Originally Posted by shiwala
I have used the online rate guarantee twice with great success. In one case, I saved almost $120 over the course of 4 nights. ^ I always use their online form to get the matching rate and have never been told that I can't earn points (I don't opt for miles). Donna49, I would think that if they told you the rate you booked doesn't qualify, you could cancel and book at a higher rate then resubmit your request.
You are right.
After my OP, I sent choicehotels.com a request for rate clarification, and the person who responded this time said to do just that (canx and rebook using the internet users rate) and she would be happy to process the refund request.
I wish I had done just that, but at the time I was a bit worried about canx the res I had. I really needed that location.
After the first reply from choicehotels with the denial, I checked expedia and there was no availability for the 3 nights I needed. I should have checked choicehotels.com, and if I could, book a different rate, and THEN canx my AAA rate and had them process the refund.
Well, I learned from that. Glad to hear that they do honor the internet guarantee. If it comes up again, I'll know what to do.