we're taking a trip next week to calif. and were wondering if anyone has used expedia or similar internet service, to reserve a hotel room. if so how did it work? they have great rates but i can't find anyone who's used them before.

 

I have used them a few times for hotels with no problems. Booked a room for $84 a night that usually went for $109. I believe they also honor the same cancellation policy as the hotel. Be careful of any service that doesn't allow cancellations.

Good luck.

 

Expedia is one of my favorite ways to check for and reserve hotel rooms. It doesn't require you to pre-pay like some of the online reservations co's.


Rex

 

actually rexster that was one of the things that worried me is they charge your card the day you reserve for the full amount.

 

I have booked all of my personal and business travel online and have done so since the early days of the command line Sabre interface on AOL. While I don't like the interface, I would give Expedia a thumbs-up for some of its pricing.

Some of the lowest rates on Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz may require that the entire amount be pre-paid, but that does not necessarily mean that the reservation cannot be cancelled. Read the fine print to see what the cancellation policy is.

I've had the best luck on hotel pricing with Orbitz. When I find something that I like, I do double-check that Expedia, Travelocity, Turbotrip AND the hotel website itself don't have a better rate. Sometimes they will, so it pays to look.

Most recently, I booked a trip to Clearwater Beach, FL for my family over Memorial Day. Orbitz had the lowest rate of the big three, but had to be pre-paid. I checked out the hotel's site and they had a "special" internet rate that did not require pre-payment AND was $20 a night lower. Ten minutes of surfing saved us about $100!

My suggestion is to always call the hotel directly (not the generic reservations number) within about 12 hours of booking your reservation online to confirm that they received it. This also gives you a chance to upgrade your room if desired. I've booked several hotel rooms online, called to confirm and upgraded to a better room for little or no cost.

 

thanks steve, good idea about calling to make sure they've recieved the reservation. that was what worried me was getting there only to find no room.
although it happened to me once even when calling the hotel directly so i guess i shouldn't feel as though this is any greater risk.

 

"actually rexster that was one of the things that worried me is they charge your card the day you reserve for the full amount."

I forgot about some of the Expedia "Special Rates" that they have. I've done them as well as the regular reservations on Expedia, never had a problem, although there are horror stories about Expedia losing reservations. You might take a look at this ;


http://www.epinions.com/webs-Web_Ser...splay_~reviews

for reviews of the Expedia services.

Rex

 

well decided to try it, will let you guys know if it works.

 

So, did it work out okay? Inquirining minds want to know...

RP

 

I like both expedia and travelocity, they are both excellent

 

We have used expedia for trips to Las Vegas, Aruba and Cancun. We are leaving on Sat for Curacao (thru expedia). Have never had a problem and have been very happy with the service.

If you ever head to the islands GET the all-inclusive package. It is priceless to hit any one of three bars from 10am to midnight with tip money only. I met one of the bartenders on the first day and would hook him up before the end of his shift. No matter who was waiting in line my drinks were on the bar as soon as he saw me coming.

They definitely lost money on us