Peter

My travels find me needing a hotel only about twice a year, and this is for pleasure not business. I just like to book an excellent rate online and have it instantly confirmed and not concern myself with the online bidding of some sites. To be specific, I'm looking for a great hotel March 15-18, 2003 in a fun area of Los Angeles (Westwood, Venice, W. Hollywood, etc) for one person. The W in Westwood looks great but I can't fin a reasonable discount online. So, is there one particular resevation system that you like above others? Thanks for your help.

Blah

We like Expedia.. Priceline has the best rates, but you are completely STUCK with your purchase. We use expedia, among others, to shop around.. Orbitz as well. The hotels will match or beat the web prices... plus, they can add special requests like "away from elevator.." "upper floor..." whereas Expedia cannot. I think, from what hotel people have told me, you get more respect and flexility with non-web reservations. I know for a fact when you book via priceline, the hotels take notice of that, and many will stick you wherever they see fit.. the oldest room.. etc. That is what I have been also told by travel agents.

Jamie

Blah is right about priceline.
The better hotels will often treat you like an unwanted stepchild if you book that way.

As for best deals, the best seem to come from hotels' own websites.
You can soimetimes find cheaper artes at Expedia and Orbitz. I've saved a few bucks with each on occasion.

The bottom line is that there is no single site which will always give you the best rate.
You just have to do your own research of several sites.
There really is no shortcut.

uhoh

Uh oh you two. You'd better run and hide NOW, 'cause Pricline Andrew is going to be yelling at you any moment. Geez wait til he sees what you wrote. Woe unto you!

Peter

Thanks for your input thus far...and I know how to spell, really I do.

zzz

Quikbook.com is almost always cheaper than Expedia, Travelocity or Orbitz in my experience.

Kelly

I have gone through some of the same problems as you with the online bookings...I have had good luck with Expedia. However my last trip I hadto come home earlier than planned and had to sacrafice 2 days lodging ( over $200) as no refunds allowed with Expedia
I did try Priceline one time only because I knew I would in the airport area for meetings--otherwise I cannot deal with not being able to name the hotel I want.
Ironically I have gone back to my pre-online habits and usually book through AAA tour book. I did join the Hilton "club" and can often get bargains via their e-mail service.
Don't know much about L.A. area but
Venice is a "hoot"
Good Luck

xxx

Re Priceline: I've never had problems being treated poorly when I've booked via priceline for 5 star hotels, I am usually upgraded with my hotels travelcard in spite of the low rate and have been given room on the concierge level twice when I was not a gold card member. I use priceline most of the time whenever possible but w/ business trips in sold out cities I have had the best luck with www.quikbook.com and www.1800096hotel.com

rachel

I'm a big fan of quikbook. I lke the fact that you can cancel or change your reservation without penalty. They have also always honored any lower price I've found, even when I've reserved through them, and then their advertiesed rate goes down. I book right on the net, but have called their toll free number many times for changes and the staff is helpful and courteous.

Joe

We have had good luck with Expedia, yet on our last trip realized that Marriott would give us no credit(points or other offers) when booked through Expedia.

xx

I agree with going directly through the hotel. I get better rates, especially using a AAA discount. Most nicer hotels have a website.

kerry

I don't know priceline andrew--but I have never had a bad experience at a hotel and I use it often. In NYC I was actually upgraded to the executive tower on one trip because the hotel was over-booked. I always stay at 3 star + hotels and have not had to pay over $100 a night in NYC, Montreal, DC, San Francisco. Had great room with terrific views in Quebec city.

Fred

Priceline is the best, but if you don't want to go that way, check out Orbitz.

lindy

For my last trip to Chicago and New York City -- hotels.com gave the best price -- and I was upgraded upon arrival. You just have to compare, compare, compare!

TvlPro

Most of the big travel sites are powered by global distributions systems which typically offer the same rates. However, they all negotiate special rates or private label hotels.com content.
Travelocity has always been competitive when I check. Best bet is to pick out a hotel and just hit the sites to get the best deal.
The Standard on Sunset is fun and you can probably get it for around 150.00 without a prepay if you book soon.