Booking Accommodation

There is but one simple rule to ensure all your accommodation bookings and requirements are satisfied without confusion, misleading expectations or disappointment. Quite simply: ' Always Book Directly With The Hotel '

Whilst there are some very good accommodation websites offering such services, Tablet Hotels being amongst the best, conveyance of your specific requirements and desires can only be achieved through direct correspondence with the actual hotel itself.

An exceptional travel agent should make direct contact with an intended hotel, but more often than not agents are dealing indirectly through accommodation wholesalers, your measure of worth relegated to a booking number. Baring in mind that travel agents are also juggling the accommodation, flight, tour and insurance details of a multitude of customers, it goes without saying that it is unlikely they will be capable of providing you with the personalised attention you deserve.

And whilst addressing travel agent concerns, one should never rely on an agents' personal recommendation unless absolutely confident that that person if completely attune to your lifestyle, social status and personal standards - they wont be. Furthermore, that which is offered will be limited to hotels affiliated with the agent's accommodation wholesaler, for which of course they receive a commission. It is essential to take responsibility for your travel arrangements from the outset to avoid disappointment.

A residual benefit to corresponding directly with hotels is the likelihood of improved availability. Surprisingly, there are many instances of travel websites indicating lack of availability, only to be contradicted following direct liaison with the hotel. In short, one should never accept information obtained from a computer database as being definitive.

Remember, a good hotel should have one specific purpose in mind, to best serve the needs and maximise the hospitality experience of its guests. Admittedly, this is not often achieved, however, when booking directly with a hotel such core values should better facilitate the efficiency of the process and the achievement of your aims.

Obtaining the Best Room

Fundamentally, the most logical approach to obtaining the best room is to pay a premium. Although having said this it is important to bare in mind that not all rooms are created equal and not all guests are treated equally.

The opportunity at the time of booking. opportunity to ingratiate yourself personally with the hotel staff.

Furthermore, this provides you with the opportunity to form a personal introduction with the hotel and avails you the ability to ingratiate yourself with its staff.

There can surely be little harm in reaping compliments at your desired choice of accommodation, 'I have heard wonderful reviews of your fine hotel', or 'I am anxiously looking forward to staying at your renowned hotel, which has been highly recommended to me in view of the excellent service and hospitality'.

Such praise may not guarantee a room upgrade or specialised attention, but then again it may, and it surely can't do any harm in establishing a positive rapport provided you are sincere in your praise.

There is but one exception I am aware of to the booking of hotels through a travel service, and that pertains to the American Express Centurion Service offered on Platinum and Black cards. Please be advised, this is most definitely not an endorsement, the fees on these cards are exorbitant and to benefit from such membership one must travel extensively and expensively. However, many premium hotels do prioritise the requirements of card holder guests and it may in some circumstances be possible to obtain bookings which would otherwise appear to be unavailable.

Most competitive rates are often provided directly by the hotel - use your travel agent to check but be sure the room they are offering you is consistent with the standard you have selected