For the past five years, we've been able to claim BRGs that are refundable on the competitor (eg. Expedia) and refundable on WR, even if WR has a lower, non-refundable rate. These apples-to-apples and oranges-to-oranges comparisons was the cornerstone for many-a-BRG in my world.
For example, WR would have a regular "Best Available Rate for" $79.99, and a 14 day advance purchase non-refundable rate for 10% off, so $72.00. Expedia has the rate for $75.99, without any non-refundable clause. Usually, a situation like this would allow the BRG to be approved - Expedia still beats the WR refundable rate.
Now, however, they are handing out the "you should have booked the non-refundable room" response. This is completely new, and in light of the circumstances, a couple of our recent BRG opportunities will not work (sorry). But, in any case, try and see. It doesn't hurt to try (and let us know how you fare).
A reader let me in on this important tidbit of information today by sending me their rejection letter from Brian Triebold. Here is that email, so you can see the exact wording:
Dear Steve,Thank you for contacting Days Inn Customer Care regarding the Days InnGuaranteed Best Available Rate. We appreciate your choice of Days Innfor your lodging needs.After review of this claim, we have found that there is the same or alower rate available on the www.daysinn.com website. We have found thatyou are booked with the Best Available rate through www.daysinn.com. A lower non-refundable rate is available on www.daysinn.com. Iwould be happy to change your reservation to the lower non-refundablerate if you choose, but please note that your credit card would bebilled immediately and you would be unable to cancel this reservation.Book with confidence at www.daysinn.com with the Guaranteed BestAvailable Rate. Enjoy your stay at Days Inn.Sincerely,Bryan TrieboldCustomer Care RepresentativeWyndham Hotel Group1910 8th Avenue NEAberdeen, SD 57401Fax: 605-229-8938Bryan.Triebold@WyndhamWorldwide.comThis may be another example of Wyndham's clear reversal on their commitment to honor the Best Available Rate.
If this is true, the only way I can see a person getting around this is if the lower non-refundable rate carries with it an advance purchase clause. If its a 14 day advance special, there is a chance that the hotel will not offer this discount within 14 days of your stay. So, in that case, the Best Available Rate would be the only option, and thus your claims would be OK.
Enjoy the BRG hunt, folks. It's a mysterious world, these days.