Question
When I use NEA points to book a room, what do they base their payment on (the rack rate, weekend rate, etc)? Can I then call the hotel directly and see if they have any better deals and switch to the better deal?
Answer
We just booked a Hyatt room for three nights in exchange for 15,000 points and were basically given a $200/night "budget" to work from.
Available rates were from $139 to $198, depending upon view, etc. and we elected to take the $198 rate (big room, view, full breakfast included) to maximize the $200/night allowance.
Our last NEA stay was at a Westin and they allowed us to upgrade and pay the difference; I'm sure it depends upon the hotel. I think as far as the hotel is concerned, they have simply received an advance payment (from NEA) on a room reserved at whatever published rate there is.
Answer
I've talked to a couple of different agents so far and I keep getting different answers. I'll give them another call in a couple of days and see what I'm told then.