I tried to search but haven't seen a thread...wondering if others have seen this problem before.

I use the "Compare Rates" tool on SPG.com to look at 3 different rate types across an entire city almost every time I book. It's a useful feature whether I'm simply looking for good rates or looking for awards/C&P.

But sometimes it shows rates that I can't actually book when I click on them. For example, I just booked a 1 night stay at the Le Meridien in north Dallas. The "Compare Rates" grid showed the AAA rate as $79, yet the lowest I could ever find on the actual booking screen was $92. That's not enough to make me call Starwood over (it's a good LM, worth $92 to me) but I figured it *is* worth an FT thread.

I've seen it off and on over the past few months with other properties too. I'll click on a $67 but find $75 on the next screen. It's not related to taxes, prepayment, or multi-night stays. (I know because I sometimes *do* click on the lowest regular rate, which usually shows correctly as is usually a prepaid rate.)

Anyone else have this problem? Is there a workaround? (Beyond simply paying the higher rate.)

 

This sounds like a sell-sequencing issue where the hotel has a room type attached to the rate plan that they have listed as a last-sell choice.

Some have been successful by calling the Customer Contact Center to book instead.

Best regards,

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

[email protected]

 

I've noticed that when traveling in pairs -- the rate they show is actually for one person in the room, and if I make sure to put "one" as the number of guests, that rate shows up. Change it to "two" and I get something different, especially in non-US locations. It's bringing the DH that bumps the rate (but makes it worth traveling, so what're ya gonna do?)

 

Yes. That might be also a valid reason. It can also happen if other options such as bedding and smoking preferences are used to sort and the room type available at the lowest rate does not match.

Best regards,

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

[email protected]

 

I have noticed that the rate listed at some hotels as "lowest standard rate" do not come up when trying to book. I've also noticed that (at at least one property) you can book whatever room it lets you (fully changeable and refundable, obviously) and then change the reservation online, which then lists a much larger variety of rooms, some cheaper. Obviously, YMMV.

I've also noticed a glitch where if two promo codes are selected for comparison, one of them will show no availability for the promo even if the promo is indeed available.

 

barelyelite, this is what I just did - thanks for the tip.

As a new reservation, my choices were $98 nonrefundable or $92 AAA. Naturally, I selected the $92. (Yes, I am an actual AAA member. )

Just for kicks, today I clicked "Change Reservation." That brought up $76 nonrefundable. ^ Since the stay is Friday and my odds of no-showing it are close to zero, I switched rates.