Hilton's Changing Its Policy for Best Rate Guarantee Compensation
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Several hotel programs incentivize travelers to book on their websites rather than on OTAs by offering Best Rate Guarantee promises. Generally, they'll match the lower rate and then bump up the offer a little by giving you a bonus. Currently, Hilton matches the lower rate and then gives you a $50 Amex gift card. However, as of next week, Hilton will no longer offer you a gift card — instead, you'll be eligible for a 25% discount off the lower price.
The general guidelines for how it'll work are fairly straightforward. Make a confirmed reservation through an official Hilton channel and if you find a lower rate on a non-Hilton channel within 24 hours of making your reservation, submit a Best Price Guarantee claim to Hilton. If your claim is approved, Hilton will honor the lower rate, offer you a bonus 25% discount and you'll get confirmation of your new rate.
Of course, this only applies to cash bookings and not award stays. However, if you're interested in booking award stays in the future, consider signing up for the Hilton Honors Surpass Card from American Express. The card comes with a sign-up bonus of 75,000 Honors points after you spend $3,000 in the first three months. You'll get complimentary Gold status with Hilton, as well as 12 points per dollar on Hilton purchases, 6 points per dollar at US restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations and 3 points per dollar on all other purchases.
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