REGARDING ONLINE RESERVATIONS
August 14, 2009
According to my industry newsletters, the travel websites are becoming more and more popular. This only makes sense as more of us use the web and more of us communicate with each other using the web. The online reservations services are a handy tool especially when we are all trying to find the best deal. Unfortunately, online reservation services are not always the best way to go when looking for or reserving a stay at a small property. The services charge a hefty percentage off the top and the rate you pay is often more than the rate offered if you deal directly with the bed and breakfast. The lack of direct communication and forced anonymity is also an issue that can easily turn into a problem. This just happened to me this morning. Due to a computer glitch at the reservation service I received a double booking today. The service has already charged the guest but not yet paid me. The service has not taken any responsibility for the error or made any effort to correct this situation and make sure the guest is properly taken care of. I am left with only a phone number [no email and no cell number] to contact the person who made the online reservation and have, so far, not been able to speak with, alert, and assist her.
My recommendation to all of you seeking to make quick and efficient reservations is to book directly with the individual property. Most of us have online reservation systems on our webpages if you do not want to call. If you make a reservation at my website [www.ayellowrose.com] the request comes directly to me and not through an anonymous booking system/agent/corporation that serves as a middle man and charges you and me a hefty fee. I can also say from experience, that when you are booking at a small property like mine, what may look like a deal is usually not. The best rates are quoted by the individual property. From experience, I can say the opposite is generally true of hotels. We’ve found great bargains at hotels using online reservation websites.
So, bottom line, when you are making travel plans and intend to stay at a small property. Generally speaking, you are much better served by contacting us directly via our individual websites and using our own online reservation systems.
Happy trails!
