Booking hotels through third parties

[ohliz]

I've done it a handful of times, because the deal was better than if I booked on my own.

BUT

I have always emailed both the hotel itself and the airline (in the case of booking a package) to confirm that I am booked for what I think i am booking. I've done this with Rondel, Footeprints and Seastar and fortunately all was as I booked. But it does pay to double check directly with the hotel when booking through Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz or whatever.

You can email ahead of booking too, to find out what "ROH" or whatever room category you book generally means at their property.

[Marko]

I've done it a handful of times, because the deal was better than if I booked on my own.

BUT

I have always emailed both the hotel itself and the airline (in the case of booking a package) to confirm that I am booked for what I think i am booking. I've done this with Rondel, Footeprints and Seastar and fortunately all was as I booked. But it does pay to double check directly with the hotel when booking through Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz or whatever.

You can email ahead of booking too, to find out what "ROH" or whatever room category you book generally means at their property.

I've done this a lot with other countries but not with Jamaica much since I usually book hotels and airlines direct for the best price.........
one of the times I got pretty friendly with the reservationist after a couple emails......
and when I showed up at the resort I was upgraded......
plus I had a free Fruit Basket with Rum etc in it.....
plus she gave me 6 complimentary private dining passes versus having to go to the buffet every night.......
so it does pay all the way around to stay on top of your reservations and be nice to people.........
and a couple other times mi had a free room upgrade for being cordial in the emails.......

it's better to be safe than sorry and worth the extra effort to follow up.............
now if I could only find a way to fly First Class for free.......lol

Cool Runnings, Marko

[MissBlue]

a great big co-sign on that ohliz -- always always ALWAYS confirm when using the travel websites - i do it via phone whenever possible, with the airline and the hotel, so i can talk to a real live person; for Jamaica or any other destination.

an ounce of prevention and all that.....

[captaind]

I'm still a newbie.

I call Chris and if he has a room I book it.

[luvjabd]

Sometimes calling to confirm doesnt help as I learned this past trip. I called a week ahead of my trip and was told all was well and then ooops, we overbooked!

[Marko]

Sometimes calling to confirm doesnt help as I learned this past trip. I called a week ahead of my trip and was told all was well and then ooops, we overbooked!

Fun Holiday? or Negril Beach Condos?

Cool Runnings, Marko

[tfw73]

I don't book overseas with third parties, but I do use Priceline here in the U.S. I always call the hotel directly and confirm, though.

[yetta]

In many trips, I always book directly. I have researched and researched,,even on airfare......for our little town, I have ALWAYS found the best prices directly with the airline...no exceptions. Now, granted, I live in a small town with few options. That might make a big difference. With rooms, I'm like CaptainD, I email directly and again, find the best prices with no middle man to mess up the rotation. I guess, it's to "each his own" but this works for me. Peace out.........

[Rasta Stan]

We use Negril Onestop and Susan is in Negril and handles everthing as well as from there offices in Toronto.
This is a Pro travel agent that know the Negril area and it's hotels. Big Up from us.

[luvjabd]

Fun Holiday? or Negril Beach Condos?

Cool Runnings, Marko

lol, not going there.