The property didn’t have the best location or reviews, but was undergoing a renovation. Even though I didn’t have the flights booked yet, I decided to go ahead with the reservation since I was fairly certain as to the dates of the trip. Also, I saw a review that said that this particular property would leave the IHG chain very soon. I wanted to lock in my redemption before that happened.
What I didn’t expect was getting an email from IHG just 3 weeks later saying that the reservation was no longer valid. Apparently, the hotel was getting rebranded and decided not to honor the existing award bookings. It did say in the email that I could get my points back and call if I needed any further assistance.
My first inclination was just to cancel online and be done with it. With 2 small kids at home, I really don’t like to be on the phone if I can help it. They sense the attention being diverted away from them and start making it impossible to converse.
But I figured I would at least see if I could get some free IHG points for all the trouble. To my complete surprise, the agent offered to rebook us in any hotel in the area with no extra points required.
My eyes got wide and I went online immediately. I found Holiday Inn Niagara Falls for 35,000 points per night situated close to the Falls entrance on the American side. We could have gotten a Crowne Plaza in Canada, but alas, my parents would have to get Canadian visas.
I happily let the agent rebook everything. What I didn’t realize was that she first added the necessary points to my account and then made the redemption. Immediately, my diabolical mind saw an opportunity.
I can cancel this reservation and get back 70,000 IHG points per night for 2 rooms, or technically, 63,000 points, factoring in the 10 percent rebate. Those points are worth $315, which probably could have gotten us a luxurious house rental in the area on VRBO.
According to program rules, the reservation is refundable and you would be within your rights to cancel. And I was tempted to do just that, but it just didn’t feel right. So many times in this hobby our ethics are pushed to the limit. I have said before that I do my best to play by the rules. It doesn’t mean I’m always doing it perfectly. But I do know, if it doesn’t feel right, chances are, it probably isn’t.
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Author: Leana
Leana is the founder of Miles For Family. She enjoys beach vacations and visiting her family in Europe. Originally from Belarus, Leana resides in central Florida with her husband and two children.
Always take the high road!!! The view and feeling inside yourself is always better for it!
@BB I agree, though I probably don’t do it as well as I should. This hobby makes it very difficult to stay honest.
That is kind of a bummer that you can’t go over to Canada. Or just your parents – maybe you can have a date afternoon/night? IMHO that side of the Falls is nicer, especially if you venture further out into the peninsula’s wine region (at least 50+ wineries – drive past the trashy tourist trap stuff directly across the border like Ripley’s Believe It or Not). Our favorite winery is a place called Thirty Bench in Beamsville, they have a chardonnay that is to die for. Niagara-on-the-Lake is a cute little town which has a culinary college nearby with a great restaurant called “Benchmark” – fine dining with a great view at reasonable prices.
Erik, thanks for the comment and for your suggestions! Much appreciated. Actually, my husband, myself and my daughter do plan to go to the Canada side for the day. I wish, my parents could come with us, but getting visas is a tremendous hassle. However, we will take Maid of the Mist boat tour, and it comes up to Horseshoe Falls. So, they will get to experience it a little bit.