Do Bloced Dates Open Up?
Jun 24, 2010 | 2:00 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: NH, USA
Programs: AA Million Miler, Marriott/SPG Lifetime Plat
Posts: 393
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?
Jun 24, 2010 | 2:55 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 552
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?
Absent a waiver, shouldn't they be required to let you book with points? Are only upgraded (non-standard) rooms left available?
Which property?
Jun 24, 2010 | 3:00 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: NH, USA
Programs: AA Million Miler, Marriott/SPG Lifetime Plat
Posts: 393
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.
Chris.
Jun 24, 2010 | 3:25 pm
#4
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 552
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.
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.
Jun 25, 2010 | 5:14 am
#5
In memoriam
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: MAN
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium, IHG Spire, UA Silver, Dennis The Menace Fan Club
Posts: 1,457
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...
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...
Last edited by BrightlyBob; Jun 25, 2010 at 5:19 am Reason: Clarity
Jun 25, 2010 | 10:19 am
#6
Join Date: Dec 2004
Programs: DL - Plat, Marriott - Plat, Hilton - Diamond, SPG- Plat, National- ES
Posts: 1,857
I have had "events" where the hotel opened up at the last minute. I would check often!