It wouldn't surprise me a bit if is a "scheme" like you described. Then I also have a "dirty mind" like yours, I think we are both Argentineans, aren't we? <g>

>In other words, they are offering something they don't have and conveniently the error message says "try later OR a different hotel". Someone with a dirty mind like mine could think that they set up the bait with low fares that don't even exist and expect that since you are on their web site already, you'll end up buying from orbitz anyway at a more expensive rate.
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>To enforce my 'conspiray' theory let me tell you that this happened yesterday and, despite of what I was told at customer service, right now, 10 am eastern time, the offer still is on at the same price, but I am still unable to book it?
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>Disgusting way to do business.