HotelReservations.com started back in 2003 and was launched as a way to help consumers bridge the gap between trip research and making reservations. They have saved their customers not only time, but money as they feature deals and discounts on their site. HotelReservations.com has access and partnerships with over 150,000 properties worldwide which makes it easy for prospective travelers to find the right accommodation for the upcoming trip.
thumb_up
The Good
- Sorting tool
- User reviews
- Deals and savings
Sorting Tool
HotelReservations.com has been working for over a decade in an effort to provide their customers with their travel needs worldwide. Reservations through their platform can be done online through a computer, on a mobile device, or a tablet at any time.
With thousands of search results available for each inquiry, a user can become overwhelmed with all of the options for each destination. HotelReservations.com has implemented a sorting tool to help travelers save time as they conduct research and help them book accommodations in a more timely manner. Users will be able to filter results based on the following criteria:
- Price Range - set a price range, view from low to high, or high to low
- Amenities - if there is a specific service a traveler wants in their hotel stay they can filter those as well
- Guest star rating - travelers who have stayed at a hotel can leave feedback regarding the standard of the hotel
- Type - those who need more space or are interested in the type of room they book can filter that as well
- Proximity - travelers who want to be close to landmarks, museums, or airports can sort based on distance
User Reviews
A helpful feature included with the HotelReservations.com platform is the integration of real user reviews. These reviews are pulled from the TripAdvisor site and coordinated with the appropriate hotel. These reviews help travelers who may be concerned or unaware of what to expect when booking a hotel room. Pictures and descriptions can only provide so much information, but with the help of travelers who have actually stayed at a specific hotel, prospective travelers can help fill those uncertain gaps.
Deals and Savings
Other aspects of the HotelReservations.com site can help with the both the research and booking portion of making travel plans. Prospective travelers looking for deals or last minute savings will likely benefit from the HotelReservations.com resources. These features include the following:
- Exclusive hotel deals - users can book online or over the phone
- Secret deals - unpublished rates and secret deals made exclusively available on the website/app
- Flash sales - travelers can search and book last minute deals and flash sales for even greater savings
- Top selection - hundreds of thousands of hotels to choose from worldwide
Those that use HotelReservations.com will be able to access the "My Bookings" portion of the service. This feature provides users with the ability to manage their reservations. In some circumstances, travelers will even be able to modify or cancel reservations. There is also the option of downloading the HotelReservations.com app for mobile devices. The app allows travelers to book and manage all reservations as well as view the latest deals and discounts.
thumb_down
The Bad
- Rewards program
- Missing functions
- Travel protection
Rewards Program
Unlike a number of other travel or hotel booking sites/services, HotelReservations.com does not offer a rewards program for their customers. That means those that plan on booking hotel rooms regularly will not be able to take part in an exclusive program to earn additional rewards or savings. Travelers can still use their current travel rewards cards to earn points, but there is no additional rewards feature with HotelReservations.com.
Missing Functions
When comparing the HotelReservations.com service to other hotel booking sites, users may notice the inability to perform some functions commonly found with other services. That does not mean that prospective travelers will not be able to save on their next reservation, but there may be some tools unavailable to them at this time. Missing from the HotelReservations.com platform include:
- Saving recent searches - users will not be able to save search results or research
- Booking travel activities - travelers will not be able to complete their travel itinerary
Travel Protection
There are policies surrounding cancellation or modification of a hotel reservation made through HotelReservations.com. However, customers will not be able to purchase travel protection as an option at check-out.
gavel
The Bottom Line
With the level of experience HotelReservations.com has to offer, using their platform as a resource might help prospective travelers with their upcoming vacation. Partnerships with over 150,000 hotel providers create an exclusive level not often found on hotel booking sites. Those that use HotelReservations.com to book their hotel rooms can expect the following:
- Exclusive deals - secret deals, flash sales, and exclusive hotel selection available
- Mobile option - download the app on cel phones or tablets
- Sorting tool - quickly filter results to find the perfect hotel reservation
- No travel protection - users should check cancellation policy prior to booking
- Lack of rewards program - no point system available for users