Wanted to mention that what you did usually isn't a price match in the way people picture it. Most big chains won't actually match their own app rate just because you ask, since the app is often already the lowest rate they offer. What likely happened is the front desk dropped you to a lower rate tier, maybe a AAA, senior, or member rate, or a "we'll beat it" deal some hotels run to get you to book direct. So it's less "they matched the app" and more "the guy had room to move on price that day." It can totally work, but it depends on the hotel, how full they are, and who picks up the phone.

Librarians do this all the time when they get pressure from above but still want the books out. The back room thing is usually a compromise so nobody official has to deal with complaints at the front desk. If you want to actually help, go ask a staff member where the display went and say you were looking for those titles. They track requests like that and it gives them cover to move stuff back out. Also check if your library has a public comment form for board meetings, that stuff works more than people realize.