Do Bloced Dates Open Up?
 

I was looking to make a points reservation for July 4th and (not suprisingly) the hotel was not available other than for $$$ cash reservations. If there is availability nearer the date are these likely to open up like airplane seats do or is it usual for them to remain blocked forever?

I've seen them open up in the past, but obviously, there's no guarantee.

Absent a waiver, shouldn't they be required to let you book with points? Are only upgraded (non-standard) rooms left available?

Which property?

Pretty much all of the downtown Boston hotels, the only one open is at Copley. The hotel shows availability for $349/night but vanishes when you search using points.

Chris.

Not sure what your exact dates are, but I see the Marriott Long Wharf available for points July 3-5.

On the single night of the 4th, I see Long Wharf and Marriott Copley Place with points availability. I'm also getting a rate of $299 for FS Copley Place, so that's confusing me a bit - maybe it changes, if you're looking at different dates.

Also, you can use points at the Ritz Carlton, but you'll have to call to check availability.

Before I became Plat I had this a few times. After Plat of course the 48 hour guarantee kicks in, even so, its not much use if I need 2 rooms.

Whenever a hotel is blocked I just keep on searching. Rooms almost always appear when a guest cancels a room and I then nick those.

So to answer the question, yes they can, but you have to keep a watchful eye out.

Also worth adding that that the hotels may have used 4th July as one of their exceptions to the "no blackout" rule. And of course, even if they haven't and all redemption (standard) rooms have gone, bearing in mind the date you're looking for cancellations from those fortunate enough to have a room in Boston on this date are unlikely to give it up...

I have had "events" where the hotel opened up at the last minute. I would check often!