Booking rooms by contacting hotels directly is likely to result in cheaper rates than booking through travel Web sites, according to Consumer Reports’ July issue.
The magazine contacted 100 hotels to find the best deal on a room for a three-night weekend getaway in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, New Orleans and Washington, D.C. Three out of four hotels gave a better deal when contacted directly than when booked through travel Web sites like Hotels.com, Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity, with an $83-a-night average savings, Consumer Reports said.
The magazine also rated hotels using reviews from 35,000 readers. The Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons won in the luxury category ($90-$500 nightly); Walt Disney Resorts, Embassy Suites and Harrah’s won upscale ($80-$150); SpringHill Suites by Marriott and Homewood Suites by Hilton won moderate ($60-$100) and Sleep Inn, Extended Stay America and Microtel Inn/Suites won budget ($40-$70).
Hilton: Use it or lose it
For the first time since Hilton created its frequent-stay honors program in 1987, the hotel chain has sent out letters this year alerting members with inactive accounts to stay at a Hilton property or use a Hilton co-branded charge card or their account will be terminated.
Hilton says it sent the letters to streamline its program and reduce the financial liability. Just as airlines carry millions of dollars in liabilities on their balance sheets for outstanding frequent-flier miles, so do hotels with their frequent-guest points.
Hilton seems to be the only major chain trying to shake off its dead weight. Spokespersons for Marriott and Hyatt said that while they could terminate inactive members under their agreements, they have no plans to do so.
Gas up, save on lodging
With gasoline prices rising, hotel and resort operators are offering fuel rebates.
Several resorts in Aspen, Colo., are giving guests a free tank of gas when they stay three nights or more. The Gant Condominiums Resort, for example, with rates starting at $185 a night, will rebate up to $75 for a fill-up, so don’t leave the Hummer home. It is good through the fall at most places.
For the Gant: 800-345-1471; www.gantaspen.com; otherwise, 800-290-1324, ext. 4; www.aspenchamber.org. Ask for the free gas offer.
Through July 15, the 14 inns and hotels of the Moonstone chain in California and Oregon will rebate up to $50, with a receipt, on any gasoline purchase within 48 hours of check-in. Valid Sunday through Thursday nights; no minimum stay and you can use it again at each property you visit.
Nine hotels are in Cambria or San Simeon, ideal for a visit to Hearst Castle. Others include the Monterey Inn, Monterey; the Carmel River Inn, Carmel; and the Apple Tree Inn, Yosemite. Rates: $109 to $329; 800-966-6490 or www.moonstonehotels.com.
