I booked a hotel, and filed a rate claim...
I am on the East coast, and the hotel booking is in California.
I received the rate claim response, verifying I will receive a free night.
In the middle of the night, I got a phone call from a rather irate ?owner ? desk clerk, about the 'free night' saying that he has a comparable rate that was available, and it was a misunderstanding, etc etc. Asked if he could change my rate to the lower rate. Of course, I said no....and asked him to contact customer service. He said they are closed...so I politely told him to call them in the morning.
Seems he was desperate at the thought of having to give away a free night....not sure how this will go.
I have talked to Best Rate Guarantee office, and asked about this scenario. I was told that they have no choice but to award the free night. If they refuse, and I have to pay at the check in desk, I will definitely be reimbursed, and the hotel will be charged back, plus a hefty fee.
I was also told that if I should be told at the check in counter that they did not want me in the hotel, and I was asked to leave, that my hotel night in another hotel would also be covered, through the program. (not necessairly at a Cendant hotel)
It does seem that they are serious about enforcing this program. I am, however, a little nervous about what will happen at the check in counter of this hotel!
Has anyone has a similiar experience?

Canada1