The major hotel chains put a lot of effort into getting you to book directly with them rather than through online travel agencies like Orbitz, Expedia, etc. That’s because hotels have to pay a commission of 10%+ when you book through an online travel agency, which they don’t have to pay when you book directly…
Continue reading: Hyatt Devalues Their Best Rate Guarantee
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I noticed that one of the terms and conditions pages had changed last night as I fought for one of my (denied) BRG claims. Thank god for Globalist status to get the non-refundable rate refunded. Their claims process is terrible compared to a few years ago...
Not to mention that they find myriad ways to weasel out of the supposed "guarantee". Such as that the room category you booked thru the hotel website is coded differently than the one on the OTA. Or they take their time "checking" on the rate you found, and by then that rate doesn't show up anymore.
I just submitted a BRG for Sheraton in Jinan. Took the lower rate plus 20% off. The $50 voucher can be good if I'm doing a bunch of one night stays.
mark, can you elaborate on Globalist refunds for non-refundable rates? Is this a published / unpublished benefit? Never heard of this. Thanks.
At least Hilton once gave us a real $50 (prepaid gift card or check). This is not even a cash alternative. Worst change.
Hyatt has been on a downward spiral since the change to World of Hyatt, in my opinion.
I actually just used Hyatt's BRG- found the Hyatt Place LAX/El Segundo for $115 a night on hotels.com, got it on Hyatt at $95. Even with the $15/night parking fee, decent deal for that stay.
Since I have zero desire for status with Hyatt (footprint's too small compared to Hilton or IHG) and I generally don't do a lot of expensive multi-day stays the change is mostly a wash or maybe a mild net gain, since Hyatt goes into the "well, I'll consider them at the right price" bucket. I'm a lot more likely to end up at a Hyatt Place than a Grand or Park Hyatt, though. (The times where I've ended up in higher end properties have been by Pricelining/Hotwiring).
Lucky, you fell for Hyatt's attempt to confuse and deceive. Because you can't use it on your current stay, the breakeven is really $250 for TWO stays, not just your current stay.
It makes you wonder how much money they "lost" in keeping up with the pittance of BRG's they actually approved.
Much like how much the chain "lost" when they did away with the welcome amenity.
Hyatt's BRG was a scam anyway. Along with IHG, Hilton, Accor etc
Only Starwood and Marriott have been good about it (With Marriott being the better one) and actually honor it most of the times provided the lower rate sits within their T&C.
I used Hyatt's BRG for my friend's wedding at the Hyatt Ziva Cancun and was able to save a total of $320 for our 4-night stay as our rate was lowered from ~$400 (matched) to $320. It took me 3 tries including a phone discussion on the third try before they finally honored the BRG. It's really sad that they're changing this policy and I hope the other hotel chains don't follow!
Hyatt's BRG is the worst of all chains. They innovate in denying major OTA's price if they find "sale" next to the OTA's price. They also deny any OTA charging one's card immediately (even if it's refundable) to compare with their refundable rate.
I have never, ever stayed with Hyatt in my life (I've stuck to other chains) and let me tell you, every post you make on here about the "enhancements" Hyatt is making to their program makes me want to get even further away.