JaeDoubleYou

When searching for a hotel in Arlington, VA, for June, I noticed that a major travel site offered a lower rate than the IHG site for a non-refundable double room. I read that I need to book the room through IHG and then submit a claim. I booked it on Tuesday morning and submitted the claim.

I received a response after midnight that my claim was denied because the rate was actually higher when the team verified the claim.

I checked Wednesday morning and the rate was back down to the lower price that I found on Tuesday. I contacted them again even within the 24 hour window, but I was denied again because you can only submit 1 claim.

I'd understand if it was a different type of fare or I didn't book the lowest rate, but I made sure to follow those rules. Instead I'm denied because the price fluctuated on the travel site when they happen to check. It was cheaper the morning I booked and the next morning.

It looks like the terms are on their side. I clearly could have booked the lower rate through the third party, but I believed IHG would honor the best online rates.

Is there anything I can do at this point? Or is it a hard lesson learned?

It's really not a huge money difference, but there is a principle issue here regarding their claim that "when you book directly with us, we promise you'll always get the lowest price online."

Thanks.

JaeDoubleYou

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Jaimito Cartero

IAN-UK

As you say, it really isn't worth bothering about.

In the heady days when a successful stay won you a free night, it was worth some struggle. Now it's dead in the water - just window dressing.

Book the cheaper night if you want to save cash, or go for the IHG offer of you want the points.
If you do go for the cheaper night no harm in trying the BRG, but it generally isn't worth the effort fighting it.

exploreaswego

Booked flexible rate at a Kimpton for $164 on IHG.
Filed a claim using Agoda.com, public sale rates are going at $150.
Same dates, same room type, same refundable cancellation dates.
Will report back if I have success, else I'll just cancel and abandon this whole stupid hoaxy IHG program.

Update: As expected, my claim was rejected.
This was the reason..
The reservation is not booked under the lowest priced rate for the room type you booked.

So this means you can never EVER win a claim if you booked anything in a flexible rate or higher room type, because those rates will be more expensive anyway and can never qualify as the lowest priced room. What a sham!
Cancelled my reservation and moved on, I love staying at Kimptons, but with such lousy benefits for its elites and the way IHG destroys all they programs here, I actually happier with Marriott or Hilton.