Why the constant deception with room rates during sales?

[JohnK]

I returned from Thailand ~3 weeks ago and have been monitoring room rates for Holiday Inn for mid January. Room rate including all taxes was ~3,300-3,400 baht per night or ~AUD120/night. At the sane time I was looking at Mr Ebates which brought the rate down to ~AUD110/night.

Then a few days ago I saw a sales promotion. Member exclusive. Save up to 25% off. Fantastic? I could do with a better rate. Not quite.

Check Holiday Inn Pattaya for the exact 3 nights I checked earlier. The room is 23% off but the new rate is 3,800 baht not the 2,900 baht it was before the promotion. :shock:

As it turns out the room rate is identical to the room rate I have been researching for the past 2 weeks. :evil: The sale is nothing more than deception.

No different to any other online consolidator with 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% off room rates. Final price is always the same.

Is it just me?

 

[Daver6]

I've found similar with Hilton. They could not figure out or tell me what the rate the percentage off was. It certainly wasn't off the rack rate either. Seems purely random. Maybe something the ACCC should look into in Australia.

 

[RB]

I have been looking at booking rooms in China in Jan 2015. Same thing with many of the chains. I get a loyalty lobby email each day & have used it to link to the "sales"- I believe I have wasted a lot of time checking on BS specials. Same goes for many of the codes appearing on the FT Hotel deals section. There are however some gems that pop up that justify the time spent.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Will be in Nanjing China Dec 17 & 18 - IC online rate really low at RMB860 odd incl bf - but you expect that in China mid Dec to post CNY - I will also be in PEK 15 & 16 - my RBCH rate set in stone - RMB1,000 for a RMB1,800 room - BARGAIN. (Offer still open RB)

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Is it just me?

They are fukarri rooms! 110% discount for genuine 28000 year old quality!