Wot Hotels

[albatross710]

Does anyone take advantage of the Wot Hotel Mystery deals that are offered on Wotif.com? Wotif seems to be becoming the corporate travel agent for SMEs.

I haven't ever taken up one of the deals as the price difference doesn't seem significant enough to reward the risk of staying further away. I find the 'star' rating on Wotif a little variable.

I wonder if it is a consideration to have a thread or sub-forum devoted to the current success or bids people are having taking up the Mystery deals. What do you guys think? Would a forum devoted to uncovering the real identity of the Mystery deals be beneficial?

 

[dajop]

Would a forum devoted to uncovering the real identity of the Mystery deals be beneficial?

I've stayed on "mystery" deals a couple of times - but had a good idea of what the hotel was before purchasing (and I was correct). In many instances, it does not take terribly long, nor is it terribly difficult to identify (or at the very least narrow down) the mystery hotel, by looking at amenities, car parking details and/or various phrases in the description, and compare to listed hotels. However, I think more recently they have wisened up to that and are a lot briefer in their descriptions.

 

[canabear]

I have purchased these a few times and always correctly worked out the hotel prior to purchase. The last one was the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne several months ago which saved about $50 a night. IMHO well worth it.

 

[k_sheep]

However, I think more recently they have wisened up to that and are a lot briefer in their descriptions.

I agree, and it's driving me crazy! I always pride myself on being able to figure out where it is, but lately I've been left scratching my head figuring some out.

My last one was I got stranded in Sydney (screw you VirginBlue!) for 2 nights and didn't care where I stayed, so paid $160/night for a 5* wot hotel which ended up being the westin. Incredibly handy, since it's on the airport train line

 

[albatross710]

paid $160/night for a 5* wot hotel which ended up being the westin. Incredibly handy, since it's on the airport train line

That's the sort of info we need to collect!

 

[moa999]

Is a good idea.

There is a similar forum that has been operating for at least five years for Priceline (bidding not fixed price) that provides feedback on what hotels and what prices - very useful in the US

Priceline and Hotwire Forum

 

[markis10]

The Brisbane 5 star is the Sofitel while the 4.5 star is the Sebel Citigate.

 

[Travel Guru]

Wotif seems to be becoming the corporate travel agent for SMEs.

Thats an interesting statement, have you got and hard evidence to back that one up??

TG

 

[samh004]

The Brisbane 5 star is the Sofitel while the 4.5 star is the Sebel Citigate.

If you know what the Adelaide Wot hotels are, that'd be useful come May

 

[k_sheep]

The Brisbane 5 star is the Sofitel while the 4.5 star is the Sebel Citigate.

Disappointing - I hate the sebel chain. I don't know why, it always feels like I'm on the set of a low budget cough film when I have walked in.

I think I'll try one on the Gold Coast when I'm there overnight in 2 weeks, just for information gathering purposes of course

 

[2muchplastic]

I used the "Mystery" hotels a few times in the UK, but it was always easy to work out which hotel it was prior to booking, so no mystery, just a hefty discount.
Now, though, it is much harder to work it out.

 

[oz_mark]

If you know what the Adelaide Wot hotels are, that'd be useful come May

I think the Stamford Plaza is one of them.

 

[albatross710]

Thats an interesting statement, have you got and hard evidence to back that one up??

TG

My statement is based on anecdotal evidence from three sources.

1. A Wotif hotel advertiser commented that they are getting increasing bookings through Wotif and now always have some inventory set aside for Wotif customers.

2. A Wotif senior manager indicated that they are growing their corporate business and hope that the integration of the airfare business will improve this. Their annual report is showing 140,000 rooms sold per week.

3. Businesses that I speak with in the SME sector have a growing acceptance and use of Wotif on business travel.

4.

Hitwise awarding Wotif.com the number 1 ranking in the “Travel – Destinations & Accommodation”

(http://www.wotifgroup.com/images/2009_wtf_annual_report.pdf)

Hope that helps but unfortunately nothing in hard figures.

 

[markis10]

I would agree that many SMBs are using WOTIF, in the mistaken belief they are getting a good deal, more often than not they are getting non flexible rates at prices that are flexible when booked elsewhere. Regardless it is a handy reference for working out what is available in a location!

 

[pomjim]

4 star Adelaide is the Grand Chiefly

 

[markis10]

Note that the Wot hotels change, for instance the 5 stars in adelaide go from 2 to 1 to none over the next few months, so working out what it will be in May is a little bit hard, at least the choices are limited compared to bigger cities.

 

[albatross710]

Note that the Wot hotels change, for instance the 5 stars in adelaide go from 2 to 1 to none over the next few months, so working out what it will be in May is a little bit hard, at least the choices are limited compared to bigger cities.

The timeliness of information is always important. That is what I was thinking with a dedicated Wot Hotel thread. ie

The 5 Star Wotif Hotel this week[insert date] in Adelaide is XYZ.

 

[Must...Fly!]

Does anyone happen to know for sure if the Wot Hotel for Wellington is the Holiday Inn Wellington?

I suspect it is, but without being sure I won't book through wotif as I have never been to Wellington before so don't want to end up somewhere I don't like and don't know the location !

 

[markis10]

Does anyone happen to know for sure if the Wot Hotel for Wellington is the Holiday Inn Wellington?

I suspect it is, but without being sure I won't book through wotif as I have never been to Wellington before so don't want to end up somewhere I don't like and don't know the location !

If you are not worried about points why not use the IHG Family and Friends program:

InterContinental Hotels Group | Friends and Family

Its actually $10 a night cheaper than the mystery deal (which does look like its the HI):

 

[Must...Fly!]

:shock:

THANKS!

I had no idea about the family and friends deal...awesome

AFF does it again!

EDIT For my night its $5.50 more expensive than the Wot Hotel deal per night, but with the booking fee its only $5, and this way I'm guaranteed the hotel I want! Thanks again!