Best Western Rewards - Potential problem w/redeeming points for free stay in Italy

Hi all,
I have a trip coming up in Italy and wanted to use Best Western reward points (which I converted from AMEX membership rewards) to book hotel stays.
I didn't think that it would ever be an issue, but upon reading reviews for a hotel on tripadvisor, there was apparently a problem with a hotel guest who upon checkout discovered that she was charged full cost instead of getting rewards points redeemed. Appears that 3 hour phone call finally resolved the issue, but needless to say, that concerns me as I was about to book 6 night stay at various cities in Italy.

I was wondering if any of you also had a problem with redemption in foreign country and what I can do to prevent it from happening. Should I purchase, instead of redeeming the points when booking online, a "global free night voucher" and hand it over to the hotel clerk when I check in? Would it guarantee that I be given a free night instead of potentially facing issues with hotel claiming that I can't have the points redeemed for the night stay?

Thanks for all your help!

I have redeemed points and award certificates in Australia, NZ, UK, and Peru, all without major issue - even was given points for my award stay in Peru! (I'm a NA based collector)

Book it online, print a copy to take with you, and if there are any problems call the Rewards Customer Service line when you get home.

Have a great trip!

As it states in terms and conditions. You must book the room before arriving at hotel. If you book it through 1800 # and tell them u have voucher or points, they will check and male reservations for you. So you won't be billed the full price.

Also ask hotel because I know some hotels in foreign countries will give you free night or let u use points but will charge you tax.