Using Hotels.com or Expedia (FYI)

[Bootsy]

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up that these companies charge YOU way more than they pay the hotel. You would be better of going directly thru the hotel. I work for one so I see the prices people pay and what the online company pays us, its usually around $200 to almost $300 more that you pay.

Merry Christmas!

[Heidi9771]

I noticed this too. I usually stay away from them because they really don't offer any good deals (or even a decent price!) Those sites can be good for research I guess, though. I prefer Priceline :)

[LittleFredPunkinHead]

I occasionally get a better deal on Expedia. But I always make sure to check several sites (the hotel directly, Expedia, Orbitz, Hotwire, etc.) before making any reservations. Sometimes the hotel has the best price, sometimes someone else does.

[sheka28]

I love Hotwire. I have had issues with Expedia in the past, so I don't use them anymore. I have found that the hotel itself usually has the better deals. If I do not use the hotel I research betterbidding.com for deals through Hhotwire or Priceline.

[laura]

I check all the major sites (hotels.com, Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity, hotels directly, etc) before I make any reservations and basically I book the best price. I prefer booking through the hotel directly, though, in case there is an issue with the reservation. I've had hotels try to say they aren't responsible if you book through a third party, and generally I find I get better service if I book direct.

[kmmommy]

I used to work for one of the big travel websites and the thing you have to look out for is prepaid hotels. They say you're getting a deal but 9 out of 10 times you're paying more than you would by booking through the hotel directly. Regular reservations in which you pay at check-out don't seem to have this problem (in my experience) just when your card is charged at the time of booking the reservation.

[Millie03]

Thanks for the info. I suspected this but it's nice to get confirmation.

I usually search around at all of the different sites to find the best price which I guess defeats the purpose of these one stop shop sites....

I guess they are good to find different hotels in the area, though.

[NotDesperate]

I think it depends. Because whenever I use hotels.com or Expedia or the like, before I book a hotel, I always go to that hotel's website first (or call them) to see what their rates are. I have gotten some better deals on hotels.com.

But always check directly with the hotel first!

Also another good tip is instead of calling the hotel chain's 800#, call the hotel you want to stay at directly because they will be more willing to give lower rates.

Thanks for the heads up!

[Tandis]

My parents have used hotels.com a few times now and have always gotten a better deal thru that, rather than with the hotel directly ($200 room for $50!). So I think maybe it depends upon the hotel itself.