I would think that you would not be able enforce the cheaper price because no contract was actually made in that the money was not deducted from your account.

You haven't lost anything except for a pleasant dream, and I would think that your first job would be to secure alternative accommodation in the place you intend to stay in.

I fear that there will be something in the T&C of the website to say 'E&OE' (errors and omissions excepted) and that the price on the website would be considered in law as 'an invitation to treat', as are signs in shop windows .......... rather than an enforceable contractual price.

You could certainly alert your local trading standards office as to the pricing anomally, though I'm not sure that they would be able to do anything concrete in this situation and report the company to the advertising standards authority, who have all the necessary forms for making a complaint easily downloadable on their website. Make sure you get a screen shot to back up your complaint.

I hope you find alternative accommodation at a fair price very soon.

This happened to me with last minute.com. They would not confirm if it was a solid booking but eventually they agreed that as goodwill as it was there fault they would honour the price and they did. It is not the hotels fault it is their web site not the hotels so they are at fault for having a system that works properly. Hope you get it sorted.
Marg

Firstly I didn't think the internet was part of the GDS. Secondly, I know Worldwide T&C's state that they are agents for the hotels and your contract is with them. They also state that they require payment before they confirm to the customer. If you have an email from them confirming dates, price etc. it may be they have breached their own t&c's by confirming before taking payment. Might be worth persuing if you think it's worthy of the energy involved. If not, right it off to experience and look elsewhere.