How do you book hotels? And, does it make a difference?
 

I'm planning a trip to Spain and have noticed a difference in price between the hotel websites and the various travel sites (e.g. Expedia, Hotels.com, priceline, etc.)., with the travel websites being cheaper. Just wondering what others do and your experiences and recommendations.

First, look at the "terms" carefully - sometimes the rates on the travel websites are lower because they are pre-paid and/or non-cancelable where as the ones on the hotel websites might be fully refundable.

Depending on the hotel, you can sometimes find the same rates on the hotel websites.

For us, we usually belong to different "affinity programs" that give good rates and extra perks if we book through the hotel website so we use them more than the travel sites. however, we check prices on multiple sites to see who has the best. If we find a low rate on a travel website that's not available on the hotel's website we call the hotel's toll-free reservation and see if they will quote us that lower rate - more often than not they will.

You may want to re-post this over on the Europe Forum.

I always book directly with hotels. I feel it's a safer more sure arrangement that way. I even try to talk or email directly with someone at the front desk if possible.

But I don't know if this is better or not, since I've never tried it any other way. Maybe it's silly, but I just don't trust Expedia or other 'middlemen' myself. YMMV.

Thank you for responding...I posted on the Europe forum as well. Thanks for the suggestion janisj.

suze - I'm of the same mind on that.

I've even quoted to the hotels the rates a third party was offering for their hotel, and asked them if they could match the rate.

I've only had one hotel say no, most of the others will make the adjustment if it's reasonable.

I've also gotten little perks without asking, I can only assume just from being friendly making myself noticed.

Like email my new-found contact at the front desk with questions... say requesting the most quiet room available in my price category, etc. (and ended up upgraded one level of room without anyone saying why). Or if it's your birthday... mention it. Etc.

Some hotels will give their better rooms to those who book directly with them. If you go through a third-party booking site, you may get a great room but you are more likely to end up at one of the least desirable rooms.

If I know the language I prefer booking directly. If I don't know the language I feel slightly better booking through a large booking site that has all the info in english.

I have done both and had good results with both. Just a matter of pricing, convinience, etc.

I always use Booking.com and Tripadvisor.com to see prices,reviews and areas where they are located. Then either book on Booking.com or the hotel's website. Personally, I find that Priceline and Expedia are usually higher than most on the prices.

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