I'm one of the devs for a chrome extension that shows even cheaper hotel rates when you're on popular travel sites. We're owned by the major hotel chains, who are trying to save on commission fees. They give us cheaper rates for their free loyalty programs. You save money booking directly with the hotel, and they pay less commission.
Here's what the extension looks like in action: http://ift.tt/2gvlfIZ
You won't always see a notification if there isn't a cheaper direct rate, but it's super handy when there is one. Let me know what you think. It's in the early stages, and we could use the feedback.
Here are the sites the extension works on:
- Priceline.com
- Expedia.com
- Booking.com
- Hotels.com
- Orbitz.com
- Hotwire.com
- Travelocitycom
Even if you don't try/use the extension, here are some dirty secrets about these sites:
- They're all owned by Expedia or Priceline, and are just rebranded/reskinned.
- They charge hotel owners up to 25% commission for each booking through their site.
- They all claim to have the lowest rate, but they don't have the cheaper, free loyalty program rates.
In other words, don't get suckered in by the OTA marketing machine. Book direct.
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October 11, 2017 at 12:50PM
