Guaranteed hotel room availability
Aug 19, 2007 | 11:18 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 930
Guaranteed hotel room availability
Most hotel program top tier elites are offered the benefit of guaranteed room availability (subject to some time and blackout constraints). Is there a way to buy such a benefit (e.g., credit card benefit, club membership)?
TIA
Aug 20, 2007 | 12:12 pm
#3
In Memoriam
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Easton, CT, USA
Programs: ua prem exec, Former hilton diamond
Posts: 31,801
Even for the top elites in the programs it's not foolproof, the hotel can still refuse a reservation if they want. Each program calls it something different, but in times of high demands they may not free one up.
Aug 21, 2007 | 5:54 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Pittsburgh
Programs: MR LT Titanium, AA LT PLT, UA SLV, Avis PreferredPlus, HH Gold, Hertz PC, National Executive, etc.
Posts: 31,670
Aug 21, 2007 | 7:47 pm
#6
In Memoriam
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Easton, CT, USA
Programs: ua prem exec, Former hilton diamond
Posts: 31,801
If they have to, they will, but most programs have some time window you have to make the reservation before, even if it's 24 hours they can make acceptable arrangements for the people they don't have rooms for.
Aug 21, 2007 | 10:37 pm
#7
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: WAS airports
Programs: UA Prem Exec, DL Gold Medallion
Posts: 144
won't one get last rom availability if the rate you're quoted includes that guarantee? for the corporate rates agreed by my company with the hotels, some of the room rates do offer last room available, while the other rate is only for standard rooms. anf if the standard room is not available, the rate increases of course!
Aug 22, 2007 | 2:52 pm
#9
Join Date: May 2005
Location: MIA/SJU/MCO
Programs: AA LT PLT; DL GLD, UA nothing, B6 Mosaic; Emerald Club Executive
Posts: 3,333
There isn't always wiggle room. In my past hotel career, I have had to refuse elites because I was truly in a hole... like negative 25 rooms... or more. The hotel always has the discretion to say no. I'd rather pay a minimal penalty to corporate than refund a night for a walked guest + pay for their room elsewhere.
But I'm not in the hotel business anymore, so what do I care
But I'm not in the hotel business anymore, so what do I care