Monday, April 16, 2007

The Hotels.com experience


hotels.com



I have to admit that my recent trip to San Antonio was the first time I had actually booked a hotel through Hotels.com, which is surprising to me upon reflection due to the amount I travel.  Here are a couple of things that I found interesting about the experience:



  • No points at the Wyndham chain when you book with Hotels.com.  I don't know if this is unique to Wyndham, but I tried to get them to add my number when I checked in and they told me I was ineligible due to the fact that it was an internet booking.  Based on the fact that there was around a $90 price differential, I wasn't too upset about not earning points or getting other amenities, but I was still a guest in their hotel, so what should they care?

  • Hotels.com doesn't actually print out the phone number of the hotel on their confirmation sheet.  Not a big deal if you don't need to call the hotel, but if you're like me, even with the GPS system you sometimes need to call to get some directions.  Furthermore, it makes it very challenging to call and request an early check-in or late check-in.

  • No receipt available when checking out.  Again, I don't know if this is unique to the Wyndham chain, but I was told that the Wyndham could not generate a receipt as it was an internet booking.  After I thought about it for a few minutes, it did make sense that Wyndham probably had no idea what Hotels.com charged me for the room, but it's important to ensure you keep your Hotels.com confirmation if you need to expense the room.



Would I use Hotels.com again?  Sure I would now that I know the process.



Link -- Hotels.com 


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