Why I won’t use Expedia.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 4,798
Likes: 5,889
From: Knoxville
i've tried to use expedia, price line, et al in the past and found that i was 100% able to get a cheaper rate by calling the hotel direct. plus, the hotel directly has a much better cancellation policy than the travel apps i tried. i could cancel up to 4pm on day of reservation for 0% fee with the hotel, while the app service would charge me for the night. plus, they wanted me to prepay.
between aarp and military, i have found aarp to be a better discount most of the time. and you don't have to be a senior to have aarp membership, just 50 or over. so if the hotel website advertises an 'aarp' rate, as opposed to 'senior' rate, even if you aren't a sr, you can get that rate. they just look for the card at check in, and i've never had anyone confirm my birthdate on my id.
between aarp and military, i have found aarp to be a better discount most of the time. and you don't have to be a senior to have aarp membership, just 50 or over. so if the hotel website advertises an 'aarp' rate, as opposed to 'senior' rate, even if you aren't a sr, you can get that rate. they just look for the card at check in, and i've never had anyone confirm my birthdate on my id.
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 4,549
Likes: 5,887
From: Syracuse NY
I’ve been burned twice this year on 3rd party booking apps.
My brother once last year.
I’m going direct to the hotels now. Or walking through the front door of the mom & pop’s and saying “I need a room”.
My brother once last year.
I’m going direct to the hotels now. Or walking through the front door of the mom & pop’s and saying “I need a room”.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,158
Likes: 11,249
From: San Diego, CA
i've tried to use expedia, price line, et al in the past and found that i was 100% able to get a cheaper rate by calling the hotel direct. plus, the hotel directly has a much better cancellation policy than the travel apps i tried. i could cancel up to 4pm on day of reservation for 0% fee with the hotel, while the app service would charge me for the night. plus, they wanted me to prepay.
between aarp and military, i have found aarp to be a better discount most of the time. and you don't have to be a senior to have aarp membership, just 50 or over. so if the hotel website advertises an 'aarp' rate, as opposed to 'senior' rate, even if you aren't a sr, you can get that rate. they just look for the card at check in, and i've never had anyone confirm my birthdate on my id.
between aarp and military, i have found aarp to be a better discount most of the time. and you don't have to be a senior to have aarp membership, just 50 or over. so if the hotel website advertises an 'aarp' rate, as opposed to 'senior' rate, even if you aren't a sr, you can get that rate. they just look for the card at check in, and i've never had anyone confirm my birthdate on my id.
I also find several that give Auto Club members discounts too.
Plus, I use Best Western a lot when traveling on the bike, so I use their rewards program...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,053
Likes: 12,327
From: Arkansas
It didn’t take long for me figure out the “discount” travel outfits. I want nothing to do with them.
I only deal with the hotel, airline or rental companies directly.
The same applies to florist’s.
I only deal with the hotel, airline or rental companies directly.
The same applies to florist’s.
Last edited by IronAss; Sep 16, 2022 at 08:28 AM.
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Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 11,588
Likes: 8,412
From: Inland NW
We don't typically book ahead unless we are riding on a busier holiday weekend, and typically "wing it" on backroads and just find a place to crash. Yeah, we have been caught without a room a few times, but that is part of the fun.
I travel a lot for work, and we use Marriott hotels, so I have about 15 free nights (all points based) stacked up right now, and I use the Bonvoy app on my phone to book some free nights in advance if I need to. They have some nice properties, and I burned a few free ones this summer at their nicer Courtyard and Springhill Suites across Montana and Idaho. I always love the looks when a few of us roll in from a hard day in bad weather to a $500/night hotel
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 565
Likes: 152
From: Calgary, Alberta
Many hotels will match the Expedia, or whomever price if you quote it. They are still money ahead.