We are going to Portugal and Spain in September.
I checked out tripadviser and you can book hotels on their web site. Somtimes you get directed to Expedia to get a comparison of rates. Are you getting a good deal doing the booking this way?
How does all that work? Do you have to be a member?
Is there any catches to this process?
thanks
Posted by
Austin
203 posts
Perhaps I'm too impatient, but I avoid booking agencies, with one exception: Venere.com. When an agency like Expedia has a good deal, I plug in my dates and there is almost never an available room. Also, I read the travel ombudsman columns in the Sunday paper, and it seems that people are always having a hassle getting their money back from these agencies. I once booked a room for my parents through Expedia. Then I had to change one of the days. After spending an hour on hold, I learned that I had to cancel the whole reservation because they didn't have the flexibility to change one of the days. It's so much easier to book directly, and you always have the option of hassle-free cancelling. If there is a question, you can always call the hotel directly and get an answer. (Caution: start slowly saying "do you speak English.")
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
First of all you cannot book with Tripadvisor. TA only allows you to bring up various travel websites from which to book.
THe only way to know if you're getting a good deal is to compare prices directly from the hotel with those offered from various travel websites.
The only catch is that sometimes the special rates are non-refundable and clearly state that fact. You must also pay attention to cancellation terms.