than the hotel website rate. But it is not prepay, I pay the hotel. Booking agent assured me I'd get the lower price & $50 cert when she transferred me to "that" dept.

Of course I ended up back at the main line and CSR & supervisor both said I had to speak up as they couldn't hear me (I was speaking very loudly). Bottomline, they say I have to go to the hotel, pay the higher rate, send in my receipt to Expedia, wait for someone to call me, then see about getting a refund and cert after the trip. I asked how they were going to refund my credit card since I'm paying the hotel direct; they kept insisting it would be to my credit card.

I thought they would simply lower the rate? Is this how everyone else's BRG is handled? Maybe I missed something in these posts . . .

Copy of instructional e-mail just received:
Dear Dear Customer,

Thank you for taking the time to contact us about the Best Price Guarantee on your hotel reservation. Once you have returned from your trip, please print a copy of this email, make a copy of your paid hotel receipt, and send both documents to:

Las Vegas Operations Center
10190 Covington Cross, 2nd floor
Las Vegas, NV 89144

Please black out any personal information on your hotel receipt, such as home address, credit card number, etc. This will help protect your privacy in the event the receipt does not make it to Expedia. The receipt and a copy of this e-mail must reach Expedia within 30 days of the last day of travel.

Once we have received your receipt, an Expedia agent may need to contact you via telephone to gather credit card information so that we can process your refund. Please do not include the credit card number when sending in your receipt. Once an agent contacts you, the refund to your credit card will be processed within 7-10 business days and the $50 Best Price Guarantee coupon will be deposited to your account as well.

Max
customer service Advisor

Should I call back on Monday? I can cancel day of arrival (just an FYI this is an Ibis hotel in France, rate was lower on www.ibishotel.com).

60 minutes on the phone, I really have to question how I value my time! Booked a refundable rate over the phone with Expedia that is $25 more than the hotel website rate. But it is not prepay, I pay the hotel. Booking agent assured me I'd get the lower price & $50 cert when she transferred me to "that" dept.

Of course I ended up back at the main line and CSR & supervisor both said I had to speak up as they couldn't hear me (I was speaking very loudly). Bottomline, they say I have to go to the hotel, pay the higher rate, send in my receipt to Expedia, wait for someone to call me, then see about getting a refund and cert after the trip. I asked how they were going to refund my credit card since I'm paying the hotel direct; they kept insisting it would be to my credit card.

I thought they would simply lower the rate? Is this how everyone else's BRG is handled? Maybe I missed something in these posts . . .

Copy of instructional e-mail just received:
Dear Dear Customer,

Thank you for taking the time to contact us about the Best Price Guarantee on your hotel reservation. Once you have returned from your trip, please print a copy of this email, make a copy of your paid hotel receipt, and send both documents to:

Las Vegas Operations Center
10190 Covington Cross, 2nd floor
Las Vegas, NV 89144

Please black out any personal information on your hotel receipt, such as home address, credit card number, etc. This will help protect your privacy in the event the receipt does not make it to Expedia. The receipt and a copy of this e-mail must reach Expedia within 30 days of the last day of travel.

Once we have received your receipt, an Expedia agent may need to contact you via telephone to gather credit card information so that we can process your refund. Please do not include the credit card number when sending in your receipt. Once an agent contacts you, the refund to your credit card will be processed within 7-10 business days and the $50 Best Price Guarantee coupon will be deposited to your account as well.

Max
customer service Advisor

Should I call back on Monday? I can cancel day of arrival (just an FYI this is an Ibis hotel in France, rate was lower on www.ibishotel.com).

BRG normally works as simple as post above but I am not sure if your destination is europe hence the problem

60 minutes on the phone, I really have to question how I value my time! Booked a refundable rate over the phone with Expedia that is $25 more than the hotel website rate. But it is not prepay, I pay the hotel. Booking agent assured me I'd get the lower price & $50 cert when she transferred me to "that" dept.

Of course I ended up back at the main line and CSR & supervisor both said I had to speak up as they couldn't hear me (I was speaking very loudly). Bottomline, they say I have to go to the hotel, pay the higher rate, send in my receipt to Expedia, wait for someone to call me, then see about getting a refund and cert after the trip. I asked how they were going to refund my credit card since I'm paying the hotel direct; they kept insisting it would be to my credit card.

I thought they would simply lower the rate? Is this how everyone else's BRG is handled? Maybe I missed something in these posts . . .

Copy of instructional e-mail just received:
Dear Dear Customer,

Thank you for taking the time to contact us about the Best Price Guarantee on your hotel reservation. Once you have returned from your trip, please print a copy of this email, make a copy of your paid hotel receipt, and send both documents to:

Las Vegas Operations Center
10190 Covington Cross, 2nd floor
Las Vegas, NV 89144

Please black out any personal information on your hotel receipt, such as home address, credit card number, etc. This will help protect your privacy in the event the receipt does not make it to Expedia. The receipt and a copy of this e-mail must reach Expedia within 30 days of the last day of travel.

Once we have received your receipt, an Expedia agent may need to contact you via telephone to gather credit card information so that we can process your refund. Please do not include the credit card number when sending in your receipt. Once an agent contacts you, the refund to your credit card will be processed within 7-10 business days and the $50 Best Price Guarantee coupon will be deposited to your account as well.

Max
customer service Advisor

Should I call back on Monday? I can cancel day of arrival (just an FYI this is an Ibis hotel in France, rate was lower on www.ibishotel.com).See #7 http://www.expedia.com/daily/highlights/best-rate-guarantee/default.asp?mcicid=deal.tools.bpg&rfrr=-58159#terms

For verification of stand alone car rental and non-prepaid hotel bookings, the customer service representative will instruct you to mail a copy of your car or hotel receipt to Expedia within thirty (30) days after you have completed the rental or hotel stay. Verified requests will receive a credit to the credit card used for the booking, within approximately 7-10 days of verification. Limit: one (1) $50 coupon per entire booking, and three (3) coupons per customer per calendar month (regardless of the number of accounts used by the customer). Each coupon is valid for one (1) year from month of issuance.

Either you have a refundable rate (which means it is a pre-pay) or it's not a pre-pay. It can't be both.

Thanks CalItalian, this is not prepay--the hotel charges me when I get there. Don't know how Expedia can credit my card when they'll never charge my card. I thought they would simply give me the lower price upfront like Hilton, Starwood, etc. but evidently not. I'd understand if they want to wait until after the trip to give me the $50 coupon. Not worth the additional hassle when I return, so I'll cancel and book the lower rate now direct with the hotel. I simply called Expedia to ask them if they considered Ibis a U.S. web site--I saw that BRG rule. The CSR was insistent on taking the booking over the phone, telling me I'd get the lower rate once I spoke with the BRG dept.

I guess the other posts on here must be prepaying Expedia?

I guess the other posts on here must be prepaying Expedia?

While I can only answer for myself, yes, all my Expedia BRGs were for prepaid "Expedia Special Rate" hotels.

Excuse no 94? They refuse to look at it until your stay is completed, and by then it's impossible for them to verify that a better rate existed at the time?

45 min phone call today....because of free breakfast....

The rep argues that the free continental breakfast is included in the room feature on expedia, but on the hotel's official website(which I use to compare) it's mentioned in the hotel services, not room feature. The rep said "even it's a hotel service, how do you know you're gonna get it?" Unbelievable....

got the coupon anyway.

http://www.bodybuilderspro.info/pictures/35/1274732818/random.gifIMO Expedia has the best BRG program compared to Travelocity & Orbitz. Each gives you a $50 certificate on a winning claim, however Orbitz requires a 3-night minimum when redeeming, Travelocity two nights, but Expedia only one night. Even with all the well-documented reports of lengthy calls to file a BRG with Expedia, I prefer that method over submitting on line claims with Travelocity and/or Orbitz. Sometimes it's difficult to lead someone to a lower rate if it involves clicking more than one link, which is impossible to do if filing a claim form on line. With an Expedia rep on the phone, you can walk them through the process, one step at a time, if necessary.

I generally do not book non-refundable rooms with Expedia if I'm looking to lower the rate by filing a BRG claim with them.

You will find other BRG threads in the hotel program sections (Marriott, Hilton, Starwood, etc).

Yea, I find your post very sound. Expedia BRG is the choice for me too.

I have a newbie question. I got a $50 coupon from a BPG a couple weeks ago. The coupon is in my account, not used. If I cancel the hotel reservation now (I found a better deal at a different hotel), would that coupon be deleted by Expedia?

I have a newbie question. I got a $50 coupon from a BPG a couple weeks ago. The coupon is in my account, not used. If I cancel the hotel reservation now (I found a better deal at a different hotel), would that coupon be deleted by Expedia?

no

If I submit a Orbitz claim, and recieve the $50 cert, can I cancel and still keep the cert like expedia?

If I submit a Orbitz claim, and recieve the $50 cert, can I cancel and still keep the cert like expedia?
Yes, with Orbitz (and also Travelocity) you will still have your coupon to use if you cancel.

Does Orbitz cap you at 3 per calendar month like expedia?

Does Orbitz cap you at 3 per calendar month like expedia?
Orbitz does not specifically refer to a limit of BRGs per calendar month in their Guarantee terms and conditions, so perhaps there is none. Keep in mind, a $50 coupon received by Orbitz is valid on a future hotel booking of 3 or more nights. Expedia is 1 or more nights. Orbitz also states that they allow screenshots of the lower rate - Expedia does not allow this, however. So there are some differences to note.

Yes, with Orbitz (and also Travelocity) you will still have your coupon to use if you cancel.


Travelocity's BRG program has changed. They now wait until after your hotel stay is completed before they issue both your refund for the price differential as well as giving you the $50 coupon code. I'm not too keen on their oweing me after a hotel stay has already been completed.

Travelocity's BRG program has changed. They now wait until after your hotel stay is completed before they issue both your refund for the price differential as well as giving you the $50 coupon code. I'm not too keen on their oweing me after a hotel stay has already been completed.
BEAV, are you sure? Maybe it was a non-prepaid booking you made when you did the BRG? In cases of non-prepaids, refunds and the $50 coupon are not given out until after the reservation date/trip has been completed and documentation of the lower rate you actually paid is presented. Here's a quote from Travelocity's T&Cs:

"For bookings of standalone Car rentals and non-prepaid Hotel, you will receive the Promo Code within 7-10 days after we receive all required documentation. You will receive the price difference refund within 30 days after we verify your claim (and, in the in the case of Car rentals and non-prepaid Hotel bookings, after we receive all required documentation)"

Expedia does the same type of thing with non-prepaid BRG claims. For this reason, that's why a great majority book the "Expedia Special Rate" or Travelocity "Good Buy" hotels for BRGs. For those, you get the refund and coupon upfront.

Travelocity's BRG program has changed. They now wait until after your hotel stay is completed before they issue both your refund for the price differential as well as giving you the $50 coupon code. I'm not too keen on their oweing me after a hotel stay has already been completed.

Not sure about this either. This is not confirmed yet.

Not sure about this either. This is not confirmed yet.

I can only share the experience I had last month.

I booked a "Good Buy" pre-paid hotel, filed the BRG claim, which was approved. In the approval email, it said my refund for the price differential would be paid upon completion of the hotel stay and receipt of the $50 coupon code likewise.

As I said in my earlier post, I wasn't too thrilled to have to wait until after the stay and have Travelocity oweing me. A few days later I found the same BRG opportunity available through Expedia for the same hotel/date, so cancelled w/Travelocity and rebooked with Expedia.

So that's my experience, but as they say here on FlyerTalk, YMMV!

I guess this is the new change? I didn't realize it was a new development as it's been a long time since I've filed a BRG with Travelocity.

"For qualifying bookings of prepaid "Good Buy" Hotels (excluding Top Secret Hotels) and Vacation Packages (excluding Last Minute Packages), we will verify your claim upon receipt and process all claims after your trip has begun."

http://www.travelocity.com/info/info_popup/0,,%7CGUARANTEE_TERMS,00.html

Also worth noting is they now have a cap of $500 on a BRG claim. I don't believe there was a limit previously.

hi! is there anyone here who uses this BRG scheme with expedia and who does not reside in the US. Are non-US citizens eligible for the $50 coupons and is the phone number required to speak to the customer care team a free phone? anyone phoned internationally?
thanks

hi! is there anyone here who uses this BRG scheme with expedia and who does not reside in the US. Are non-US citizens eligible for the $50 coupons and is the phone number required to speak to the customer care team a free phone? anyone phoned internationally?
thanks

Yes, I've successfully completed some $50 cuopons talks by Skype from Europe.

Yes, I've successfully completed some $50 cuopons talks by Skype from Europe.


thanks loads for your answer! and were the calls free even though theyre not skype to skype calls?

thanks loads for your answer! and were the calls free even though theyre not skype to skype calls?
Yes, that were free calls.

Yes, that were free calls.

thanks. from which country did you call if you don't mind me asking? i tried with skype calls but it wants me to buy credit first!

thanks. from which country did you call if you don't mind me asking? i tried with skype calls but it wants me to buy credit first!

from Poland, no problem with Skype and 1-800-397-3342

from Poland, no problem with Skype and 1-800-397-3342

thanks for all your info opcio, i'm really a newbie to skype too so i had no idea!

another question since i'm new to BRG....can I use more than one coupon for a room (if room costs more tham $50)??
also have any of you used this BRG for a large amount to times....I mean won't expedia like get suspicious if one continues to obtain coupons in this way? thanks

I am glad XPD BRG is still alive!!! Time to earn more discounts for this month. :D:D:D

another question since i'm new to BRG....can I use more than one coupon for a room (if room costs more tham $50)??
also have any of you used this BRG for a large amount to times....I mean won't expedia like get suspicious if one continues to obtain coupons in this way? thanks

You cannot combine more than one BRG coupon per transaction. If your stay was for two nights, however, you could book each night separately and apply a coupon for each night.

Expedia has a limitation of 3 successful BRG claims per month.

thanks for your answers! another things....is it possible to claim two brgs in one call...for two different bookings for two different hotels and nightst booked using the same account and same credit card? also..does nayone know if expedia accept payment through visa DEBIT CARD (electron) ? thanks

thanks for your answers! another things....is it possible to claim two brgs in one call...for two different bookings for two different hotels and nightst booked using the same account and same credit card? also..does nayone know if expedia accept payment through visa DEBIT CARD (electron) ? thanks

Yes, you can claim 2 different bookings on one phone call. I did that before. I don't know the answer about the DEBIT card payment. But I think it should not be a problem.

hi! is there anyone here who uses this BRG scheme with expedia and who does not reside in the US. Are non-US citizens eligible for the $50 coupons and is the phone number required to speak to the customer care team a free phone? anyone phoned internationally?
thanks

Or you can call collect using this number 1-404-728-8787 which is given to you when you book a hotel

I just want to share my recent experience abou BRG. I called in to claim 3 BRG last week. In the past, after talk with customer support usaully I got email for a refund and $50.00 coupon drop in my account the same day. But the last 3 times, I never received refund email and a coupon. I had to call back again. And then pretty much had to start the whole process again.

First time I got a refund but never get the coupon, so I had to call back ask for coupon.

Second time I never received a refund and coupon. Call back 2nd time, get the refund no coupon. Call back 3rd time to get a coupon.

3rd time, the customer support did not finish my cliam even though he provide me with the reference number. 3 days later no refund or coupon. I need to start the whole process again. This time even wrost because they try to locate the old claim, can't locate my itinerary even I provide my itineary number. Then had to match the price...etc...


I had done the BRG many times but seem like the last 3 times was the wrost.
Please make sure that when you call in and they provide you with the reference number for your claim. Please write in down because you might need it again and double check your account to make sure that Expedia drop coupon on your account.

You cannot combine more than one BRG coupon per transaction. If your stay was for two nights, however, you could book each night separately and apply a coupon for each night.

Expedia has a limitation of 3 successful BRG claims per month.

I understand 3 BRG claims per month, but how many $50 coupons can I accumulate in my account at any one given time? What is your experience? THANKS!

I understand 3 BRG claims per month, but how many $50 coupons can I accumulate in my account at any one given time? What is your experience? THANKS!

I have had as many as 12 $50 coupons in my account at one time. They are good for 12 months so I saved some up and took a nice trip.

I understand 3 BRG claims per month, but how many $50 coupons can I accumulate in my account at any one given time? What is your experience? THANKS!

I haven't been able to hang onto as many as Winston3008, but technically I guess you could accumulate up to 36 under the 3 per month valid for one year policy.

You cannot combine more than one BRG coupon per transaction. If your stay was for two nights, however, you could book each night separately and apply a coupon for each night.

Expedia has a limitation of 3 successful BRG claims per month.

Purely hypothetically.....would two Expedia accounts result in the potential of six BRG claims per month?

Purely hypothetically.....would two Expedia accounts result in the potential of six BRG claims per month?

Yes :D

cal

Purely hypothetically.....would two Expedia accounts result in the potential of six BRG claims per month?

Expedia's BRG terms and conditions state 3 successful claims per month regardless of the number of accounts someone has. However I have no idea how (or if) they monitor and/or enforce it.

Purely hypothetically.....would two Expedia accounts result in the potential of six BRG claims per month?

Yes, but....

You may have your account closed if you do this, and lose your current coupon(s).

I had multiple accounts with travelocity, and they knew this. I had inadvertently created multiple travelocity accounts over the years and when i called in about a BPG they informed me of this, which i had forgotten about, they closed the other ones, and left me with just the one account. It was my first travelocity BPG attempt which they denied.

I'm sure Edpedia knows or will eventually know if you have multiple accounts. It says on the BPG terms that they can close the accounts of persons they suspect of abusing the program.

Is there any chance of this working?

lastminutetravel.com has the hotel I want for $77. Their site does not tell you the hotel names, but they will tell you the hotel name over the phone.

Expedia has the same hotel for $127 nonrefundable or $159 refundable. Lastminutetravel.com is refundable except for $25.

Is there any way this will work? TIA!!!

Is there any chance of this working?

lastminutetravel.com has the hotel I want for $77. Their site does not tell you the hotel names, but they will tell you the hotel name over the phone.

Expedia has the same hotel for $127 nonrefundable or $159 refundable. Lastminutetravel.com is refundable except for $25.

Is there any way this will work? TIA!!!You've got to be kidding. No. Read Expedia's rules. No opaque hotels.

Is there any chance of this working?

lastminutetravel.com has the hotel I want for $77. Their site does not tell you the hotel names, but they will tell you the hotel name over the phone.

Expedia has the same hotel for $127 nonrefundable or $159 refundable. Lastminutetravel.com is refundable except for $25.

Is there any way this will work? TIA!!!

Check EasyClickTravel.com (they own LastMinuteTravel.com) as their hotels are not opaque and their rates may still beat Expedia's.

:mad:

Just filed a completely good BRG - was denied the coupon, by both the cs rep and supervisor.

They stated that I have too many coupons. I file about 1-2 per month...mostly one per month...and could not provide me with info on what that magical "too many" coupons" number is. I've used all the coupons I had (and made plenty of non-coupon bookings) but they stated the system has "cut me off" more or less.

Quoted their own policy - to no avail. I had a few issues with them the past few months, had cancelled flights with no notification, booking a suite in a hotel that hasn't had any suites available for months and seriously downgraded on arrival.... maybe its personal :rolleyes: ...or just a bad CS combo. Who knows...

:mad:

Just filed a completely good BRG - was denied the coupon, by both the cs rep and supervisor.

They stated that I have too many coupons. I file about 1-2 per month...mostly one per month...and could not provide me with info on what that magical "too many" coupons" number is. I've used all the coupons I had (and made plenty of non-coupon bookings) but they stated the system has "cut me off" more or less.

Is that mean you can no longer claim BRG? Did you try to call back again? Sometime when you talk with different customer service you get the different result.

You've got to be kidding. No. Read Expedia's rules. No opaque hotels.

Thanks.....I understand the no opaque sites thing, but I thought maybe there would be a way to direct Expedia to the phone number instead of the site. I guess not.

Check EasyClickTravel.com (they own LastMinuteTravel.com) as their hotels are not opaque and their rates may still beat Expedia's.

Thanks! Unfortunately this hotel is not displaying on easyclick...not sure why...most of the other ones for my dates are on both sites just a few bucks higher on easyclick. Thanks for the suggestion!

A Kayak search pulls up a lot of rate discrepancy, seems like it should be a straight-forward BRG claim. I haven't actually tried to claim, but just thought I'd throw it out there for anyone interested.

If I make a booking with a $50 coupon and then later on cancel this booking in accordance with the cancellation policy, will the coupon be refunded as well so I can use it anew?

If I make a booking with a $50 coupon and then later on cancel this booking in accordance with the cancellation policy, will the coupon be refunded as well so I can use it anew?

No. You will not get the coupon back to use again.

cal

Hope you enjoyed my tips : )

Is the 3 coupons per month mean that all claims have to be filed in that month for stays in the same month?

Example if I made 3 claims for october reservations in september, would i still be able to make a claim in october for different reservations?

Is the 3 coupons per month mean that all claims have to be filed in that month for stays in the same month?

Example if I made 3 claims for october reservations in september, would i still be able to make a claim in october for different reservations?


Yes you can claim 3 coupons per month for reservations in any month and they are valid for 12 months

cal

I'm going to give you guys a few tips, I'd like to think of myself as an expert in getting BPG's, in particular Expedia's.

1. When filing a claim they now ask for your phone # in case you get disconnected. This was something they always did when booking a reservation over the phone but NEVER when making a BPG. I believe this change was made so they can cross reference the phone number you give them before you even assert a claim. My advice, don't use the same phone number as IMO, they're using this to cross reference existing accounts.

2. I have a 2 coupon policy MAX per account. I get 2 coupons before canceling either of my reservations. After getting the coupons I will cancel the reservations and never use that account again. They can see your coupon history use so it's never a good idea to keep using the same account under the risk they'll think you're abusing the system.

3. They have ways to see when your account was created, if you create a new account and file a BPG claim within minutes, they see this and are WAY more stringent in approving your claim. My advice, make new accounts and let them sit for a few days before filing a claim, it looks way more legit this way.

4. I never use the BPG travel blog because it's mainstream and who knows how many people have already tried to claim the exact room listed. If a rep is aware of this common listing they will find a reason to deny, using an independent listing looks much better.

5. Lastly, always find BPG's when the price match is going against that very hotels website. Expedia has pretty much a 0% chance of using room descriptions against you when you use the actual hotels website, it's iron clad because you can always 3 way the call with the hotel just to put them in their place.

Follow these general guidelines and you'll find yourself never getting denied. After a few denials in the beginning of this promotion, I made it so I could never be denied again, using the actual hotels website makes getting the coupon A LOCK.

Hope you enjoyed my tips : )

KN - Great stuff. Thanks ! I don't hit it as hard as you, maybe a dozen times/year. Never been turned down, but the wait.......can be brutal. wj

Waited to the last minute but I got my last BRG in before the months end.
On call #3 of 3 the rep (possibly a supervisor) made a comment that I always use the BRG. I responded simply "Thats becasue I always want the best price".

When I checked my account this morning I only had 1 of the 3 coupons deposited. Are you not allowed to claim consecutive nights at the same property?
The rep told me I would be getting a coupon each time.

[Originally Posted by K-Nice w/it]I'm going to give you guys a few tips, I'd like to think of myself as an expert in getting BPG's, in particular Expedia's....................]

Excellent! Thank you for sharing! I got my first BPG today with Expedia. The room difference was 1 cent but they honored it and I will get the $50 credit!

[Originally Posted by K-Nice w/it]I'm going to give you guys a few tips, I'd like to think of myself as an expert in getting BPG's, in particular Expedia's....................]

Excellent! Thank you for sharing! I got my first BPG today with Expedia. The room difference was 1 cent but they honored it and I will get the $50 credit!

I'm just going to add that if you value your time, don't do a BRG on a day that has heavy weather delays.... wait times to get through will be very long.

[Originally Posted by K-Nice w/it]I'm going to give you guys a few tips, I'd like to think of myself as an expert in getting BPG's, in particular Expedia's....................]

Excellent! Thank you for sharing! I got my first BPG today with Expedia. The room difference was 1 cent but they honored it and I will get the $50 credit!

Unbelievable. The $50 credit never showed and when I called to follow-up, they said there was no record. I even had a reference number and name of customer service rep. They did agree to credit me $50 and while I was on the phone, I was able to verify on my account that it posted. Next time, I will wait on the phone to verify before ending the call.

I'm going to give you guys a few tips, I'd like to think of myself as an expert in getting BPG's, in particular Expedia's.

1. When filing a claim they now ask for your phone # in case you get disconnected. This was something they always did when booking a reservation over the phone but NEVER when making a BPG. I believe this change was made so they can cross reference the phone number you give them before you even assert a claim. My advice, don't use the same phone number as IMO, they're using this to cross reference existing accounts.

2. I have a 2 coupon policy MAX per account. I get 2 coupons before canceling either of my reservations. After getting the coupons I will cancel the reservations and never use that account again. They can see your coupon history use so it's never a good idea to keep using the same account under the risk they'll think you're abusing the system.

3. They have ways to see when your account was created, if you create a new account and file a BPG claim within minutes, they see this and are WAY more stringent in approving your claim. My advice, make new accounts and let them sit for a few days before filing a claim, it looks way more legit this way.

4. I never use the BPG travel blog because it's mainstream and who knows how many people have already tried to claim the exact room listed. If a rep is aware of this common listing they will find a reason to deny, using an independent listing looks much better.

5. Lastly, always find BPG's when the price match is going against that very hotels website. Expedia has pretty much a 0% chance of using room descriptions against you when you use the actual hotels website, it's iron clad because you can always 3 way the call with the hotel just to put them in their place.

Follow these general guidelines and you'll find yourself never getting denied. After a few denials in the beginning of this promotion, I made it so I could never be denied again, using the actual hotels website makes getting the coupon A LOCK.

Hope you enjoyed my tips : )

Thanks for this help. Just got my first BRG coupon. I made out VERY well using the old Wyndham free nights but was a little reluctant to try this program. Took me about 10 minutes to research a BRG op and about another 10 on the phone. Pretty easy.

Thanks again, and to the BRG blog for their ops and FAQs which walked me through.

poptarts: Ahan, I also had such an encounter 5 years back, and believe you me, I really felt bad. Do you have any ideas on how to get rid of such problems in future?

poptarts: Ahan, I also had such an encounter 5 years back, and believe you me, I really felt bad. Do you have any ideas on how to get rid of such problems in future?

There is no way to avoid the problems. You need to assume they are going to give you a hard time. But follow the tips from the other posters and it will increase your chances.

It was such a bad experience that I swore I would never call again when I find a BRG. However, that is exactly what the companies are hoping you do. So I'm not going to give up and have come up with new strategies.

1. I know they are lying and have a list of fake reasons to deny your claim. I will come up with my list of reasons they should accept my claim and I will keep rattling off these reasons in response to their lies.

2. Plan to be on the phone for at least one hour. Next time, I will call from work and use the speaker phone and multi-task.

3. Ask for the person's name immediately.

4. I promise myself not to get upset when they start lying and, again, I will cite my reasons why they should accept my claim. This is what ruins it for me, getting upset.

5. I do not mind spending 1 or 1.5 hours doing this. It is worth $50 to me since I have the extra time and I love anything "travel".

6. Ask to speak with the supervisor if you are getting nowhere. But remember he/she will want to deny your claim too but it seemed to speed up the process for me.

Good luck!

Never spent a BRG coupon before and thinking about doing it soon. Can I apply 2 coupons to one booking. e.g. If I booked a night for $200, could I take it down to $100? Can't see anything about this in the terms and conditions or in the rest of this thread?

Never spent a BRG coupon before and thinking about doing it soon. Can I apply 2 coupons to one booking. e.g. If I booked a night for $200, could I take it down to $100? Can't see anything about this in the terms and conditions or in the rest of this thread?

Yes, the question has been asked and answered in this thread, but I can't put my finger on it at the moment! But the short answer is "no" you can only use one $50 certificate per transaction. If you were staying two nights, however, you could book two separate reservations and apply one coupon per booking. But for one-night reservations, only one coupon.

This thread really intrigues me. I just have a couple questions that I didn't see answered through the thread.

1) How many coupons can one redeem per reservation? EDIT: Nevermind - I see the above posting.

2) Is it adviseable to file a BRG for a $.01 variance or not?

3) I see recommendations for no more than 2-3 coupons per account. If I had 1 account for myself and another for my wife, would she be able to redeem the coupons for me and I for her or not?

Thanks.

2) Is it adviseable to file a BRG for a $.01 variance or not?

YES, I did it myself on my first BRG and got the $50 coupon. I told Expedia I did not care about the price match, just wanted the coupon and they agreed. See my post #148 in this thread which details my experience (bad, but worth it once you know how to play the game.)

Deleted.

Did my first Expedia BRG today (...had previously done Wyndham once or twice back in the days of free rooms...).

The good news: when it works right it does seem to work.

The bad news: it takes a long time, and you apparently need to watch them like a hawk.

Did my homework this afternoon and found a room that was priced lower on an alternative American site (EasyClickTravel.com, aka ECT). Pulled the trigger and booked the room on Expedia. ($49+tax) Called their reservations number and noted that ECT had the room for $45.94.....and I wanted their BRG. The reservation agent started "researching" the price...and first claimed she couldn't find the hotel (seems Expedia/ECT call the same place slightly different locational names)....but when forced to identify the place by street address, she miraculously found it. Was told she'd credit my account $3.06 and a $50 BRG coupon, and send me a confirming e-mail. Sounded O.K., so I went on with my work day.

But when I got home this evening around 10 pm, there was no change in my itinerary, no confirmation, and no coupon. Back onto the phone I went. Reservations desk first could not find any contact...then when I recited chapter & verse of my prior call, admitted there were "incomplete notes" in my file, but no evidence that anything had been done about refunds or coupons. Phone answering drone wanted to completely go through the check process again. I asked for a manager. After 3 minutes on hold, I got a "supervisor" who admitted that the only thing missing from my file was evidence that they had issued a refund or coupon. He admitted they were in the wrong and issued both on the spot with confirmations of both the coupon and receipt e-mail checked while still on the phone. Its' interesting to note that the supervisor admitted in our chat that if I had not called back within 24 hours of the booking, Expedia policy would have been to deny the BRG claim...despite the fact that the failure to process it was theirs.

I'd recommend that when making a BRG claim you WRITE COMPLETE NOTES of what your claim is, who you talked to, and what they promised. Check that your coupon and receipt for the refund have showed up BEFORE hanging up, and if they don't show up, make an immediate request for supervisor intervention.

3) I see recommendations for no more than 2-3 coupons per account. If I had 1 account for myself and another for my wife, would she be able to redeem the coupons for me and I for her or not?

Yes, infact you can redeem coupon for anyone. I redeem some coupon for my parents. When I make reservation I just enter their name as a guest who check in and I paid by credit card.

Did my first Expedia BRG today (...had previously done Wyndham once or twice back in the days of free rooms...).

The good news: when it works right it does seem to work.

The bad news: it takes a long time, and you apparently need to watch them like a hawk.

Did my homework this afternoon and found a room that was priced lower on an alternative American site (EasyClickTravel.com, aka ECT). Pulled the trigger and booked the room on Expedia. ($49+tax) Called their reservations number and noted that ECT had the room for $45.94.....and I wanted their BRG. The reservation agent started "researching" the price...and first claimed she couldn't find the hotel (seems Expedia/ECT call the same place slightly different locational names)....but when forced to identify the place by street address, she miraculously found it. Was told she'd credit my account $3.06 and a $50 BRG coupon, and send me a confirming e-mail. Sounded O.K., so I went on with my work day.

But when I got home this evening around 10 pm, there was no change in my itinerary, no confirmation, and no coupon. Back onto the phone I went. Reservations desk first could not find any contact...then when I recited chapter & verse of my prior call, admitted there were "incomplete notes" in my file, but no evidence that anything had been done about refunds or coupons. Phone answering drone wanted to completely go through the check process again. I asked for a manager. After 3 minutes on hold, I got a "supervisor" who admitted that the only thing missing from my file was evidence that they had issued a refund or coupon. He admitted they were in the wrong and issued both on the spot with confirmations of both the coupon and receipt e-mail checked while still on the phone. Its' interesting to note that the supervisor admitted in our chat that if I had not called back within 24 hours of the booking, Expedia policy would have been to deny the BRG claim...despite the fact that the failure to process it was theirs.

I'd recommend that when making a BRG claim you WRITE COMPLETE NOTES of what your claim is, who you talked to, and what they promised. Check that your coupon and receipt for the refund have showed up BEFORE hanging up, and if they don't show up, make an immediate request for supervisor intervention.

Congratulations on your first successful Expedia BRG. Expedia usually gives you a reference number upon approval of your claim. Don't hang up the phone without getting that from them, because apparently that contains all the information surrounding your claim. If there's problems later, as you experienced, giving them the reference number should save time and cut down on the aggravation factor a bit.

I've never tried this and I wonder if any others have tried or could lend some tips. When I get a $50 Expedia Coupon, I use it, I'm wondering if I find a cheaper rate on the hotel I booked with the coupon, if I call again will they refund the difference in rates? I know they won't issue another coupon, but will they issue a refund in the price difference or will they see this as abuse?

I've read some posts and it looks like it's worked for some and others have been told no additional discounts can be added when using the $50 coupon. I read their terms and conditions and nothing in them mentions this practice, other than this offer cannot be combined with other offers although it technically is the same offer, not a differing one.

Any tips or past experiences would be appreciated.

I've never tried this and I wonder if any others have tried or could lend some tips. When I get a $50 Expedia Coupon, I use it, I'm wondering if I find a cheaper rate on the hotel I booked with the coupon, if I call again will they refund the difference in rates? I know they won't issue another coupon, but will they issue a refund in the price difference or will they see this as abuse?

I've read some posts and it looks like it's worked for some and others have been told no additional discounts can be added when using the $50 coupon. I read their terms and conditions and nothing in them mentions this practice, other than this offer cannot be combined with other offers although it technically is the same offer, not a differing one.

Any tips or past experiences would be appreciated.

If the $50 Expedia coupon will make the Expedia rate lower than the competing rate, I don't think a BRG will work.

Looking at a hotel on PL that has the same listed price as Expedia. But when you get to the confirmation page; Expedia charges $11 more in taxes and fees with a 2 night stay. Does this qualify for BRG?

Looking at a hotel on PL that has the same listed price as Expedia. But when you get to the confirmation page; Expedia charges $11 more in taxes and fees with a 2 night stay. Does this qualify for BRG?

I don't believe so, or I wouldn't try it. I believe it has to be "base rate" comparisons.

I average just under 1/2 hour on the phone per Expedia BRG. $50 is still worth my 1/2 hour, and I multitask while on the phone. I occasionally get someone who finds some semantic difference between the room descriptions. I politely hang up and call back.

Most coupons get posted immediately. Some take time, a few never show up.

I have had several BRG coupons at once. I have booked several consecutive one night stays before with no problem, except one place that reset my key card every day.

Hope that helps.

Ok, top this one -

I call to do a BRG last night, easy and straightforward with an 8 dollar difference on Orbitz.
My rep informs me excitedly that he can take 50 OFF the booking I made to make it much lower than the Orbitz price. Much clicking and typing....I ask him "are you sure you can do that???", he is positive. No coupons, no refunds...just 50 off.

New itinerary number and my reservation is now 12 dollars and change total.

I check my account, he used MY saved 50 dollar coupon, already in my account from last month, and applied it to my reservation.....:rolleyes:

Seriously.

Called back, got the coupon back, got to keep the 12 dollar room, was supposed to get another 50 coupon (good will) that of course never showed up. Geesh. So FYI, if you get a rep who is very nice and excited about this ability to take 50 off your reservation.... beware ...;)

i always ask them how exactly are you doing the adjustment and for how much exactly.Ok, top this one -

I call to do a BRG last night, easy and straightforward with an 8 dollar difference on Orbitz.
My rep informs me excitedly that he can take 50 OFF the booking I made to make it much lower than the Orbitz price. Much clicking and typing....I ask him "are you sure you can do that???", he is positive. No coupons, no refunds...just 50 off.

New itinerary number and my reservation is now 12 dollars and change total.

I check my account, he used MY saved 50 dollar coupon, already in my account from last month, and applied it to my reservation.....:rolleyes:

Seriously.

Called back, got the coupon back, got to keep the 12 dollar room, was supposed to get another 50 coupon (good will) that of course never showed up. Geesh. So FYI, if you get a rep who is very nice and excited about this ability to take 50 off your reservation.... beware ...;)

I just finished my first BPG with Expedia. Overall, it was pretty painless. The whole process only took about 15 minutes and I was refunded $80 and I also received the $50 coupon. My only question is, how do I use the coupon? I'd like to place another reservation for the end of this month using the coupon, but I'm not quite sure how to do so. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

EDIT

It just took twenty minutes before a "Use this coupon" link came up. I wasn't sure if I was doing something wrong or not.

I just finished my first BPG with Expedia. Overall, it was pretty painless. The whole process only took about 15 minutes and I was refunded $80 and I also received the $50 coupon. My only question is, how do I use the coupon? I'd like to place another reservation for the end of this month using the coupon, but I'm not quite sure how to do so. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

EDIT

It just took twenty minutes before a "Use this coupon" link came up. I wasn't sure if I was doing something wrong or not.

Go to my account - coupons - click on a coupon, make your reservation and choose to use your coupon on the last page.

18 min one hotel not bad, I didn't have to argue at all I was kind of disappointed usually they put up a fight. :)

hi, is there anyone who does this thing or who knows anyone who does it on a very regular basis and practically lodges everywhere for free or almost?? I mean if one gets coupons very frequently without ever paying the full price for a room is it risky, do they tend to get suspicious or something? Sorry for sounding paranoid but I just want to put my mind at rest before trying it out.

hi, is there anyone who knows anyone who does it on a very regular basis and practically lodges everywhere for free or almost??

yes, i do

It's Sunday here and I wanted to do what you guys do for the first time.
I booked fully-refundable rooms on expedia.com and found cheaper rates on agoda.com and call'ed expedia to price-match and throw me a $50 coupon. When I got my coupons, I cancelled all 3 bookings I did and got my money back.

Interesting thing is though, 2 of coupons are worded as "Best Price Guarantee $50 Coupon" however one of them is worded as "$50 Expedia Travel Coupon".

I'm sure there's no difference between them but given that I received "2 BPG $50 coupons", not "3", Can I do one more booking and receive another BPG $50 coupon even though T&C of BPG says 3 coupons maximum per month?

It's Sunday here and I wanted to do what you guys do for the first time.
I booked fully-refundable rooms on expedia.com and found cheaper rates on agoda.com and call'ed expedia to price-match and throw me a $50 coupon. When I got my coupons, I cancelled all 3 bookings I did and got my money back.

Interesting thing is though, 2 of coupons are worded as "Best Price Guarantee $50 Coupon" however one of them is worded as "$50 Expedia Travel Coupon".

I'm sure there's no difference between them but given that I received "2 BPG $50 coupons", not "3", Can I do one more booking and receive another BPG $50 coupon even though T&C of BPG says 3 coupons maximum per month?


This has happened to me before many times, but I would not try to get another coupon this month. You dont want to draw any attention to yourself or get banned from the program for abuse. It's good to have friends though.

cheers

Okay this is my first time doing this. I was just wondering if I can clarify a few things.

1) I read that you guys can do multiple ones by booking each day and then calling, then repeating. Do you wait till the coupons come before you call the 2nd time or just do it again right away?

2) If i cancel the hotel after I get the coupon, I'll still get the keep the coupon?

3) Are the coupons stackable at all or do you have do book 1 night at a time?

If there is anything else important I missed please let me know, I appreciate everyone's help and the thread is awesome. On the phone with them now, first time, and its quite painless, just a lot of annoying holding.

Just wanted to add something, I actually screwd something up. While on phone, rep noticed that i booked a 2 queen bed, and the lower price was for a king bed. She couldn't do the price match, but offered me the $50 anyways. I took it =).

Another update, did a second one, where the difference was 22 cents...oh well. Anyways, they said it'd take 7-10 days for me to receive my coupon...is it ever like that or does it usually come pretty fast? Thanks.

It's Sunday here and I wanted to do what you guys do for the first time.
I booked fully-refundable rooms on expedia.com and found cheaper rates on agoda.com and call'ed expedia to price-match and throw me a $50 coupon. When I got my coupons, I cancelled all 3 bookings I did and got my money back.

Interesting thing is though, 2 of coupons are worded as "Best Price Guarantee $50 Coupon" however one of them is worded as "$50 Expedia Travel Coupon".

I'm sure there's no difference between them but given that I received "2 BPG $50 coupons", not "3", Can I do one more booking and receive another BPG $50 coupon even though T&C of BPG says 3 coupons maximum per month?

Yes there is a difference that you would not notice UNTIL you try to use 2 BPG on the same day - the site would NOT let you use the 2nd one and would insist the coupon has already been used. Even a supervisor with admin power could not make it work.

And you WILL draw attention to try to get a No.4 - even though the wording is not the same, they can still see all in your account and that you RAPIDLY cancel all your bookings right afterward.

The last thing you want is to have a human carefully look at your account, needless to say.

Dont abuse it, else if Expedia goes the way Travelocity does, nobody will benefit including yourself.

If and when Expedia implement a data mining software, those who do the rapid fire / immediate cancellation thing would be caught and accounts may be banned and your efforts went down the drain. :rolleyes:

You really NEED SOME COMMON SENSE to handle it properly.

It's Sunday here and I wanted to do what you guys do for the first time.
I booked fully-refundable rooms on expedia.com and found cheaper rates on agoda.com and call'ed expedia to price-match and throw me a $50 coupon. When I got my coupons, I cancelled all 3 bookings I did and got my money back.

Interesting thing is though, 2 of coupons are worded as "Best Price Guarantee $50 Coupon" however one of them is worded as "$50 Expedia Travel Coupon".

I'm sure there's no difference between them but given that I received "2 BPG $50 coupons", not "3", Can I do one more booking and receive another BPG $50 coupon even though T&C of BPG says 3 coupons maximum per month?

When I get 3 coupons in 1 account its worded the same way.

Second question I'm wondering is how long it takes for the coupons to arrive? 7-10 days seem to extreme when my first one took like 1 min. I don't want to call back if I dont' have to lol.

Question: BestWestern.com has a "4 Nights Stay Promotion" for a hotel I am looking to stay at for 5 nights. So the effective rate per night comes to $101.93 before taxes for 5 nights. Expedia.com does not reflect this promotion, and their rate per night comes to $119.80 before taxes. The room type, amenities, cancellation policy, etc. is exactly the same.

BestWestern.com also has a "Best Available Rate" for this hotel that matches Expedia's rate of $119.80. Do you guys think that I can get the BRG against the "4 Nights Stay Promotion" or will Expedia deny it stating that BestWestern's "Best" rate matches theirs?

Thanks!

Question: BestWestern.com has a "4 Nights Stay Promotion" for a hotel I am looking to stay at for 5 nights. So the effective rate per night comes to $101.93 before taxes for 5 nights. Expedia.com does not reflect this promotion, and their rate per night comes to $119.80 before taxes. The room type, amenities, cancellation policy, etc. is exactly the same.

BestWestern.com also has a "Best Available Rate" for this hotel that matches Expedia's rate of $119.80. Do you guys think that I can get the BRG against the "4 Nights Stay Promotion" or will Expedia deny it stating that BestWestern's "Best" rate matches theirs?

Thanks!

The latter.

Expedia like all hotel sites would only compare exact same thing. Package rate does not compute to daily rate.

You might be able to get Expedia to give you a price reduction for the same 5 nights, but most likely no coupon.

Let's say I find 2 websites with lower prices. When I call expedia do I get 2 coupons for finding 2 lower prices or just 1 coupon?

Let's say I find 2 websites with lower prices. When I call expedia do I get 2 coupons for finding 2 lower prices or just 1 coupon?

:confused: of course 1 coupon :confused:

:confused: of course 1 coupon :confused:

Dang! I thought I'd get away with calling just once. I hate spending time over the phone arguing. Well, if I have to call twice...

I'll try a brg tomorrow....see how it goes.

update: Just did my first brg and was hassle free. It lasted about 40mins and most of the time I was on hold after I've told him where I found it for cheaper.
At first he said the price on booking.com was showing in GBP to which I replied that he can change the currency to US$ at the top left corner. Then waited another 10mins or so to be told I'll get the coupon.

Couple of hours later, my friend did the same brg claim through booking.com and no hassle, no fuss whatsoever and got his coupon withing minutes.
So I call them as my coupon wasn't there yet and they told me 7-10days. This time an agent tried to be difficult by saying that booking.com is a global website, not US based. I argued that an earlier colleague agreed to process the coupon. I'm put on hold and after a few minutes, I refresh my account, the coupon is there.

Was combing through the thread and just have one question. How many $50 coupons can I have in an account at one time (2?) and how often per month (2?)?

yes, i do

hahah thanks for your answer, however did you ever book rooms without using coupons and pay the real price?

btw thanks to travelbug2225 for the extensive info ;)

Its difficult to get BRG coupon when hotel after hotel, expedia is THE cheapest advertised rate!!

is there forun/thread like BB or BFT which posts recent cases where expedia was not the cheapest rate?

Its difficult to get BRG coupon when hotel after hotel, expedia is THE cheapest advertised rate!!

is there forun/thread like BB or BFT which posts recent cases where expedia was not the cheapest rate?

http://bestrateguarantee.blogspot.com/

Just got 3 coupons in one day on one call! Same hotel, different dates. Got an idea from brgblog.

The new Expedia VIP line is really nice. I did a couple BRGs the past few weeks and the rep was quick, coupons actually showed up immediately.... very nice. If you reached VIP, I highly recommend using the dedicated VIP line for BRGs. ^

The sum paid for Holiday Lettings has not been disclosed but one would assume that it generated very good value for the 2 co-founders of Holiday Lettings. And, since TripAdvisor is owned by the publicly quoted Expedia, one would also assume that it represents value for Expedia's shareholders over the long term.

The new Expedia VIP line is really nice. I did a couple BRGs the past few weeks and the rep was quick, coupons actually showed up immediately.... very nice. If you reached VIP, I highly recommend using the dedicated VIP line for BRGs. ^

how do you reach VIP status?



yes even I last time got 3 with one call same hotel consecutive dates :)))


desi...i tend to find that easyclicktravel.com has the most cheaper rates but you need to check carefully

how do you reach VIP status?





Technically "Elite Plus" I think.

15 nights or 10k in travel. Looks like the perks are limited at the moment -small list of hotels that will auto-upgrade when you book, "special offers", the VIP line, etc.

Just got 3 coupons in one day on one call! Same hotel, different dates. Got an idea from brgblog.

I finally got my first brg settled and it took like 12 days. First time they said it'd be done in 7-10 days, then i had to call back when it wasn't done...apparently someone noted on the account it was already done. Anyways, how'd you manage to do 3 in one day?

My husband just did a brg claim and it took him about 15mins. No hassle.

I have a question for those who have used coupons for several days.
We are staying for 4 nights and therefore have to do 4 separate bookings so we can use the coupon each time. My question is, can the hotel merge the bookings or will we have to check in and out everyday?

My husband just did a brg claim and it took him about 15mins. No hassle.

I have a question for those who have used coupons for several days.
We are staying for 4 nights and therefore have to do 4 separate bookings so we can use the coupon each time. My question is, can the hotel merge the bookings or will we have to check in and out everyday?

It all depends how obliging the hotel is. Most hotels will merge them, but some do require that you appear at the desk every morning. Very few hotels will make you switch rooms or actually vacate.

I've done 20 or 30 BRG's in the past year or so. It's the luck of the draw. Doesn't matter when I call (although evenings and late into the night you tend to get a foreign call center - not necessarily a negative - just a bit hard to understand sometimes.), the time to process a BRG varies. I actually had one that only took 5 minutes and others have taken over an hour. If you are gainfully employed and making a good salary this probably isn't worth your time. I'm retired and don't exactly have a full schedule. For me this pays off. I've gotten some pretty nice La Quinta's for about $4.00 a night (Hotel was in off season, under $50 a night, only needed 1 night so only paid taxes and fees). What the heck, the free breakfast for me and my hubby would have run more than that! If you are looking for a higher end hotel you are probably better off using Priceline name your own price (have gotten some great Marriott's and Westins for about $35 a night.)

I love to travel but don't have much $$$'s. I try to combine all sorts of deals and promotions and piggyback as much as I can (i.e. - If Marriott has a stay 4 trips get 2 nights free (megabonus deal - actually now in progress), I try to book 4 separate nights with Marriott and then look for those same hotels cheaper at other sites. I take advantage of Marriott's BRG (they'll match it and give you an extra 25% off). So I end up with 4 Marriott nights at a substantial discount and then these nights qualify me for two additional free nights (up to a category 4 hotel). Not a bad deal . . .

I finally got my first brg settled and it took like 12 days. First time they said it'd be done in 7-10 days, then i had to call back when it wasn't done...apparently someone noted on the account it was already done. Anyways, how'd you manage to do 3 in one day?


This was all done in 1 call. just 1 h and 40 min on the phone :)

It all depends how obliging the hotel is. Most hotels will merge them, but some do require that you appear at the desk every morning. Very few hotels will make you switch rooms or actually vacate.

Exactly. I use Priceline a lot and sometimes add a night to the reservation for the same rate after the fact. I explain at check-in that I have two nights booked but under different itineraries. More often than not I have to go to the front desk to checkout/check in and have my key cards re-swiped the next morning, but don't have to change rooms. The biggest thing is to let them know at check-in, and you should have no problems.

Could you group a Marriott hotel on expedia cheaper than Marriott web site and use a expedia coupn and get Marriott to match that rate?

Maybe you could post the amounts, hotel you picked as an example.


I've done 20 or 30 BRG's in the past year or so. It's the luck of the draw. Doesn't matter when I call (although evenings and late into the night you tend to get a foreign call center - not necessarily a negative - just a bit hard to understand sometimes.), the time to process a BRG varies. I actually had one that only took 5 minutes and others have taken over an hour. If you are gainfully employed and making a good salary this probably isn't worth your time. I'm retired and don't exactly have a full schedule. For me this pays off. I've gotten some pretty nice La Quinta's for about $4.00 a night (Hotel was in off season, under $50 a night, only needed 1 night so only paid taxes and fees). What the heck, the free breakfast for me and my hubby would have run more than that! If you are looking for a higher end hotel you are probably better off using Priceline name your own price (have gotten some great Marriott's and Westins for about $35 a night.)

I love to travel but don't have much $$$'s. I try to combine all sorts of deals and promotions and piggyback as much as I can (i.e. - If Marriott has a stay 4 trips get 2 nights free (megabonus deal - actually now in progress), I try to book 4 separate nights with Marriott and then look for those same hotels cheaper at other sites. I take advantage of Marriott's BRG (they'll match it and give you an extra 25% off). So I end up with 4 Marriott nights at a substantial discount and then these nights qualify me for two additional free nights (up to a category 4 hotel). Not a bad deal . . .

Could you group a Marriott hotel on expedia cheaper than Marriott web site and use a expedia coupn and get Marriott to match that rate?

Maybe you could post the amounts, hotel you picked as an example.

I dont think you can use an Expedia coupon and then tell Marriott that is your price.

Marriott requires the rate is what is shown on the competitor site, just like what Expedia require. The rep would check the details and decide if Marriott would honor it. If it does, then you get the same price plus the 25% discount.

Could you group a Marriott hotel on expedia cheaper than Marriott web site and use a expedia coupn and get Marriott to match that rate?

Maybe you could post the amounts, hotel you picked as an example.

No, you cannot. How a rep will see the price with the coupon if you need to be logged in to use this coupon?

Just did 3 last night and took about 45 min for 2 phone calls. I doubled up on the last call. Good deal

I'm looking to book a hotel for Las Vegas and what to do the BRG. Can you give me more details how you did multiple BRGs in one sitting? And how long did it take to get the coupons? I read on the terms of service it takes 7-10 days but it seems like a lot of you get them instantly.

I'm looking to book a hotel for Las Vegas and what to do the BRG. Can you give me more details how you did multiple BRGs in one sitting? And how long did it take to get the coupons? I read on the terms of service it takes 7-10 days but it seems like a lot of you get them instantly.

You just need to booked 3 separate BRG booking. It can be the same or different hotel. When you call expedia to claim your BRG, you can tell them that you have 1 or 2 more BRG. The customer service will process them on one phone call. I done 2 claims in 1 phone call but never done 3 claims.

Most of the time the coupon will appear to your account right away. Couple times they told me that it will take 7-10 days. From my experiece if I did not get them right away, it never show up on my account and I need to make the follow up phone call.

Hi,

travelocity write:
One $50 Promo Code for a future "Good Buy" Hotel (excluding Top Secret Hotels) or Vacation Package (excluding Last Minute Packages) booking on Travelocity and
A refund of the difference between the price you paid through Travelocity and the Qualifying Lower Rate up to $500 per booking.

http://svc.travelocity.com/info/info_popup/0,2766,TRAVELOCITY:EN%7CGUARANTEE_TERMS,00.html

Orbitz:
Hotel Low Price Guarantee Terms and Conditions:
If you book a qualifying prepaid hotel rate on the Orbitz Web site, and then find the same room, in the same hotel, for the same dates, at a lower price online, before taxes and fees, we'll refund the difference and give you a $50 discount on a future hotel booking.

has travelocity and orbitz change the BRG?

I can not find, that $50 only valid for 2 (3) nights.

Thanks for helping.
I has by expedia waiting-time over one hour... I call from germany and it's not a call-free-number...

Rate on Expedia is say $70

Rate on same hotel for same dates for same bedtype/room is say $60 on travelocity

can you book expedia using already earned BRG that you already have (in weffect paying only $20 plus orginal tax on $70) and still claim BRG? Has that worked for anyone?

Hopefully helpful hints
I've done 20 or 30 BRG's in the past year or so. It's the luck of the draw. Doesn't matter when I call (although evenings and late into the night you tend to get a foreign call center - not necessarily a negative - just a bit hard to understand sometimes.), the time to process a BRG varies. I actually had one that only took 5 minutes and others have taken over an hour. If you are gainfully employed and making a good salary this probably isn't worth your time. I'm retired and don't exactly have a full schedule. For me this pays off. I've gotten some pretty nice La Quinta's for about $4.00 a night (Hotel was in off season, under $50 a night, only needed 1 night so only paid taxes and fees). What the heck, the free breakfast for me and my hubby would have run more than that! If you are looking for a higher end hotel you are probably better off using Priceline name your own price (have gotten some great Marriott's and Westins for about $35 a night.)

I love to travel but don't have much $$$'s. I try to combine all sorts of deals and promotions and piggyback as much as I can (i.e. - If Marriott has a stay 4 trips get 2 nights free (megabonus deal - actually now in progress), I try to book 4 separate nights with Marriott and then look for those same hotels cheaper at other sites. I take advantage of Marriott's BRG (they'll match it and give you an extra 25% off). So I end up with 4 Marriott nights at a substantial discount and then these nights qualify me for two additional free nights (up to a category 4 hotel). Not a bad deal . .




Could you group a Marriott hotel on expedia cheaper than Marriott web site and use a expedia coupn and get Marriott to match that rate?

Maybe you could post the amounts, hotel you picked as an example.

this is my question too, it wasn't really explained in the subsequent posts....

Rate on Expedia is say $70

Rate on same hotel for same dates for same bedtype/room is say $60 on travelocity

can you book expedia using already earned BRG that you already have (in weffect paying only $20 plus orginal tax on $70) and still claim BRG? Has that worked for anyone?

The answer is NO. If you already applied BRG coupon on the booking they will not give you another BRG coupon. Because the rate that you paid already cheaper. I already asked Expedia that question.

Does Expedia price match with daily hotel deals, such as livingsocial and groupon? Thanks!

Does Expedia price match with daily hotel deals, such as livingsocial and groupon? Thanks!

THe answer is no. Must be available online, no coupon rates.

Number 4 in the terms and conditions gives the requirements of the compared price:

http://www.expedia.com/daily/highlights/best-rate-guarantee/default.asp#terms

Educating ourselves on winning strategies is what we all need here.

Couldn't find the answer for this anywhere, can anyone shed some light?

Are the cancellation terms the same for the hotel even after the BRG?

Need to book a refundable rate as plans are not 100%. the cancel-able rate on Expedia is higher compared to another websites cancel-able rate, should I use the BRG or not and what happens if I need to cancel the reservation?

Thanks
lohiadk

After lurking at this thread for awhile, I finally took courage and did my first BRG claim today. We need 3 rooms for 3 nights at Melia Reforma in Mexico City. Expedia's cancellable rate was $78.10, while that of hotelclub.com was $73 (there was a lower rate of $70 but the XP rep took the higher amount). I didn't argue the $3 difference...I just wanted my $50 coupon approved.

We weren't too sure if we can make 3 separate bookings for each night's stay x 3 accounts so we just booked the first and the last nights. The rep processed 2 claims per account at a time and the 6 claims took about an hour to process.

The coupons were deposited to our accts withing minutes so we booked our missing night less a $50 coupon.

Question to the experts - For the last booking, can we make a BRG claim again as we booked it at $78.10 before the $50 coupon and taxes?

Thanks in advance for your help.

I called to make a claim for the last booking - $78.10 less $50 and XP denied my claim as they look at the net price $38.10 vs. $78.10.

Couldn't find the answer for this anywhere, can anyone shed some light?

Are the cancellation terms the same for the hotel even after the BRG?

Need to book a refundable rate as plans are not 100%. the cancel-able rate on Expedia is higher compared to another websites cancel-able rate, should I use the BRG or not and what happens if I need to cancel the reservation?

Thanks
lohiadk

Sure, you can make your reservation, claim your BRG, then cancel your reservation according to the cancellation policy you originally booked under. Claiming a BRG doesn't affect the cancellation policy in the least.

Sure, you can make your reservation, claim your BRG, then cancel your reservation according to the cancellation policy you originally booked under. Claiming a BRG doesn't affect the cancellation policy in the least.

Thanks Bevvy5

I did 2 in last 2 days, one take 1 hour and another take 20 mins, CSR don't have authority to refund or issue coupon so they willl have to call supervisor to do it. it really not worth the effort.:p when both coupon comes I will cancel the original order.

I will only do it again if I go to some small place or some country when Priceline is not availble.

Somewhat successful claim yesterday for the Candlewood Suites Virginia Beach/Norfolk. Booked via Expedia for $99+, found on Orbitz ($86+) and Travelocity ($84+). CSR couldn't find the listing at all on Travelocity, and claimed price was $98.99 on Orbitz. I stated again that I was still finding the same rate, and after a brief hold, she just went ahead and sent me the coupon without any other hassle.

If anybody can use it, for 3/12-3/13 the Best Western Georgetown Hotel in DC is currently $99+ on Expedia and $89+ on Orbitz.

Just did my 7th lifetime BRG.
I got dissconnected the first time, and the second call took about 20 minutes.
I had stopped doing these a few months ago becasue I did 3 in one day, and expedia told me I seem to do one everytime I book lately.
I only recieved one coupon of the 3 claims and never followed up on it.
I have booked about 10 nights on Expedia since then so I am back.

Coupon has not been deposited, but it usually takes 24 hours from my experience.

I did notice that I never recieved a confirmation email from them on this one which I thought I usually got instantly when filing a claim.
Can anyone confirm that standard procedure is to recieve a confirmation email after filing the claim that shows your new rate etc or does that sometimes takke a while too?

Chances are if you did not receive the refund email within an hour after your claim that the BRG was not processed properly and you will be making another phone call to claim both the refund and the coupon.

Chances are if you did not receive the refund email within an hour after your claim that the BRG was not processed properly and you will be making another phone call to claim both the refund and the coupon.

Awesome!

I do appreciate the response, and its not all that bad if I am on speakerphone while doing something else anyway.

Thanks again.

I had last sunday the same problem, but I have a reference number for my call. I write an email to custumerservice.
After 5 day the coupon is now in my account.

Did a BRG a few months ago. Booked an IB fare from LIS to MAD for $64. The next day (but under 24 hrs) the price went down on Expedia by $0.50. Easy coupon.

I'm in the middle of a BRG.. and my god...he said he will contact whatever deparment to make the refnd and the $50 coupon, then 15 minutes have passed and I'm still on hold.. this call has now just passed the 60 minute mark.. did he just ditch me and not bother come back after he held me ?

edit:

and i heard a sound ..... i guess he's coming back to talk to me.. but then.. he hanged up or it got cut.. (probbaly he hanged up).. my god... crazy... what a bad first experience

It should not take more than 10 minutes. Try and be clear, straight forward, and choose easy to navigate website. If this isn't possible then don't waste your time. There are always going to be more hotels later you can find.

10 minutes:confused:

I get approveded 10 BPG, all calls was 25-40 minutes. But I calling from germany and its not possible a call with toll-free-number.

I'm in the middle of a BRG.. and my god...he said he will contact whatever deparment to make the refnd and the $50 coupon, then 15 minutes have passed and I'm still on hold.. this call has now just passed the 60 minute mark.. did he just ditch me and not bother come back after he held me ?

edit:

and i heard a sound ..... i guess he's coming back to talk to me.. but then.. he hanged up or it got cut.. (probbaly he hanged up).. my god... crazy... what a bad first experience

Funniest post ever... thanks for making me laugh... love it.

It's showing one king room for the weekend of 4/1 for 108 a night, where on the radisson website, It shows that same room for $124. The website is priceline.

25% off the rate will be about $81 dollars, which is essentially the F&F rate with the added bonus of points earnings and qualifying nights.

It's showing one king room for the weekend of 4/1 for 108 a night, where on the radisson website, It shows that same room for $124. The website is priceline.

25% off the rate will be about $81 dollars, which is essentially the F&F rate with the added bonus of points earnings and qualifying nights.

Probably should be in some other thread.

Tried Expedia BRG for the first time today..

Took me about 8 minutes. Connected immediately to the customer rep, and she asked a few questions (name, itinerary#, where I found better rate), and then after about 3 minutes hold, she told me that the difference will be refunded, and also $50 coupon will be credited to my account.

The coupon hasn't been credited yet, but seems like it takes some time..

Reading through the thread but didn't seem to find an answer.

I have a 3 night stay we want to do. Can I book one night, do a BRG. Book the second night separately, do a BRG. Then combine the $100 BRG credits into booking the last night separately?

Also, right now, the difference between Expedia and Orbitz is about 45 cents, will BRG still work?

Thanks.

Reading through the thread but didn't seem to find an answer.

I have a 3 night stay we want to do. Can I book one night, do a BRG. Book the second night separately, do a BRG. Then combine the $100 BRG credits into booking the last night separately?

Also, right now, the difference between Expedia and Orbitz is about 45 cents, will BRG still work?

Thanks.

You can do two separate BRGs (be sure and book each night separately), however you can only redeem one $50 BRG per hotel booking.

Expedia has the Holiday Inn Sunspree All Inclusive Resort in Montego Bay Jamaica (airport code MBJ) for $408/night, Travelocity & IHG.com has it for $163/night. I booked 3 seperate nights, & spent over 3 hours combined to get the pricematches. The 1st & 2nd PM got me a refund of $245 plus the $50 coupons each time. However, thrid PM went all the way up to the corporate level, & this woman would not refund the difference of $245, saying I cant get the coupon value back. She did point out that I've used dozens of $50 coupons in the last 2 Years, as if it has anything to do with it. So I did get 2 nights for $113. I just canceled the 3rd night, & will do the AMEX offer for $100 off 3 nights. I'll have to book a deluxe room though, to get the total over $500 for the AMEX deal. I was planning on staying 5 nights in May.

I would have waited for April to book the other nights thru Expedia, but my God, it takes the wind out of you to argue that their BRG says nothing about deducting the coupon value from the refund. It clearly states they will give you the difference between their listed price, & the lower price. Period. Nothing about the price you paid minus the lower price. That arguement got me the first 2 full refunds, but didnt work with the 3rd.

Nice place to stay on the cheap!

Tried Expedia BRG for the first time today..

Took me about 8 minutes. Connected immediately to the customer rep, and she asked a few questions (name, itinerary#, where I found better rate), and then after about 3 minutes hold, she told me that the difference will be refunded, and also $50 coupon will be credited to my account.

The coupon hasn't been credited yet, but seems like it takes some time..

Make sure you follow up on that $50 coupon, as it should load up instantly when you are still dealing with the CSR. I've had experiences where after a couple of days, the $50 voucher was not dropped into my account and thereafter dealt with another long CSR headache of asking for the promised voucher. I always grab the confirmation number now, so if the voucher doesn't hit my account, I can reference that I had a successful BRG but never received the voucher.

I did a BRG with expedia last month and get a $50 coupon. I later decided to cancel the booking and it looked like the coupon stayed in my account for a month but coming April expedia removed the coupon. Is that normal? Thanks.

Today I used the BRG for the first time. Found a better rate on easyclicktravel.com and called expedia. Take about 25 minutes at all, but they didn't refund the whole difference.
Expedia Rate was $140 + $20 Tax. Easyclicktravel.com Rate was $125 including tax (there was just an information that tax = 0.00, but I was able to book it for just $125, without any additional fees).
Expedia will just refund the difference between $140 and $125, so I will only get $15 back and not the real difference ($35). Is that ok?

And I booked just one night till now. Is it possible to book a second night with my account and get the $50 Voucher, again? Or is it necessary to book with a different account?

Wanted to try this for BRG - is this a good case?

Westin Hotel Kuala Lumpur, 8/21

Expedia:
Deluxe City View-Adv 30 days No Refund

Room rate: $139.07per night
Taxes & Service Fees (where applicable): $22.25 per night
Total room cost: $161.32
This reservation is nonrefundable.


Travelocity:
Deluxe Room City View - No Cancel (2 Adults), 1 Nights

$110.61
Tax Recovery Charge & Service Fees $17.70
Total $128.31

Today I used the BRG for the first time. Found a better rate on easyclicktravel.com and called expedia. Take about 25 minutes at all, but they didn't refund the whole difference.
Expedia Rate was $140 + $20 Tax. Easyclicktravel.com Rate was $125 including tax (there was just an information that tax = 0.00, but I was able to book it for just $125, without any additional fees).
Expedia will just refund the difference between $140 and $125, so I will only get $15 back and not the real difference ($35). Is that ok?

And I booked just one night till now. Is it possible to book a second night with my account and get the $50 Voucher, again? Or is it necessary to book with a different account?

I booked 3 separate nights in the same hotel (mine was not consecutive nights and I told EXP staff that we were driving around Ireland) with 3 different bookings, did my 3 brg claims in one phone call. It took about 40 minutes and my 3 x $50 coupons were dropped into my account. After a few days, I cancelled my original 3 bookings without the $50 coupon and booked 3 consecutive nights under 3 separate bookings net of the $50 coupons per night.

Yes, they only refunded me the difference in the hotel rate (in your example $140 and $125), ignoring the taxes. It doesn't matter anyway because you are cancelling that booking and your new booking would reflect a lower rate (after netting the $50 coupon) and you can't do a BRG on this booking.

It doesn't matter anyway because you are cancelling that booking and your new booking would reflect a lower rate (after netting the $50 coupon) and you can't do a BRG on this booking.

And they will not take the $50 voucher away if I cancel the old booking? If not I will cancel and book this stay at easyclicktravel.com and save the expedia voucher for the next booking.

Just did my first BRG - It took about 20 mins on the call and my $50 coupon was in my account before the call was over - Used the Trump Plaza in Atlantic City for date 4/24 - Expedia Rate - $49.00 / Priceline rate - $48.78

SUCCESS!!!

How long do I need to wait if I am going to cancel the reservation????

And they will not take the $50 voucher away if I cancel the old booking? If not I will cancel and book this stay at easyclicktravel.com and save the expedia voucher for the next booking.

Expedia will not take away your $50 voucher. I would suggest that you book the second night with Expedia and file BRG to get the 2nd voucher. Then you can wait couple day and cancel both of your booking.

Then you can rebook with Expedia by booking 1 night per booking and apply $50 coupon. I think that might be cheaper than booking with easyclicktravel.com

Hi,
must the name from account, traveler and creditcard the same?

I like to book a room for my son with my cc. Is this possible?

Thank you

Hi,
must the name from account, traveler and creditcard the same?

I like to book a room for my son with my cc. Is this possible?

Thank you

No, it does not need to be the same. I booked a room for my dad and pay with my credit card without any problem. When you booked, you get a chance to add the your son name.

Just booked Trump LV and got it adjusted to the PL price ($ 20 difference for a weekend night).

I am bit disappointed having been hold on line for so long(23 minutes all in all), why can't they just write down my information and send me an email later on?

has anyone ever tried to open a BRG-case via email?

Kexbox

Expedia will not take away your $50 voucher. I would suggest that you book the second night with Expedia and file BRG to get the 2nd voucher. Then you can wait couple day and cancel both of your booking.

But in this message (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/16146598-post236.html) a user say they will take the $50 away if you cancel the original booking. Isn't this true?

Then you can rebook with Expedia by booking 1 night per booking and apply $50 coupon. I think that might be cheaper than booking with easyclicktravel.com

I want to save some of this voucher for my holiday, later this year.
For this stay expedia.com is a bad option because they are far away from the best price.

So do I understand it right, can I book 3 stays a month where expedia dont have the best price, get a voucher for every booking, then cancel all bookings but still hold the voucher?

My voucher doesn't seem to be posted by now, where could I find it, if I was looking for it?

My voucher doesn't seem to be posted by now, where could I find it, if I was looking for it?
Login to your account and scroll down....towards the bottom of the page u will see "Other information related to this account" and under that "View your coupons." link.

For this stay expedia.com is a bad option because they are far away from the best price. :confused:

exp give by BPG return the differenz to your Creditcard +$50 Coupon. So You pay the best price + 50$ Coupon. I think that isn't a bad option.

One poster on this thread successfully claimed a BRG guarantee, subsequently saw that Expedia had lowered their rate to prevent other BRG claims, canceled their original reservation, and rebooked the lower rate on Expedia using the $50 coupon. How often does Expedia lower their rates? Easy Click Travel's rate is $20 cheaper so if Expedia lowers their rate and allows me to cancel my original reservation without penalty, that would be a good enough deal to forgo Priority Club points.

I've never done a BRG before. If ECT's rate doesn't mention anything about breakfast but the hotel, a Holiday Inn Express, has a free breakfast bar for all guests, will Expedia honor the BRG? The Expedia rate notes that it includes a buffet breakfast bar.