I was surprised to have a BRG claim approved as the rate booked was fully flexible and the 3rd party rate required cancellation 72 hrs prior to check-in.
The confirmation email from BRG included the following:
Please be reminded that the credit card on file should be approved when the hotel attempts to make the charge or adjustment. In the event of a failure transaction or declined credit card, the free night and rate adjustment will no longer be honored pursuant to the Best Price Guarantee Terms & Conditions.
Given it is a 1 night reservation that is cancelable up till 6pm on day of check-in what are they talking about? there should be no charge made by the hotel. Do they do a credit card hold prior to arrival even when no charge is payable?