Gabe Saglie
Gabe Saglie, senior editor at Travelzoo, a travel deal–comparison service. Travelzoo.com
Hotel room discounts up to 10% off standard rates are being offered by three major chains to their rewards club members who book directly. The new programs seek to draw travelers away from travel-booking websites such as Expedia, Travelocity, Booking.com and Hotels.com, but they are not always cheaper than those sites or than AAA member rates.
Examples of other caveats…
The chains also guarantee to match any lower rates from competing sites that appear within 24 hours of booking directly with the chain, plus give an extra discount off those rates—25% at Marriott…20% at Hyatt…and a $50 credit at Hilton. However, the rates at the competing sites still must be there when the hotel chain checks on your claim.