Accommodation websites: what are your recommendations?

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frednz

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Topic # 228823 24-Jan-2018 09:32

I am interested to hear of which websites you use to find and book accommodation. On Google searches, "Booking.com" is often at the top of the list, would you recommend using this site? Are there any others, such as AA, that you would recommend?

We visited one motel a while ago and the owner said that it's better if people contact him directly if they want to get the best price. Have you found this to be the case?

Or perhaps you use Airbnb, what are your experiences with this?

Thanks for your advice.

Fred

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Reply # 1945855 24-Jan-2018 09:32

Allow me to introduce you folks to our new travel community: TravelTalk NZ.

We hope to see you there!

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MikeAqua

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Reply # 1945861 24-Jan-2018 09:37

I've had a good run with booking.com. Just be aware that no cancellation means no cancellation and no changes.

Also, for bookings that can be changed hotel staff will usually refer you back to booking.com saying the hotel can't change the booking.

Generally you can make changes in the app. If not the helpline can be little slow during peak-times. But helpline reps are friendly and helpful

Mike

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timmmay

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Reply # 1945864 24-Jan-2018 09:40

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We booked most of our honeymoon with Expedia, and many holidays. Sometimes we find things there and book directly with the hotel if it's cheap.

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frednz

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Reply # 1945871 24-Jan-2018 09:55

MikeAqua:

I've had a good run with booking.com. Just be aware that no cancellation means no cancellation and no changes.

Also, for bookings that can be changed hotel staff will usually refer you back to booking.com saying the hotel can't change the booking.

Generally you can make changes in the app. If not the helpline can be little slow during peak-times. But helpline reps are friendly and helpful

Thanks Mike, have you been required to pay deposits to the hotels in advance of travel and what length of time do you need to give if you have to cancel? Or do you just provide credit card details?

Some motels in NZ are now charging your credit card with the full amount of your stay before you even arrive.

kryptonjohn

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Reply # 1945873 24-Jan-2018 09:57

I've had great results (or been lucky) with AirBNB. However in general I am looking for something with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms and a kitchen. If looking for a hotel I usually just use Expedia or similar.

Geektastic

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Reply # 1945888 24-Jan-2018 10:10

I always try and use Accor hotels and book via their website.

If there isn't one where I want to be, I usually find the hotel I want and then book direct.

I don't much like any of the aggregator sites to be honest.

psychnurse

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Reply # 1945892 24-Jan-2018 10:16

Been using Expedia for a number of years, +1 for them. Gave a prompt refund when I cancelled a hotel in Korea.

Dratsab

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Reply # 1945893 24-Jan-2018 10:20

timmmay: We booked most of our honeymoon with Expedia, and many holidays. Sometimes we find things there and book directly with the hotel if it's cheap.

We use also Expedia for our overseas and local travel* as you can book airfares and accommodation all in one convenient place. We've found it to be cheaper than looking at airline and accommodation sites individually - usually by quite a lot!

* We don't holiday in NZ as it's too expensive so local travel usually consists of trips to Auckland for concerts or parties organised by @nate :-)

trig42

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Reply # 1945895 24-Jan-2018 10:22

I generally use Expedia or booking.com for hotels.

I have just booked my first AirBnB for a trip to Europe in May - will be driving Paris - Milan - Amsterdam (those are the three we must see) over a month. Will use AirBnB for most of that trip I think.

nate

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Reply # 1945944 24-Jan-2018 11:48

Dratsab:* We don't holiday in NZ as it's too expensive so local travel usually consists of trips to Auckland for concerts or parties organised by @nate :-)

By "parties" he means me getting married, and considering the cost, not happening again any time soon :)

I'm a big fan of AirBnB, did a month's travel around UK and Ireland and used AirBnb the whole time. We had one slightly weird experience (mainly due to a booking fault from me) but other than that, highly recommend.

MikeAqua

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Reply # 1945950 24-Jan-2018 11:53

frednz:

MikeAqua:

I've had a good run with booking.com. Just be aware that no cancellation means no cancellation and no changes.

Also, for bookings that can be changed hotel staff will usually refer you back to booking.com saying the hotel can't change the booking.

Generally you can make changes in the app. If not the helpline can be little slow during peak-times. But helpline reps are friendly and helpful

Thanks Mike, have you been required to pay deposits to the hotels in advance of travel and what length of time do you need to give if you have to cancel? Or do you just provide credit card details?

Some motels in NZ are now charging your credit card with the full amount of your stay before you even arrive.

For non-cancel booking 100% is charged immediately.

For free-cancellation bookings there is normally no pre-charge until 24 hours before check-in - after which you can't cancel.

The other thing I like about booking.com is the app stores multiple credit cards so I can select a work or personal card depending on the type of travel.

Mike

alasta

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Reply # 1945952 24-Jan-2018 11:57

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The thing that puts me off using Expedia is that they bombard you with unnecessary emails during your trip and there appears to be no way to unsubscribe. It's a shame because their service is otherwise really convenient.

frednz

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Reply # 1945956 24-Jan-2018 12:08

https://www.bookabach.co.nz/

https://www.holidayhouses.co.nz/

https://www.aa.co.nz/travel/

Thanks very much for your replies to date. The above NZ websites are also available, does anyone use these?

KrazyKid

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Reply # 1945992 24-Jan-2018 12:44

I've used bookabach a few times- all fine, you deal with the accommodation owner/manager directly. They basically provide the web service and owners contact details.
I assume holidayhouses is similar.

AirBnB is also fine and I'll use again and again, though once I had to rebook a few weeks before my flight as the owner withdrew the house.
Full refund etc but a small hassle. Can see that being annoying if a night was cancelled on you at the last minute (but that can also happen with hotels etc I suppose).

I've got a family of four to consider so not normally looking at hotel rooms, more apartments/houses when I book.

floydbloke

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Reply # 1945995 24-Jan-2018 12:51

nate:..

I'm a big fan of AirBnB, did a month's travel around UK and Ireland and used AirBnb the whole time. We had one slightly weird experience (mainly due to a booking fault from me) but other than that, highly recommend.

We're planning a road-trip of southern Scotland, north of England in September. Browsing AirBNB and and numerous pub accommodation and small hotel websites, using AirBNB doesn't really appear any cheaper. For our needs anyway, not keen on sharing bathroom facilities so we've filtered AirBNB searches for 'whole apartment or house'. I haven't found a room with en-suite filter option. Is there one?

Also, what's the feasibility of same day bookings with AirBNB? A lot of the trip will just be drive and see where we end-up, stay the night if we like it. Is it possible to book a place and rock up half-an-hour later? Don't you first need to wait for the owner to get in touch after you make your booking?

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