V-Flyer

Last night I was trying to fly LGA-MDW. Well the weather at MDW was poor so we diverted to DTW, refueled and flew back to LGA. It was late and I wanted to spend time in NYC so I thought I would get a hotel in Manhattan.

Pulled out the BlackBerry and went to the SPG site. About $257.00 for the W Tuscany 12/26 to 12/27. Great. Got a cab and called SPG Gold's 800 number. Held for a bit. When I did talk to an agent and was quoted a rate ($257.00). I was in front of the hotel. Pointless to make I thought as I was literally in front of the hotel. So I thanked the agent and walked inside and booked a room with the desk clerk. The rate was $339. Only difference was that technically it was 12/26 when I spoke with the agent on the phone but 12/27 when I booked with the desk clerk.

I was purchasing the same the same accommodations irregardless of my arrival time (pre/post midnight 12/26). Why did the rate change? Purely a different rate for 12/26 and 12/27 arrivals even though the accommodation expiration time is still the same (12/27 12 noon)?

It gets better than that...

The W in Montreal has different advertised rates based on the TIME of day you're looking at it - regardless of how many days in advance you're looking to book.

Try it some time. Book for 3 months out - check in the morning, afternoon and late at night, you'll see the rate change up, down, back even (and then repeat the very next day)