Originally Posted by
ChocolateFactory
I think I have found a candidate for a best rate claim, but before I book, I would like to know if there are any pitfalls.
Maybe one of you guys can help?
I first made a refundable booking and sent in a best rate claim for a refundable rate at another website (the cancellation policy was slightly differed, but I thought it was worth a shot).
The claim was denied because I could have booked a non-refundable rate.
So now I cancelled the refundable rate, but I'm hesitating to book a non-refundable rate, as long as I don't know that it's likely they will accept the claim.
Here are the details:
Rate type: Non-refundable ("Advance Saver Rate")
Room type: (same)
Breakfast included: No
No. of adults: 2
No. of nights: 1
Immediate confirmation: Yes
IHG rate: 320 GBP (hotel currency)
3rd party rate: 315.25 GBP
Do you see anything they could use as an excuse for denying my claim?
If not, I would book it.
Thanks.
If the BPG attempt hotel is well above the price point you would book if paying yourself then you should not risk booking it on non-refundable rate. You may see hotel rooms as only on Flex rates nearer time of stay, say in last 7days before arrival ,and then you can try flex v flex BPG at no risk.
By all means book hotel if you would need stay there in that specific location and date for the online roomrate, whether BPG is a success or not.
If your normal booking rates regularly approach the IHG £320 rate then it is worth paying an extra £25-40/night on the basis that if you win 5/10 attempts you are still ahead in the game.
If you regular normal nightly booked rate is circa £100 night, then in the long run, you could be out of pocket paying extra £200/night and getting your BPG's refused.
BPG claiming on non-refundable rates is not going to give you a free night each and every attempt, so base your savings on winning say 5/10 BPG (regulars do better) attempts, especially now IHG are being so much stricter in 2016 regards granting BPG attempts.