Was the $90 Dolphin rate invalid?

[MickeyCrazed]

I saw and posted to a thread yesterday regarding $100 day rates at the Dolphin.
I used the link twice and received a confirmation for my reservation, but now when I enter that information on the SPG website, it is telling me both confirmations are invalid.
The thread and link appear to have been deleted. Can someone advise?
I'm now kicking myself for not checking that it was a secured website (although it did appear to be spg's page) and am worried about internet fraud.
Thanks.

 

[sheilap]

...the rate was not valid. After some serious sleuthing, it turns out that the website those rates were posted on was a "staging"site for Starwood.

 

[Debbie7452]

I knew something was wrong with that rate, but how did it all get figured out? I never saw a link on the thread so apparently I missed quite a bit of the story. Why did the whole post get deleted? Seems like they could have deleted the invalid link only!

 

[pinsandneedles]

What do you mean by a staging site. When I was on this site it looked secure. Please let me know what you found out in your sleuthing. All information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[ozziewags]

It looks like the site was a 'staging site', best explained as a 'testing site', maybe for employees? When I logged on today, not only could I not find it, but I could not gain access to this site at all.
The person who found the site went to a 'search engine' to find spg. As you know, when you use a search engine, you get everything in the world about that topic. He/she clicked on it and that's how it happened.
Many people wanted the rate and started using the site. I don't think, but I don't know for sure, that your info you put in went anywhere. The original person called Dophin directly and was granted the rate. Beyond that, I don't know.
I would bet we will get an explanation from webmaster alex or someone today as to what happened.

 

[Geoff_M]

ozziewags is correct. A "staging server" is a developmental "sand-box" where web developers and webmasters and test content changes or change the design of a site entirely without affecting the "production" site. A site that is a "works in progress" during a design change can be a very ugly thing (inconsistent graphic design templates, links that don't work, etc.) and looks very unprofessional. When the webmaster likes what they see on the staging server, they will "publish" (copy) the new code to the production server, where you and I can then see it. Sometimes the staging servers are behind firewalls where the general public can't see them. Others rely on unpublished URL's to keep them clostered, but web crawlers can often find them and put them in search engines.

Sites that have database backends, like a hotel reservation site, will more than likely not use the production ("real") databases with the staging server. When you're testing things you don't want to have to worry about deleting all the database changes you made afterwards. The test databases often contain bogus or simplistic data.

 

[Blondie]

Okay, now what did Geoff just say?

 

[hookedup]

They best way to explain this whole drama is that we accidently got into their testing booking engine for rooms (doesnt actually pull live inventory for rooms or book anything real) and the stuff they update on their site before they move it "live" to the web. The rates we were seeing were dummy rates and the site is used by them to check links and new data - ie, promos and pop up windows and adding new links. It is not meant for the public to use.

When I saw the URL I had a strong feeling it was their staging site. I talked to their internet dept last night and they were shocked we had all stumbled across it! It was all done very innocently on our ends and I hope that no one cancelled other reservations thinking they had found a better deal - that is what I was worried about.

For once I actually had something productive to share around here instead of my usually sponging off knowledge from all of you!!! LOL!!!

 

[Mouseteacher]

I guess the old rule applies ~ "if it sounds too good to be true, it must not be true!"

That's what I thought when I saw the post and tried the link. I, too, hope no else cancelled their ressie and tried this one.

 

[dalepool]

I just happened to be looking at the starwood sight yesterday---knew nothing about a staging program---I found a great rate which is now the rate in guestion. I didn't book right away---silly me I ----I wanted to make sure I could get a non smoking room so I called one of the supplied toll free numbers where I reached a service agent who told me the rate was OK--(the only thing I thought was strange was the tax was included ). I make a habit of keeping a log of who and when I speak to an agent in "any" customer service department----so I had records of my calls. I spoke with some very helpful agents----but I keep getting sent to another helpful agent---and back again---round and round I go. ( They just don't know I have a 19 year old daughter that is the master of this tactic---they should hire her----!!!!!! Well as it sits now I have a ressie at the swan-----As they were gracious enough to find me a room--in a full hotel. Now just remember I cancelled my ressie at the Disney resort along with my car reservation (I got a great rate at thrifty).

Who is responsible for this ----dare I think it might be the Dolphin----NO---They, as I, did nothing wrong.....Seems to me the party should be Starwood internet. I'm not asking for a free room just the room designation I reserved at the price I "paid". Yes I gave a secured site my cc number.

I was told by one of the customer service agents that the "price was to low and they couldn't honor the price. Let me see here----I could have booked one of the higher rates which appeared on the same site would that rate have been "honored" I'm sure It would have---with not a nary of anything mentioned that it was an invalid reservation. ( there were 100, 200, 300 and something prices, as well as 400.00 + rates).

Just a thought--- when I booked my car--at a great rate---I never thought it was a testing site----why would I? I didn't get an e-mail confirmation right away---some services don't---they rely on you to print out a confirmation page and keep your confirmation # --all of which I did.

If it came down to me getting this rate or the person or persons who "messed up" getting fired---no contest---I'd figure out how to pay for the extra---they'd keep their jobs-- It was an honest mistake---by me and the person who didn't program the testing area correctly. I've made mistakes---I have always taken pains to do the "RIGHT" thing--I hope Starwoods does the same.

I'll let you all know what happens

PattyN

 

[jaygatz]

Hi Guys,

As I am new to this board, I wanted to ask a couple of questions about this "rate" offered to you by the Dolphin--First, did anyone get a confirmation number from this test-sight? If so, have you pushed the matter with the Dolphin? As a law student, it seems clear to me that if you went to an official site run by Starwood (whether a test site or not) and they had a rate posted of 90-100/night and you offered to book a room at that rate and they accepted your offer by giving you a confirmation number, then you have a legally binding contract for a stay at their resort at the rate of 90-100/night. Does this make sense? I would love to hear if the conditions specified above were met when those of you who went to this Dolphin site attempted to book rooms at this rate.

JayGatz

 

[BadgerBruce]

I was one who jumped on the rate when I saw it. It did seem "too good to be true", but I've seen reports of people getting incredible rates (Priceline, one day sales, etc.) on the net so I went for it. My turn, right?? I never did cancel my existing reservation, even after receiving a confirmation number for the new one. I look at as a harmless mistake & my only concern is to be sure my CC wasn't charged. If Starwood does this in the future I suggest setting the rate somewhere around $5000 a night so no one (?) could possibly take it seriously. I love the S/D resorts & feel the SPG program is great.

 

[jaygatz]

Were I you Bruce, I would be staying at the Dolphin for 90/night though I do understand your ethic at not wanting to "cheat." Maybe it is the schooling that I am going through, but I have a heightened sense of contractual liability--you know, the law exists, so everyone should adhere to it!

 

[Trekker]

I'm sorry but I must comment here. I have a problem with sticking to the letter of the law instead of the spirit of the law.

Taking advantage of an honest mistake is IMO one of the reasons our legal system is so messed up. Courts are tied up with cases that should never be there if people were not trying to get something that they really are not entitled to.

Off the soap box - opinion stated!

 

[jaygatz]

sorry to be new here and have started a disagreement, but Trekker, c'mon. What exactly is the spirit of the law of which you speak? When a company offers to sell its product at a specific price and a person accepts that price, gives her credit card number, and receives a confirmation number, a contract is formed. Allowing a company to make an offer and then rescind after receiving an acceptance is antithetical to every foundation of contract law. How could anyone ever rely on any promise to sell at a certain price if the promising company is allowed to back out on a whim? What if a person got onto that website booked a vacation, loaded up his family and headed out without calling to confirm his confirmation? Following your "spirit of the law," that person upon arriving at the resort would be at the mercy of the resort to pay whatever they asked at that time. Surely you can see that no one could ever take a trip with any real peace of mind if the letter of the law were not followed. Finally, why should a corporation be allowed to mislead the public to advance its website? How hard is it for them to keep their "test" sites out of the view of the public? That burden, IMHO, is far less burdensome than the harm and anxiety caused to a person who books a trip, becomes excited, and then is told, "Oops, we didn't mean to sell you a room, so we rescind our offer." And the weighing of burdens is the way the law works. Sorry if this is abrasive, but the blame here should be placed on Starwood, not on one who holds them to their promise.

 

[ozziewags]

I can see both sides of your points, guys. But I have to admit, if they are running a test site, maybe they could put in $5000 a night, in case some innocent folks like us run across it.

 

[shelley_s]

I agree that Starwood should have anticipated that people may come accross their test site. Using a $5000 would be a good way for them to make sure nobody tries to make a reservation. Until this, I would NEVER have wondered if I'm on some business's test site instead of their "real" one!! It just never occurred to me!

I also think that if Starwood confirmed a reservation for anyone, they should honor it. While a $90-100 rate is a GREAT rate, it is not so far outside the realm of reality that anyone seeing it should automatically think to themselves, "this is clearly a mistake, and I'd better not try to book it." There are reports of people being at the right place at the right time and getting a great deal!

I'm not exactly sure what they are testing on their site, but they should not confirm a reservation they do not intend to stand by.

Whew, now I've said my piece!

 

[dalepool]

As you are aware I posted to this thread 11/20...Again let me say I acted in GOOD FAITH. Now with that I'd like to side with each and every one of you..........

I contacted Dolphin.....had I NOT called to request a king bed non smoking room instead of the double non-smoking room on the "confirmation" I would have been put up at the Dolphin when I showed up at the reservation desk with my confirmation.....Starwood has no idea how many people have a ressie. Not sure if it would have been the Duluxe room I "PAID" for. So my thought here is If I really thought this was a "FAKE RATE" I would never have called them---I'd have just showed -up. I'm being singled out because I called to request that King bed. Oh, stupid me-----

jaygatz-----Was there a meeting of the minds? Does the internet have seperate laws governing the fact this was apparently a testing site and only by mistake I was directed to that site? Again I feel Dolphin is off the hook--this is a starwood matter---Are you aware Starwood's corp office is out of Ireland? Yes, the country. What state are they registered in? What are the laws concerning this matter in that State? I could never get an attorney to even look at this----Cost V Benefit------ I fight for what is right----but let me tell you-----RIGHT DOESN'T ALWAYS WIN----Nor DOES FAIR----. Thanks for your support. I know I'm right---but I think I'd be fighting a losing battle.

Again let me say --had I booked one of the higher priced rooms I would dare say reservations would have straightened it out for me and for the price guoted on the testing site.......where is the "RIGHT THING TO DO" WITH THAT?

I also have the names of agents who said I had a "REAL" reservation----guess Paul really doesn't know what peter is doing.

When a guest gets a price line rate----a very low price line rate---that price was honored-----Did the hotel say no---rate was to low? Well maybe the hotel wasn't full----I guess both Swan ? Dolphin as at capacity-----( Yes, I know rooms are always available---for a price)

BadgerBruce---I took the rate serious----I've found some equally as wonderful Airfare rates while surfing the web. I never thought those were test sights. Eg: $59.00 round trip to LA. It was a special that needed my immediate attention---meaning do I book at this rate or wait for another special rate later? Remember, if the plane, hotel is running at below inventory they offer "Specials". As this "specia;" came up in my case just 2 weeks before my travel dates I truely thought it was a rate to fill empty rooms---remember early Dec is a LOW time at Disney----We also need to remember times are slow for most companies. Thanks for " listening"

 

[TWOOD]

I also booked this rate, for not 1 but 2 rooms at the advice of an SPG agent who couldn't find my reservation when I called with my confirmation #. He said that my printed confirmation was my "proof". Anyway, I contacted a friend at the Dolphin and he is researching the link I sent him. The only thing I want to express is that I have gotten deals this good at the Dolphin previously, so the low rate didn't alarm me. 1 time I lucked out on a SW Air sale on the internet $30 each way from DFW to MCO - I booked immediately. It wasn't being offered the next day, so it was "pure luck" on my part. That's all I wanted to share.

 

[princessmomma]

This $90 rate is not out of line or "too low to honor". It was just the summer of 2001 when the Teacher rate was incorrectly advertised at $99 instead of $129.

Starwood did honor this $99 Teacher rate to anyone who mentioned the ad. The incorrect advertisement was in a Sunday newspaper.

I too jumped on this rate. I guess too impetuously. I called Starwood directly to inquire about my reservation but it was nowhere to be found. I am paranoid about internet fraud so I quickly cancelled my credit card.

I printed out my confirmation letter from the test site and I am still deliberating whether I should further this or not.