In some instances, like car rental, comparison sites could work out effectively, with no booking fees, cancellation fees no payment in advance. However when it involves hotels and accommodation, do comparison websites really get you the best deal? Before you reserve your next getaway, read this guide to ensure you don’t get cheated!
Family at the hotel check in
Tips to get the very best Hotel Deal
Comparison sites like Expedia, Travelocity and Hotels are best for doing initial research and comparing your alternatives.
Once you small down your choices to the hotel (or few hotels) that you would like to stay at, check out the hotel’s own website to see if their price is the same. Often they will have extra room types or prices that they don’t source to comparison websites. Visit: RESERVATIONS.COM
Look on the hotel’s website to see if indeed they have any special discounts or coupons.
Look out for scheduling fees and mastercard fees. This isn’t exclusive to the comparison sites; some hotels also demand for this.
Check cancellation and amendments procedures before you publication. This pertains to both comparison websites and the hotel’s own website. Determine if they charge you a cost for amending or canceling bookings. Your travel cover may cover this, but it’s easier to get your cash back straight from the hotel.
Check what’s contained in your room rate. Some places includes things such as Wi-Fi internet and local calls. Ironically, it’s usually the expensive five-star hotels that charge for these exact things like a wounded bull!
Don’t hesitate to negotiate. Try dialling the hotel and find out if they can provide a better price, room up grade, or throw in a few extras. This can work very well if it’s near to the particular date plus they still have lots of rooms vacant.
Some people swear by bidding sites like Priceline, yet others hate them. If you wish to give it a go, Gadling has an outstanding guide about how to game Priceline to get the best offer.
