Anyone, even at the hotel front desk agent level, has the security access in the computer to change the dates on your net direct rate. I don't think they can refund them easily, but they surely could let you stay a different date. Similarly an airline ticket agent can change your nonrefundable tickets with the tap of a few keystrokes waiving all the rules. Just like if you know a cop, they can "fix" your parking tickets.

I know this might make people feel a little uncomfortable and thats perfectly fine and understandable. However, in whatever industry or institutions I have either worked in or been a customer of, the agents or employees have a great deal of undocumented and unofficial discretion when it comes to how or if certain rules are going to be enforced.

I do have some background in the travel industry. In college I worked as a travel agent. Sometimes when I got bored, I would just look at random PNRs for "interesting" things. And believe me, interesting things were found!

These agents can really hook you up or really screw you, and it is pretty arbitrary as to whether someone will help you or not. It largely depends if the person likes you or if there is chemistry between the two of you. Really that is the escence of much of what goes on in this world no matter what the industry, or institution, etc. If someone likes you they will help you, and if they don't or are indifferent, they will bring up all sorts of rules.

But don't just listen to me, a good read is The Penny Pinchers Guide To Luxury Travel. Again, a lot of people understandably get uncomfortable with this book, because again, its essential premise is you can get whatever you want arbitrarily by shmoozing with the agents, etc. Somehow that may not seem fair in an idealistic way. I'm sure there are other works in print that document the fact that in America and other countries rules are sometimes enforced and sometimes not enforced depending on who is involved.

I would personally agree you should not book these rooms unless you are sure you will use them, but if something comes up, don't just let them take your money and run with it. Remember, if they want too, they can make whatever exception, etc. Why should all the exceptions go to corporate CEO types. It will likely be a hassling inconvenience to get your change done, but it can be done.

I'm always amazed that people will just give these companies their money and not even ernestly try to negotiate something. But if you have that extra money to give, then I suppose, more power to you!

It would be interesting to hear either from a current or former hotel employee to learn about the degree of flexibility they have. E.g. if you changed a date on a net direct or Priceline rate would you fear being fired? (one extreme) or fear nothing what so ever at all (other extreme)? I suspect it is more like agents can make whatever changes, and there not going to be fired let alone maybe not even yelled at? But I could be wrong, I have not worked in a hotel.

I have heard a lot of travel stories over the years and been traveling a long time myself which forms the basis for the above observations.