Discount Rate Code Acceptance
 

Hi, We're looking for some advice...My wife booked a hotel in Florida under an discount rate code she found. The rate was excellent and we were able to reserve online. The reservation details showed:
GARBAGE RATE* HOTEL USE ONLY (!)!()! )! ARSO DO NOT BOOK FROM THIS RATE PROGRAM !()!()!()

Anyone know if we will have problems with this reservation once we arrive? In my opinion the system accepted it and no additional things are required at check in such as special ID or coupon so it's good.
Any advice?

Thanks for your help.

Did she put any "special" codes in for this to come up?

To get to your room, you will go through the kitchen door at the back of the lobby restaurant--ignore the Authorized Personnel Only sign--out past the loading docks. Make a right, and the dumpsters will be off to your left. :eek:

Yes, I think it was a FAL code.

Now that was good! If it were a Holiday Inn that would be a room at the rack rate...

Unless you can provide the proper ID for FAL I would believe you might have some difficulty receiving the rate, especially given the notes listed in the rate program (ie do not use etc)

Thanks Socrates. Do you have any idea what type of rate this is and what they would expect in the form of ID? The details I provided were taken from the details on the web site under my account. The confirming email only said:

PROPERTY PROMO: 74.00 per night.

Applies to rate(s) above:
Additional fees may apply.
Rate(s) Quoted in: US Dollars
Plus tax when applicable.

I could just show them this which is the actual confirmation I would provide anyway. Although $74 is not a killer deal it's about 30-40% off the best rate we could otherwise find.

Thanks for your help.

Unless it is a very undertrained front desk agent, you will have a problem with that. That rate code can only be booked by the property, and with the agent who is booking it's initials. Properties use the term "Garbage Rate" and set it up like this for two reasons:

1. Its an old "legitimate rate" they no longer want to offer, and until it gets pulled they edit the description

2. It is a special negotiated rate that is for inhouse use only, and they don't intend it for use by national call centers, elite lines, or creative web users.

Did I mention the ethics of using a code that specifically says do not book....?

My assumption is that this is the Spring Hill in LBV Marriott Villiage. If so, trust me...you'll get busted. Be prepared to pay $139.

Ask; it can't hurt
 

Before I'd cancel it, I would as at least call the hotel and ask if the rate is ok, and if it will be honored. If yes, get the person's name. Can't hurt.