Seeking Advice: Unusually Low Rates - Booking Stability Concerns
Jan 2, 2024, 12:49 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2024
Posts: 1
Seeking Advice: Unusually Low Rates - Booking Stability Concerns
Hi there,
I'm new to this site and just had an interesting experience with the Foreign (Asian) AMEX website. I used my MR points for the first time to book multiple nights for an upcoming business trip. The trip spans 15 days across three countries, and the total cost came to under 100 USD plus 1000 MR points – a real bargain, I thought.
I later compared the rates on booking.com and was shocked to see the same trip costing over 40K USD elsewhere.
I've already called the hotels to confirm, and everything seems fine. They mentioned a deposit guarantee and a resort fee of around 45 USD, but no other hidden costs. Since my booking was through a third party, they couldn't provide specific rate details.
Now, even though the Korean AMEX website has updated its rates, my booking still shows as 'confirmed'. I'm wondering what the chances are that my reservation might get cancelled or there could be issues at check-in.
Thanks in advance for any insights, and pardon any English mistakes (I am a foreigner).
I'm new to this site and just had an interesting experience with the Foreign (Asian) AMEX website. I used my MR points for the first time to book multiple nights for an upcoming business trip. The trip spans 15 days across three countries, and the total cost came to under 100 USD plus 1000 MR points – a real bargain, I thought.
I later compared the rates on booking.com and was shocked to see the same trip costing over 40K USD elsewhere.
I've already called the hotels to confirm, and everything seems fine. They mentioned a deposit guarantee and a resort fee of around 45 USD, but no other hidden costs. Since my booking was through a third party, they couldn't provide specific rate details.
Now, even though the Korean AMEX website has updated its rates, my booking still shows as 'confirmed'. I'm wondering what the chances are that my reservation might get cancelled or there could be issues at check-in.
Thanks in advance for any insights, and pardon any English mistakes (I am a foreigner).
Jan 2, 2024, 8:09 am
#2
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: YVR
Programs: DL Gold, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond, Best Western Diamond Selec
Posts: 539
Like any other hotels and airlines flash sales, don't call them. If they already pulled the deals long time ago, it may be ok to call them to confirm the bookings, but I personally prefer to show up unannounced. By the sound of it, you may have a good chance of them honoring your bookings.
Don't take them honoring the deals granted, and always have back up plans.
Most countries offer no consumer protections when they decide not to honor. Some hotels reserve their rights not to honor such rates, stated in their terms (eg Hilton?).
Last edited by maverikbc; Jan 2, 2024 at 8:15 am
Jan 2, 2024, 1:14 pm
#3
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: YYZ
Programs: All Accor Plat, 1865 Voyager, AE E35K, HH Gold,Hyatt, Hrtz Gold, Marriott Gold, NEXUS
Posts: 1,670
Agree with maverikbc. Have a back up plan. I would find some nearby hotels with a rate you can cancel as close to your arrival time as you can just in case.
Jan 4, 2024, 9:59 am
#4
Moderator: Information Desk, Women Travelers, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 15,657
if you look around other threads in this forum, your thread is the only one not discussing the deals open for public, I think the admins will move this to somewhere else soon or later.
Like any other hotels and airlines flash sales, don't call them. If they already pulled the deals long time ago, it may be ok to call them to confirm the bookings, but I personally prefer to show up unannounced. By the sound of it, you may have a good chance of them honoring your bookings.
Don't take them honoring the deals granted, and always have back up plans.
Most countries offer no consumer protections when they decide not to honor. Some hotels reserve their rights not to honor such rates, stated in their terms (eg Hilton?).
Like any other hotels and airlines flash sales, don't call them. If they already pulled the deals long time ago, it may be ok to call them to confirm the bookings, but I personally prefer to show up unannounced. By the sound of it, you may have a good chance of them honoring your bookings.
Don't take them honoring the deals granted, and always have back up plans.
Most countries offer no consumer protections when they decide not to honor. Some hotels reserve their rights not to honor such rates, stated in their terms (eg Hilton?).
chgoeditor
co-mod, Info Desk