Online hotel reservation caution
 

I have just had a bad experience with Hotel Reservation, an online company that reserves rooms. I had a meeting to attend, made a reservation on 1/9/08, and received a confirmation from them. When I got to the hotel, there was no record. When I presented my confirmation letter, no information was in the hotel system. The hotel had faxed Hotel Reservations, and showed me this fax, to notify them that no rooms were available the nights I needed. Hotel Reservations did not fax this information to me. The hotel clerk immediately called the online reservation company, and When the hotel clerk spoke to the Hotel Reservation clerk, the clerk hung up. I just now, 1/29, called Hotel Reservations to discuss this. Ruth assured me that if I received a confirmation, it was good. When I told her what happened, she hung up on me.

I was advised by the hotel, who has had many similar problems with Hotel Reservations, to talk directly to the hotel and not go through an online reservation company.

Believe me, I will.
Happy travelling,
Birder57

Thanks for posting that. I suggest you submit your story to consumerist.com and other consumer-advocate publications.

This can happen to any reservation! This is why it's better double-check by calling the hotel directly.

Happened to me once, and it was resolved by the on-line company within an hour.

Always, always confirm ANY reservation, doesn't matter how much you trust the Internet or a travel agent.

I usually do that 1-2 weeks before arrival.

It's also why you should stick the most well-known players--Orbitz, Expedia, Travelocity--which have the ability and staff to respond to problems. I'm suspicious of Hotels.com or any of these other second- or third-tier consolidators.

Thanks everyone. I have learned a good lesson. Birder57