What To Know
- In the hospitality industry, price matching allows guests to book a hotel room at the lowest available rate, even if it’s found on a third-party website.
- If you find a lower rate on another website within 24 hours of booking directly with Marriott, the company will match that rate and provide an additional 25% discount.
- If you find a lower rate on another website after booking directly with Marriott, you can follow these steps to request a Best Rate Guarantee adjustment.
When planning your next getaway, you naturally seek the best deals to maximize your travel budget. With the proliferation of online travel agencies (OTAs) like Priceline, travelers often wonder if hotel chains like Marriott offer price matching to ensure they secure the lowest rates. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of Marriott’s price matching policy and provide a thorough analysis of its implications for your travel plans.
Understanding Price Matching
Price matching is a policy adopted by certain businesses that guarantees to match or beat the lower price offered by a competitor for an identical product or service. In the hospitality industry, price matching allows guests to book a hotel room at the lowest available rate, even if it’s found on a third-party website.
Marriott’s Price Match Promise
Marriott International does not offer a formal price match guarantee for bookings made through OTAs like Priceline. However, the company has a Best Rate Guarantee policy that ensures guests who book directly with Marriott receive the lowest publicly available rate.
Best Rate Guarantee
Marriott’s Best Rate Guarantee applies to reservations made through Marriott’s official website, mobile app, or reservation call center. If you find a lower rate on another website within 24 hours of booking directly with Marriott, the company will match that rate and provide an additional 25% discount.
Exceptions to the Best Rate Guarantee
It’s important to note that Marriott’s Best Rate Guarantee has certain exclusions:
- Rates found on opaque websites (e.g., Hotwire, Priceline Express Deals)
- Rates that require a membership or loyalty program
- Rates available only through corporate discounts or group bookings
- Rates for all-inclusive packages or vacation rentals
How to Request a Best Rate Guarantee
If you find a lower rate on another website after booking directly with Marriott, you can follow these steps to request a Best Rate Guarantee adjustment:
1. Contact Marriott’s customer service within 24 hours of booking.
2. Provide proof of the lower rate, such as a screenshot or email confirmation.
3. Marriott will review your request and match the lower rate if it meets the guarantee criteria.
Alternatives to Price Matching
While Marriott does not offer direct price matching with OTAs, there are other ways to secure the best possible rates:
- Book Early: Hotel rates tend to be lower when you book in advance.
- Join Loyalty Programs: Marriott’s loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, offers exclusive discounts and benefits.
- Use Promo Codes: Marriott frequently offers promo codes and coupons that can be applied to bookings.
- Consider Bundling: Booking a hotel room with a flight or rental car through Marriott may result in additional savings.
Final Thoughts: Navigating Hotel Pricing Policies
Understanding the nuances of hotel pricing policies is crucial for travelers seeking the best value for their money. While Marriott does not offer direct price matching with OTAs, its Best Rate Guarantee provides a safety net for guests who book directly with the company. By utilizing alternative strategies, you can increase your chances of securing the most competitive rates for your next Marriott stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Marriott price match with Priceline Express Deals?
A: No, Marriott’s Best Rate Guarantee does not apply to rates found on opaque websites like Priceline Express Deals.
Q: Can I get a refund if I find a lower rate after booking with Marriott?
A: No, Marriott’s Best Rate Guarantee does not provide refunds. It only offers a rate adjustment and an additional 25% discount.
Q: How long do I have to file a Best Rate Guarantee claim?
A: You must contact Marriott within 24 hours of booking to request a Best Rate Guarantee adjustment.
