Best Western Rewards - Using BW giftcards

We are about to go on a trip in Tanzania and want to book a room at the BW there for one night, so we then redeemed some points to get $150 worth of gift cards (2) that will cover most of cost. However, when I tried to book a room online or through the reservation line, they will not let me book the best available rate (non-refundable) because I must put all cost on a credit card at the time of the booking. The only way I can use the giftcards would be if I book a higher rate and pay the hotel with the gift cards during check out. I find this to be ridiculous because I would think I shouldn't have any problems using their own giftcards to book rooms, and don't want to pay a higher price just so I can use the gift cards. Any ideas, thoughts?

I have redeemed over $1000 worth of BW cards (Ebay/bing cash back deals), so I know your pain.

The trick I have found is google for a Best Western corporate discount code and use that for your reservation. The best codes give you the best possible pricing no matter when you book (I've even used them in the parking lot) and they work without being pre-paid.

Fair warning though, present the card when you check in, I have yet to visit a BW where the guest agent knows how to bill these gift cards. Usually I have to leave the card, and the manager credits me later. Then when you check out make sure they bill the gift card not your credit card.

The upside... I have had close to $1,000 in free stays from the staff never actually debiting my gift card but still marking my bill paid. Of course you can't depend on this.

I do not have a solution for BWs in foreign countries, but it is easy to avoid this problem in the US. US BWs offer AAA (or AARP) rate, that is equal or cheaper than the best available rate, and do not require pre-payment.

I am intrigued, foreign BWs accept US corporate discount codes?

I was able to use one on a BW in Israel.