| If you need to reserve a hotel room in advance of | | | | about the hotel or area. |
| your arrival, there are more than a few options | | | | Book on line: Advantages: Generally the rate will be |
| simply because on line shopping involves other | | | | the lowest (at least as far as corporate and franchise |
| options. Like which on line site to use? Use an | | | | direct sites go) than you will find anywhere. Most |
| 'auction' site? A corporate or franchise site? A Third | | | | reservations are completely secure and credit card |
| Party "discount" site? The other option is to call | | | | info protected. No need to wait on the phone for a |
| directly to the hotel. | | | | human. Disadvantages: Usually more expensive than |
| Call directly: The advantages are plentiful. You can | | | | just showing up at the hotel or motel. May have to |
| easily get directions for driving or for shuttles, | | | | pre-pay for advance dates (doesn't make long term |
| immediate confirmation numbers, ability to ask the | | | | financial sense) AND reservation may be non |
| front desk agent or reservation taker some details | | | | cancelable, even if months away. No communication |
| about the property, etc. Different rates can be | | | | with the hotel whatsoever so you can't ask where |
| discussed. When times are competitive (summer, | | | | the nearest 24 coffee shop is. Can't even find hotel's |
| seasonal, sold out conditions in the area) there are | | | | phone number on Third Party sites. Confirmation |
| less options on rates. Which is why it is good to | | | | number given by Third Party sites is NOT the same |
| TALK to somebody - you might find a week later | | | | number the hotels use, so checking on a reservation |
| the rate is 1/3rd versus your desired date. Always | | | | can be more difficult. Special Requests" are not |
| ask to get the lowest best available rate; be it | | | | always passed along. |
| Internet rate, on line rate, triple A, etc. One | | | | There are valid reasons for using ALL of these |
| disadvantage is the cost of the phone call - unless | | | | strategies. The one that fits a majority of your |
| the hotel has an 800 number. My travel advice is this | | | | needs (be it time, money or both) is the one to use |
| is the best option, especially if you have questions | | | | even if it takes more of one than the other. |