Hotels not giving rates over the phone?

[Paul Sandhu]

A few minutes ago a guy coming to town called me and wanted to know what I have available.  It's pretty much public knowledge that 4000-5000 people will be coming here in the next 2 weeks.  

The hotels have vacancies, I check them out every day.  The guy that called me said he called some hotels and they would not give our their rates over the phone.  I told him that all I have left was a 2 bedroom house with 3 beds for $600.  He said he'd take it, we're meeting in an hour.

So why do the hotels not disclose their rates over the phone?  This are franchises, Holiday Inn and Best Western.