Crowne Plaza MInneapolis Northstar

This property was my first attempt at the IHG BRG.  As previously noted the hotel disagreed that the rate I located elsewhere was match despite them both kaving the same bedding option and cancellation policy.  I was expecting some pushback or lesser treatment from the property but received a warm welcome and was actually upgraded to the corner room pictured above.

The soundproofing left a lot to be desired, sirens on the street were heard clearly despite being 10+ floors up. The temperature control was confusing which led to myself alternatively freezing and cooking myself overnight, probably could be avoided had I read the guide prior to pressing buttons.  The bathroom had an odd aquamarine tile pattern and an odd shower seat setup.  Otherwise this was a standard issue Crowne.  Service at check-in and checkout was both efficient and extremely warm. 

Would I stay again?  Probably, I have little need for hotels within 20 miles of my residence and would rather have variety on my next need for one. The hotel's website is here for more photos and availability.  Disappointingly, depending on your perspective, the lowest rates are still found elsewhere.

2079 PC points expected to be earned plus 50 from a Foursquare check-in and I was surprised with 1000 points from the Visa commercial promo at checkout.  Total haul 3129 points at a cost of free.  As a serendipitous bonus, I received my confirmation email on my second BRG claim, the rate wad reduced by the property to $0.01. When IHG corporate comes through with the rebate I will once again be a dyed in the wool Priority Club promoter.

Best Rate Guarantee

I am travelling again in May, Texas.  I booked flights before looking at hotel costs, and chose an alternate departure location based solely on airfare savings.  I really don't recommend doing this!  Lesson I learned is that Austin midweek is expensive. 

In picking hotels for this trip I am primarily deciding based on location and cost but secondarily to build up hotel point balances in anticipation of Grand Slam 2012.  I went to Kayak and found a Radisson property at the totally outrageous nightly price of $259+tax.  Kayak also pointed me to a second tier booking site that had the same room for $145+, both were refundable to points well in the future. I had heard of the wonders of best rate guarantees (BRG) where the provider insists the direct booking channel will always be the cheapest but had not actually dabbled personally. 

I made a reservation for the Radisson on their website and immediately submitted a claim based on the lower rate on the unknown to me site.  I did not hold out a lot of hope that it would break in my favor but the next morning I had an email approving it.  Radisson's BRG scheme is quite favorable, find a lower price within 24 hours of booking and they will not only match it but beat it by 20%.  My understanding is the property owner has to eat this difference for going outside of official chain channels.  My $259 find is now $108, quite a difference.  It should also be eligible for ~3,000 Club Carlson points or about half of what was needed for a GS11 hit.