Travel & Hotel sites
 

Does anybody here use any of these on a regular basis? I'm just looking to book a room and it is getting confusing. I am referring to Orbitz, Expedia, Priceline, etc.....any tips,recommendations or ones to stay away from?

I like Priceline, name your own price. HOWEVER, if you are trying to stay at a specific brand, or more specifically a specific location, go with one of the others. I like it, you can usually save a few bucks. If not, I use expedia. . But if you just need to stay in say, Portland, ME and don't care what part of the city, type in the # of stars and save a few bucks

Side-step is another, that checks a whole bunch of sites, but I find that is better for airfare.

I constantly use travel sites and prefer expedia for booking but use tripadvisor.com to research. They have tons of user reviews and you get a good feel for the place. I had a very bad experience with Priceline. I used their bid process for a hotel in NYC for my family - wife and 2 kids. There was a warning that they only guarantee accomodations for 2 and that you have to contact the hotel. I didnt think that would be a problem, bad move on my part. With the bid process (you know the Shatner gig) you pay up front before you know the hotel. Well I got a good rate...BUT this hotel ONLY accomodates 2 people in the room, they have no rooms at all that have 2 people. I had a 3 hour battle with priceline and the hotel to finally get refunded. I wont do that again. Expedia has good rates.

I use them every time I travel.

I haven't noticed one that always seems cheaper than the other, and not all of them will have the same locations. It's a little tedious, but I'd suggest searching through a bunch of different sites.

Also try kayak.com.

I agree re: tripadvisor to get reviews if I am booking a specific hotel.

thanks guys....
trip advisor is great for reviews...

I've been using Expedia since 1999.No issues,great deals.

I never go anywhere afar but went to Vegas a couple months ago...we booked the whole trip on Southwest Airlines site and all went well.
Originally we tried to book with Orbitz and all we ended up with was a maxed out credit card and no trip to show for it even though I was charged for it 3 times :smash: (long story and even an longer story to get it straigtened out...I will refrain from telling you the painful details)

I have used expedia and travelocity with no problems. I like trip adviser but do not take the reviews too seriously as people vary greatly on what aggrivates them. I have stayed at hotels that were decribed as "filthy" and had "pathetic" customer service and had positive experiences. Once you find a deal on a travel site, before booking it call the hotel direct and they may be able to book you even cheaper.

If you come at them with the angle your on business and there is more comming there way most places will negotiate. Be creative.