Best On-line Hotel Prices

[Conan71]

Okay, wading through the advertising hype and 10 different web sites is tiring.

What's the consistently best site to get the best hotel rate?

They all seem to be about the same to me, but I didn't know if one is consistently cheaper than the rest.

I don't travel near as much as I used to so I'm not up on the latest tricks.

[RecycleMichael]

I like tripadvisor.com the best because it includes reviews, maps and a link that connects to all the mainstream discounters all in one click.

I also use cheaptickets.com for lots of hotel rooms.

[swake]

It depends on what you want.

If you want a chain hotel and know exactly what hotel or hotel brand you want, the best price is usually the price on the hotel's own website. check those prices against Orbitz and Expedia and you will be fine.

if you are flexible and going to a major destination, try travelzoo.

I don't trust sites that won't tell you what hotel you are booking, just a class and price. That scares me. Steer away from those.

[Conan71]

I've been using Sidestep for some travel stuff recently.  Problem is if you alter your search results can take forever.  I'll try the others. Thanks!

[azbadpuppy]

The trick is to find the lowest price you can on line (they are all basically the same rates) and then contact the hotel directly to see if they will match or even beat the on line prices. Booking through those on line companies can be a real hassle. You cant make changes or cancel easily and their customer service leaves something to be desired.

[Aa5drvr]

I regularly bid on rooms through priceline.com.  At first it made me a bit nervous just choosing and area and a price but not knowing what brand you are getting was a bit unnerving.
After doing over 100 of these deals, I can say that I maybe had one or two less than acceptable experiences.  All of the hotels have been brand name hotels.  I stayed in Seattle last week, paid 60.00 per night at a Country Inn and suites.  A family checking in on a special group rate for a family reunion got the same room at the "Special" rate of 149.00 per night.
Before you bid, visit the site wwww.biddingfortravel.com .  Its like a discussion group that breaks down what people have contributed by city, hotel and price.  That way you get an idea of the going bidding price and the hotels that participate.

[tulsa1603]

quote:Originally posted by recyclemichael

I like tripadvisor.com the best because it includes reviews, maps and a link that connects to all the mainstream discounters all in one click.

I also use cheaptickets.com for lots of hotel rooms.

Ditto.  Tripadvisor first to get a feel for what's good, then I search for the the hotel i pick and try to find the best price.

I've also had good luck on a few occassions with Priceline, but I only use that when I go somewhere that I know is very expensive.  Had a great deal in Miami Beach once.

[iplaw]

Tripadvisor has saved me a couple of times...

I frequently use kayak.com for domestic travel as it searched most low price consolidator outfits.  For Europe I like either venere.com or uk.lastminute.com...

us.lastminute.com is also a good site.