Welcome to our comprehensive guide on maximizing the benefits of Best Rate Guarantees (BRGs). In this article, we will explore the concept of BRGs and provide you with valuable insights and strategies to help you make the most out of this hotel booking feature.
Understanding Best Rate Guarantees (BRGs)
Best Rate Guarantees are promotional offers provided by hotels to ensure that customers receive the best available rates when booking directly through the hotel’s official website. The guarantee promises that if you find a lower rate for the same room type, dates, and booking conditions elsewhere, the hotel will match that rate and often provide additional benefits or discounts.
The Advantages of Best Rate Guarantees
Price Savings
Utilizing BRGs allows you to secure the best possible price for your hotel stay. By taking advantage of this feature, you can avoid overpaying and ensure that you receive the most competitive rates available.
Added Benefits
In addition to price matching, many hotels offer enticing incentives as part of their BRG programs. These benefits may include complimentary upgrades, free breakfast, spa credits, or other exclusive perks, making your stay even more enjoyable and valuable.
Conditions for applying for Hotel Best Rate Guarantee (BRG)
To apply for a Hotel Best Rate Guarantee (BRG), there are certain conditions that need to be met. These conditions include:
- Same length of stay, hotel, and number of guests: Your reservation should have the same length of stay, be for the same hotel, and include the same number of guests as the competing rate you found.
- Choose the same currency: Make sure to provide evidence of the official website and third-party price in the same currency. Using different currencies may result in rejection due to exchange rate differences.
- Tax-inclusive price: Note that prices displayed on hotel websites often exclude taxes. To compare accurately, go to the final step of booking to view the total price, including taxes.
- Actual booking evidence: While you can use price comparison websites like HotelsCombined to find the lowest price, you need to make the actual reservation through a third-party booking platform such as Booking.com or Agoda. Provide the BRG application with the final price from the booking confirmation.
Strategies for Maximizing Best Rate Guarantees
To help you make the most of BRGs and effectively leverage this opportunity, we have compiled a list of actionable strategies and tips:
Conduct Thorough Research
Begin your search for the best rate by conducting thorough research on multiple hotel booking platforms. Take note of the rates offered on various websites, including online travel agencies (OTAs) and the official websites of the hotels you’re interested in.
Understand the BRG Policies
To maximize the benefits of BRGs, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific policies of each hotel chain or individual property. Carefully review the terms and conditions of the BRG program, paying attention to the required documentation, timeframes, and any limitations or exclusions.
Compare Rates and Terms
Once you have identified a potential lower rate on a third-party website, compare the terms and conditions with those of the hotel’s official website. Ensure that the rate you found meets all the necessary criteria for the BRG, such as room type, cancellation policy, and booking conditions.
Document Your Findings
When submitting a BRG claim, it is essential to provide comprehensive documentation to support your case. Take screenshots or printouts of the lower rate, including all relevant details, such as the website, room type, dates, and any additional benefits offered.
Submitting the BRG Claim
Follow the hotel’s prescribed process for submitting a BRG claim. Pay close attention to the submission timeframe, as many hotels require claims to be made within a specific number of hours or days after the initial booking. Fill out all the necessary forms accurately and attach the supporting documentation.
Be Polite and Persistent
When communicating with hotel representatives regarding your BRG claim, maintain a polite and professional tone. If your claim is initially denied, don’t be discouraged. Politely request a reconsideration and provide any additional evidence or clarifications that may strengthen your case.
Follow up on Your Claim
Stay proactive throughout the BRG process by following up on your claim if you haven’t received a response within the specified timeframe. Persistence can often lead to a successful outcome.
How to apply for Hotel Group BRG?
Although the methods for applying for BRG may vary slightly among hotel groups, the general process remains the same. Here is an example of how to apply for BRG on the Marriott hotel website:
- Visit Marriott’s official channels (website or app) and find the desired hotel. Choose a date and note down the price. Remember to check if the price includes taxes by proceeding to the payment step.
- Use a dedicated hotel comparison website like HotelsCombined to check the price for your reservation. Select the same booking time and hotel to compare.
- From the comparison website, go directly to an online travel agency (OTA) booking platform like Booking.com or HotelCombined. Verify the filter criteria, including cancellation policy, breakfast inclusion, and number of guests. If you find a lower price than the official website, proceed to apply for BRG.
- Return to the Marriott website to make the actual booking. Choose a flexible rate that allows free cancellation, ensuring you can cancel without penalty if the BRG application is not approved.
- Within 24 hours, submit the BRG application on Marriott’s official website.
- If the BRG application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email from Marriott, and your hotel reservation will display the “Look No Further” rate in your account.
Marriott Best Rate Guarantee (BRG)
BRG Policy: If you find a lower rate for a Marriott hotel on the day of check-in, you can submit a claim and receive the lower rate plus an additional 25% discount.
Please note that the Best Rate Guarantee does not apply to The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal, The Ritz, London, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, or Starwood branded hotels.
To submit a claim, you must do so by 10:00 p.m. in the hotel’s time zone on the day of check-in. You can find the hotel’s time zone on the Marriott website.
For more information and to access the BRG application, you can visit the Marriott Best Rate Program page.
Accor Hotels Group BRG
BRG Policy: If you find a lower rate for an Accor hotel within 24 hours of booking, you can stay at the hotel at the lower rate and receive an additional 75% off.
Please note that Fairmont Hotels, Raffles Hotels, and Swissôtels are only eligible for a 20% discount on third-party rates.
To be eligible for the Best Price Guarantee, you must book directly through Accor channels (website, app, reservation center, or by contacting the hotel directly) and receive a booking confirmation number. You must submit your claim within 24 hours of receiving the confirmation email or phone call, and no later than 48 hours prior to check-in.
For more information and to access the BRG application, you can visit the AccorHotels Best Price Guarantee page.
Hilton Hotels Group BRG
BRG Policy: If you find a lower qualifying rate for a Hilton hotel within 24 hours of booking, you can receive an additional 25% discount on the room rate per night during your stay.
Please note that there are certain situations where BRG applications may be unsuccessful, such as rates that require special memberships or affiliations
, rates that require a login or code to view, or rates for reservations made on behalf of someone else.
To access the BRG application and learn more about Hilton’s Best Rate Guarantee, you can visit the Hilton Price Match Guarantee page.
IHG InterContinental Hotels Group BRG
BRG Policy: IHG Hotels guarantees the best available rate for online bookings and will match a lower rate found elsewhere. If eligible, you will also receive five times IHG One Rewards points, capped at 40,000 points.
Please note that the BRG Best Rate Guarantee does not apply to InterContinental hotels in mainland China, Macau, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
To be eligible for the Best Rate Guarantee, you must make reservations through IHG’s direct booking channels (official website, call center, or mobile app) and use the “Best Rate” search function. Claims must be submitted within 24 hours of completing your booking through IHG channels and at least 24 hours before the hotel’s check-in time.
For more information and to access the BRG application, you can visit the InterContinental Hotels Best Rate Guarantee page.
Hyatt Hotels Group BRG
If you find a better rate for a Hyatt Regency hotel on a third-party website compared to the official Hyatt website, you can apply for one of the following compensation options:
- Redeem 5,000 Hyatt points, which is equivalent to a free night.
- Receive an additional 20% discount on top of the lower price found.
You can submit the claim form directly on the official Hyatt website if you can write in English. If you need assistance, you can call Hyatt Customer Service. They will review your application and respond within 24 hours with an updated claim status.
For more information and
to access the BRG application, you can visit the Hyatt Best Rate Guarantee page.
If you have any further questions about hotel BRG applications, please feel free to ask.
Best Rate Guarantees offer a fantastic opportunity for travelers to secure the best available rates and enjoy additional benefits during their hotel stays. By following the strategies outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can maximize the advantages of BRGs and optimize your chances of obtaining the best rates. Remember to conduct thorough research, understand the specific policies, compare rates and terms diligently, and submit well-documented claims to increase your chances of a successful outcome.
By implementing these strategies effectively and consistently, you can make the most of Best Rate Guarantees and secure the best rates for your hotel stays. Happy booking!
