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SPG Best Rate Guarantee (BRG) 2018: Success, failure & discussion thread

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Old Jan 1, 2018, 7:21 am
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Last edit by: Starwood Lurker
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POSTING FORMAT

Hotel Name:
Arrival Date:
Departure Date:
Number of Rooms:
Number of Guests:
Room Type:
Starwood Brand Web Site Room Rate:
Competing Rate:
Competing Web Site:

Comments:

FAQ

What is the Best Rate Guarantee (BRG)?

If a lower rate at an SPG Hotel is made available on a non-SPG website or non-SPG mobile application, upon its receipt of a claim that satisfies these Best Rate Guarantee terms and conditions, SPG will honor that Competing Rate and provide the individual that submitted the valid claim one of the following rewards: (1) an additional 25% discount off the Competing Rate (20% for Design Hotels) per room per night (up to a maximum of three rooms); or (2) 2,000 Starwood Preferred Guest® Starpoints® per room per stay (up to a maximum of three rooms).

What should I do if my claim is successful?
  • Re-confirm your rate at check-in; normally the hotel will have the correct BRG rate in your reservation, but sometimes you will need to remind them.
  • If you choose points, they will be credited after the stay; check in one week to see if they have posted. If they have not posted, then contacted the BRG team to get it posted.
Are SPG benefits honored for BRG stays?

Yes. You should receive the same SPG elite member benefits and stay/night credit as for a normal paid stay.

How do I view my reservation after my BRG has been approved?
  • Log into your SPG account.
  • Click on your stays to view your current reservation.
  • Click on "Set Stay Preferences" link for the BRG reservation, then SAVE.
  • Refresh your stays page and the reservation should be visible again. You may need to repeat this step if the hotel touches your reservation. If you apply for Your24, you will not be able to view the reservation details.
How do I add a Suite Night Award (SNA) to a my BRG reservation?
  • Follow the steps as outlined under: How do I view my reservation after my BRG has been approved?
  • At the end of this process, you should be able to select "Apply SNA to this Stay" from within your stays page.
GUIDELINES FOR A SUCCESSFUL CLAIM

• You cannot BRG against a rate on a Starwood Website/App (hot escapes, promos, Gov. Rate etc.). It has to be a 3rd party website/App.

• The rate you submit the BRG against must be a rate that is available to the general public
• Cancellation/Deposit Policies and amenities must match on both websites to be valid

A valid Starwood website reservation is required to submit a BRG

• If a room category is available on an external website but not on Starwood, you may still make a claim. You still need to make a booking with Starwood using the next lowest category of room and must include the cancel/deposit polices and amenities you are wanting- if your claim is approved the room type in the booking will remain what is booked.


• Only one claim may be submitted per reservation number (If your first claim is denied, you may submit a new claim for that reservation if you find another lower rate after you receive the denial email)

• You must book and submit a claim for the room type, cancel policy, deposit policy and amenities you are comparing. If you a flexible rate on SPG.com, they will look for a flexible rate when processing your claim, even if a lower rate for non-cancellable is available.
• You cannot BRG with a flexible rate against a prepaid rate. All information must be the same on both websites and the claim will be denied.

• If your comparable rate includes extras like breakfast or parking, make sure there is a room available on spg.com that includes the exact amenities. If there is no room available with the same amenities, it will be denied.

• Room types must be the same for a BRG.

• If you are booking and comparing rates for a non-refundable booking, note that you are responsible for any and all charges including cancellation charges, even if the claim is not approved

• If you have an approved and finalized claim and you find an even cheaper rate later, then you may submit a new BRG claim that is not connected to any existing reservation. If this BRG claim is approved, you will need to make a new reservation on SPG.com. Once the process is completed, you will then email the BRG desk to cancel your first reservation, if it is within the cancellation deadline.

• The cancel policy of an approved claim will be the same as what was booked and approved. It will no longer default to flexible.

• If you find availability for the room type you want on a third party website/app but there is no availability for that room type on the Starwood Website, then this may be an approved claim if it meets all other terms and conditions. You will need to make sure that you specify the room type you actually want on the Starwood Website section and enter 0 in the rate and currency. This will ensure that the processing associates know that the room type you want is not available on the Starwood Website. You may also add additional comments near the end of the claim form indicating that there is no availability on the Starwood Website for that room type to help clarify.

• If you find availability on a third party website/app but there is no availability on the Starwood Website, then this claim cannot be submitted as you must have a valid reservation to submit a claim. If it is submitted somehow without a reservation, the claim will not be processed as a valid Starwood reservation is required.

• Per the FAQ, "Any questions regarding claims should be directed to [email protected] or call 1-866-500-0368." A human is available at this number beginning at 9am EST.

OTAs not eligible because they do not confirm instantly:
  • AsiaWeb
  • BestDay
  • Cancelon
  • Ctrip (Known as MyTrip from Dec 2017)
  • Elvoline
  • HappyRooms
  • Hoteling
  • Hotelreservierung.de (according to BRG team 5 Sept 2017)
  • HotelsClick (Some rates on request, some instant)
  • Ostrovok
  • Roomertravel
  • Laterooms (according to BRG team 24 Oct 2016)
  • Hotelius (according to BRG team 21 Sept 2017)
  • Zenhotels (according to BRG team 10 Nov 2017)
  • Travelbag (according to BRG team 22 Dec 2017)


Special Conditions for BRG & Design Hotels
  • You may only claim against the absolute lowest rate on SPG.com, for the date(s) in question.
  • The rate must be the lowest on sale on SPG.com, and is regardless of the type of room you actually want, the number of occupants, cancellation policy and the amenities provided. In all likelihood this will mean you have to use a rate for a standard room, for 1 person, non-refundable and without any amenities.
  • It is not necessary for the rate on the external website to match the SPG.com rate in any way including room type and number of occupants. The only requirement for a successful BRG claim is that the rate be lower than the lowest rate on SPG.com for the date(s) in question.
  • As with normal BRG claims, you need to make a booking before submitting a claim but it must be the lowest rate for the hotel and dates. Since this will likely be a non-refundable booking, note that you are responsible for any and all charges including cancellation charges, even if the claim is not approved.
  • Amenities are not included in the comparasin
  • You will retain the category of room booked on SPG.com, even if the external website rate submitted for the claim refers to a different category of room. This is especially pertinent in situations where the hotel continues to sell lower categories of rooms on other websites, while not making them available on SPG.com. You will then be able to book a higher category of room on SPG.com, BRG the lower rate, and retain the higher category of room while paying the lower rate.
  • If you need to BRG Design Hotels for Double or higher occupancy.
    • The BRG will be processed for a single occupant, even if the rate does not change for more than one occupant. You must book the actual number of occupants intended. Effectively, you can only BRG for single occupant unless double rate happens to be the same as single. It is not possible to BRG if double rate is higher than single. No modification to occupancy is allowed if BRG is approved. If you submit with single rate, you will be stuck with single room; if you submit with double rate and single rate is lower, it will be automatically denied irrespective of competing rates.

Differing currencies

Marriott may deny claims where the difference between the comparison rate and the Marriott rate is less than $1. Rate disparities primarily attributable to fluctuations and/or differences in currency exchange rates are excluded from the guarantee.

Link to T&C
https://www.starwoodhotels.com/bestrate/terms.html
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SPG Best Rate Guarantee (BRG) 2018: Success, failure & discussion thread

 
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Old May 1, 2018, 8:56 am
  #541  
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 1,179
Does anyone know what will happen from August onwards with BRGs if, for example, one is with Marriott and one is with SPG in the same city within 7 days and you go for points with both of them? I’m guessing if you book before August you’ll be ok? Will the BRG programmes also be merged at this time? Any details out there? The reduction in the points option to 5000 points is an obvious devaluation.
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Old May 1, 2018, 12:50 pm
  #542  
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: New York, NY, USA
Posts: 12,482
Originally Posted by supatight80
Actually the FAQS on this thread clearly state for SPG partner hotels (aka Design), have to book absolute lowest rate. So unfortunately yes, it is really true
Don't forget for Partner Hotels, you need to book single rate, if double rate is higher, as single rate is the lowest.
TerryK is offline  
Old May 2, 2018, 8:28 am
  #543  
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 573
Which way I can cancel my BRG booking ? Till now I always use platinium chat but now after Starriott changes thay told me you need call to BRG office in USA (I can't dial international cals now) or use email to BRG office (this time I can't use my email too). My dead line for canceling booking is next days and it is not possible to do it, to make BRG booking I don't need any email or phone only internet access but to cancel it you must have it thay explain me (but in T/C BRG rates I don't read this). Any Starwood Lurker can help me ??

To next BRG rate SNA is not possible add via platinium desk, ask another booking about how much rooms have booking not possible becouse BRG rate, ask about price not possible becouse BRG rate - release all platinum desk staffs because they are unhelpful .

Last edited by HHQX888; May 2, 2018 at 9:56 am
HHQX888 is offline  
Old May 2, 2018, 9:50 am
  #544  
Company Representative - Starwood
 
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
Originally Posted by HHQX888
...Any Starwood Lurker can help me ??
In a fashion. While none of us can cancel a BRG reservation, if we had the confirmation number, we could pass the request along.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts LLC

[email protected]
Starwood Lurker is offline  
Old May 2, 2018, 10:39 am
  #545  
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 573
Hi William,

I know it is problem but in the past (till last year) platinium desk always help me with BRG rates, they told me that it is problem but put me on hold and I think they chat or call with BRG office about my requests and back to me with info that all was resolved. If you want you can do it, they in the past find way how to do it. Now I have 3 bookings to cancel and 1 booking to which I want add SNA. If you have webform for BRG claim why you don't have webform for any request to BRG booking - why I must looking which way I can call to USA office ??
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Old May 2, 2018, 11:07 am
  #546  
Company Representative - Starwood
 
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
Originally Posted by HHQX888
Hi William,

I know it is problem but in the past (till last year) platinium desk always help me with BRG rates, they told me that it is problem but put me on hold and I think they chat or call with BRG office about my requests and back to me with info that all was resolved. If you want you can do it, they in the past find way how to do it. Now I have 3 bookings to cancel and 1 booking to which I want add SNA. If you have webform for BRG claim why you don't have webform for any request to BRG booking - why I must looking which way I can call to USA office ??
Only the BRG team can cancel a BRG booking. We have Platinum Concierge offices around the globe for other items, so you can call/email/chat with them at your leisure.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts LLC

[email protected]
Starwood Lurker is offline  
Old May 2, 2018, 11:08 am
  #547  
 
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: MEX/YVR/YYF
Programs: AS MVP/AC75K/AM Gold/UA*S/SPG-Marriott Lifetime Titanium/Accor-FPC Gold/HHDiamond/Hyatt Exp
Posts: 5,035
Its quite simple.

The internal number/transfer for agents was taken away a few months ago, as I have experience myself.

As others have mentioned on this thread and previous threads, try calling the toll-free number using Skype.

The North America toll-free number is +1.866.500.0368 and is answered by agents in St Thomas, Ontario, Canada and Austin, Texas, United States. Its not a "USA office".

Leave William alone to work on more pressing issues for pete's sake.
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Old May 2, 2018, 11:35 am
  #548  
uxb
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: JFK, DCA, BUR, YVR
Programs: AC, AS, BA, DL, HH (D), MR (T/LTP), UA (*S), UScAAre (PLT/1,87MM), WN
Posts: 5,207
Effective immediately, we have modified the rules of this thread and will be adopting the Marriott LNF thread rules going forward. Please DO NOT post competing sites on here. If someone posts a rate at a property of interest, then please contact the OP via DM.
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Old May 2, 2018, 11:56 am
  #549  
uxb
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: JFK, DCA, BUR, YVR
Programs: AC, AS, BA, DL, HH (D), MR (T/LTP), UA (*S), UScAAre (PLT/1,87MM), WN
Posts: 5,207
I made a couple of bookings for a day trip I have coming up to see where i could get the best deal considering the relative strength of the EUR v USD and my departure point (LCY). I have chose the Hotel des Indes (in case anyone wants to say hi).

Hotel Name: Le Meridien Etoile

Arrival Date: 17 May 2018
Departure Date: 18 May 2018
Number of Rooms: 1
Number of Guests: 1
Room Type: Chic King
Starwood Brand Web Site Room Rate: €250.00
Competing Rate: €220.00
Comments: Chose 25% off, which made this property a steal considering the price points all of the other Starwood properties were at for such a last minute booking.

Hotel Name: Hotel des Indes
Arrival Date: 17 May 2018
Departure Date: 18 May 2018
Number of Rooms: 1
Number of Guests: 1
Room Type: Superior King
Starwood Brand Web Site Room Rate: €187,- (VAT incl., city excl.)
Competing Rate: CA$279,00 (VAT incl., city excl.)
Comments: Chose 25% off for a rate €135 (VAT incl., city excl.). This was a bit of a pain in the ... to get confirmed. It was twice rejected even though the rate was there. The reason it was rejected hinged on the conversion for city tax, which was excluded from both the SPG and competitor's rate. It was ultimately processed wrong, and my BRG was eventually approved.
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Old May 2, 2018, 1:07 pm
  #550  
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 573
Originally Posted by uxb
Effective immediately, we have modified the rules of this thread and will be adopting the Marriott LNF thread rules going forward. Please DO NOT post competing sites on here. If someone posts a rate at a property of interest, then please contact the OP via DM.
This is independend forum or internal Marriott forum ?? We are still on SPG program, I don't want spam OP asking where he find this price or spam my box.

@ PointWeasel : thx, for Skype toll-free calling I will use it next time, today BRG team call to my mobile phone and try to help directly with my problems.
I can confirm your experience, till January platinium desk can do more if thay want. Now came wind of changes with strong bad support.

@ margarita girl : big thx, this works perfectly. In the past I use this trick with 'Send confirmation' and refresh but it stops works.

Last edited by HHQX888; May 2, 2018 at 4:42 pm Reason: thx margarita girl ;)
HHQX888 is offline  
Old May 2, 2018, 4:26 pm
  #551  
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Toronto
Programs: UA 1K, AC MM E75, Marriott LT Ti, IHG Dia Amb, Hyatt Glob
Posts: 15,521
Originally Posted by HHQX888
Which way I can cancel my BRG booking ? Till now I always use platinium chat but now after Starriott changes thay told me you need call to BRG office in USA (I can't dial international cals now) or use email to BRG office (this time I can't use my email too). My dead line for canceling booking is next days and it is not possible to do it, to make BRG booking I don't need any email or phone only internet access but to cancel it you must have it thay explain me (but in T/C BRG rates I don't read this). Any Starwood Lurker can help me ??

To next BRG rate SNA is not possible add via platinium desk, ask another booking about how much rooms have booking not possible becouse BRG rate, ask about price not possible becouse BRG rate - release all platinum desk staffs because they are unhelpful .
I always cancel my own BRG reservations online. You just need to make the reservation visible using the method described in the wiki.

How do I view my reservation after my BRG has been approved?
  • Log into your SPG account.
  • Click on your stays to view your current reservation.
  • Click on "Set Stay Preferences" link for the BRG reservation, then SAVE.
  • Refresh your stays page and the reservation should be visible again. You may need to repeat this step if the hotel touches your reservation. If you apply for Your24, you will not be able to view the reservation details.
margarita girl is offline  
Old May 2, 2018, 5:24 pm
  #552  
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Chicago
Programs: Hyatt Glob; UA 1K; BonVoyage LTT (RIP SPG); HH Dia; JX Insighter
Posts: 1,643
Hotel Name: Sir Joan Hotel, Ibiza City, a Member of Design Hotels
Arrival Date: July 2018, 2 nights
Number of Rooms: 1
Number of Guests: 2
Room Type: SIR Boutique, non-smoking: King or Twin Bed
Starwood Brand Web Site Room Rate: EUR 612 (VAT included, city tax excluded)
Competing Rate: EUR 433.98 (VAT included, city tax excluded)
Comments: Denied in about 4.5 hours from claim submission; appealed over the phone as I saw the competing rate still available, denied again; appealed again over the phone and sat through verification that the rate was available before dropping off for the rate to be processed. Eventually approved for a final rate of 347.18 EUR (VAT included, city tax excluded), as I chose 20% off.
CLEguy is offline  
Old May 2, 2018, 5:28 pm
  #553  
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: SIN
Programs: JL GC | Marriott LT Silver | Global Entry | SQ Silver
Posts: 6,819
Originally Posted by margarita girl


I always cancel my own BRG reservations online. You just need to make the reservation visible using the method described in the wiki.

How do I view my reservation after my BRG has been approved?
  • Log into your SPG account.
  • Click on your stays to view your current reservation.
  • Click on "Set Stay Preferences" link for the BRG reservation, then SAVE.
  • Refresh your stays page and the reservation should be visible again. You may need to repeat this step if the hotel touches your reservation. If you apply for Your24, you will not be able to view the reservation details.
Yeah, it usually works for me this way.
craigthemif likes this.
lcpteck is online now  
Old May 2, 2018, 7:20 pm
  #554  
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Toronto, Canada
Programs: Liftime Titanium Elite Marriott
Posts: 1,752
First time using a Expedia members only discount

Hotel Name: Sheraton at the Falls Hotel

Arrival Date: May, One Night 2018
Number of Rooms: 1
Number of Guests: 2
Room Type: 2 Queens
Starwood Brand Web Site Room Rate: 74 USD(tax and resort fee excluded)
Competing Rate: 68.45 USD(tax and resort fee excluded)
Comments: Denied first time, when they ignored the Expedia members 10% discount flag. Second time he made a free account and signed in and got the discount. Its the same crap they use the other way when they say that certain rates are for SPG members and its free to join.
tfong007 is offline  
Old May 3, 2018, 6:08 am
  #555  
uxb
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: JFK, DCA, BUR, YVR
Programs: AC, AS, BA, DL, HH (D), MR (T/LTP), UA (*S), UScAAre (PLT/1,87MM), WN
Posts: 5,207
Originally Posted by HHQX888
This is independend forum or internal Marriott forum ?? We are still on SPG program, I don't want spam OP asking where he find this price or spam my box.

@ PointWeasel : thx, for Skype toll-free calling I will use it next time, today BRG team call to my mobile phone and try to help directly with my problems.
I can confirm your experience, till January platinium desk can do more if thay want. Now came wind of changes with strong bad support.

@ margarita girl : big thx, this works perfectly. In the past I use this trick with 'Send confirmation' and refresh but it stops works.
While it is an independent forum, there are Starwood and Marriott lurkers monitoring. As a result of their efforts, there are far fewer eligible sites than there once was. To preserve what's left and foster new competition, we must go this route from this point forward. I know this in unpopular, but BRGing is not a #humblebrag . It is meant to save people money. We want it to continue exactly as it does now.
joakgarp likes this.
uxb is offline  


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