on line booking?

[BabsM]

I am not a seasoned traveler. Can anyone tell me - if I book a hotel through expedia.com or hotels.com - am I guaranteed to have a room when I arrive?

 

I am surprised at the savings by booking online but am concerned about how reliable it is.

[MidtheNight]

Expedia.com and Hotels.com are just like a travel agent except that they are on line. You will still receive a confirmation number for your reservation and you will have a room when you get there.

 

If there is a specific chain of hotel you are looking for though make sure you understand that some hotel chains (Intercontinental Group...Holiday Inn, HI Express, Candlewood, Staybridge, Crowne Plaza) do not allow their franchisees to place rates on Expedia.com and/or Hotels.com. If I remember correctly it was that those websites refused to agree to one fact...that the main Intercontinental Group website would always have the lowest price available.

 

As long as you understand that you may have to do a little bit of research to get the best price you'll be fine and you will have a hotel room when you get there.