I can almost always find the same room for the same dates for significantly cheaper through OTAs compared to booking direct for the loyalty/status benefits despite their claims of best prices and guarantees.
Most best price guarantees for direct bookings seem to be a marketing gimmick to serve as reassurance that you are getting the best price, when in reality you are likely not. It appears most hotels hide behind their tos and avoid honoring their best price guarantees with questionable tactics.
Also, why don't hotels actually just offer their best rates on their own website instead of all this runaround?
Most best price guarantees for direct bookings seem to be a marketing gimmick to serve as reassurance that you are getting the best price, when in reality you are likely not. It appears most hotels hide behind their tos and avoid honoring their best price guarantees with questionable tactics.
Also, why don't hotels actually just offer their best rates on their own website instead of all this runaround?