louise1928

I have been going back and forth with agents and checking rates at the resort websites. The website rates are much better (although they do not include transfers).

Has anyone here ever booked directly with the resort, or do you just prefer to use an agent or non resort website such as expedia.

Thanks

summer04

I usually book my own through the resort website. Research prices and discounts well before booking. ASK the resort for current specials and discounts such as AAA or Entertainment Card. I also get quotes from agents, but I can usually beat their rates. Booking with the resort can also give you a better cancellation policy and you won't have to pay a lot up front when booking.

talavera_timbre

I agree. We're staying at the Camino Real in Puebla at the end of the month, and I reserved on their website, for a nightly rate of $79 (standard king room / double occupancy). The best that Expedia and Travelocity could do was around $87. Have any particular place in mind? I'd be glad to offer suggestions, depending upon your destination.

suze

I always book my own airfare and make a reservation direct with the hotel. I simply use a taxi from the airport to the hotel upon arrival. I have never used a travel agent or a general booking website like expedia.

louise1928

Thanks everyone for your replies.

We are going to Playa Del Carmen, and staying at the Palladium. I checked their website, and got rates from three agents, and so far the resort website rates are better. I emailed the resort and asked about any hidden fees, and I was told the rate quoted on their website includes taxes, and there are no hidden fees.

What do you think??? I am really leaning towards booking directly with the resort.

Little_Man

I'd go with the resort. Prices are better, and they cannot blame the travel agent if things are overbooked!!!

summer04

I would go with the resort, too. Just be sure you have a printed confirmation with you when you go and contact the resort ahead of time to make sure the reservation is correct. When in Mexico, I over-prepare, as things usually don't run as smoothly as in the US.

talavera_timbre

I agree. Definitely go with the resort. I also over-prepare, carrying copies of confirmations, reservations, etc....my husband thinks I'm neurotic, but we've never been sorry! !Buen viaje!

Ryberg

One other thing you might want to do is inform the agents you're talking to that you're finding better rates advertised on the property's own web site. That's a definite no-no in the industry, as the basis for any agreement between a property and a travel agent is that the property will not sell for less than the rate the property determines and provides for the agent to sell at.

My guess is that agents, who after all are other people working for a living, get shafted a lot in this way.

Steve

jb1923

I was just in PDC and this was the first time that i booked everything on my own. I found rates on thehotels website and the called them to book a room. There was no hidden fees and it was alot cheaper then what travel agents and websites like orbitz were asking. Plus when we checked out, the hotel gave us 10% off for paying with cash. I was alittle worried at first by doing it on my own, but I know now I had nothing to worry about and I will set up my own hotels and airfare now.

talavera_timbre

Excellent point! I also meant to mention that some properties give a discount when paying with cash (or traveler's checks). Good thinking.

suze

My thinking is the opposite of those who find comfort in using a travel agent or intermediary of any sort.

When you deal with a hotel directly you know exactly what has gone on. What is paid, what is promised. The front desk controls perks like surprise upgrades.

When you're off on your trip, and something goes wrong, I don't see the value of having a travel agent (often not even familiar with the country or resort) as your go-between back in the U.S. in their office.

I always carry a copy of the fax or email, and take names if there were any telephone calls involved. Maybe I'm fooling myself, but I feel much more in control of the situation this way. I build my own relationship at the hotel (especially if it is a place you may return to in the future). When I arrive the hotel front desk I can say, "hi I'm Susan, Sophie took care of my reservations by email" and am greeted with a smile and welcome.

Maybe I'm just lucky, but so far, so good.

Ryberg

"Plus when we checked out, the hotel gave us 10% off for paying with cash."

Yes, well, that is often the case. Unfortunately it's a reflection of corruption in Mexico as such discounts only make sense as part of illegal underreporting of income -- cash leaves no essential paper trail and thus taxes on it can remain unpaid -- and hurts the region in terms of badly needed funding for environmental protection, education, health care, infrastructure (even simple plumbing or electrical connections we take for granted in first world countries) and the like. I don't mean to be a curmudgeon but people should be aware of the fact that such illegal activity on the part of the property involved is the only way such discounts can make sense.

On the other hand, if you do go for these options, you should ask the property for a discount of more like 50% off your bill. That's about how much the property stands to save, when you pay cash, as they can not only not pay the 10-12% sales & lodging taxes but also the 30+% in income taxes (and save the 4-5% credit card commission, as well). And if they balk at this suggestion, well then you have your proof that they're not really intending to report your payment and pay taxes on it at all, as otherwise it would be about the same difference.

I'd be interested to hear if anyone ever tries that what the reaction is...

Steve

louise1928

Thanks everyone for your great tips and suggestions. We just booked directly with the resort. Before doing that, I emailed the resort with questions, and received a several responses. The resort website rates were very good, and they charged our credit card with for 1 night stay, with the balance being due on arrival. I did print the confirmation, and will definitely contact them 2 weeks prior just to confirm it.

I hope all goes well.

Thanks again

P.S. I will post a review when we return.

suze

Steve, Isn't it possible a small percentage discount for cash merely credits what it costs the hotel to process a credit card transaction?

I am sure there are exceptions, but I refuse to believe innkeepers all over Mexico, not to mention many parts of Europe where this practice is also common, are swindling their governments by offering a cash discount.

Wouldn't your generalizations hold true then for ANY transaction ANYwhere that is made in cash?