Flexible rates that aren't flexible?
Mar 14, 2024, 3:46 am
#1
formerly kiwi_norway
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2011
Location: London, UK
Programs: A3*G, NZ*S, Avis PC
Posts: 390
Flexible rates that aren't flexible?
I was about to book a stay at the Renaissance Haikou for June. Single night and I need it to be flexible. But when looking at the rate details, all of their "Flexible" rates take payment a day after booking (even though we're still months out from travel) and can't be cancelled after that payment is taken. In essence, it seems that their "Flexible" rates are really non-cancellable prepay rates.
Is this normal? I've never seen it before.
Is this normal? I've never seen it before.
Mar 14, 2024, 5:31 am
#2
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Programs: UA MM, MB LifeTit
Posts: 1,830
What exactly is flexible here? Are you reserving a one-night stay in June but you don't yet know the specific date in June? If so, then the hotel charging you a fixed amount and letting you choose the date later seems pretty flexible.
Mar 14, 2024, 5:42 am
#3
formerly kiwi_norway
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2011
Location: London, UK
Programs: A3*G, NZ*S, Avis PC
Posts: 390
In my experience, Flexible rates cost more but are cancellable without cost up until very close to check-in, and "Prepay and Save" rates provide a discount with the compromise that the booking is not changeable / refundable.
I'm just surprised to see rates advertised as "Flexible" that are fully prepaid and non-refundable. Is this common?
Mar 14, 2024, 7:17 am
#5
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 2,155
I agree with the OP, this is not a flexible rate.
But for example if they book the night of 18 June it's 11,500 points and they can cancel until 23.59 the day before.
It might be cheaper to buy the points with the current promotion and have proper flexibility, than to book with cash. Especially if they would lose all the money in the event of a change.
But for example if they book the night of 18 June it's 11,500 points and they can cancel until 23.59 the day before.
It might be cheaper to buy the points with the current promotion and have proper flexibility, than to book with cash. Especially if they would lose all the money in the event of a change.
Mar 14, 2024, 8:01 am
#6
formerly kiwi_norway
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2011
Location: London, UK
Programs: A3*G, NZ*S, Avis PC
Posts: 390
I agree with the OP, this is not a flexible rate.
But for example if they book the night of 18 June it's 11,500 points and they can cancel until 23.59 the day before.
It might be cheaper to buy the points with the current promotion and have proper flexibility, than to book with cash. Especially if they would lose all the money in the event of a change.
But for example if they book the night of 18 June it's 11,500 points and they can cancel until 23.59 the day before.
It might be cheaper to buy the points with the current promotion and have proper flexibility, than to book with cash. Especially if they would lose all the money in the event of a change.
Mar 15, 2024, 8:18 pm
#7
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: Bonvoy ambassador - lifetime plat / Hilton diamond / hyatt globalist / AA CK baby!
Posts: 896
I was about to book a stay at the Renaissance Haikou for June. Single night and I need it to be flexible. But when looking at the rate details, all of their "Flexible" rates take payment a day after booking (even though we're still months out from travel) and can't be cancelled after that payment is taken. In essence, it seems that their "Flexible" rates are really non-cancellable prepay rates.
Is this normal? I've never seen it before.
Is this normal? I've never seen it before.
as an example, i booked 2 rooms at 2 properties, for nights around the solar eclipse next month in texas (because the total number of days i wanted werent avalible at either of my preferred properties).
one one of the reservations I booked a flexible rate that couldnt be changed 24 hrs after booking and required pre payment. I reached out to my ambassador who contacted the hotel on my behalf. he said that despite the unusual terms, they WOULD honor the rate as flexible, all the way up to 3 days before check in. So the reality is whatever toy see on your screen might not be what you are entitled to. Reaching out to the property is always the best bet.
Mar 15, 2024, 9:42 pm
#8
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: CEB - primary/YVR -secondary
Programs: AC*Super Elite (100K) / PR*Elite / AY*Platinum (OWE) / SPG*Bonvoy Titanium (LTT)
Posts: 2,273
Mar 16, 2024, 3:28 am
#9
formerly kiwi_norway
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2011
Location: London, UK
Programs: A3*G, NZ*S, Avis PC
Posts: 390
On that note, what is the best way to get a hotel's email address? I always resort to phoning the central reservations call centre, but it's 50/50 whether or not they have (or are willing to give) an email address.
Mar 16, 2024, 4:08 am
#10
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: Bonvoy ambassador - lifetime plat / Hilton diamond / hyatt globalist / AA CK baby!
Posts: 896
it's easy to reach a property. the phone number is right there in the booking process. Call um up, confirm what is going on, ask for their email and get it in writting to cover your back side.