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-   -   What website to book hotels, not bidding? (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/what-website-to-book-hotels-not-bidding-465003/)

Heavens Aug 5th, 2004 10:01 AM

What website to book hotels, not bidding?
 
Not PL or Hotwire. Don't want to bid. I am searching for particular dates in a particular city. Just wondering what you use and find helpful. I tried hotels.com but I put in the search and it just shows the little man walking forever and doesn't give me the results. Very frustrating. So, if you have any helpful ideas for a good workable website, please pass on. Thanks in advance.

clarkgriswold Aug 5th, 2004 10:36 AM

Might depend on the city, one website might feature the best rates in Las Vegas while another consistently offers the best deals in NYC.

expedia.com
hotelkingdom.com
travelocity.com
quikbook.com are a few that I check

travelinwifey Aug 5th, 2004 10:45 AM

you can also download travelaxe.com which prices about 15 online booking engines and highlights the lowest price.

djkbooks Aug 5th, 2004 10:45 AM

Travelaxe.com - after downloading, searches nine online booking sites.

Double check before booking with Expedia. Most rooms are prepay and rates are often the same, even higher (much higher) than booking at the same hotel's website without having to prepay.

Heavens Aug 5th, 2004 10:51 AM

Yes, that is part of it. I don't want to be precharged and I want to be able to cancel down the road if I change my mind. I know, I want the moon. Just wondering what site you all use to kind of simplify the searching/booking process. I will check into these. Thanks.

Suzie Aug 5th, 2004 11:01 AM

There's a pretty good feature of tripadvisor.com which will give you a quote from several online providers for your dates and hotels. It usually comes up as "Compare all deals on (name of your chosen hotel)"

joan Aug 5th, 2004 11:13 AM

Orbitz.com and travelweb.com are two more good ones, often listing lower rates than expedia or travelocity.

Frank Aug 5th, 2004 12:37 PM

If you have a particular chain you like, Marriott, Westin, Hyatt, Intercontinential, etc. Many now offer a "Lowest Price Guarantee".

halbo49 Aug 5th, 2004 01:12 PM

This is one of my favorites

http://www.choicehotels.com/

Cats_Do_Dance Aug 5th, 2004 01:33 PM

I echo the suggestions for Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz as well as others posted here. However, before booking on them, I would first check the hotel you're interested in website to see if the rates are the same. If they are, I personally would book straight with the hotel itself. No matter where you book, pay close attention for to see if these are prepay rates and what the cancellation policies are.

sam Aug 5th, 2004 02:03 PM

I use Travelaxe.com too, a search engine of search engines.

lenleigh Aug 5th, 2004 08:55 PM

I always check Expedia (although I've never booked anything with them) and possibly another "discount" site. Always check the hotels website direct and I usually call also. I always end up booking with them direct.

Baligirl Aug 9th, 2004 07:15 AM

I personally have a lot of luck with orbitz, which actually partners with Hotwire. But you're not bidding -- you get to choose dates, city, etc...and if you find a better deal Orbitz will match it.

Baligirl Aug 13th, 2004 05:46 AM

Ok so my friend said I"m wrong...orbitz doesn't partner with hotwire...it's one of the other travel sites that does. but the hotel match thing did work -- i got a great deal on the hotel I wanted to stay at next weekend for my friend's wedding -- The Hudson in NYC...must be bc it's NO bidding (yes, I"m awake now!). Sorry for mistake and hope this helps! :-)

mclaurie Aug 13th, 2004 05:55 AM

One other option is to download the sidestep.com software. It will search for best prices (supposedly). But I agree with many of the other websites you've been given. No one site will always have the best deal. And certain sites require pre pay on some hotels and not others. The feature Suzie mentions on tripadvisor is very good. Also interesting (using that feature) that on some websites a hotel will show up as unavailable on particular dates while on another it will be available.???

bjboothman Aug 13th, 2004 06:41 AM

I always check expedia and travelocity but then typically book with the hotel directly. I can usually do as well with AARP, AAA, or similar weekend specials or other discounts, and there is no booking fee.

enjoylife Aug 13th, 2004 05:23 PM

Travelzoo and eleisurelink.

serpico Aug 13th, 2004 05:27 PM

hotelselect.co.uk


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