As the summer approaches, many people plan out a fun family vacation. I hope you are able to do so as well because it is great for family bonding to take time away from our daily stresses and work and just enjoy each others company. Vacation planning has become so much more of a do it yourself kind of thing now that the internet places everything at our fingertips. This means we have more freedom to browse, check out reviews and popular destinations. The internet makes booking a hotel online easy. As you line up all the details of your next trip, consider the benefits of booking online hotel reservations directly. This post is sponsored by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA).
The Benefits Of Booking Direct Online Hotel Reservations
1. Booking A Hotel Online Is Easy
Gone are the days of having to call the hotel directly to be sure you booked. Booking a hotel online is actually easier- you don’t have to get put on hold, you get to fill out all the info with the correct spelling, you get to review the rates and restrictions in print, and you get a confirmation email.
2. Booking A Hotel Online Means Better Rates
You almost always get better rates when booking online hotel reservations. I used to call just to be sure and ask about their rates but I always found they were better online.
3. You Often Get Extra Perks For Booking A Hotel Direct
Choice Hotels, like many other hotel chains, offers a lowest rate guarantee for customers who book direct. The Choice Hotel Rewards Program also rewards loyal members with points to redeem for a free night, gift cards, airline miles or gas. Hyatt gives members of its Hyatt Gold Passport loyalty program up to a 10 percent discount for booking hotel reservations online direct. Some boutique hotels will even offer an upgrader perk for those that book direct with the chance at an upgraded room, when available, at no additional charge. So it is worth checking to see what perks are available for booking direct.
4. Booking Hotel Reservations Online Directly Ensures Direct Communication
When we booked an online hotel reservation at a small lodge in South Africa near the Kruger Park, we showed up around 5 and found the gate locked. We called the front desk and the gentlemen said he was just leaving for the day and we caught him just in time. He then proceeded to complain about the booking sites that don’t give him the customer information so he can’t send along the gate code to guests. I loved the lodge but that really alarmed me I made a mental note to book small hotels directly. If you have any special room request, those are best made by booking directly as well.
5. Booking Hotel Reservations Online Directly Helps Prevent Scams
Research from the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) shows, “23 percent of consumers report being misled by third-party traveler resellers… translating to 28.5 million hotel stays and $5.2 billion in fraudulent and misleading hotel booking transactions in 2017.”
Brief Avoid Shady Hotel Deals Video:
I hope you enjoyed learning about these five benefits of booking hotel reservations online.
Bottom line? As you compare options, check for hotel direct booking perks, and be sure to review the reservations restrictions, charge date, and cancellation policy.
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