I submitted after the deadline so I don't know if she is denying me the free room or the rate match. But I am definitely disputing this...
Can anyone guess why?
"Thank you for your interest in The Starwood Best Rate Guarantee Program. I welcome this opportunity to assist you.
Mr. ____, as per the terms and conditions of the Best Rate Guarantee program the rates must be more than 1% different in order to approve a claim. The rate I found on our website is 379 USD plus taxes for The W Hoboken. The competing rate was 372.74 USD plus taxes.
I apologize for the inconvenience.
For complete program details please refer to the terms and conditions of the Best Rate Guarantee program.
Your interest in our Best Rate Guarantee is appreciated and we welcome any claims you may submit in the future. The Best Rate Guarantee form is located here.
Best Regards,
Vanessa Thompson
Best Rate Guarantee Specialist
E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide"
"Reservation Number:
Hotel Name: W HOBOKEN
Arrival Date : 06-25-2012
Departure Date : 06-26-2012
Number of Adults :3
Number of Children : 0
Number of Rooms : 1
Room Type : spectacular rm
Starwood Brand Web Site Room Rate : 379
Company room provider : Hotels.com
Other Company room provider :
Competing rate : 349
Are the currencies of the Starwood brand Web site and the competing rate the same? : Yes
Comments : i would like the NYC best rate free night
note. also available on getaroom.com"
Seems like they're bad at math.
I'm hoping this will distract them from the fact that I sent in my application after the official deadline....crazier things have happened.
Hello Mr. ______,
Thank you for your reply.
I have reviewed your claim once more and found that there was an error, I am happy to inform you that your claim is approved, pending further response.
In order to finalize your claim at the Best Rate, please do the following within 24 hours:
1. Please make your reservation online via a Starwood website for the dates submitted in your claim.
2. Return this email with your online confirmation number.
Guest Name: ________
Arrival Date: June 25, 2012
Departure Date: June 26, 2012
Room Type: Spectacular for 3 adults
Actual confirmed rate: Free Night
Pending claim file number: 2xxxxxxxx
When your confirmation number is received, your reservation will be modified to reflect the new, lower rate and the same room type offered by the competing provider.
You will receive an email confirmation that will include a file claim number when all has been finalized.
I look forward to your reply.
Best Regards,
Vanessa Thompson
Best Rate Guarantee Specialist
E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
------------
It worked!
It's past 24 hours... Is that gonna be a problem?
Edit: Since email was sent Friday afternoon I can't imagine they will give me a hard time for responding on Sunday. The price went up another $30 or so but I booked it. I am expecting that they will refund me.... (and if not I will dispute the charge
- "Hi, yes, I'd like to dispute a charge, yes, it's for a charge to starwoods....
)