Internet Booking vs Travel Agent Booking.

[Renato1]

I've just finished the booking details of accommodation for our vacation to the USA later this year - to New York, Washington, Los Angeles, San Diego, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and San Francisco.

My travel agent uses Helloworld and gave me quotes on a hotel for each of those cities. I checked each against the price for the same days at Booking.com. And in each case, the Booking.com price was dearer. Only marginally dearer for the most expensive places - New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco - and for the Grand Canyon. But significantly dearer for the other towns.

So I turned down her recommended hotels at New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, and used Booking.com to find less expensive places a bit further out. But I accepted her other quotes, as there was a total A$1400 saving over the Booking.com prices.

I mentioned this to the chap who first introduced me to AFF, and his thoughts were that that was pretty good. As when he uses Flight Centre, they can rarely do any better than the Booking.com price.

The only negative experience I have had with travel agent booking was last year, where I got similarly good deals below the Booking.com price in Budapest, Dubai and Kuala Lumpur, but where the hotel in Budapest gave me a run-down room the first night, before giving me the good room we were supposed to have had for the rest of the stay.

What has been your experience with travel agent vs internet booking of hotel rooms - cost and quality wise?
Regards,
Renato

 

[Hvr]

If you have a loyalty programme with the hotel then the associated benefits are not usually provided if booked through a travel agent rather than directly with the hotel.

Booking with a TA means you rely on them to fix up problems and address any issues that arise. If the TA doesn't do this then they aren't worth their fees.

 

[RooFlyer]

I use a TA all the time (not Flight Centretype, but a more corporately focussed one). For hotels I research the hotels I want on-line (at the hotel site), then give the TA the list with a 'target' price (prices of course vary under various circumstances). The TA will first try to book under the GDS. Mostly they can book the hotel-site price, or close to it. 'Close to it' is OK for me as I like the relationship with the TA - there are other aspects, not just price. If they can't get close, they come back and say what they can get, and offer other on-line resources or suggest I may like to book myself if they can't get the price I can. Works really well. I and my client put a lot of business through them, and I've been dealing with the same person for over 5 years, so they are not looking to make every buck they can out of me.

I generally don't book via intermediary sites as I like the direct relationship me and the hotel in respect to problems, upgrades etc.

If you have a loyalty programme with the hotel then the associated benefits are not usually provided if booked through a travel agent rather than directly with the hotel.

Booking with a TA means you rely on them to fix up problems and address any issues that arise. If the TA doesn't do this then they aren't worth their fees.

Depends on the loyalty program, I guess. With Accor, the TA can make the booking (with my credit card) and I get the benefits, points etc.

My TA doesn't charge a fee usually - take their commission only out of airline/hotel price via the GDS, although because I and business are such good customers, I guess they may waive fees they might charge others. Only time I get charged a fee is for very complicated international itineraries (and do go to some out-of-the-way places, with very particular wants).

But yes, the value of a TA are two fold. 1. They save so much time on the dull side of travel - the bookings and confirmations (you can still do research if you find it fun); and 2) If there is a problem - they fix it, such as that hidden hotel cost; cancelled flight when you are en route to Cairo airport; etc. My TA has a 24hr help line - with an actual person at the other end of the line, at a GDS terminal during the night here (ie someone with a mobile phone and a laptop turned on ).

Going for lowest cost in hotels is fine, but its like flying LCC - most of the time its OK, but when it goes bad, you are really up the creek and whether on holiday, or travelling for business, I don't want either the angst or the time to try to fix that sort of thing.

 

[dajop]

When I have a hotel picked, I always compare with the price the selected hotel quotes on their own website (or their hotel chain's website), and usually check with AAA discount rate as well for US travel, as often the discounts can be excellent (if a member of RACV, NRMA etc) and are cancellable should a better hotel or better rate come along before the date of travel.

Generally I find booking.com is not so good for travel in the US, the hotel chain websites and sites like expedia and orbitz seem to be better for US travel, yet booking.com tends to be better for travel in Europe and Asia. Of course this always varies by date and destination.

 

[Renato1]

If you have a loyalty programme with the hotel then the associated benefits are not usually provided if booked through a travel agent rather than directly with the hotel.

Booking with a TA means you rely on them to fix up problems and address any issues that arise. If the TA doesn't do this then they aren't worth their fees.

Thanks. I've been signed up to many hotel loyalty programs, but have never used them subsequently - because the prices were way too high in whichever city I subsequently wanted to visit.
Regards,
Renato

 

[Renato1]

I use a TA all the time (not Flight Centretype, but a more corporately focussed one). For hotels I research the hotels I want on-line (at the hotel site), then give the TA the list with a 'target' price (prices of course vary under various circumstances). The TA will first try to book under the GDS. Mostly they can book the hotel-site price, or close to it. 'Close to it' is OK for me as I like the relationship with the TA - there are other aspects, not just price. If they can't get close, they come back and say what they can get, and offer other on-line resources or suggest I may like to book myself if they can't get the price I can. Works really well. I and my client put a lot of business through them, and I've been dealing with the same person for over 5 years, so they are not looking to make every buck they can out of me.

I generally don't book via intermediary sites as I like the direct relationship me and the hotel in respect to problems, upgrades etc.

Thanks, but I suppose the question is - are you getting the best deal?

I have no idea how Helloworld do it, but in Dubai last year they got me a room which was going for A$315 a night at both the four star hotel's site and at Booking.com, for just A$212 a night. In my forthcoming stay in San Diego, they got me a room in a five star hotel for A$277 a night, that was going on Booking.com for A$475 a night.
Regards,
Renato

 

[drron]

Helloworld would use a consolidator who book a number of rooms at the hotels they use.If they still have rooms left when the hotel is busy you will get the room cheaper through them than other methods.
Way back I went to a conference at the Hilton Anaheim.Was a late decision.Rooms started at $US 800.Through Flight Centre I got one at $A150.When we arrived the checkin agent was surprised at our rate as the walkin rate then was now $US1500.It was before Loyalty programs.

 

[Renato1]

Helloworld would use a consolidator who book a number of rooms at the hotels they use.If they still have rooms left when the hotel is busy you will get the room cheaper through them than other methods.
Way back I went to a conference at the Hilton Anaheim.Was a late decision.Rooms started at $US 800.Through Flight Centre I got one at $A150.When we arrived the checkin agent was surprised at our rate as the walkin rate then was now $US1500.It was before Loyalty programs.

Now - that is what I call a discount!!!!! Thanks for relating that

Does your explanation about how Helloworld works match my experience? I've been booking four months or more before I go. I remember last year when I was booking seven months before I went to Dubai, the travel agent said I had to wait till four months before i went, which was when she got the prices. Are they really operating on a four month time frame trying to fill all their rooms? I guess it could be so if they were desperate to lock in sales.
Regards,
Renato

 

[Renato1]

When I have a hotel picked, I always compare with the price the selected hotel quotes on their own website (or their hotel chain's website), and usually check with AAA discount rate as well for US travel, as often the discounts can be excellent (if a member of RACV, NRMA etc) and are cancellable should a better hotel or better rate come along before the date of travel.

Generally I find booking.com is not so good for travel in the US, the hotel chain websites and sites like expedia and orbitz seem to be better for US travel, yet booking.com tends to be better for travel in Europe and Asia. Of course this always varies by date and destination.

Thanks. I tend to favour Booking.com because of the way they present their reviews - Aussies first, then English speakers, then others. I've always had a very accurate idea of what to expect. I'll check out Expedia on the next US trip.

I am a bit of a newb in this area - what are the AAA discounts please?
Regards,
Renato

 

[get me outta here]

My best success so far booking direct with the hotel in NYC was w' Marriott and it's best rate guarantee. I have a room w' kitchen for May at USD220 which was selling for $299 on thier site. I checked multiple booking sites and found it a few $$ cheaper. Marriott gave me 20% off the whole stay. That room is now ~$400 pn.

Also, the Rydges BRG gives 50% off the first night which is useful for 1 night at SYD airport.

 

[drron]

Now - that is what I call a discount!!!!! Thanks for relating that

Does your explanation about how Helloworld works match my experience? I've been booking four months or more before I go. I remember last year when I was booking seven months before I went to Dubai, the travel agent said I had to wait till four months before i went, which was when she got the prices. Are they really operating on a four month time frame trying to fill all their rooms? I guess it could be so if they were desperate to lock in sales.
Regards,
Renato

In your example the rooms held by the consolidator were almost certainly being held for tours.Any rooms not sold as part of the tour being released for room only sale at 4 months I would guess.

 

[RooFlyer]

Thanks, but I suppose the question is - are you getting the best deal?

I have no idea how Helloworld do it, but in Dubai last year they got me a room which was going for A$315 a night at both the four star hotel's site and at Booking.com, for just A$212 a night. In my forthcoming stay in San Diego, they got me a room in a five star hotel for A$277 a night, that was going on Booking.com for A$475 a night.
Regards,
Renato

Depends on what you mean by 'the best deal' ; to me its not just 'lowest price'. Whilst I'm not adverse to a bargain, I also value my relationship with my TA, who gets me reservations benefits not available on-line (such as Virtuoso); can access cheap flight fares not available on-line (AY does that a fair bit); can stich together complex multi-alliance flight itineraries; does a tremendous amount of the grunt work for my bookings of flights, guides, private tours (I'm time poor) and does the work when things do pear-shaped.

I definitely pay more than I need to on the swings but I'm happy to make that up in various ways on the round-abouts.

 

[Renato1]

My best success so far booking direct with the hotel in NYC was w' Marriott and it's best rate guarantee. I have a room w' kitchen for May at USD220 which was selling for $299 on thier site. I checked multiple booking sites and found it a few $$ cheaper. Marriott gave me 20% off the whole stay. That room is now ~$400 pn.

Also, the Rydges BRG gives 50% off the first night which is useful for 1 night at SYD airport.

Thanks - I tried their website punching in my June dates, and no bargains form me. All I get is over US$300 to over US$400 a night in Manhatten. Their closest hotel in Long island is better than that, but it's about what I'm paying for my Long Island one.
Regards,
Renato

 

[get me outta here]

So, just to check, you looked at various sites to check the price of your hotel and then compare it with Marriott's price? It is pretty late now. I did mine many months ago. I used an obscure site. I'll PM you.

Thanks - I tried their website punching in my June dates, and no bargains form me. All I get is over US$300 to over US$400 a night in Manhatten. Their closest hotel in Long island is better than that, but it's about what I'm paying for my Long Island one.
Regards,
Renato

 

[andye]

Thanks. I tend to favour Booking.com because of the way they present their reviews - Aussies first, then English speakers, then others. I've always had a very accurate idea of what to expect. I'll check out Expedia on the next US trip.

I am a bit of a newb in this area - what are the AAA discounts please?
Regards,
Renato

Hilton, IHG and SPG offer discounts to American Auto Assoc members. Rates often similar to advanced purchase but fully flex. NRMA RACQ RACV etc give reciprocal AAA membership so you are eligible if a member. Rarely asked for the card but should take just in case-if you look it will have a AAA logo on it

AAA members also have access to other discounts in the US

 

[Renato1]

Depends on what you mean by 'the best deal' ; to me its not just 'lowest price'. Whilst I'm not adverse to a bargain, I also value my relationship with my TA, who gets me reservations benefits not available on-line (such as Virtuoso); can access cheap flight fares not available on-line (AY does that a fair bit); can stich together complex multi-alliance flight itineraries; does a tremendous amount of the grunt work for my bookings of flights, guides, private tours (I'm time poor) and does the work when things do pear-shaped.

I definitely pay more than I need to on the swings but I'm happy to make that up in various ways on the round-abouts.

I can now see that we are coming at this from different directions.
You being time poor value the entire package that your travel agent works hard to come up with.
I, on the other hand, am retired and time rich - so I tend to value the travel agent getting me the best deals on four star accommodation, and take care of the rest myself.
Cheers,
Renato

 

[Renato1]

Hilton, IHG and SPG offer discounts to American Auto Assoc members. Rates often similar to advanced purchase but fully flex. NRMA RACQ RACV etc give reciprocal AAA membership so you are eligible if a member. Rarely asked for the card but should take just in case-if you look it will have a AAA logo on it

AAA members also have access to other discounts in the US

Thanks very much for the explanation. I'd better dig out my RACV card.
Cheers,
Renato

 

[mannej]

Renato, I echo RooFlyers sentiment here. Using an online TA may provide the best deal in terms of a dollar figure, but can often have extra fees levied if need to change or cancel a booking on top of what the hotel/airline charge, and can be poor to deal with if things go wrong.

If all goes well great, others in bocca al lupo.

 

[Renato1]

So, just to check, you looked at various sites to check the price of your hotel and then compare it with Marriott's price? It is pretty late now. I did mine many months ago. I used an obscure site. I'll PM you.

No, I went to the Marriott site that Google threw up, and punched in the dates.

It gave me 142 hotels - most of which had the Marriott logo - and the cheapest were 20 to 60km out of town. The dearest were in Manhatten. The best value one I found for someone wanting to go to Manhatten was the Fairfield Inn some 6 kms out of town in Long Island, and 1.3 km from the closest subway. The one I have booked is a block away from the subway, and most reviewers thought it was pretty easy for getting into the middle of Manhatten, and to the subways that take you to other places. There were some hotels closer to the subway, but the reviewers complained about train noise.

Please PM me your link. I can cancel my booking if I find something better.
Regards,
Renato

 

[Renato1]

Renato, I echo RooFlyers sentiment here. Using an online TA may provide the best deal in terms of a dollar figure, but can often have extra fees levied if need to change or cancel a booking on top of what the hotel/airline charge, and can be poor to deal with if things go wrong.

If all goes well great, others in bocca al lupo.

Thanks. The travel agent firm I use usually relies on people going in to see them. But I just ring them and also use e-mails as they are half an hour's drive away.

I've only ever had to cancel once in Dubai years ago, where I had booked through Flight Centre, and I lost the entire cost of the room. But I got it back on my travel insurance.

Not so much for this trip to the USA, but in my trips to Europe, this travel agent using Helloworld always gets us breakfast included in the price. So that when I looked at the Booking.com price I sometimes thought the discount wasn't that great - till I realised that the Booking.com price didn't include breakfast. With that factored in, the discount was more substantial.
Regards,
Renato