Hotel Discount Websites: Do They Make the Grade?

When it comes time to shop for a hotel you always want to find the best rate possible. There are a few hotel discount websites that are advertised heavily on television, so these are probably one of the first places you to go to look for a hotel. These websites include Hotels.com, Travelocity, and Orbitz. All of these websites claim to offer spectacular deals on hotels, with some even offering "Low Price Guarantees." Do these websites really live up to their claim? Are they really the lowest prices you can find on hotels? In order to figure this puzzle out, I picked a hotel that was available at all 4 of the websites, and that also could be booked directly. The hotel will be called Hotel X for the purpose of this article. Hotel X is a resort hotel located on the beach. I always used 5 nights to calculate the final price, and always had the number of people set at 2 adults. The hotel discount websites will be labeled A, B, and C so I don't get slapped with any lawsuits.

Hotel Discount Website A:

Lowest Rate Available: The lowest rate available was an average of $90.86 per night, this average was calculated by the discount website. This rate was for a room with 2 double beds, a small balcony with a side-ocean view, and other amenities. This room was located in a tower separate from the actual resort, but all resort facilities were still available to you as a guest.

Final Price: The final price was $757.41 including $17.34 per night in taxes and "service fees"

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations prior to 3 days before your Check-In result in a $25 fee. Cancellations within 3 days of your Check-In will cost you a 1 night room charge plus taxes. There are no refunds for early check-outs.

Additional Details: You have to pay the full cost of your hotel stay at the time of booking.
Price Guarantee: Yes, but it has to be for the exact same room type.

Hotel Discount Website C:

Lowest Rate Available: The lowest rate available was $108 for an "Oceanfront Suite with 1 King or Two Double beds." That sentence was the only room description available.

Final Price: The final price was $898.76, with $140.11 being "taxes and fees."