Last edit by: margarita girl
Marriott's Best Rate Guarantee Discussion Thread
This thread is about Marriott's BRG. If you don't know what BRG is - here's the Marriott BRG and here's the claim form.
If you're not satisfied with the outcome of your claim and wish for a second review you may reply back by email or call Marriott's BRG hotline 1-800-771-5665. A human is available at this number beginning at 9 am EST.
If you are new to this, and would like to ask fellow FTers questions regarding BRGs, then this thread is the place to start.
Hotel Name:
Date of stay:
Number of Guests:
Room Type:
Marriott Brand Website Rate:
Competing Rate:
Actual Approved Rate:
This thread is about Marriott's BRG. If you don't know what BRG is - here's the Marriott BRG and here's the claim form.
If you're not satisfied with the outcome of your claim and wish for a second review you may reply back by email or call Marriott's BRG hotline 1-800-771-5665. A human is available at this number beginning at 9 am EST.
If you are new to this, and would like to ask fellow FTers questions regarding BRGs, then this thread is the place to start.
Hotel Name:
Date of stay:
Number of Guests:
Room Type:
Marriott Brand Website Rate:
Competing Rate:
Actual Approved Rate:
Marriott BRG Best Rate Guarantee (formerly LNF) Success, failure & discussion thread
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: somewhere north of stateside...
Posts: 4,143
Marriott BRG Best Rate Guarantee (formerly LNF) Success, failure & discussion thread
I just had my first claim against a legacy SPG hotel approved by the LNF team, so figured this was as good a time as ever to start a thread on the combined new forum. May our claims be successful in the years ahead!
Hotel Name: St. Regis Bangkok
Arrival Date: 2019-01-05
Departure Date: 2019-01-07
Number of Rooms: 1
Number of Guests: 2
Room Type: Deluxe King
Marriott Brand Website Rate: THB 8,721 (all-in)
Competing Rate: EUR 209 (all-in), equivalent to THB 7,944
Competing Web Site:
Actual Approved Rate: THB 5,036 (plus tax)
LNF Award: 25% discount
Comments: Booked and LNF'd a flex rate - quick turn-around from the LNF team.
Hotel Name: St. Regis Bangkok
Arrival Date: 2019-01-05
Departure Date: 2019-01-07
Number of Rooms: 1
Number of Guests: 2
Room Type: Deluxe King
Marriott Brand Website Rate: THB 8,721 (all-in)
Competing Rate: EUR 209 (all-in), equivalent to THB 7,944
Competing Web Site:
Actual Approved Rate: THB 5,036 (plus tax)
LNF Award: 25% discount
Comments: Booked and LNF'd a flex rate - quick turn-around from the LNF team.
#2
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: DXB
Programs: Marriott Titanium Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, BA Silver, A3 Gold, Sixt Diamond
Posts: 2,807
Sorry if this has been answered before, but what if a room is available on third-party websites like Hotels.com etc., but not through Marriott?
For example because Marriott has a minimum stay requirement which Hotels.com doesn't have?
The hotel is displayed as sold out for my dates on the Marriott website.
For example because Marriott has a minimum stay requirement which Hotels.com doesn't have?
The hotel is displayed as sold out for my dates on the Marriott website.
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CPH
Programs: UAMP S, TK M&S E (*G), Marriott LTP, IHG P, SK EBG
Posts: 11,066
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,740
My experiences with the LNF have been from Excellent to Not Worth the Hassle Anymore in short 2 years period. In the past the taxes and fees were correctly subtracted from the competitor sites even just with detailed information on the claim. It is now the inclusive rates have to be lower than Marriott's exclusive rates in order to get the LNF approved.
That.is.a.bogus.LNF.
Meanwhile, Marriott is also taking away the elite benefits from bookings made on 3rd party sites. (expected as other programs long exclude such).
It boils down to, how much the lounge access / free breakfast would worth to you, when you essentially still pay for it when the Marriott rates are higher, sometimes meaningfully higher, than the OTA's rates. If no need for the stay credit, I would say saving cold hard cash for my own pocket book is more important.
That.is.a.bogus.LNF.
Meanwhile, Marriott is also taking away the elite benefits from bookings made on 3rd party sites. (expected as other programs long exclude such).
It boils down to, how much the lounge access / free breakfast would worth to you, when you essentially still pay for it when the Marriott rates are higher, sometimes meaningfully higher, than the OTA's rates. If no need for the stay credit, I would say saving cold hard cash for my own pocket book is more important.
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,740
Hi all,
Just to update that my case has a semi-approved. Meaning that while i did not get the option of 5000 points or 20% discount, the LNF agent managed to get the property to amend my pre-paid booking and match the current lower rate.
The difference of rates will be refunded to me once my stay has been completed.
Just to update that my case has a semi-approved. Meaning that while i did not get the option of 5000 points or 20% discount, the LNF agent managed to get the property to amend my pre-paid booking and match the current lower rate.
The difference of rates will be refunded to me once my stay has been completed.
Anything that requires subsequent follow up to get it, carries potential hassle and headache. Good Luck.
#7
Join Date: Jul 2007
Programs: Marriott Titanium
Posts: 461
Got a very strange response on my first LNF for Starwood.. Is this normal? I dont like the sound of 'if you have any issues with the rate charged at check out, please contact us ... within 15 days of departure.'
--
Hello Mr. JV1,
It is my pleasure to approve such a valuable Guest member's Best Rate Guarantee claim and reservation today.
Your confirmation number for your reservation will remain the same, as well as the cancellation policy under which you originally booked. Please present this e-mail upon arrival at the hotel. Here are the approved details our hotel colleagues will update for you prior to check in:
[Guest name, rate etc. ]
Mr. JV1, have a great stay at our Luxury Collection Resort and thank you for using our Best Rate Guarantee program to secure your lower rate. Have a good day.
If you have any questions regarding your Best Rate Guarantee claim or if you have any issues with the rate charged at check out, please contact us at [email protected] within 15 days of departure.
Best regards,
--
--
Hello Mr. JV1,
It is my pleasure to approve such a valuable Guest member's Best Rate Guarantee claim and reservation today.
Your confirmation number for your reservation will remain the same, as well as the cancellation policy under which you originally booked. Please present this e-mail upon arrival at the hotel. Here are the approved details our hotel colleagues will update for you prior to check in:
[Guest name, rate etc. ]
Mr. JV1, have a great stay at our Luxury Collection Resort and thank you for using our Best Rate Guarantee program to secure your lower rate. Have a good day.
If you have any questions regarding your Best Rate Guarantee claim or if you have any issues with the rate charged at check out, please contact us at [email protected] within 15 days of departure.
Best regards,
--
#8
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Phoenix, AZ USA
Programs: AA Life Gold, Marriott Platinum Elite
Posts: 472
Got a very strange response on my first LNF for Starwood.. Is this normal? I dont like the sound of 'if you have any issues with the rate charged at check out, please contact us ... within 15 days of departure.'
--
Hello Mr. JV1,
It is my pleasure to approve such a valuable Guest member's Best Rate Guarantee claim and reservation today.
Your confirmation number for your reservation will remain the same, as well as the cancellation policy under which you originally booked. Please present this e-mail upon arrival at the hotel. Here are the approved details our hotel colleagues will update for you prior to check in:
[Guest name, rate etc. ]
Mr. JV1, have a great stay at our Luxury Collection Resort and thank you for using our Best Rate Guarantee program to secure your lower rate. Have a good day.
If you have any questions regarding your Best Rate Guarantee claim or if you have any issues with the rate charged at check out, please contact us at [email protected] within 15 days of departure.
Best regards,
--
--
Hello Mr. JV1,
It is my pleasure to approve such a valuable Guest member's Best Rate Guarantee claim and reservation today.
Your confirmation number for your reservation will remain the same, as well as the cancellation policy under which you originally booked. Please present this e-mail upon arrival at the hotel. Here are the approved details our hotel colleagues will update for you prior to check in:
[Guest name, rate etc. ]
Mr. JV1, have a great stay at our Luxury Collection Resort and thank you for using our Best Rate Guarantee program to secure your lower rate. Have a good day.
If you have any questions regarding your Best Rate Guarantee claim or if you have any issues with the rate charged at check out, please contact us at [email protected] within 15 days of departure.
Best regards,
--
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Toronto
Programs: UA 1K, AC MM E75, Marriott LT Ti, IHG Dia Amb, Hyatt Glob
Posts: 15,510
Got a very strange response on my first LNF for Starwood.. Is this normal? I dont like the sound of 'if you have any issues with the rate charged at check out, please contact us ... within 15 days of departure.'
--
Hello Mr. JV1,
It is my pleasure to approve such a valuable Guest member's Best Rate Guarantee claim and reservation today.
Your confirmation number for your reservation will remain the same, as well as the cancellation policy under which you originally booked. Please present this e-mail upon arrival at the hotel. Here are the approved details our hotel colleagues will update for you prior to check in:
[Guest name, rate etc. ]
Mr. JV1, have a great stay at our Luxury Collection Resort and thank you for using our Best Rate Guarantee program to secure your lower rate. Have a good day.
If you have any questions regarding your Best Rate Guarantee claim or if you have any issues with the rate charged at check out, please contact us at [email protected] within 15 days of departure.
Best regards,
--
--
Hello Mr. JV1,
It is my pleasure to approve such a valuable Guest member's Best Rate Guarantee claim and reservation today.
Your confirmation number for your reservation will remain the same, as well as the cancellation policy under which you originally booked. Please present this e-mail upon arrival at the hotel. Here are the approved details our hotel colleagues will update for you prior to check in:
[Guest name, rate etc. ]
Mr. JV1, have a great stay at our Luxury Collection Resort and thank you for using our Best Rate Guarantee program to secure your lower rate. Have a good day.
If you have any questions regarding your Best Rate Guarantee claim or if you have any issues with the rate charged at check out, please contact us at [email protected] within 15 days of departure.
Best regards,
--
Who knows now with the Marriott take over.
#10
Join Date: Jul 2018
Programs: Starriott Plat Premier
Posts: 258
As the deduction via credit card has since been made from the original booking, the hotel has also informed me that they would refund me the balance upon the completion of my stay.
#11
Join Date: Jul 2007
Programs: Marriott Titanium
Posts: 461
Anyhow, I'm not really worried and think your approach is spot-on.. Just curious.
James
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Toronto
Programs: UA 1K, AC MM E75, Marriott LT Ti, IHG Dia Amb, Hyatt Glob
Posts: 15,510
It's not on the website - room has changed to 'standard rate' and there is no information on summary of charges. The hotel has just joined the SPG within the past month, so I wonder if there are some communication issues with the booking systems.
Anyhow, I'm not really worried and think your approach is spot-on.. Just curious.
James
Anyhow, I'm not really worried and think your approach is spot-on.. Just curious.
James
#13
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: United 1K, Marriott Platinum, Fairmont Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9
Marriott "Look No Further" Guarantee is a Joke
Bottom line: If you're looking for the best price, you're probably better off booking at another site than relying on Marriott's "Look No Further Guarantee."
After booking a Westin property, I found the same exact room for the same exact dates on Hotels.com. I printed out a copy of the Hotels.com price and submitted a claim. It took a day, and Marriott responded that they would not match the rate because the rate they found on Hotels.com was higher. I sent them the printout, and also looked on Hotels.com, and now an even lower rate was available (lower than Marriott). They responded by telling me that "we are unable to accept customer provided evidences for validating Best Rate Guarantee claims." So: they're ignoring the rate on Hotels.com and they're ignoring the evidence I'm providing them showing the rate I'm seeing. Great "Guarantee" and great customer service - ha!
After booking a Westin property, I found the same exact room for the same exact dates on Hotels.com. I printed out a copy of the Hotels.com price and submitted a claim. It took a day, and Marriott responded that they would not match the rate because the rate they found on Hotels.com was higher. I sent them the printout, and also looked on Hotels.com, and now an even lower rate was available (lower than Marriott). They responded by telling me that "we are unable to accept customer provided evidences for validating Best Rate Guarantee claims." So: they're ignoring the rate on Hotels.com and they're ignoring the evidence I'm providing them showing the rate I'm seeing. Great "Guarantee" and great customer service - ha!
#14
Join Date: Nov 2007
Programs: LH*G, FB*G, IC *free minibar*, SLH, RC 5C-Club, LHW, and a lot of others
Posts: 536
Is there a way to follow up a claim via phone? If somebody has a number I would highly appreciate it, if you can PM me thx
#15
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: MR-Amb, Hyatt-Globalist, AA-EXP
Posts: 1,744
It's not perfect, but "joke" goes a bit far. I agree it can be frustrating, but it's still the best "best rate" program around. You haven't been able to use screenshots for years, so that's nothing new. I've sometimes had to submit a claim several days in a row, because they can't find the competing rate at the time they check, but after years of dealing with Hilton's and Hyatt's programs, I'd take Marriott's current program all day. Plus 25% off is huge. I've had 3 claims in the last month that I'll save approximately $1400. With Hyatt I would have received $150 worth of Hyatt credit.