We needed to book a domestic room. So I checked Hyatt. $109/night. Not too bad.
Went to Hipmunk.com to see what else was there.
Same Hyatt for $87 & change!!!!
Called Hyatt & they matched the rate, but -really!!!! Should I have had to do that? (We are Hyatt Plat!)

$22 difference before taxes, which are based on the price of course!

Lesson to be learned: do your homework.

Doug

Doug, If you don't have a particular hotel brand in mind, I always use Priceline name your own price for domestic hotels. I usually start with 50% of the published rate, sometimes a bit lower. Works almost every time, or I get a counter offer for $10-15 more. Would never use my free award night at Hyatt for a domestic hotel by the way! They work much better for pre-cruise! Like in Sydney!

Doug:

It is so frustrating.. I have been dealing with this with Starwood for years.. Like Olivia said priceline rates will be way cheaper and here I am paying more. Sometimes I can get it matched, and sometime get some courtesy points.. Starwood recently introduced BRG program.. Best Rate GTE. That helps a bit..
The problem is sometimes when you book through these other sites you do not get to use your perks with the program. I believe Hyatt has some good perks with there Plat program. I am lifetime Plat with SPG so that's why I put up with the little song and dance sometimes..

Olivia: I agree 100% on where to use the free nights. I plan to stay free in JNB at Hyatt next year.

Frank: The $$ difference between the rate I got & a Priceline deal was so small that I decided being "loyal" would get me more. Maybe an upgrade? You never know.

Doug

Well, it looks like I did the right thing by calling Hyatt. We ended up with a King Suite. Very nice room.
Sometimes it all works out!

Doug