Many websites, such as HotelTonight, Booking.com and Hopper, have attempted to solve the problem of finding the best deals when booking hotel rooms. Despite this, travelers still struggle to find affordable accommodation. However, a new platform, HotelSlash, aims to change that by offering discounted hotel rates to its members.
HotelSlash, founded by Jonathan Weinberg—who is also the CEO of AutoSlash, a car rental company that tracks reservations for price changes and alerts travelers—has been created for “cost-conscious leisure travelers.” With membership costing $29.95 per year following a 90-day free trial period, the site also offers a tracking service that monitors rates and alerts users to price drops.
Booking Rooms
Users can book rooms directly through HotelSlash by entering information such as their destination, travel dates, and number of travelers. Unlike other booking sites, HotelSlash sends users an email with a link to the results, thereby adding an extra step to the process. However, these emails are sent within minutes and the results are detailed. Furthermore, HotelSlash offers prices for nearby hotels as well as room types and rates of the selected hotel, including prepaid nonrefundable and refundable options.
According to Weinberg, the discounted prices offered by HotelSlash are “controlled user group rates” that are negotiated by membership organizations like Costco and AAA.
While travelers can still request points from hotels directly, the site doesn’t accept loyalty program membership numbers. Additionally, HotelSlash is transparent about its terms and conditions, stating that reservations become nonrefundable on or after a certain date in a box that users have to click before making a booking.
Tracking Rates
Hotel rates can fluctuate greatly, and users could be lucky or have to maintain diligence to catch a price decline. However, HotelSlash offers peace of mind through its tracking service that alerts users to any changes in room rates. If the price drops, users may cancel their existing reservation (if the cancellation is penalty-free) and rebook at the lower rate.
“We recommend booking as early as possible,” advises Weinberg. The site was in development for two years, during which users saved an average of 25% on their bookings. “The longer time horizon we have to look for better deals, the better off we are.”
The Bottom Line
As is the case with most travel bookings, travelers who thoroughly research and compare are likely to save the most money. HotelSlash is transparent about its pricing and contract terms, so users know exactly what they are paying for. It also allows peace of mind by tracking rates and notifying users if a price drop has occurred. Nonetheless, we recommend that travelers still compare prices with other agencies, hotel sites, and third-party booking platforms to get the best possible rate. Remember that the best rates advertised are usually nonrefundable, so we recommend that travelers only book such rates if they’re certain that their plans won’t change.
The Frugal Traveler column is written by Elaine Glusac. Follow her on Instagram @eglusac.
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