If you love to travel, you’ve probably used one or a few of the major hotel booking websites to help plan your trip. There are many reasons to do so, including convenience and opportunities to find the best rate.
But which sites are the best? And which should you avoid?
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The good folks at Frommer’s have provided a quick guide to some of the best in the business, and a few that are “Not-so-Best.”
According to Frommer’s, if you are trying to find a hotel – especially one you’ve never visited before, booking.com is a great place to start. The brand is well known (their ads on the Travel Channel play non-stop), and it’s hard to find a site that gives you more information. Frommer’s notes a quick click on a listing for the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas returned 711 unique reviews. If you’re picky about where you lay your head at night and want advice from those that have been there before, 711 reviews should give you peace of mind one way or the other.
Another well-known site to make the cut is hotels.com. The site earns high marks for functionality because it is quick and easy to use. When I was unexpectedly stranded in Amsterdam for a night longer than planned, I was able to quickly book an extra night in my same hotel in a snap. And, thanks to the price match guarantee, I know I wouldn’t have found the same room elsewhere for a lower price.
Dec 21, 2013; Las Vegas, NV, USA; General view of the MGM Grand hotel and casino on the Las Vegas strip on Las Vegas Blvd. before the Las Vegas Bowl between the Fresno State Bulldogs and the Southern California Trojans. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Next among the best is a handful of hotel booking websites I admit I had not heard of before. According to Frommer’s, MoreHotels4Less.com “vows to save up to 50% off your reservation” and also has a low price guarantee. Getaroom.com and HotelReservations.com are said to be great for international travel, and hotelguide.com gives hotels.com a run for its money on ease of use. Finally, InternetHotels.com is an oldie but a goodie.
But which sites should be avoided?
HotelReservation.com charges a fee to make a booking, which is a definite no-no. Quickbook hides the name of some of its lodging options until you check out, and HotelClub offers a vague statement promising a “small cancellation or amendment fee” should you need to make a change of plans. SaveBigHotels.com is even less flexible and earns a “needs work” tag from Frommer’s.
We all have our favorite sites, and if you’ve had a good experience with one (like mine with hotels.com), it can be easy to get into a routine. However, it’s also nice to know there are other options available that might be better. Is there a hotel booking website you think should have made Frommer’s best or worst lists? Let us know in the comments below.
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