If you need to reserve a Luxury Hotels room in advance of
your arrival, there are more than a few options simply because on line shopping
involves other options. Like which on line site to use? Use an 'auction' site?
A corporate or franchise site? A Third Party "discount" site? The
other option is to call directly to the hotel.
Call directly: The advantages
are plentiful. You can easily get directions for driving or for shuttles,
immediate confirmation numbers, ability to ask the front desk agent or
reservation taker some details about the property, etc. Different rates can be
discussed. When times are competitive (summer, seasonal, sold out conditions in
the area) there are less options on rates. Which is why it is good to TALK to
somebody - you might find a week later the rate is 1/3rd versus your desired
date. Always ask to get the lowest Best Last Minute Hotel Deals
available rate; be it Internet rate, on line rate, triple A, etc. One disadvantage
is the cost of the phone call - unless the hotel has an 800 number. My travel
advice is this is the best option, especially if you have questions about the
hotel or area.
 Book Online: 
Advantages: Generally the rate
will be the lowest (at least as far as corporate and franchise direct sites go)
than you will find anywhere. Most reservations are completely secure and credit
card info protected. No need to wait on the phone for a human. 
Disadvantages: Usually more
expensive than just showing up at the Book Budget Hotel or
motel. May have to pre-pay for advance dates (doesn't make long term financial
sense) AND reservation may be non cancelable, even if months away. No
communication with the hotel whatsoever so you can't ask where the nearest 24
coffee shop is. Can't even find hotel's phone number on Third Party sites.
Confirmation number given by Third Party sites is NOT the same number the
hotels use, so checking on a reservation can be more difficult. Special
Requests" are not always passed along.
There are valid reasons for
using ALL of these strategies. The one that fits a majority of your needs (be
it time, money or both) is the one to use even if it takes more of one than the
other.

 




 
 
 
