Booking a WA through trip.com vs HiltonForLux

[LittleNick]

Hi All,

Hoping someone can advise on what the best deal is here or how best to approach a hotel directly. Looking at 2 nights at the WA New Orleans. For my dates the rates are the following:
Hilton.com : $461 semi-flex
HfL/Emyr: $461 (this may have gone up a bit, includes $100 + breakfast, arrival upgrade)
trip.com: $322 (pre-pay but can free cancel)

Given the Trip.com rate, it’s hard to completely ignore the price difference. I’d prefer to book direct, but Trip.com reviews seem generally positive and it doesn’t seem like one of the sketchier OTAs I wouldn’t touch with a barge pole. That said, I’ve never used them before, does anyone have experience?

I’d be booking two rooms. In this scenario, is it worth contacting the hotel directly to see if they might match or come closer to the Trip.com price, or is that too small fry to be worth their time? I know some here suggest trying a direct deal, but I’m unsure how best to approach it, or whether it’s even worth bothering for a two-night stay. I’m only Hilton Gold, so not expecting much status pull in the US.

Would really appreciate any thoughts — especially from anyone who’s successfully done this or has experience with Trip.com.

Thanks

[tiberius]

Personally, I usually:

– Book 1 night through Emyr and the remainder through the cheapest OTA as I exhaust the $100 credit and the hotel generally (but not always) links the bookings and lets me stay in the same room

– If I opt to book via OTA I forward my booking confirmation to the Hotel and ask them to match the rate/convert it to a direct booking. This nearly always works and allows me to take advantage of AMEX offers and any status I have with the chain.

Trip is a good OTA and I have booked hotels, trains (and even a long-haul flight I had to book 6 hours before departure) without issue.

[aseftel]

I would either email the property to match the rate or submit a price match guarantee claim if everything lines up on Trip.com vs Hilton.com (which the semi flex suggests it might not) – nb you can claim before you book.

[BBbetter]

Today’s daily thread is a reminder of issues using an OTA.
While most stays do not have issues, if there is a problem, it’s going to be tough as you don’t have a contract with the hotel.
Also do not complain if your room window faces a car park or the bins.

[JakeWS]

Trip are pretty good. Used them quite a few times. Apparently even enough to get gold status. Never had an issue.