Hotel Tips
Hotel consolidators
Consolidators buy groups of tickets or rooms at discounted rates and can
provide reservations at considerably lower prices.
Consolidators may be able
to take reservations when other sources are sold out since the Consolidators
have made advance purchase agreements.
What should I know about using a Hotel Consolidator before I make
reservations with them?
Using a hotel consolidator can be a great way to save money, but as with any
service, we recommend you carefully investigate the details so you can find
the best reservation service for your particular circumstances.
As with any online purchase, you should evaluate the site's security to make
sure your credit card numbers and other private information are secure.
You should read the site's privacy policy to see how they can use the information
you turn over to them.
You should also read the site's terms of use policy to see if you are comfortable
with the site's terms of use.
You'll also want to read all the fine print and disclaimers since you'll be
bound by those terms. Consolidators can sign agreements with hotels that add
additional restrictions on top of the general policies of the hotel. Those
restrictions will vary from Consolidator to Consolidator, from hotel property
to hotel property and can even vary from reservation to reservation so it
is important that you read all the terms of the purchase to make sure you
can live with the restrictions.
You may not be able to get a refund or change your reservation once you have
purchased and, if they do allow a change, most Consolidators charge a penalty
fee.
You usually must pay for your entire hotel stay at the time of reservation.
Make sure you know what items are included and what items are extra, including
processing, booking and/or shipping and handling charges.
Make sure to check to see if the rates are "per room" or "per
person, based on double occupancy". The second rate is twice that of
the first.
You may not be able to use frequent flyer miles or other points programs and
regular coupons certainly won't apply to the special prices offered through
a Consolidator.
You'll want to find out how to contact the Consolidators Customer Service
Department and take that contact information with you on your trip. Make sure
that they have a customer support system with which you are comfortable.
Know how they will confirm your reservation. Be sure to request and record
your reservation confirmation number.
Should I confirm my Consolidator reservation directly with the travel
industry supplier?
Yes, whenever you make reservations through a third party it is a good idea
to confirm those reservations directly with the company that will eventually
provide the service. In fact, confirmation is a good idea even when you are
dealing directly with the company that will supply the service. However, note
that if you make your reservation through a thrid party, there may be a delay
in time before the travel industry supplier can specifically identify your
particular reservation. For example, many consolidators hold a group of reservations
in advance and may only notify the travel supplier of your name a few days
before your reservation date.
