Booking hotels online

[spicyayam]

Do people here book their hotels online for their holidays? If so, what site do people use?

[aquaman]

I've used Asiatravel.com alot for other countries in Asia but never in Bali. If we need a hotel in Bali when travelling the better half usually weaves her local magic for that. :wink:

[mimpimanis]

I have a bit of a grudge with online booking companies.

I am not talking about any of the big international companies here but a while back I found that our place was appearing some online agencies websites without our permission. They were using copy written information from our website... but out of date information and what I found most annoying was the rates. Up to 100% more than we charge, with surcharges we don't charge. Out of interest I got a friend in UK to try and book a room with us through one of them and was recommended to stay somewhere else, even though she specifically asked for us. When I complained to the people running the website Made received threats and was told to keep his wife under control. :evil:

The other websites removed the information when requested.

So my advice would be to book direct with the hotels if you can.

[goldminer]

We always book direct with hotels via online or phone and never have a problem.

[motormouth]

I always use wotif.com,when I visit Oz or when I go to other Asian countries they are the cheapest,better than asiarooms,who charge you first and if the rooms are not available they can take 4 working days to refund the money...rubbish.However it is sometimes worth cecking the hotels website or in Bali ringing them direct, they are sometimes cheaper. 3 weeks ago I was in Tokyo and the Sheraton was way cheaper direct online than using a booking website.The smalletr hotels in Indonesia are better called direct.wotif only advertise available rooms.

[Jimbo]

Use the web to find the hotel and then contact direct works for me

[trinrick]

I have been using Agodarooms.com for quite awhile all throughout Asia and cannot fault them.Each booking acrues points that are redeemable in dollar value for your next booking and unlike Asiarooms.com they do not charge your card until they have confirmed the booking with the hotel.
I am sitting in a hotel in Jakarta at the moment and the walk up price is $96per night,I paid $51

[motormouth]

For an internet booking Wotif is way cheaper than Agoda, but if your'e happy... :D

[ronb]

I have also used wotif.com many times. Never had any problems when you turn up - the hotel is always expecting you and know that you have paid. Of course it makes sense to check if there is a direct on-line booking service with the hotel - maybe they will be cheaper, but I have never found that. The wotif service is nothing like the sites that Mimpi complains of - those that will list info about a hotel without the hotel's permission.

[ronb]

I always use wotif.com,when I visit Oz or when I go to other Asian countries they are the cheapest,better than asiarooms,who charge you first and if the rooms are not available they can take 4 working days to refund the money...rubbish.

Yes I have used wotif.com frequently in Australia and a few times in Bali. Have never had a hassle with the booking and have always got pretty much the right rate for that hotel. They have quite a few Bali hotels under US$50, and the cheapest in Kuta at present is Sayang Maha Mertha Hotel at US$12. I have been meaning to try this hotel, but haven't got there yet.