Kristen Shelton, Director of Sales and Marketing
Exploring different hotel booking methods may be beneficial once you have determined what is most important to you. Booking through an app or website is quick and efficient but you may be missing out on cost savings or incentives. Ask yourself what is most important to you and your travel party before determining how to reserve your rooms.
Booking Through a Third Party
Booking on a third-party site may be a good option if you prefer a quick and easy booking method. Many of these websites are easily accessible and heavily marketed online and on television. Ease of booking and potential cost-savings are two drivers of booking this method.
There are a few things to consider when booking on a third-party site. You are actually contracting your room with a third-party vendor. If you need to cancel or change your reservation you must do that with the third-party vendor you booked. Oftentimes your hotel cannot access your payment method because we are paid by the vendor not by you directly. Always read the terms and conditions. Booking a pre-paid or advanced reservation can save you money, but most of the time these reservations are non-refundable.
Booking Through a Brand Website
Directly booking through a brand website is another good option if you like the ease of booking online. Incentives for brand loyalty members are often offered on brand websites. Some will offer points promotions that will earn you more points to use for future stays. Sometimes packages are offered directly on the hotel website with additional benefits; such as free breakfast.
Typically, less-expensive options offered for advanced purchase or pre-paid reservations. Reading the cancellation policy is very important when booking this method. Even though these reservations are brand-direct, they are still often non-refundable. However, if you are firm on your dates this can be a good cost-savings measure.
Booking in Person or on the Phone
Booking in person or on the phone is the absolute best method of booking a group or setting up a company rate. For either of those options a hotel sales associate can work with you to check availability and provide rates. Rates are based on time of year, how many rooms, days of the week, along with other factors.
There is value in booking individual reservations over the phone as well. Hotel associates can thoroughly address any questions or specific amenities. An associate will be able to tell if you qualify for special discounts if there are any manager’s specials available.
Booking Sources
Hotel Link has a great blog about different booking sources. To learn more about how hotel bookings work, check out this blog post.
No matter which hotel booking method you choose; we are happy to have you! Visit our portfolio of hotels to learn more about Landmark. We would love for you to come stay with us!