How can I book hotels direct and save money?
Technically, booking directly with a hotel is expensive as you will generally pay rack rates but there is a way to cut out tthe travel agent and save money. Medhotels started trading in 2001 and paved the way for many other bed banks who have managed to negotiate excellent rates with major hotel chains. These bed banks now offer a range of hotels and self catering properties to cater for all budgets. You can book your hotel directly and stay from 3 to 103 nights as well as choose dates that tie in with your chosen flights. Use our free hotel search engine below to find the best rates for your chosen holiday destination.
If you do not find anything to meet your requirements through our free hotel search engine or just need inspiration, you may want to try going directly to the bed banks websites. Below is a list of the major bed banks that allow you to book hotels with links through to their websites...
Interhome - Self catering and villa's
As well as looking at bed banks, it is worth checking the following tour operators as they are now all offering hotel only rates...
There are a few things to consider when booking a hotel through a bed bank...
- You will not usually have the services of a rep in resort. Most bed banks will have a local handling agent to deal with any emergencies but they will not offer the usual services provided by a tour operators rep.
- Your booking may not be ABTA or ATOL protected so take relevant insurance to cover airline or hotel supplier failure
- Hotels may charge locally for linen, air con, deposit boxes or a breakage deposit.
- Always check the distance from the airport to the hotel. Some resorts can be a few hours drive from the airport and expensive to get to by taxi.
It is usually possible to book a resort transfer to take you from the airport to your hotel. A list of companies and their details can be found on the next page...
Partners
