|
|
Third-Party Travel Sites
 Dawnarae
Third-party travel sites are awesome tools in the process of getting the best hotel prices. In my four years of employment in the hotel industry, I am qualified to make some suggestions to make your travel experience successful.
First: name your own price sites. These are incredible resources for finding those great hotel deals. As soon as you pay the site, the reservation is made. Call the hotel to check the room type and the location. The hotel clerk can make note on your reservation either confirming or requesting a preferred room type. The clerk is not allowed to guarantee requests. The down-side to these reservations is you cannot choose your hotel or your room type. This isn't so much of an issue if there is only one or two of you travelling. This is a problem when you are a family of five.
Second: location, location, location. Some hotel deals are based upon the location being not as convenient to your destination. Since these third-party hotel deals are non-refundable, confirm the location BEFORE you hit enter. You can call the hotel directly to ask where major cross-streets are or ask the clerk, "How far are you from…?”
Finally, be sure to use your rewards accounts. You may not earn points for the amount of money you spent since you didn't pay the hotel directly, but if the program has a membership level depending on the number of nights you stay, you can earn credit towards that. If you have a rewards credit card, pay for your stay using THAT card on the third-party site.
Using third-party sites to find the best deals is an excellent way to spend your money wisely. Don't forget to always do your homework first!
| | |
|
|
|
|
