Here's a little tidbit some of you may be interested in:
When the new PointBreaks was released, I found 2 weeks at the Crown Plaza at the end of November for 5k a night. Having zero IHG points, I tried BOTH transferring from Chase UR and buying from points.com in order to begin the points acquisition trick. Neither method showed up instantly. I called with the intention of having them advance me points or something like that, and was told that it 1) couldn't be done (contrary to others' experience), and 2) wasn't necessary because I could book it at the discounted cash rate and then later change the reservation to points. I voiced my concern that by that time that room rate would undoubtedly be gone and was assured that no matter, since I had it locked down when it was that rate I could later change it, regardless of inventory. I double and triple checked that point.
Well, silly me. When the points cleared, the availability was of course gone. I called and was told as much, repeatedly, my protestations notwithstanding. Even told them I had made a nonrefundable ticket based on the knowledge that this was to be available, and now had no place I could afford to stay. After going around in circles for some time, I was finally referred to a senior case manager. Who was much more understanding. But still unable to do much beyond try to get in touch with the hotel explain the situation to them, and have them release inventory at that rate of their own accord. Obviously not happening in Israel. In fact, they won't even communicate with her.
So at this point she's offering me a)20k IHG points or b)if I book a stay of at least three nights, they'd comp one. I'm leaning toward the points, not least because of the highly unfavorable reviews I've found of the place.
I'm also hoping to dispute the charges related to amassing the miles with amex (about $450 worth), we'll see how that goes.
Anyhow, there's my cautionary tale, don't be dumb like me. And maybe record your phone calls.
Any other ideas of how I might be compensated for their agent's misspeaking?