Originally Posted by Canada1
This program does seem too good to be true.
Can we get some feedback from travellers who have used the free nights awarded through this program?
I am booking a two week vacation in southern CA in August, and with very little looking, there is no trouble to get a free night stay at almost any destination. I am wondering what I can expect, when I show up with a 0.00 rated reservation confirmation number...abuse from the owner/ desk clerk? Or, are the individual owners reimbursed in some way, for the free hotel nights they are giving away?
If anyone has some experience with redeeming these nights, I would love to hear about it.
Thanks!
Canada1
In talking to CS, I found out that
www.cheaptickets.com is also owned by parent company "Cendant Corp".
First try I got 8 nights between December and January. NO hassle at front desk. They called it a direct bill. No taxes, zero.
The next four were in February and the front desk person adjusted and called it a Web rate. The fourth stay they charged taxes only. Talked to CS and they said that this was the correct way.
Booked 12 between March and April. Received confirmation that I would receive the stays free. The motel manager left me a message at home and when I talked to him, He said that I was "Scamming" some how and he would refuse me service. Talked to CS and after two weeks of "Negotiation(?)", he agreed to honor the reservations.
Was working on May and June. Rates were $49.50 vs $47.00. Got up to June 7 and the rates went down to $46.12 on their own website. Filled the claims and I was watching dates earlier than this start to change. Their guarantee will give you free, or the "lower rate" on their website. (This was the $46.12). Lo and behold, I now had 12 reservations at $46.12.
They changed their prices to "avoid" the guarantee. ( One other time, I had copies of the web pages, showing the lower rate, But they said that they would not accept, since at that time I already had 8 stays free)
Have one last example: Booked a Days Inn in Champaign IL. They agreed in email to a Free night. Called the Motel to confirm, and they were not aware of the Zero Rate. Called CS. They stated a three step approach. Hope everything is wonderful. Have them check with central reservations and look at the reservation. If clerk does not agree, or know how to handle, the third step is to pay and then get reimbursed by Trip Rewards. Luckly, stage one occured.
All in All, I am still scanning the prices, including those that I already have booked at the $46.12. Might still find some lower.
Final note, as stated above: Verify that the rate found is not some special rate (IE Government, etc.)