Printer FriendlyWith the advent of the internet and the growth of hotels worldwide choosing the correct location to stay can be a problem for business travellers with little time and no personal knowledge of their next destination.
It is important to choose a web-based hotel reservation system that is created especially to fulfil the needs of the business traveller. Often a specialist can offer a wider ranging service than generalists who book all aspects of travel.
When travelling the world it is important to use a means of booking hotels which enables you to choose a hotel and location that will reflect your status in the eyes of your business partner thus shortening negotiation time appreciably if they assume from the quality of your hotel that you are authorised to negotiate at a high level.
What should you look for in an online booking system?
- Worldwide hotel coverage.
- Last minute availability at busy times and at favourable prices.
- Easy uncomplicated cancellation procedure including up to the day of arrival.
- A wide range of hotels from budget to deluxe global brands.
- Local hotels that are close to your business partners using postcode or geographical location.
- Immediate listing of all hotels that have availability on the selected dates.
- Hotels with rooms available in cities which are renowned for major trade fairs so that long transfers are not necessary to the fair grounds each day.
- A choice of room type at prices to suit your budget and purpose with a clear statement by each hotel as to whether a guarantee using a credit card is necessary to safeguard your booking.
- Details of check-in time and full hotel details, including maps, available as a download – especially important for intercontinental travellers.
- On line, instant booking with email confirmation to your own address and/or your personal; assistant or colleagues.
- An SMS confirmation message to your mobile phone with all hotel details and booking number shown.
- Colleagues able to book for you but you receive the confirmation. Particularly useful if you have a last-minute change of itinerary and need to cancel one hotel and book another.
In addition, for larger companies with a strict travel policy, full management information that can show total bookings made, by whom and where, as well as the price paid. This may also be fully integrated into the corporate intranet with full company branding if required.
Check whether additional services such as a 24/7 helpdesk is available. The helpdesk should also be there to assist you in disputes with the hotel on price at time of check out.
