Jan 16, 2014, 2:16 pm
Last edit by: coleslaw
Update in Hyatt BRG policy (April 2019): If your BRG claim is approved, you can choose either 5,000 World of Hyatt points or an additional 20% off the matched rate for your stay (defined as consecutive nights at the same location). Rates available on websites that require membership which is free of charge, or where membership is automatically created as part of the booking, are eligible for BRG claims.
.................................................. ..........
Recent Experiences Using the BRG (2018 and later)
YES
MAYBE
Update in Hyatt BRG policy (July 2017): if your BRG claim is approved, Hyatt will match the comparable lower rate, but will no longer offer a further 20% discount on the matched lower rate. Instead, after your stay on the BRG approved rate, you will receive a US$50 credit (or equivalent amount in the currency of your country of residence) to use on a future stay (completed within 12 months) booked on a Standard Rate, Advance Purchase Rate or Member Rate on Hyatt.com.
Q. How do I receive the $50 credit?
A. About 3-4 days after your BRG stay, Hyatt will email you a unique rate code to apply for your new reservation. You can either click on the link in the mail to book the reservation or manually enter it into the booking at Hyatt.com.
Q. Can I use the code more than once?
A. No. The code is invalid when it has already been attached to a reservation.
Q. Can I use the code to lower a rate like AAA or Double Points?
A. No. The BRG code books into its own unique rate class and can't be used with any other promotional rates.
Q. What happens if I cancel my reservation with the BRG code applied?
A. The code will can be re-used for another reservation. For this reason, DO NOT DELETE THE EMAIL FROM HYATT UNTIL AFTER YOUR STAY.
Q. What happens if a lower base rate appears available after I book the BRG rate?
A. You can cancel the first reservation (assuming there's no penalty) and then rebook using the code for the lower rate.
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If you are dissatisfied with the response to your BRG claim, and it was processed by the Hyatt Service Desk in Omaha (9805 Q Street), you can consider filing a consumer complaint (link to online form) with the Nebraska Attorney General's Office (Consumer Protection Division). Note that the online complaint form requires you to fill in a correspondence address in the US (though you can state a preference to receive correspondence by e-mail rather than by post). As reported in Post # 2691, if the AG's Office decides to investigate, it is possible that Hyatt will review your BRG claim again and, in addition, offer points for the inconvenience.
If your BRG claim was processed by the Hyatt Service Desk in Marion (1120 North Carbon Street Suite 70), you can consider filing a consumer complaint (link to online form) with the Illinois Attorney General's Office.
From Post # 12:
.................................................. ..........
Recent Experiences Using the BRG (2018 and later)
YES
- Hotels.com - April 2019
- Booking.com - May 2019
MAYBE
- Skoosh - April 2019 (initially rejected as "membership site" but approved on appeal)
- SnapTravel
Update in Hyatt BRG policy (July 2017): if your BRG claim is approved, Hyatt will match the comparable lower rate, but will no longer offer a further 20% discount on the matched lower rate. Instead, after your stay on the BRG approved rate, you will receive a US$50 credit (or equivalent amount in the currency of your country of residence) to use on a future stay (completed within 12 months) booked on a Standard Rate, Advance Purchase Rate or Member Rate on Hyatt.com.
Q. How do I receive the $50 credit?
A. About 3-4 days after your BRG stay, Hyatt will email you a unique rate code to apply for your new reservation. You can either click on the link in the mail to book the reservation or manually enter it into the booking at Hyatt.com.
Q. Can I use the code more than once?
A. No. The code is invalid when it has already been attached to a reservation.
Q. Can I use the code to lower a rate like AAA or Double Points?
A. No. The BRG code books into its own unique rate class and can't be used with any other promotional rates.
Q. What happens if I cancel my reservation with the BRG code applied?
A. The code will can be re-used for another reservation. For this reason, DO NOT DELETE THE EMAIL FROM HYATT UNTIL AFTER YOUR STAY.
Q. What happens if a lower base rate appears available after I book the BRG rate?
A. You can cancel the first reservation (assuming there's no penalty) and then rebook using the code for the lower rate.
.................................................. ..........
If you are dissatisfied with the response to your BRG claim, and it was processed by the Hyatt Service Desk in Omaha (9805 Q Street), you can consider filing a consumer complaint (link to online form) with the Nebraska Attorney General's Office (Consumer Protection Division). Note that the online complaint form requires you to fill in a correspondence address in the US (though you can state a preference to receive correspondence by e-mail rather than by post). As reported in Post # 2691, if the AG's Office decides to investigate, it is possible that Hyatt will review your BRG claim again and, in addition, offer points for the inconvenience.
If your BRG claim was processed by the Hyatt Service Desk in Marion (1120 North Carbon Street Suite 70), you can consider filing a consumer complaint (link to online form) with the Illinois Attorney General's Office.
From Post # 12:
If you can’t solve your issue (please mind Hyatt's Consumer Affairs Department assists us at 1-800-323-7249) here are some other resources:
Sound Off
Conde Nast's Traveler's "Ombudsman" column features a traveler's complaint column. Send in your complaint to Ombudsman, Conde Nast Traveler, 4 Times Square, New York, NY 10036.
Legal Options
Sound Off
- Contact Consumer Traveler (my pick: Christopher Elliott)
- Consumer Tools (My3cents.com is a leading source of consumer advice)
- Post a complaint for public view
- Consumer Comment Form (please mind: If you file a complaint it becomes property of “Consumer Affairs” and they are not obliged to remove it if you solve the issue)
Conde Nast's Traveler's "Ombudsman" column features a traveler's complaint column. Send in your complaint to Ombudsman, Conde Nast Traveler, 4 Times Square, New York, NY 10036.
Legal Options
- File a complaint at you state's attorney general's office
- Small Claims Court (link provides also a helping hand on how to resolve problem without going to small claims court)
- Federal Trade Commission (The FTC does not resolve individual consumer complaints.)
Hyatt - Best Rate Guarantee - Experiences - MASTER THREAD - WIKI
Jan 29, 2015, 6:40 am
#1397
Join Date: Apr 2007
Programs: QF, VA, AC, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 3,779
Denied for destinia.com on the alleged basis that the site does not provide immediate confirmation.
I submitted a PDF screenshot.
I phoned the BRG line and asked for clarification on the T&C. I was put on hold for nine minutes then disconnected. I called back, the agent searched the site and said that the site doesn't guarantee the reservation until an email is received. That is, once you enter in all your details it doesn't provide a confirmation.
After some more research the agent referred to s3.3(2) of the site's T&Cs:
I submitted a PDF screenshot.
I phoned the BRG line and asked for clarification on the T&C. I was put on hold for nine minutes then disconnected. I called back, the agent searched the site and said that the site doesn't guarantee the reservation until an email is received. That is, once you enter in all your details it doesn't provide a confirmation.
After some more research the agent referred to s3.3(2) of the site's T&Cs:
"3.3. THE PRICE INCLUDES
2. Stay at the establishment chosen under the contractual regime, or at similar ones in the event of substitution."
The agent said that "substitution" means that they are not guaranteeing a room. I then asked if Hyatt always guarantees me and room and the agent said "yes". So I asked "So you're saying I'll never be walked or moved to another hotel?" to which he said "99.9% of the time that's correct".
2. Stay at the establishment chosen under the contractual regime, or at similar ones in the event of substitution."
Jan 29, 2015, 7:40 am
#1398
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Chicago
Posts: 425
Denied for destinia.com on the alleged basis that the site does not provide immediate confirmation.
I submitted a PDF screenshot.
I phoned the BRG line and asked for clarification on the T&C. I was put on hold for nine minutes then disconnected. I called back, the agent searched the site and said that the site doesn't guarantee the reservation until an email is received. That is, once you enter in all your details it doesn't provide a confirmation.
After some more research the agent referred to s3.3(2) of the site's T&Cs:
I submitted a PDF screenshot.
I phoned the BRG line and asked for clarification on the T&C. I was put on hold for nine minutes then disconnected. I called back, the agent searched the site and said that the site doesn't guarantee the reservation until an email is received. That is, once you enter in all your details it doesn't provide a confirmation.
After some more research the agent referred to s3.3(2) of the site's T&Cs:
"3.3. THE PRICE INCLUDES
2. Stay at the establishment chosen under the contractual regime, or at similar ones in the event of substitution."
The agent said that "substitution" means that they are not guaranteeing a room. I then asked if Hyatt always guarantees me and room and the agent said "yes". So I asked "So you're saying I'll never be walked or moved to another hotel?" to which he said "99.9% of the time that's correct".2. Stay at the establishment chosen under the contractual regime, or at similar ones in the event of substitution."
I sincerely you hope you've booked your stay at a competing hotel rather than a Hyatt.
Jan 29, 2015, 10:16 am
#1399
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SEA (previous locations: DTW, TLV, EWR, BOS)
Programs: AS: 75K; DL/NW: Plat; DL SC: Lifetime; Hyatt: Diamond; HH: Gold; SPG: Plat;
Posts: 3,383
The inconsistency with the BRG is mind-boggling.
Here is my experience over the past two days with submitting a BRG for http://www.us.despegar.com/:
* Initial claim: Approved
* 2nd claim (additional days at same hotel): denied due to hotel not providing instant confirmation (which is incorrect)
* appeal: denied due to site requiring membership (AKA user name/password).
I ended up calling in, spoke to an agent who researched the issue then consulted with a supervisor. Ultimately, they denied the claim because apparently somewhere in the T&Cs, it says it may take up to 72 hours to process the reservation, even though I received immediate confirmation when I completed a dummy booking.
Here is my experience over the past two days with submitting a BRG for http://www.us.despegar.com/:
* Initial claim: Approved
* 2nd claim (additional days at same hotel): denied due to hotel not providing instant confirmation (which is incorrect)
* appeal: denied due to site requiring membership (AKA user name/password).
I ended up calling in, spoke to an agent who researched the issue then consulted with a supervisor. Ultimately, they denied the claim because apparently somewhere in the T&Cs, it says it may take up to 72 hours to process the reservation, even though I received immediate confirmation when I completed a dummy booking.
Jan 29, 2015, 2:44 pm
#1400
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: BKK, CDG, TLS
Programs: QR G, A3 G, EK G, IHG Amb, GHA Black, WOH LT something
Posts: 1,306
I am as well disapointed with Hyatt online BRG. I submitted two claims for PH Vienna, using booking.com. Both got denied for :
brg 2 : they were comparing a hyatt advance fare to a booking flexible (aka daily rate) which i asked they compared it to in my mail.
brg 1: they couldn't find the same rate i did apparently. which i was still showing even after i got the rejection email.
brg 2 : they were comparing a hyatt advance fare to a booking flexible (aka daily rate) which i asked they compared it to in my mail.
brg 1: they couldn't find the same rate i did apparently. which i was still showing even after i got the rejection email.
Jan 30, 2015, 2:36 am
#1403
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: SE Asia
Posts: 1,274
I just had one denied becuase they found a higher rate than hyatt.com. HOwever, this was not the rate which is currently still posted on kayak or the rate in the PDF. So even if the kayak rate is higher, I thought the point of the screen shot was to show prove the rate even if it increases by the time the BRG reviews it.
Jan 30, 2015, 8:16 pm
#1406
Join Date: Apr 2007
Programs: QF, VA, AC, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 3,779
Here's a new one:
The obvious question is, why would you want to book a higher rate than what you already have? The obvious answer is, because after the 20% discount, the rate would be cheaper than what I already have.
My existing rate is HKD1700.
The competing rate is HKD1790.
The current rate on hyatt.com is HKD1825.
The new rate with the 20% discount would be HKD1432.
But, no. Claim denied.
I have reviewed your claim and determined that, based on rates being higher than what you currently have, this reservation is not eligible for our Best Rate Guarantee.
I don't recall the T&Cs saying that the competing rate must be lower than the rate I already have. The obvious question is, why would you want to book a higher rate than what you already have? The obvious answer is, because after the 20% discount, the rate would be cheaper than what I already have.
My existing rate is HKD1700.
The competing rate is HKD1790.
The current rate on hyatt.com is HKD1825.
The new rate with the 20% discount would be HKD1432.
But, no. Claim denied.
Jan 30, 2015, 8:22 pm
#1407
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: SE Asia
Posts: 1,274
Here's a new one:
The obvious question is, why would you want to book a higher rate than what you already have? The obvious answer is, because after the 20% discount, the rate would be cheaper than what I already have.
My existing rate is HKD1700.
The competing rate is HKD1790.
The current rate on hyatt.com is HKD1825.
The new rate with the 20% discount would be HKD1432.
But, no. Claim denied.
I have reviewed your claim and determined that, based on rates being higher than what you currently have, this reservation is not eligible for our Best Rate Guarantee.
I don't recall the T&Cs saying that the competing rate must be lower than the rate I already have. The obvious question is, why would you want to book a higher rate than what you already have? The obvious answer is, because after the 20% discount, the rate would be cheaper than what I already have.
My existing rate is HKD1700.
The competing rate is HKD1790.
The current rate on hyatt.com is HKD1825.
The new rate with the 20% discount would be HKD1432.
But, no. Claim denied.
Jan 31, 2015, 12:09 pm
#1409
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP Gold
Posts: 2,732
Concourse Hotel LAX for a stay in February
Hyatt.com rate: $119
getaroom.com rate: $97.48
Final rate: $77.98
Included a JPG of the competing rate with my claim, and it was answered about 12 hours later. Because I had no existing reservation, they requested that I make one within 24 hours and contact them with my claim number to apply the lower rate. The agent had some trouble finding my claim, even with the reference number, but eventually did find it and apply the reduced rate.
Mostly satisfied with the outcome, but I preferred the old system where I could call and get instant confirmation.
Hyatt.com rate: $119
getaroom.com rate: $97.48
Final rate: $77.98
Included a JPG of the competing rate with my claim, and it was answered about 12 hours later. Because I had no existing reservation, they requested that I make one within 24 hours and contact them with my claim number to apply the lower rate. The agent had some trouble finding my claim, even with the reference number, but eventually did find it and apply the reduced rate.
Mostly satisfied with the outcome, but I preferred the old system where I could call and get instant confirmation.
Jan 31, 2015, 1:05 pm
#1410
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,720
Concourse Hotel LAX for a stay in February
Hyatt.com rate: $119
getaroom.com rate: $97.48
Final rate: $77.98
Included a JPG of the competing rate with my claim, and it was answered about 12 hours later. Because I had no existing reservation, they requested that I make one within 24 hours and contact them with my claim number to apply the lower rate. The agent had some trouble finding my claim, even with the reference number, but eventually did find it and apply the reduced rate.
Mostly satisfied with the outcome, but I preferred the old system where I could call and get instant confirmation.
Hyatt.com rate: $119
getaroom.com rate: $97.48
Final rate: $77.98
Included a JPG of the competing rate with my claim, and it was answered about 12 hours later. Because I had no existing reservation, they requested that I make one within 24 hours and contact them with my claim number to apply the lower rate. The agent had some trouble finding my claim, even with the reference number, but eventually did find it and apply the reduced rate.
Mostly satisfied with the outcome, but I preferred the old system where I could call and get instant confirmation.