A tale of two offers that aren't - Part 2: LHW
There are currently two ongoing, independent offers for a stay 3 nights, pay for 2 promotion, both available only for payments made using American Express. However, if we scratch the surface, there seems to be a bit more to these offers.
I wrote about the Trident Hotels offer earlier. This post deals with the offer from Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), which is valid for stays till 31 December 2014.
LHW has 117 hotels affiliated to it across the world, that are participating in this promotion. This includes 3 in India, - the Taj Mahal Palace and Taj Lands End in Mumbai, and the Taj Mahal Palace in Delhi.
Receive a complimentary third night when you book and pay for a two-night consecutive stay with any American Express® Card by 12/31/14. The nightly rate is pre-discounted 33% off the daily rate. The offer is subject to availability. Terms and conditions may vary by participating property. Blackout dates may apply.
Terms and Conditions:
• Offer valid when you book the Leading Extra Nights 3 for 2 offer and pay with any American Express Credit or Charge Card
• One offer per Card Member
• Not valid on previous stays or bookings
• Offer valid on a two-night consecutive stay
• Offer is not redeemable for cash
• Offer valid at participating hotels only
• Subject to tax/service charge
• Fulfillment of the offer is the sole responsibility of the participating American Express merchant
I tried out a different sets of days for the Indian hotels on the list, but found that availability was proving to be an issue. Also in a couple of cases, the same rooms offered under this promo were 30-40% more expensive (even after considering this promo) than booking directly with Taj Hotels' website, and availability also seemed to be better.
Here's what I'm talking about. Look at the rate of Rs 22,500++ per room night for 16-19 June 2014.
Compare it to the Rs 18,750++ per night on Taj's portal.
Also note that the LHW offer site won't even tell you that there are other room categories of lower price available at this hotel, which are the Superior and Deluxe room categories (and within those, City view and Sea view).
I've also double-checked that the inclusions covered are either the same in both offers (LHW and Taj) or are not significant enough to justify a price difference of Rs 3,750++ per night. However, if you're a LHW member, then you should consider if this price difference is something you believe is worth it for LHW benefits, including membership rewards.
I initially toyed with actually booking the LHW rate and then making a claim under the LHW best rate guarantee.
However, but for LHW matching the lower price, there was nothing to offer me an incremental benefit to apply the best rate guarantee.
As I mentioned before, if you're planning to book under this offer, my advice would be that you visit the hotel's / chain's website directly to see if there are better rates that they offer. You may well be surprised.
I wrote about the Trident Hotels offer earlier. This post deals with the offer from Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), which is valid for stays till 31 December 2014.
Receive a complimentary third night when you book and pay for a two-night consecutive stay with any American Express® Card by 12/31/14. The nightly rate is pre-discounted 33% off the daily rate. The offer is subject to availability. Terms and conditions may vary by participating property. Blackout dates may apply.
Terms and Conditions:
• Offer valid when you book the Leading Extra Nights 3 for 2 offer and pay with any American Express Credit or Charge Card
• One offer per Card Member
• Not valid on previous stays or bookings
• Offer valid on a two-night consecutive stay
• Offer is not redeemable for cash
• Offer valid at participating hotels only
• Subject to tax/service charge
• Fulfillment of the offer is the sole responsibility of the participating American Express merchant
I tried out a different sets of days for the Indian hotels on the list, but found that availability was proving to be an issue. Also in a couple of cases, the same rooms offered under this promo were 30-40% more expensive (even after considering this promo) than booking directly with Taj Hotels' website, and availability also seemed to be better.
Here's what I'm talking about. Look at the rate of Rs 22,500++ per room night for 16-19 June 2014.
Compare it to the Rs 18,750++ per night on Taj's portal.
Also note that the LHW offer site won't even tell you that there are other room categories of lower price available at this hotel, which are the Superior and Deluxe room categories (and within those, City view and Sea view).
I've also double-checked that the inclusions covered are either the same in both offers (LHW and Taj) or are not significant enough to justify a price difference of Rs 3,750++ per night. However, if you're a LHW member, then you should consider if this price difference is something you believe is worth it for LHW benefits, including membership rewards.
I initially toyed with actually booking the LHW rate and then making a claim under the LHW best rate guarantee.
However, but for LHW matching the lower price, there was nothing to offer me an incremental benefit to apply the best rate guarantee.
As I mentioned before, if you're planning to book under this offer, my advice would be that you visit the hotel's / chain's website directly to see if there are better rates that they offer. You may well be surprised.
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