The terms and conditions specify that everything must match. Be sure you read these; there are restrictions on how often you can claim a free room. The hardest part of the claim is the cancellation policy. Choice usually allows you to cancel all the way up to the day of your stay, as late as 6 p.m. Finding a third party site with a lower rate and the same cancellation policy can be nearly impossible.
The secret weapon here is m.expedia.com, Expedia's mobile website. It has discounts not present on the Expedia desktop site. In my case, I am looking for a free room near Universal Studios, Orlando, on the night of October 10th, 2014. I am looking for Choice hotels on Expedia Mobile that are on sale.
The rate above is listed as an Expedia Mobile Exclusive. Let's compare it to the Choice website.
The rate is lower on Expedia Mobile. I am comparing the $139.99 rate that is crossed out. This is the refundable rate. $111.99 is an advance purchase rate. You never want to use this one. If your claim is denied, you are stuck with the room. Now, I have to make sure the room descriptions and cancellation policies line up.
Here is the description from Expedia Mobile.
The one below from Choice is a match.
Now, the most important part, the cancellation policies. Here is the one from Expedia Mobile.
Below is the one from Choice.
You will see above that there is a one hour difference, but the cancellation date is the same. This is usually close enough to get approved. At this point, I will need to go ahead and reserve the room on the Choice website in order to get a booking reference. After that, we are ready for the claim form.
Above is the form filled out with example data. The rate must include taxes. I also include a note in the comments to check the Expedia mobile website instead of the desktop site. If all goes well, in 24 hours or less, you will receive an email like the one below.
If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below. Enjoy your free room!
