Jul 8, 13, 11:43 am
Last edit by: FLYGVA
Recent discussion (After January 01, 2016) could be found in this thread.
Most important points to consider for a valid BRG:
1. The comparison website MUST bill in the same currency as the hotel .
2. The cancellation terms must be equal or better, than the terms by the hotels.
3. The Website needs to provide INSTANT confirmation.
4. The room names should match, but if you can demonstrate, that the room is comparable, it will also work with discrepancies in the name.
5. The price difference has to be more than either USD 1 or 1% (whichever is higher).
5.b In regards to hotels located in australia and New Zealand the price difference must be greater than 3% .
Hotels for which you will get reimbursed:
(Note: There have been significant problems with getting full reimbursements from IHG, especially for reimbursements in other currencies than USD)
IC Istanbul ( BRG claim from the 17.05.2013/ "Technical Difficulties")
IC Frankfurt ( BRG claim from the 20.08.2013/ "Technical Difficulties")
Link to the Terms and Conditions : https://www.ihg.com/hotels/us/en/cus...rms-conditions
Most important points to consider for a valid BRG:
1. The comparison website MUST bill in the same currency as the hotel .
2. The cancellation terms must be equal or better, than the terms by the hotels.
3. The Website needs to provide INSTANT confirmation.
4. The room names should match, but if you can demonstrate, that the room is comparable, it will also work with discrepancies in the name.
5. The price difference has to be more than either USD 1 or 1% (whichever is higher).
5.b In regards to hotels located in australia and New Zealand the price difference must be greater than 3% .
Hotels for which you will get reimbursed:
(Note: There have been significant problems with getting full reimbursements from IHG, especially for reimbursements in other currencies than USD)
IC Istanbul ( BRG claim from the 17.05.2013/ "Technical Difficulties")
IC Frankfurt ( BRG claim from the 20.08.2013/ "Technical Difficulties")
Link to the Terms and Conditions : https://www.ihg.com/hotels/us/en/cus...rms-conditions
New IHG Best Rate Guarantee - Discussion & Feedback
Apr 24, 14, 8:35 pm
#5731
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: AA EXP (owe), BA Silver (ows), AB Silver (owr), WN A+/CP, IHG Spire AMB, Avis First
Posts: 1,376
Thanks, they finally e-mailed me back again and said they couldn't see the fare STILL, and also they don't accept screen shots. Since I think this OTA might be blocking IHG, I must ask - has anyone had a successful claim with logitravel in the last few weeks?
Apr 24, 14, 9:54 pm
#5732
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,145
+1 gazillion
Maybe we should nominate him for Shmuck of the Year Blogger. Pretty tight race with Darius but I think he noses ahead. I would very much like to start such a program and we can have different categories for each shmuckiest blog feature- red circles, pictures of vr and other gc, pictures of baby or fiance or wife in fc...
Maybe we should nominate him for Shmuck of the Year Blogger. Pretty tight race with Darius but I think he noses ahead. I would very much like to start such a program and we can have different categories for each shmuckiest blog feature- red circles, pictures of vr and other gc, pictures of baby or fiance or wife in fc...
Apr 24, 14, 10:11 pm
#5733
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: AA EXP (owe), BA Silver (ows), AB Silver (owr), WN A+/CP, IHG Spire AMB, Avis First
Posts: 1,376
About 1 week or so later, they shut off the phone lines. So I think we can 99% attribute the death of the BRG phoneline to dan and his irresponsible blogging.
I think the problem is that many blogs make the process way too easy. It would have been probably fine if he posted about how great of a deal BRGs are and gave suggestions on how to find them, but instead he posted step-by-step instructions for one particular price discrepancy. Sure, it's within his rights to do that, but he should have known that doing that would have had consequences (and he probably did know, but just didn't care because he wanted to attract traffic).
Last edited by no2chem; Apr 24, 14 at 10:24 pm
Apr 25, 14, 12:11 am
#5734
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Internet
Posts: 864
[deleted]
Last edited by Enigma; Apr 25, 14 at 12:21 am Reason: Found the answer - sorry!
Apr 25, 14, 12:21 am
#5735
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: AA EXP (owe), BA Silver (ows), AB Silver (owr), WN A+/CP, IHG Spire AMB, Avis First
Posts: 1,376
Some advice please:
Site I want to match has room description as "Standard - 1 Room" and is refundable. Intercontinental has "Standard Room" under "Best Flexible Rate" but it's description also says "Bed type smoking preference and view can not be guaranteed and will be allocated upon arrival of guest.". All rooms are much more expensive than the site I want to match.
Challengeable? Thanks!
Site I want to match has room description as "Standard - 1 Room" and is refundable. Intercontinental has "Standard Room" under "Best Flexible Rate" but it's description also says "Bed type smoking preference and view can not be guaranteed and will be allocated upon arrival of guest.". All rooms are much more expensive than the site I want to match.
Challengeable? Thanks!
note: my experienced are from one year ago, so might not be relevant anymore.
For one, it appears the sites I used to use don't work anymore.
Last edited by no2chem; Apr 25, 14 at 12:39 am
Apr 25, 14, 6:25 am
#5736
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Internet
Posts: 864
Thanks no2chem, but from further research found out that the site I was going to challenge is rejected by them for not being open to the public. Tip: small horses love to go on journeys
Apr 25, 14, 9:20 am
#5737
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Tyrone,EU
Programs: Avios Hunter
Posts: 2,738
Apr 25, 14, 10:22 pm
#5739
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 21
Does anyone know if replying to a denied claim actually works??? I tried replying to a denied claim, and of course, it's been 30h since I replied and still no response.
They denied the claim because they "couldn't see the rate". I suspect they didn't bother to click on the button to see all the available rates (website was in french), so I sent them a screenshot and instructions on how to access the rates.
Is the correct thing to do just to send another claim?
...man, this makes me really scared to do this with any non-refundable rates now since they take so long!!!
again, stupid dan...
They denied the claim because they "couldn't see the rate". I suspect they didn't bother to click on the button to see all the available rates (website was in french), so I sent them a screenshot and instructions on how to access the rates.
Is the correct thing to do just to send another claim?
...man, this makes me really scared to do this with any non-refundable rates now since they take so long!!!
again, stupid dan...
Apr 26, 14, 5:28 pm
#5740
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 47
Yes, if you are convinced your claim should be validated, replying to a denied claim can change the outcome. Three days ago, I found a waterfront-view, exec king room at a property in Ontario, Canada that I wanted on a specific date. Great. Everything was a match, even - surprisingly - the cancellation time terms which were the same as the Best Available IHG rate. It was found on priceline.com - common enough - and was a "pay at the hotel room" listed in Canadian currency. Thirty hrs later, I received this reason for rejection:
"The competing website which is www.priceline.com is US Based that is why regardless of the hotel location, the rates will only be viewed and booked in US Dollars (USD) only. The option to view and book it in other currencies is unvailable. Therefore, we are unable to extend the Guarantee."
The spelling and grammar is exactly as received.
I responded with a polite request for a review by a Supervisor because the rational for rejection was clearly wrong. If you have a room that is "Pay at the hotel," you are obviously paying in the local currency and the priceline website I was looking at was clearly listing in Canadian $$. The price difference was $31 for the identical room.
Sent it off expecting to be ignored. Nope. One of the usual suspects at the BRG response centre contacted me 8 hours later saying my request was being forwarded for review. Two hours later, I got this:
"We were most concerned to learn that you were not satisfied with the service you have received from the Best Price Guarantee department and IHG. As a Senior Case Manager for the Best Price Guarantee department, your case has been forwarded to me for review and response.
Firstly, I would like to apologize for any inconvenience filing for this program may have caused you. I would also like to thank you for your patience in allowing me time to familiarize myself with your claim and to go over all the documentation taken at the time your claim was processed. I have been able to verify the lower rate you found on www.priceline.com. Thus your claim is qualified for the free night rate adjustment."
I'm pleased with this outcome. It was worth it to respond in a concise, respectful manner, instead of saying what I was really thinking.... Oh yes, I put "Supervisor Requested" in my response title.
"The competing website which is www.priceline.com is US Based that is why regardless of the hotel location, the rates will only be viewed and booked in US Dollars (USD) only. The option to view and book it in other currencies is unvailable. Therefore, we are unable to extend the Guarantee."
The spelling and grammar is exactly as received.
I responded with a polite request for a review by a Supervisor because the rational for rejection was clearly wrong. If you have a room that is "Pay at the hotel," you are obviously paying in the local currency and the priceline website I was looking at was clearly listing in Canadian $$. The price difference was $31 for the identical room.
Sent it off expecting to be ignored. Nope. One of the usual suspects at the BRG response centre contacted me 8 hours later saying my request was being forwarded for review. Two hours later, I got this:
"We were most concerned to learn that you were not satisfied with the service you have received from the Best Price Guarantee department and IHG. As a Senior Case Manager for the Best Price Guarantee department, your case has been forwarded to me for review and response.
Firstly, I would like to apologize for any inconvenience filing for this program may have caused you. I would also like to thank you for your patience in allowing me time to familiarize myself with your claim and to go over all the documentation taken at the time your claim was processed. I have been able to verify the lower rate you found on www.priceline.com. Thus your claim is qualified for the free night rate adjustment."
I'm pleased with this outcome. It was worth it to respond in a concise, respectful manner, instead of saying what I was really thinking.... Oh yes, I put "Supervisor Requested" in my response title.
Apr 26, 14, 6:00 pm
#5741
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: AA EXP (owe), BA Silver (ows), AB Silver (owr), WN A+/CP, IHG Spire AMB, Avis First
Posts: 1,376
Yes, if you are convinced your claim should be validated, replying to a denied claim can change the outcome. Three days ago, I found a waterfront-view, exec king room at a property in Ontario, Canada that I wanted on a specific date. Great. Everything was a match, even - surprisingly - the cancellation time terms which were the same as the Best Available IHG rate. It was found on priceline.com - common enough - and was a "pay at the hotel room" listed in Canadian currency. Thirty hrs later, I received this reason for rejection:
"The competing website which is www.priceline.com is US Based that is why regardless of the hotel location, the rates will only be viewed and booked in US Dollars (USD) only. The option to view and book it in other currencies is unvailable. Therefore, we are unable to extend the Guarantee."
The spelling and grammar is exactly as received.
I responded with a polite request for a review by a Supervisor because the rational for rejection was clearly wrong. If you have a room that is "Pay at the hotel," you are obviously paying in the local currency and the priceline website I was looking at was clearly listing in Canadian $$. The price difference was $31 for the identical room.
Sent it off expecting to be ignored. Nope. One of the usual suspects at the BRG response centre contacted me 8 hours later saying my request was being forwarded for review. Two hours later, I got this:
"We were most concerned to learn that you were not satisfied with the service you have received from the Best Price Guarantee department and IHG. As a Senior Case Manager for the Best Price Guarantee department, your case has been forwarded to me for review and response.
Firstly, I would like to apologize for any inconvenience filing for this program may have caused you. I would also like to thank you for your patience in allowing me time to familiarize myself with your claim and to go over all the documentation taken at the time your claim was processed. I have been able to verify the lower rate you found on www.priceline.com. Thus your claim is qualified for the free night rate adjustment."
I'm pleased with this outcome. It was worth it to respond in a concise, respectful manner, instead of saying what I was really thinking.... Oh yes, I put "Supervisor Requested" in my response title.
"The competing website which is www.priceline.com is US Based that is why regardless of the hotel location, the rates will only be viewed and booked in US Dollars (USD) only. The option to view and book it in other currencies is unvailable. Therefore, we are unable to extend the Guarantee."
The spelling and grammar is exactly as received.
I responded with a polite request for a review by a Supervisor because the rational for rejection was clearly wrong. If you have a room that is "Pay at the hotel," you are obviously paying in the local currency and the priceline website I was looking at was clearly listing in Canadian $$. The price difference was $31 for the identical room.
Sent it off expecting to be ignored. Nope. One of the usual suspects at the BRG response centre contacted me 8 hours later saying my request was being forwarded for review. Two hours later, I got this:
"We were most concerned to learn that you were not satisfied with the service you have received from the Best Price Guarantee department and IHG. As a Senior Case Manager for the Best Price Guarantee department, your case has been forwarded to me for review and response.
Firstly, I would like to apologize for any inconvenience filing for this program may have caused you. I would also like to thank you for your patience in allowing me time to familiarize myself with your claim and to go over all the documentation taken at the time your claim was processed. I have been able to verify the lower rate you found on www.priceline.com. Thus your claim is qualified for the free night rate adjustment."
I'm pleased with this outcome. It was worth it to respond in a concise, respectful manner, instead of saying what I was really thinking.... Oh yes, I put "Supervisor Requested" in my response title.
Apr 27, 14, 4:36 am
#5742
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: N/A
Programs: 100m swimming certificate level 5
Posts: 1,452
Yes, if you are convinced your claim should be validated, replying to a denied claim can change the outcome. Three days ago, I found a waterfront-view, exec king room at a property in Ontario, Canada that I wanted on a specific date. Great. Everything was a match, even - surprisingly - the cancellation time terms which were the same as the Best Available IHG rate. It was found on priceline.com - common enough - and was a "pay at the hotel room" listed in Canadian currency. Thirty hrs later, I received this reason for rejection:
"The competing website which is www.priceline.com is US Based that is why regardless of the hotel location, the rates will only be viewed and booked in US Dollars (USD) only. The option to view and book it in other currencies is unvailable. Therefore, we are unable to extend the Guarantee."
The spelling and grammar is exactly as received.
I responded with a polite request for a review by a Supervisor because the rational for rejection was clearly wrong. If you have a room that is "Pay at the hotel," you are obviously paying in the local currency and the priceline website I was looking at was clearly listing in Canadian $$. The price difference was $31 for the identical room.
Sent it off expecting to be ignored. Nope. One of the usual suspects at the BRG response centre contacted me 8 hours later saying my request was being forwarded for review. Two hours later, I got this:
"We were most concerned to learn that you were not satisfied with the service you have received from the Best Price Guarantee department and IHG. As a Senior Case Manager for the Best Price Guarantee department, your case has been forwarded to me for review and response.
Firstly, I would like to apologize for any inconvenience filing for this program may have caused you. I would also like to thank you for your patience in allowing me time to familiarize myself with your claim and to go over all the documentation taken at the time your claim was processed. I have been able to verify the lower rate you found on www.priceline.com. Thus your claim is qualified for the free night rate adjustment."
I'm pleased with this outcome. It was worth it to respond in a concise, respectful manner, instead of saying what I was really thinking.... Oh yes, I put "Supervisor Requested" in my response title.
"The competing website which is www.priceline.com is US Based that is why regardless of the hotel location, the rates will only be viewed and booked in US Dollars (USD) only. The option to view and book it in other currencies is unvailable. Therefore, we are unable to extend the Guarantee."
The spelling and grammar is exactly as received.
I responded with a polite request for a review by a Supervisor because the rational for rejection was clearly wrong. If you have a room that is "Pay at the hotel," you are obviously paying in the local currency and the priceline website I was looking at was clearly listing in Canadian $$. The price difference was $31 for the identical room.
Sent it off expecting to be ignored. Nope. One of the usual suspects at the BRG response centre contacted me 8 hours later saying my request was being forwarded for review. Two hours later, I got this:
"We were most concerned to learn that you were not satisfied with the service you have received from the Best Price Guarantee department and IHG. As a Senior Case Manager for the Best Price Guarantee department, your case has been forwarded to me for review and response.
Firstly, I would like to apologize for any inconvenience filing for this program may have caused you. I would also like to thank you for your patience in allowing me time to familiarize myself with your claim and to go over all the documentation taken at the time your claim was processed. I have been able to verify the lower rate you found on www.priceline.com. Thus your claim is qualified for the free night rate adjustment."
I'm pleased with this outcome. It was worth it to respond in a concise, respectful manner, instead of saying what I was really thinking.... Oh yes, I put "Supervisor Requested" in my response title.
Apr 27, 14, 6:20 am
#5743
Join Date: Sep 2010
Programs: AZ FA+, A3 G, AB G | IHG RA, HGP D, FPC P, Accor P, BW D, HH D, Eleva, GHA P, 1862 Voyager
Posts: 1,849
Been 40 hours since my claim, and no reply yet. Seems to be rather slow this weekend
So almost 44 hours since my claim and they replied that they can't find the rate because it is no longer there!
I have screenshots but I highly doubt it's going to make a difference. My stay is in 2 days
So almost 44 hours since my claim and they replied that they can't find the rate because it is no longer there!
I have screenshots but I highly doubt it's going to make a difference. My stay is in 2 days
Last edited by lsed; Apr 27, 14 at 9:14 am
Apr 27, 14, 10:11 am
#5744
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 289
Been 40 hours since my claim, and no reply yet. Seems to be rather slow this weekend
So almost 44 hours since my claim and they replied that they can't find the rate because it is no longer there!
I have screenshots but I highly doubt it's going to make a difference. My stay is in 2 days
So almost 44 hours since my claim and they replied that they can't find the rate because it is no longer there!
I have screenshots but I highly doubt it's going to make a difference. My stay is in 2 days
