Best Western Rewards - BW new BRG, match lower rate and get $100 travel card [offer over 23 Sep 2012]

I got an e-mail today from BW regarding their new BRG. If you find a lower rate they will match the rate + give you a $100 BW Travel card.

It's a shame since it's only for US and Canada residents and it's only for US and Canadian properties.

I got the same email. Already have filed my first BRG claim this morning. We'll see how it goes. I called it in for a trip this weekend. They said they will call me back within 24 hrs to let me know if it was approved or not. The waiting begins...

I got the same email. Already have filed my first BRG claim this morning. We'll see how it goes. I called it in for a trip this weekend. They said they will call me back within 24 hrs to let me know if it was approved or not. The waiting begins...


UPDATE !!
I heard back from Best Western in approx 2 hours that my claim had been approved. Hopefully this is a sign of a good new BRG that will be supported by Best Western. The claim was for the BEST WESTERN Riverview Inn & Suites Rahway, NJ, US. The rate on bestwestern.com was a cancellable rate of $109/night / on easyclicktravel.com - $89.99/night. Both reps I spoke with were very helpful. I will receive a $100 Best Western gift card after my stay for the claim and my rate was instantly adjusted to the $89.99 rate. I was given the option of them mailing me the card or emailing it to me in a code form. Way to go Best Western....

Claim can be made online or by phone.

Here is a link to the main info page:

http://www.bestwestern.com/lowrates/

Here is link to the T&Cs:

http://www.bestwestern.com/lowrates/terms.pdf

Here is a link to the online claim form:

http://www.bestwestern.com/lowrates/claimform.asp

It's a shame since it's only for US and Canada residents and it's only for US and Canadian properties.

There is another version for outside North America. It gives a 10% discount on the match price, rather than the $100 gift card. Info here:

http://www.bestwestern.com/lowrates/intl.asp

Int'l T&Cs here:

http://www.bestwestern.com/lowrates/intl-terms.pdf

(The claim form for int'l is the same as the claim form I gave the link for above.)

Obviously, a $100 gift card would not work so well outside of North America because of currency conversion issues. I'm sure that's why the BRG works differently in North America than outside it.

I have called with a claim and got a call back with approval within 30 min. New rate $76, so, I'll make money on a $100 card :)

Can you book 2 rooms for the same night and get 2 $100 card?

I was wondering if you can do more than 1 in a certain amount of time. The terms are slightly vague...

I was wondering if you can do more than 1 in a certain amount of time. The terms are slightly vague...

How does $100 Travel Card works?
If you use it for a $90 stay hotel, do you lose $10 or can use it towards next stay?

do not seem to say any limitaion on claims per month
However, given that BW are privately owned, gliches are expected. Even T&C allude that hotel may not honor the matching rate.

al613,
which location was your BW?

al613,
which location was your BW?

mke downtown

deleted

Another successful claim !! Whole process took about 1.5 hours - submitted claim with online claim form

Best Western Airport Inn - Warwick RI
bestwestern.com rate - $77.70
easyclicktravel.com rate - $65.27



Dear Mr. Cook,

Thank you for contacting Best Western International. We are pleased to
advise that your Low Rate Guarantee claim has been approved. We will
send you an updated email confirmation for your reservation showing your
new rate. Your new rate is $65.27 before taxes.

After you complete your stay, you will be mailed a Travel Card for $100.
You should receive the card after 2-3 weeks. The Travel Card can be
used at any Best Western hotel.

I do see some claimable rates on easyclicktravel.com (for AUS)
but they are all with cancel penalties, so that would not work well.

I do see some claimable rates on easyclicktravel.com (for AUS)
but they are all with cancel penalties, so that would not work well.
1. Do you realize you don't need to book the third-party rate (only document how it would be booked)?

2. Although this surprises me (and someone please inform me if I'm simply blind), I cannot find anything in the T&Cs that says the terms (cancel penalty-free vs not) have to be identical between the BW site and the third-party site. (I'm used to such requirements in Marriott's BRG program, which is the only one I've used to date.)

2. Although this surprises me (and someone please inform me if I'm simply blind), I cannot find anything in the T&Cs that says the terms (cancel penalty-free vs not) have to be identical between the BW site and the third-party site. (I'm used to such requirements in Marriott's BRG program, which is the only one I've used to date.)


It's strange, but I cannot find it as well. I booked BAR with BW and did a BRG on Easyclicktravel.com that was non refundable and they approved it.

1. Do you realize you don't need to book the third-party rate (only document how it would be booked)?

2. Although this surprises me (and someone please inform me if I'm simply blind), I cannot find anything in the T&Cs that says the terms (cancel penalty-free vs not) have to be identical between the BW site and the third-party site. (I'm used to such requirements in Marriott's BRG program, which is the only one I've used to date.)

I was denied I booked a cancelable rate on BW for Hammond, LA and orbitz had a cancelable rate $15.00 cheaper. BW rejected the claim as they have a 30 day advance purchase non refundable that is lower. The agent told me the terms do not have to match they can match the refundable rate to any rate refundable or not. I pointed out the T&C's said
"The rate comparison will be conducted using the same price and/or tax policy" I asked what that meant, agent did not know. She would not connect me with anyone else.

WORTHLESS PROGRAM TO ME

I was denied I booked a cancelable rate on BW for Hammond, LA and orbitz had a cancelable rate $15.00 cheaper. BW rejected the claim as they have a 30 day advance purchase non refundable that is lower. The agent told me the terms do not have to match they can match the refundable rate to any rate refundable or not. I pointed out the T&C's said
"The rate comparison will be conducted using the same price and/or tax policy" I asked what that meant, agent did not know. She would not connect me with anyone else.

WORTHLESS PROGRAM TO ME

In this case, you are right. In many other cases, when you compare this IHG program, this program wins.

Easy enough...

Dear Mr. Spankytoes,

Thank you for your call concerning out new low rate guarantee program,
Congratulations! You have been approved and your new rate for the Best
Western Ramona Inn for xx/xx/2012 is 69.99. You will receive your
Travel card for 100.00, two to three weeks after your stay

Last piece of the puzzle for my Pacific Coast Highway trip. Called at 11:00 PM CST on Thursday and had the adjustment email at 9:00 AM on Friday. Original price was $139.99.

One thing of note though. If you are using Kayak to compare prices, make sure that you go through Best Western's main site to book your room and not through the link on Kayak. Doing the latter will attach Kayak's name to the reservation and will invalidate the claim. I had to rebook through BW and get a new confirmation number while on the phone with the agent.

It's a shame that the programme is only for US residents :(

I submitted a claim online and met the terms as written but still got denied: "The claim has been denied for the following reason: The reservation was booked less than 48 hours from the arrival date."

Which isn't true or relevant, because the terms don't require 48 hours before arrival *date*, but 48 hours "before arrival," and arrival suggests agreed check-in time as determined by reservation on standard booking. I booked outside the 48-hour window, which isn't in dispute.

Customer service acknowledged "possibly misleading" terms, and one phone rep said I'd already been approved and "it's being processed," but I got denied in writing based on the *intention* of the terms rather than the language itself.

Then I got this email: "I have made my supervisor aware of the possible misinterpretation of the wording of the Low Rate Guarantee terms and conditions..."

Still no fulfillment. It's not just the amount that concerns me, but Best Western's unwillingness to meet its publicized offer.

It's a shame that the programme is only for US residents :(

You must mean that it's a shame ttat this verison is only for North America residents. As I detailed in another post above, there is another version for those in Europe and elsewhere:

[...]
Here is a link to the online claim form:

http://www.bestwestern.com/lowrates/claimform.asp


There is another version for outside North America. It gives a 10% discount on the match price, rather than the $100 gift card. Info here:

http://www.bestwestern.com/lowrates/intl.asp

Int'l T&Cs here:

http://www.bestwestern.com/lowrates/intl-terms.pdf

(The claim form for int'l is the same as the claim form I gave the link for above.)

Obviously, a $100 gift card would not work so well outside of North America because of currency conversion issues. I'm sure that's why the BRG works differently in North America than outside it.

Btw, please note that it depends on your stay cost/length which version is beter. The North American version is better for shorter stays at cheaper hotels, because it's a flat $100 gift card. The version for the rest of the world is better better for longer stays at more expensive hotels, since eventually the 10% will exceed $100 in value.

My recent experience:

I booked a room at $84.99 via bestwestern.com, then found a rate $10 lower on hotels.com, and submitted the BRG claim. It took them almost three days :eek::mad: to respond thus:

Hotels.com does not offer the lower rate that is bookable to the general public.

At first, I thought they had stalled long enough for the hotels.com rate to no longer be available, but it was, so I replied again with the full details, room type, etc. and this time it took only two hours for them to respond:

Upon further review, your Low Rate Guarantee Claim has been approved.
Your new nightly rate is $76.49 plus tax and you should be receiving a new confirmation email reflecting this shortly.

You will receive your $100 Travel Card in the mail approximately 2-3 weeks after your completed stay.

So I suppose the overall benefit is there, but the rate BW has now provided me is still higher than the hotels.com rate....

Easy enough...

Dear Mr. Spankytoes,

Thank you for your call concerning out new low rate guarantee program,
Congratulations! You have been approved and your new rate for the Best
Western Ramona Inn for xx/xx/2012 is 69.99. You will receive your
Travel card for 100.00, two to three weeks after your stay

Last piece of the puzzle for my Pacific Coast Highway trip. Called at 11:00 PM CST on Thursday and had the adjustment email at 9:00 AM on Friday. Original price was $139.99.

One thing of note though. If you are using Kayak to compare prices, make sure that you go through Best Western's main site to book your room and not through the link on Kayak. Doing the latter will attach Kayak's name to the reservation and will invalidate the claim. I had to rebook through BW and get a new confirmation number while on the phone with the agent.

Interesting...would not have thought that would be an issue. Thx for that info.^

I had two BRG claims in mid-Feb. Got my $100 GC's today. I've read that some here don't like the BW BRG, but at least for my first two experiences, it was quite painless and they delivered as promised.

It took a very short itme to receive a reply to my claim. In fact, a rep from BW called and left a message on my answering machine within half an hour. I booked a king suite with full kitchen and 42-inch TV at the BW Premium Eden Resort in Lancaster, PA in Oct. (one of only two Premium BW properties in the U.S currently.). The Resort has its own website, as well as the BW site. On the Resort site my suite was $154.95 - Best Available rate. On the BW site the rate was $189.95 for the Best Available. Easy. Now the rate on the BW site has been lowered to $154.95 - the rate that I will pay.

Could have had a rate $20 or lower as a AAA member, but since I am using BW gift cards that I earned through the Canadian Air Miles Program, the suite, including dog fee, will be "free," and the $100 GC a pure bonus. Plus, we are coming off a dog show trip and I am looking forward to cooking us a great Sunday roast beef dinner with all the trimmings and watching Sunday Night Football in solitude and comfort. Nothing like a home-cooked meal on the road, along with local treats like farm-fresh apples and cheddar cheese. This is my first post:)

It took a very short itme to receive a reply to my claim. In fact, a rep from BW called and left a message on my answering machine within half an hour. I booked a king suite with full kitchen and 42-inch TV at the BW Premium Eden Resort in Lancaster, PA in Oct. (one of only two Premium BW properties in the U.S currently.). The Resort has its own website, as well as the BW site. On the Resort site my suite was $154.95 - Best Available rate. On the BW site the rate was $189.95 for the Best Available. Easy. Now the rate on the BW site has been lowered to $154.95 - the rate that I will pay.

Could have had a rate $20 or lower as a AAA member, but since I am using BW gift cards that I earned through the Canadian Air Miles Program, the suite, including dog fee, will be "free," and the $100 GC a pure bonus. Plus, we are coming off a dog show trip and I am looking forward to cooking us a great Sunday roast beef dinner with all the trimmings and watching Sunday Night Football in solitude and comfort. Nothing like a home-cooked meal on the road, along with local treats like farm-fresh apples and cheddar cheese. This is my first post:)

Welcome to FT. Congrats on your BRG.

I was denied I booked a cancelable rate on BW for Hammond, LA and orbitz had a cancelable rate $15.00 cheaper. BW rejected the claim as they have a 30 day advance purchase non refundable that is lower. The agent told me the terms do not have to match they can match the refundable rate to any rate refundable or not. I pointed out the T&C's said
"The rate comparison will be conducted using the same price and/or tax policy" I asked what that meant, agent did not know. She would not connect me with anyone else.

WORTHLESS PROGRAM TO ME

When I asked about that very sentence, I got this answer when I had found a lower rate on hotels.com, but which required payment in advance, as compared to bestwestern.com non-prepaid rate ($10 more):

"The rate comparison will be conducted using the same price and/or tax policy." Means that if the reservation on Bestwestern.com includes tax's then we will include the tax's for comparison on the competeing website. If not then tax's will not be included and if the competeing website does not offer a room rate exclusive of tax's the claim will be denied.

Payment requirements and cancelation policies are not part of the Program and our review of all claims are based on comparing the competing websites rate to our lowest available rate on Bestwestern.com

Sounds bogus to me! :mad:

I received another clarification from BW:

The guarantee is that you will find the lowest non-qualified rates on our site, www.bestwestern.com, so even an "Internet Only" rate would be applicable. If you book on our site, then find a lower advertised non-qualified rate on a competing website within the allowed timeframe, we will match the price plus give you a $100 gift card.

A non-qualified rate is a rate that does not require a membership or affiliation with a specific organization (ie AAA/AARP) to receive the discount. In the example you gave above, the low rate guarantee would qualify, our program does not take payment method or cancellation policy into consideration when qualifying a claim.

I have a distinct feeling they're really cracking down on this and not many BRG claims are being honored these days. At least what I'm seeing is that most BW hotels I look at have some "Internet Only" pre-paid rate that is a good 10-15% lower than even an AAA rate, say, and certainly lower than other travel websites.

Also, according to this manual (http://www.bestwesterndevelopers.com/membership/pdfs/2012%20Membership%20Fees-withTable%20FINAL.pdf), the hotel gets penalized quite heavily for having a cheaper rate available outside of bestwestern.com:

Charge for offering publicly available rates through any distribution channel, which are lower than those offered on bestwestern.com, within the month:

$50 for each day a violation occurs; if accumulate 100 occurrences, fine is $75 for each additional occurrence; if accumulate 200 occurrences, fine is $100 for each additional occurrence


Charge for offering publicly available rates as reported by a consumer, which are lower than those offered by bestwestern.com:

Hotel will match the lower rate and consumer is given a $100 Best Western Travel Card. In each fiscal year, hotel will be charged for each issued Travel Card:
First 3 Travel Cards - $0
Next 5 Travel Cards - $75
All subsequent Travel Cards - $100

Ouch!!

I know nothing about running a hotel, but I would imagine there must be a very strong incentive to stick with the BW brand to put up with so many rules, regulations and especially, fees.

I received another clarification from BW:



I have a distinct feeling they're really cracking down on this and not many BRG claims are being honored these days. At least what I'm seeing is that most BW hotels I look at have some "Internet Only" pre-paid rate that is a good 10-15% lower than even an AAA rate, say, and certainly lower than other travel websites.

Also, according to this manual (http://www.bestwesterndevelopers.com/membership/pdfs/2012%20Membership%20Fees-withTable%20FINAL.pdf), the hotel gets penalized quite heavily for having a cheaper rate available outside of bestwestern.com:



Ouch!!

I know nothing about running a hotel, but I would imagine there must be a very strong incentive to stick with the BW brand to put up with so many rules, regulations and especially, fees.

I did a match a week ago that involved an internet only rate. It worked OK.

I can't really blame BW for saying that their internet only rate is lower than a rate on another website. And honestly, some of their internet only rates can be cancelled up to a week prior, so it's not the most restrictive.

So far, I'm 4 for 4 on BW BRG's on locations where I needed a room. (I had one failure, but just switched to a nearby property.)

I was wondering if anyone completed a BRG with best western and got the gift card e-mailed or mailed to them how long did it take to arrive? They say 2 to 3 weeks but it this just the maximum time frame or does it really take this long to arrive?

I was wondering if anyone completed a BRG with best western and got the gift card e-mailed or mailed to them how long did it take to arrive? They say 2 to 3 weeks but it this just the maximum time frame or does it really take this long to arrive?

I've done 3 of them now, and yes, they pretty much take 2-3 weeks.

I was wondering if anyone completed a BRG with best western and got the gift card e-mailed or mailed to them how long did it take to arrive? They say 2 to 3 weeks but it this just the maximum time frame or does it really take this long to arrive?

I got a card in the mail last week, about 2 weeks after my stay. The letter accompanying the card was extremely polite and apologetic, obviously written by someone not working in the denials department.

I got a card in the mail last week, about 2 weeks after my stay. The letter accompanying the card was extremely polite and apologetic, obviously written by someone not working in the denials department.

True. And I got another card this week too.

The best part is doing 3 BRG's and then getting the free night voucher, which finally came this week!

I've had positive experience with the BRG too, at least in getting it approved. I haven't gotten the actual travel cards yet. Everyone at BW has been really polite through the whole process, which is starting make me a loyal customer to BW! (Took advantage of BRG on 4 stays thus far!)

Anyway, wanted to ask if the travel cards you receive have an expiry date on then?

Thank you in advance!

Can anyone pls tell me how long it takes to get email target card after checkout, if i choose to receive the card via email? thanks..

Can anyone pls tell me how long it takes to get email target card after checkout, if i choose to receive the card via email? thanks..

I don't think that's an option. Perhaps you are thinking of getting the 'free night voucher' emailed to you for the Stay 3 Get 1 Free promotion.... and that still takes 3 weeks!

Does the $100 travel card expire?

I'm 2 for 2 on claims thus far.

I originally booked a hotel for 38,000 Club Carlson points, found a BW property even closer to where we want to be for $24.00 cheaper and got the rate knocked down to $95.99. So I'll get a $100.00 travel card + get to keep my CC points for another trip that I'm planning to take to Europe. I'll use the travel card to pay for my next booking...and receive another travel card after I check out from that hotel towards a 1-night excursion in Europe. Great deal!

Also, the BRG travel cards DO NOT expire according to two agents that I've spoken with.

Also, the BRG travel cards DO NOT expire according to two agents that I've spoken with.
Ok, that's exciting... but is there no way to use a travel card to book a pre-pay "Internet Only Rate" ? I'd really like to use a TC I already have to pay for the room that gets me the next TC.

EDIT: I called the general customer service number in the US for BW. The rep told me it's entirely up to the hotel how they want to deal with it. You have to pay in full, in advance, to a credit card, then discuss with them at check-in to have a refund to the credit card. Has anyone any experience with this at a US property?

Ok, that's exciting... but is there no way to use a travel card to book a pre-pay "Internet Only Rate" ? I'd really like to use a TC I already have to pay for the room that gets me the next TC.

EDIT: I called the general customer service number in the US for BW. The rep told me it's entirely up to the hotel how they want to deal with it. You have to pay in full, in advance, to a credit card, then discuss with them at check-in to have a refund to the credit card. Has anyone any experience with this at a US property?

I got that same answer when I asked the question about different currencies.

...only one (1) Travel Card per household during any thirty (30) day period...
Between check-in dates? Between dates when claims are approved?

Between check-in dates? Between dates when claims are approved?
Is this new? I don't recall seeing this before...

Is this new? I don't recall seeing this before...
Hmm, it's been there for at least a month or two, as I recall reading it when I was first using the program.

We had trouble with getting the final BRG GC. It didn't process automatically, so we had to call to track it down. Eventually, they sent us an electronic version of the GC. Not sure how that will work out, but I assume it's OK.

So overall, we went 4/4 on the BRG. And then got the 2 free nights from the spring promo! Overall, this is a pretty slick deal, considering that you get the stay credit, and thus qualify for promos!

I'm 3/3 on claims now. I submitted a BRG on behalf of my grandma and it was approved. Rate was knocked down from $172 per night to $70 per night. I'm going to use 1 of my travel cards to cover 1.5 nights on my Pacific Coast Highway trip. The other 2 cards will get me 2 nights in Berlin before we switch to the Radisson Blu. As we won't get into Berlin until 5:30 PM the first day, and are taking a day trip to Herford on Day 2, this worked out perfect for a throwaway hotel.

True. And I got another card this week too.

The best part is doing 3 BRG's and then getting the free night voucher, which finally came this week!


And the worst part is that the BRG is only for US residents and hotels in the US (otherwise, you get only a mere 10 % discount)

Just had another success after a very tough search. One thing I really like about this program is that the hotel still gets paid, even if they have a penalty later. It's better for them - eases the sting. And it's better for us - no grief or guilt or crappy rooms on check-in.

And I think it's adorable that they actually call you back and leave a voicemail to confirm. So proper. :D

I have to disagree. I booked a few days ago at their website bestwestern.com for stay in Brooklyn, NY. (Best Western Plus Arena Hotel )
I got confirmation directly from their website etc, and when I submitted BRG claim, the next day a rep emailed me that I did not book it through bestwestern.com, and sending me 2 dead links for more information about their policy.

I replied to them saying, I definitely booked through your corporate website and comparing it against bookit.com.

I got an email back again saying, nope you did not , your claim is denied.

Come on at least you should have the decency to explain properly to your customer , which website did he/she book it through that you claimed was not from bestwestern.com .

I find it very bogus and superficial, If you don't want to honour your BRG then please at least explain to your customer what was not legit with their claims.

Did you happen to book using the BW link on Kayak? Because that lists Kayak in the IATA code and will invalidate your claim even though it was done on BW's site. Had that happen to me with a claim and had to rebook directly with BW before the claim was accepted.

As a side note, got my first travel card about a week after my stay. Impressed with the quick turn around.

Last week I wrote an article about being denied a Best Western Best Rate Guarantee claim when I booked through the Kayak.com link for BestWestern.com.

A few days later I received an email from Best Western corporate stating a new memo went out to Best Western BRG representatives with the policy that links to BestWestern.com from meta-search engines like Kayak.com will be honored for Best Rate Guarantee claims.

http://boardingarea.com/blogs/loyaltytraveler/2012/07/14/best-western-best-rate-guarantee-100-travel-card/

Did you happen to book using the BW link on Kayak? Because that lists Kayak in the IATA code and will invalidate your claim even though it was done on BW's site. Had that happen to me with a claim and had to rebook directly with BW before the claim was accepted.

As a side note, got my first travel card about a week after my stay. Impressed with the quick turn around.


No it was actually typed in www.bestwestern.com
So not sure why, they did not bother to give explanation

I booked a 2-double room on BW.com for $83 (refundable) and hotels.com has the same room type (2-double) for $69 (refundable). But BW.com has 2-quene room (non refundable) for $70. Will BW reject my claim based on $1 difference between 2-double and 2-quene room?

I booked a 2-double room on BW.com for $83 (refundable) and hotels.com has the same room type (2-double) for $69 (refundable). But BW.com has 2-quene room (non refundable) for $70. Will BW reject my claim based on $1 difference between 2-double and 2-quene room?
The terms say "similar room type". In my experience, they have used common sense. So my expectation would be, since the BW site has 2 doubles and also 2 queens, the comparison would be 2 doubles to 2 doubles.

If the BW site had only 2 queens, they might take the 2 doubles as a comparison, especially if you could show that the hotel only has queens (the 2 doubles notation being an artifact of hotels.com)

But either way, in your case, $1 difference is enough, so it should be accepted.

Tip - For the moment, stays at the Best Western Roundhouse in Boston Mass seem to be higher on the website than they are on booking.com at least for the months of Feb. and March 2013. I've booked rooms there in November and March and received the BRG on fully cancellable "Best Available" rooms. The booking.com rates are lower than the ""Manager's Special" rate (just up) and the Internet only rates at this property. A king suite with microwave. fridge and breakfast for $109 US isn't bad, if you ignore the weather. I booked my rooms months ago, and the booking.com price and website price have not changed. Good luck. Hoping to get a t-shirt like the one Julia Child made famous "I got Scrod in Boston" lol

I'm really happy with BW customer service... my last travel card was returned by the post office and a rep both called and e-mailed me to get a new address.

Can the travel card be used outside of the US?

Yes it can

After a few tries and running into Technical T & C conditions, got a BRG.
One night Allen Park, MI. Got my lower rate thru www.getaroom.com. I got phone call confirming my rate match.

I have called with a claim and got a call back with approval within 30 min. New rate $76, so, I'll make money on a $100 card :)

Can you book 2 rooms for the same night and get 2 $100 card?



I am new to the BW BWR, so some questions:

Do I need to call or is an online form sufficient?
If there is a refundable and a non-refundable rate, can I match refundable against refundable or does it need to be lowest against lowest?
What if I get a claim approved and won't be able to travel? May I cancel?

Yes you may cancel depends on what rate you booked. You will get travel card after your stay. Only one card ( $ 100 ) per household in a 30 day period. however you will get the lower rates for the all the stays in the 30 day period.,if you have been approved.

first time doing this

if when the BW person checks on the expedia website or whatever cheapest rate is from, and it shows there is no room left (cant see prices anymore), will it be disapproved? or can they see history prices somehow? The date I just submitted got 1 room left showing on expedia so fingers crossed?

is the 1 claim/30days per account/address/name or what? We were looking at 2 night stay at the same place with both nights cheaper on expedia, so I booked one night and my wife booked the 2nd night, will it work?

how successful did you guys get the "Internet only rate" refunded to the creditcard and used the Travel card to pay instead when checking in?

and how successful would you guys say BW granted the BRG to compare to other website's standard prices?

If they can't find the rate, you'll be denied

first time doing this

if when the BW person checks on the expedia website or whatever cheapest rate is from, and it shows there is no room left (cant see prices anymore), will it be disapproved? or can they see history prices somehow? The date I just submitted got 1 room left showing on expedia so fingers crossed?

is the 1 claim/30days per account/address/name or what? We were looking at 2 night stay at the same place with both nights cheaper on expedia, so I booked one night and my wife booked the 2nd night, will it work?
You will get the lower rate for both nights, but only ONE $ 100 Travel card.
The T & C states ONE per household in a 30 day period.
You might get lucky and both of you get it.

Tried out the international program for the first time this weekend with success. I really like how the BW BRG people act like people. I had given some very specific directions on how to find the rate but the gentleman couldn't make it work. So on his own, he tweaked my directions a little bit and was able to see the same type of rate as what I saw, within about 1 Euro. It was great to not have to call up to try to work it out.

P.S. Even tho I'm using BRG, I am definitely staying at BW more these days on paid rates. It's working out quite well.

2 rejected claims, do I have a valid case?

1. Difference within 1 USD, 89.99 vs 89.05USD
REJECTED

2. I was looking at a location in US, but to avoid foriegn exchange fee on my Visa I booked it in cdn currency on BW's website, and comparing it to expedia's price in CDN it was higher, claim rejected again since they say they only base the currency where the hotel is located.

REJECTEd...

2 rejected claims, do I have a valid case?
It really has to be asked... did you actually read the terms and conditions for this program?

No. You don't have valid claims. It has to be at least 1 USD difference.

Doesn't say anything about currency, tho it does say this:

Consumer must reside in the United States, Canada, or the Caribbean Islands...
Do you? Otherwise, this entire program is not open to you.

http://www.bestwestern.com/lowrates/terms.pdf

It really has to be asked... did you actually read the terms and conditions for this program?

No. You don't have valid claims. It has to be at least 1 USD difference.

Doesn't say anything about currency, tho it does say this:


Do you? Otherwise, this entire program is not open to you.

http://www.bestwestern.com/lowrates/terms.pdf

I did read the terms after my first claim got rejected, then when I took the same rate I was looking at changed it to CDN since I'm paying with a cdn card, on both BW and Expedia the difference was over $1 ... but it was rejected again

No, you don't have a case

another one denied, what a waste of time, who wants to stay in a Best Western anyway.

The Low Rate Guaratee program at Best Western (including the $100 gift card back) is history. No announcement - nothing in their press release, but you won't find it on the "new" website. Too bad because many of the properties (in North America at least) don't have internet only or 7-day advance rates listed pn the "new" website and I found several better rates, same room, same currency, same cancellation etc. I applied using a form I found through google because the web site didn't seem to have the link (but lots of links weren't working) and I received this message:
__________________________________________________
Thank you for contacting Best Western International.

We apologize but we no longer have this offer.

If we can be of further service, please do not hesitate to contact us
again.
__________________________________________________ _________

Phooey on apologies. Why didn't they just make an annoucement, put it in the newletters, whatever? No mention of dropping the program in their new web design press release either.
Plus, they have substantially reduced the number of properties that accept pets.
Lost my business. Yippee, no more waffles.

The Low Rate Guaratee program at Best Western (including the $100 gift card back) is history. No announcement - nothing in their press release, but you won't find it on the "new" website. Too bad because many of the properties (in North America at least) don't have internet only or 7-day advance rates listed pn the "new" website and I found several better rates, same room, same currency, same cancellation etc. I applied using a form I found through google because the web site didn't seem to have the link (but lots of links weren't working) and I received this message:
__________________________________________________
Thank you for contacting Best Western International.

We apologize but we no longer have this offer.

If we can be of further service, please do not hesitate to contact us
again.
__________________________________________________ _________

Phooey on apologies. Why didn't they just make an annoucement, put it in the newletters, whatever? No mention of dropping the program in their new web design press release either.
Plus, they have substantially reduced the number of properties that accept pets.
Lost my business. Yippee, no more waffles.

I can confirm the above. I booked a room and phoned Best Western. They only match the new rates, No more $ 100 Travel Card.

I can confirm the above. I booked a room and phoned Best Western. They only match the new rates, No more $ 100 Travel Card.

Previous approved BRG $ 100 travel card will be Honoured.

Now they dont have a BRG, just a price match. You have to phone their customer care Telephone number 1 800 528 1238. Then they give you a file number and some one will contact you in 24 hours. If confirmed you will get the lower rate.
I hope IHG does not change their FREE NIGHT POLICY.

Now they dont have a BRG, just a price match. You have to phone their customer care Telephone number 1 800 528 1238. Then they give you a file number and some one will contact you in 24 hours. If confirmed you will get the lower rate.
I hope IHG does not change their FREE NIGHT POLICY.

IHG doesn't notice what BW does or doesn't do (with BRGs or anything else). Choice might.

IHG pays much more attention to what Marriott, Hilton, SPG, Hyatt, etc, do, than to the "lower end" hotel groups like BW, Choice, and WyndhamRewards.

Grrrrrr, I finally made a BW reservation and clicked to find the BRG link, couldn't find it so naturally came to FT to find out what's what. :(

Goodbye BW. Just need to spend one $100 card, and I am gone.

IHG BRG by the way is a waste of time.

Shame. Expecting another $100 card from my stay last week leaving me with $122.01 left across 2 cards. Guess I will be using them domestically.

Goodbye BW. Just need to spend one $100 card, and I am gone.
The irony is - I used to be either Diamond or Platinum at BW, earned the hard way, then quit cold turkey. The BRG got me staying with them again. Yeah, the rates were discounted, but they were still decent rates. Now... eh. There's often something better. Really, really disappointing they ended their BRG. Wish they would reconsider.

IHG BRG by the way is a waste of time.
I'll be thinking of you on Friday during my free night at an IC.

IHG BRG by the way is a waste of time.
I guess it depends where and how often you stay as to how much of a waste of time it is.

What I can definitely say is that for someone who wants to BRG every week (or even more often), IHG is a waste of time, compared to Marriott's LNF ("Look No Further") (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-rewards/1337248-lnf-newbies-thats-marriotts-version-brg.html), which (when you can find hotels that it works for), is basically "unlimited". I've gone many weeks at a time with three nights a week (either one three-night stay or three one-night stays) all successfully LNFed with Marriott. That is impossible at these other hotels programs which give bigger (than an extra 25% off) bonuses for finding a BRG but then lmit it to something like once a month. Since I need these rates weekly (and in fact daily during stay-based promos!), a once-a-month BRG program doesn't excite me.

And, btw, a number of my recent Marriott LNFs were a reduction of over $100 per night (from the marriott.com open-to-anyone reference rate to the LNF rate which was a 25% reduction from the third party site rate). But whether it's that big a savings depends on the area, the specific hotel, the dates, etc...

The international 10% off version is back: http://www.bestwestern.com/deals-offers/special-rates/low-hotel-rates-international.asp

Although I can't really find a way to get to that page navigating through the site, only by a Google search.

Very pleased with BW’s customer service.

Had a hotel stay in September and 3 weeks later, no travel card. I emailed them and they got back to me the next morning letting me know that the card was mailed on 9/25. I told them that at this point, we should consider it lost as that is 2+ weeks ago and asked if they could issue another one. Instead of doing this, they emailed me a $100 virtual card for a future stay. Issue resolved within an hour of emailing.

I’m sad to see the program go, but this was my first time dealing with their CS and I’m impressed.