"Andrew Sarangan" wrote in message
. 145...
I don't know about Hotels.com, but I have had generally good experience
with priceline.com. Sometimes I've stayed at the Hilton for much less
than what it costs to stay at a Motel6. I don't pretend to understand
the inner workings of hotel booking, so I don't know how they priceline
is able to offer these rates. When I am traveling, I am looking for
convenience, clean, fast and cheap. I am not looking for an exceptional
hoteling experience. Independently run hotels may be a great bargain,
but they are not well known outside a small circle. Some independent
hotels may cater to a specialty crowd with exceptional service, such as
Jay's hotel, and may be well known within that circle. But the average
traveler outside that circle may not have the time or patience to seek
out such hotels.


snip

In Jay's previous post, he said *never* call the 800 number, but to always
book via the local number for the hotel/motel.

In the bit of travel that I have done, which consists of mainly family
vacations, etc., I always check the internet first, then call the 800 number
and then call the local number. In my case, I have better luck with the
internet or the 800 number, infact, I guess that the 800 number has served
me the best. I will inform them that the internet quoted me a price, and
they normally beat it by a few dollars.

The only problem with staying at a independent hotel/motel, is that I have
seen some "trashy" ones. I feel that if I stick with a chain such as La
Quinta or Best Western, I have a better chance of a nicer room, although
that isn't always the case.

We stayed in Houston weekend, booked at the Sheraton at around $150 per
night. We get to the room. No TV remote, no hot water, construction going on
real close to our room. We were tired and just wanted to go to shower and go
to bed. I ended up trying to call around and look for another hotel. Phone
wouldn't work. Front desk said that I had to make a $20 deposit to use the
phone. Anyway, we found a Hilton for $79 per night. *Much* nicer place!

When we stay in Galveston, the *always* stay at an certain independently
owned motel there. It's got large, clean rooms, overlooking the beach, and
cost about half of anywhere else on the beach.



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