How to Save on Hotel Stays with Best Rate Guarantee Policies: An Insider’s Guide

When planning a trip, every little saving counts. One of the easiest ways to cut down on travel costs is by taking advantage of Best Rate Guarantee (BRG) policies offered by many hotel chains. These policies allow you to get the lowest possible rate for your stay and even provide an additional discount if you find a better rate elsewhere. One popular example is the Marriott Best Rate Guarantee, but many other hotel brands have similar offers. If you’re savvy and patient enough to compare rates, you can unlock some serious savings.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Best Rate Guarantee policies, how they work, and provide a step-by-step example using Marriott’s Best Rate Guarantee. Plus, we’ll share some insider tips to help you successfully file a claim and get the best deals on your next hotel stay.

What Is a Best Rate Guarantee Policy?

A Best Rate Guarantee (BRG) policy is a promise made by a hotel chain that you will receive the lowest available price when you book directly through their website. If you find a lower rate for the same hotel room on another booking platform (like Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com), the hotel will match that rate and often offer an extra discount or bonus.

• Why Hotels Offer BRG: Hotels use these policies to encourage customers to book directly through their website rather than third-party sites. This allows them to avoid commission fees and maintain control over customer service.
• What It Covers: BRG policies typically apply to room rates for the same room type, dates, number of guests, and terms (like cancellation policies).

Pro Tip: While the savings might not be huge every time, they can add up over multiple stays—especially if you travel frequently. Plus, the additional discount can make a significant difference in the total price of a longer stay.

How Does Marriott’s Best Rate Guarantee Work?

The Marriott Best Rate Guarantee is a great example of how these policies work. Marriott promises that if you find a lower rate for the same hotel room on another website, they will match the rate and provide an additional 25% discount off the matched rate or 5,000 Marriott Bonvoy points as a bonus—your choice.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Marriott’s Best Rate Guarantee

Let’s walk through the process of using the Marriott Best Rate Guarantee:

Step 1: Book Your Room on Marriott’s Official Website

• To be eligible for the BRG, you must first book a room directly through www.marriott.com.
• Important: You must complete your booking before filing a claim. This means that you should book the room at the higher rate, with the intention of filing a claim to get the lower price.

Step 2: Search for Lower Rates on Other Websites

• Look for the same room type, same dates, same number of guests, and same cancellation policy on third-party booking websites like Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
• Keep an Eye on Taxes and Fees: The BRG comparison must include the same taxes and fees as well. Make sure the rate you find elsewhere is a total rate, including all additional charges.

Step 3: Submit a Claim

• If you find a lower rate, head back to the Marriott website and locate the Best Rate Guarantee claim form. You must submit your claim within 24 hours of making your original booking.
• Provide details about your original booking and the lower rate you found, including screenshots or links that show the lower price.

Step 4: Wait for Verification

• Marriott will review your claim and verify the rate. If approved, they will adjust your reservation to match the lower rate and add the additional 25% discount or the 5,000 Bonvoy points as per your choice.
• You’ll receive an email confirming the approval or rejection of your claim.

Step 5: Enjoy the Savings!

• If your claim is approved, you’ll enjoy the matched lower rate plus the additional discount or points. For example, if you originally booked a room for $200 per night and found it for $180 on a third-party site, Marriott will adjust your rate to $135 per night (25% off the $180 rate).

Tips for Making a Successful Best Rate Guarantee Claim

Filing a BRG claim can be a bit tricky if you don’t follow the rules closely. Here are some tips to increase your chances of success:

1. Pay Attention to the Details

• Make sure the room types match exactly. For example, a Standard King Room and a King Deluxe Room may be treated as different types even if they appear similar.
• Cancellation Policies Matter: If you booked a flexible cancellation rate on Marriott’s website, the third-party rate you find must also have the same flexibility.

2. Take Screenshots of the Lower Rate

• When you find a lower rate, take screenshots that include the date, time, and details of the room rate. This will serve as proof in case the lower rate disappears before Marriott can verify it.
• Pro Tip: Make sure the screenshots show the total price with all taxes and fees included.

3. File the Claim Quickly

• BRG claims are usually time-sensitive, and you must submit them within 24 hours of booking. Make sure you file your claim as soon as you find a better rate.

4. Choose the Right Benefit for You

• Depending on the length and cost of your stay, it may make more sense to choose the 25% discount or the 5,000 points. If you’re booking a short, inexpensive stay, the points might be a better option, while a longer stay might benefit more from the percentage discount.

Other Hotel Chains with Best Rate Guarantee Policies

While Marriott’s BRG is a great option, several other hotel chains offer similar programs. Here’s a quick overview of a few:

Example: How Much Can You Save with a BRG Claim?

Let’s say you book a 3-night stay at the Marriott Marquis New York at a rate of $250 per night directly through the Marriott website, totaling $750 before taxes. You later find the same room and dates listed on Expedia for $220 per night, totaling $660.

• Matched Rate: Marriott will match the $220 per night rate.
• Additional 25% Off: With the 25% discount, your new rate becomes $165 per night.
• Total Cost with BRG: $495 (3 nights at $165 each).
• Total Savings: $255 over the original booking price!

This example illustrates how BRG claims can lead to significant savings, especially for longer stays.

Conclusion: How to Use Best Rate Guarantee Policies to Save on Travel

Taking advantage of Best Rate Guarantee policies is a smart way to stretch your travel budget. By booking directly with hotel chains like Marriott and then comparing rates on third-party sites, you can ensure that you’re always getting the best deal. Plus, the extra discount or points can make your trip even more affordable.

Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a weekend getaway, or a business trip, a little research can go a long way in helping you save. Next time you book a hotel, give the Best Rate Guarantee a try and see how much you can save. Happy travels, and enjoy the peace of mind knowing you got the best rate available!