See How Easily You Can Find the Best Deals on Hotels
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Photo credit: bigmikesndtech/Creative Commons
With four children, we have officially outgrown couch-surfing and even guest-room sojourning. Luckily I discovered that life is not over when you need a suite.
When we recently had to make a trip to Washington, D.C., I tried Hotels.com. Recommended by the New York Times' Frugal Traveler, and owned by the same company as Expedia, I knew it wasn't some fly-by-night bargain operation.
I was thrilled to find an apartment-like space in the swanky Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. for $119 per night. We had a living room with dining table, two queen beds (and two cribs), plus a fully-equipped kitchen, and free breakfast.
Here are the top reasons why I like working with Hotels.com:
1. A good deal guaranteed
I feel like I don't need to waste time shopping around because Hotels.com is confident about having the lowest rates. With their price guarantee, if you find a lower rate online, they will match it and give you a refund.
2. No cancelation fees
I also breathe easier knowing I can change my reservation anytime up to the actual hotel's cancelation deadline, which is usually by the day of arrival.
3. Tailored searches save time
Hotels.com helps you narrow down dozens of choices with lots of filters such as neighborhoods, proximity to landmarks, and amenities like pools or pet-friendly.
4. User ratings make it real
Not sure if a hotel is as good as the glossy pic and PR spiel? The site has tons of reviews and ratings from people who have actually stayed there.
5. One night free for every ten
All you need is an email address to sign up for their Welcome Rewards program, where you can start racking up points for a free hotel stay.
I used to look through guidebooks to find charming places to stay. But I love the one-stop shopping of Web sites like Hotels.com. True, I don't get the nuanced perspective of a seasoned traveler who has hand-picked hotels. But with all this information, it's more fun to hand-pick them myself.
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