Hotelclub.com anyone use them?

[dragonman]

As a general rule for hotels in Las Vegas I use expedia and have been very happy them. In an upcoming visit hotelclub is significantly cheaper. Expedia will not price match because of differing cancellation conditions.

There are a few negative reviews on the net of hotelclub so I want to know if they can be trusted. Thanks.

 

[Mal]

I've used them a few times without issue. If you select AUD as your currency, the booking should be charged by their Australian arm therefore no Forex charges.

They are part of the Orbitz group I believe.

There is a 10 bonus Amex points/$ (bookings over $350) link here: Earn 10 Membership Rewards Bonus Points for every $1 spent on transactions of $350 or more

 

[samh004]

I’ve used them in Australia, Spain and the UK, 6 bookings in all and all have gone great. I also have some member dollars saved up now. I should be Platinum when the last one clears.

I’ve also had to phone up their phone support once, and while my question wasn’t resolved (I wanted an apartments out of hours phone number and the only info they had is the same as I had, what was on their website, so not their fault), they did do all they could to help and I wasn’t waiting on the line long.

I’d recommend them, even give you a referral link if you’d like

http://www.hotelclub.com/guest.asp?id=7077726

 

[dragonman]

I’ve used them in Australia, Spain and the UK, 6 bookings in all and all have gone great. I also have some member dollars saved up now. I should be Platinum when the last one clears.

I’ve also had to phone up their phone support once, and while my question wasn’t resolved (I wanted an apartments out of hours phone number and the only info they had is the same as I had, what was on their website, so not their fault), they did do all they could to help and I wasn’t waiting on the line long.

I’d recommend them, even give you a referral link if you’d like

http://www.hotelclub.com/guest.asp?id=7077726

Thanks used the link - made the booking and seems I am over $400 in front - so thanks.

 

[PineappleSkip]

Have used them a couple of times for bookings in Europe and Asia, have experienced no problems. Cheers skip

 

[Heleigh]

Have use also a number of time - did have problem with a Paris apartment where they said it was over booked one day before, they said they would refund - we said no to the refund and after a few more phone call them and us they found an alternative apartment. If we had tried to find alternative in peak summer - prices would have been higher and not close to city as it had happened to another friend (they didn't book via hotel.com). So if there is a problem they are prepared it sort out - just stick to guns about them finding alternative.

 

[JohnK]

Have used them quite regulaly and never had an issue.

But as always with hotel room consolidators it is best to have 3 or 4 to search and compare prices as the room rates can vary considerably from hotel to hotel. I normally use HotelClub, Wotif, Agoda and Booking.com.

 

[Postcode]

Have used them with no probs at all in many countries.

I usually use booking.com as the site gives a very comprehensive description of each hotel, including internet access and on what basis whereas most other sites don't. Nothing worse than looking at a site which says wifi available in all rooms and then discovering the charges. Booking.com has the info displayed with much more customer feedback.

Prices usually as good as anyone else or better. As always shop around.

 

[ellen10]

Yes we used them for a trip to QLD in Oct their rates beat all other booking sites by at least $65 a night. As it was the first time using them I did ring the hotel to check the booking. Would happily use them again.

 

[whughes3]

I have also used them many times in various cities (mostly in Asia) with no problems. Of course, as noted above, it often pays to do some "comparison shopping" before you commit.

 

[codash1099]

They are my prime hotel booking source these days. Naturally I compare (Find the best hotel price from 30 hotel sites - Hotel Price Finder covers a lot of sites) but given near equality, I go for them given the added attraction of member rewards (not if you take the Amex bonus) and billing in $A.

 

[markis10]

DJ have a tie up with them as well that allows Velocity points to be earned:

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ty/virgin-blue-hotel-club-listings-20669.html

 

[JohnK]

DJ have a tie up with them as well that allows Velocity points to be earned:

That would depend on how you value Velocity points. I take it that it is still 3 Velocity points per dollar.

So if one spends $100 with HotelClub they will receive $4 credit as a Silver member, $5 as a Gold member or $6 as a Platinum member. Or 300 Velocity points.

How much are 300 Velocity points worth? Can one earn HotelClub member dollars and Velocity points?

 

[Alanslegal]

Naturally I compare (Find the best hotel price from 30 hotel sites - Hotel Price Finder covers a lot of sites) but given near equality

I always use Hotel Price Finder but if I find a hotel that I like, I always go directly to the hotel's website to see if the hotel is offering an equal or lower rate, and if not, whether they have a Best Rate Guarantee type promise.

I do this with a whole bunch of hotels and have saved alot of $$ OR accumulated alot of points with Starwood - my preferred hotel chain.

A few examples include Swissotel Hotels will beat the lowest rate by 50% for the 1st night and match the remainder, Marriott's Look No Further promises 25% off the lowest rate for the entire stay, SPG offers 10% or 2,000 star points.

Using this method, I have stayed at the Swissotel Sydney on multiple occasions for like $85 per night including buffet breakfast. Marriott's in HKG for like less than $100 per night. Also Starwood properties where although the price difference was like $1-$2, was eligible to earn 2,000 points (which have a retail purchase price of usd$35/1,000).

It sure takes more work, but is worthwhile (imo).

 

[codash1099]

I always use Hotel Price Finder but if I find a hotel that I like, I always go directly to the hotel's website to see if the hotel is offering an equal or lower rate, and if not, whether they have a Best Rate Guarantee type promise.

I do this with a whole bunch of hotels and have saved alot of $$ OR accumulated alot of points with Starwood - my preferred hotel chain.

A few examples include Swissotel Hotels will beat the lowest rate by 50% for the 1st night and match the remainder, Marriott's Look No Further promises 25% off the lowest rate for the entire stay, SPG offers 10% or 2,000 star points.

Using this method, I have stayed at the Swissotel Sydney on multiple occasions for like $85 per night including buffet breakfast. Marriott's in HKG for like less than $100 per night. Also Starwood properties where although the price difference was like $1-$2, was eligible to earn 2,000 points (which have a retail purchase price of usd$35/1,000).

It sure takes more work, but is worthwhile (imo).

Yes, the hotel is quite often cheaper and is the way to go. However you have to factor in the currency risk unless it is a prepaid rate. That still gives Hotel club at least a 5% advantage and more depending on your membership level.

 

[samh004]

Can one earn HotelClub member dollars and Velocity points?

I don’t believe so, I did check when I heard they were a partner, and double checked when I received a booking lately and saw Virgin Blue’s logo on the top and thought they’d tried to put the points towards Velocity instead, but they hadn’t.