Your Tuesday Travel Tip for April 27th 2010:

Checking your Room Type Guarantee vs. Room  Preference.

Lately with more and more travelers choosing to book online we are seeing some confusion in the difference between “Guaranteed Room Types” and “Room Preferences”. The online booking sites will not always be able to guarantee traveler’s room type but they will put down the traveler’s room type preference. Many travelers unknowingly assume this is a guarantee for their room type. While all hotels will try and match all of the room requests to the preferences, it can become difficult during the peak seasons and those guests who are not guaranteed will sometimes end up with rooms types they did not request.

What can sometimes compound the issue is that many rates through the online booking systems are advanced purchase rooms which are nonrefundable bookings. While this will get travelers a lower rate, there is little to no flexibility if you need to change your reservation dates.

For many travelers, room type may not matter as long as they have a bed to sleep in. There are circumstances, though, where room type is VERY important for the travels. Parents traveling with 2 children would become very disappointed to find at check in that they only had one king bed rather then the two queen beds. Or a guest requesting a king bed for their anniversary would be a little upset to find two double beds at check in.

So what can travlers do?

1. If you are booking online read through the confirmation completely and make sure your room type is guaranteed, and if the reservation is non-refundable make sure everything is correct before you submit the payment button.

2. If you are confused at all about the reservation call the hotel directly and ask to speak with one of their “In House” reservation staff. They will be able to help you directly with any concerns you may have.

We as hoteliers never want a guest to check-in and be disappointedwith their room or the customer service they receive. With peak season being  right around the corner we are expecting to see more online bookings and this issue may arise more often. So while the hotels will do what they can to make sure travelers are getting what they desire at check-in, travelers can also take it into their own hands to make sure their stays are as stress free and enjoyable as possible!

Until next Tuesday, good travels and safe returns.

~Jason W. Deeds