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I am still chewing on where to stay in the Maldives next Easter. There are obviously loads of options, but it will be cash as I don’t do hotel schemes.
There are a few posts where people have booked through Destination2. Would you recommend?
They have the best rates on Dusit Thani and I am uninterested in service other than them actually making a booking. I have excellent insurance so not worried about changes.
We have booked with them for the half term upcoming. So far all seems good they were good at responding to queries and the hotel even acknowledged our booking when we booked some additional items direct eg restaurant bookings.
Can give a more detailed update in about 3 weeks. I know most people always so go direct and we did try but the hotel said they couldnt offer the room we wanted no idea if it means D2 had some kind of hold etc.
A plug for independent travel agents here (accepting,that as I am one, I’m likely to be biased!) If you find a good one, they are likely to be able to find you the best deal, which you can then compare against online agents like Destination 2. However while the hotels will generally be happy to deal with any source of booking, the independent agent or tour operator is also more likely to have a personal relationship, and hence more sway with the hotels to get you upgrades, deals etc.
They are also likely to know tips and avoid pitfalls. For example, in the Maldives, many hotels are priced better with tour operators than direct so you get the benefit of a well known name who will get you out of trouble if needed, as well as being able to speak directly to your agent. For example, while not such an issue on long haul, on a European break, I always try and suggest clients book on BA or Lufthansa etc if possible. The advantage being, if there is a problem, they will at least get you there and your holiday won’t be ruined by a cancelled flight. Of course, the budget carriers are usually a little cheaper and occasionally offer better flight times, but the headline prices on holidays will usually be priced on the cheapest flight of the day, even if that arrives at 1am!
There – plug over! But do at least consider finding a good independent agent and getting a quote – it can’t do any harm 🙂
I decided to go for it as their Ts and Cs are pretty reasonable: they are open that they act as an agent for other travel companies, but that they don’t take the deposit until they have a confirmed price from the third party. At this point you are bound by the booking. They cannot now do a “bait and switch” without breaching their Ts and Cs.
They don’t really take Amex in that they levy a 2.5% processing fee, but the service I got over the phone with a UK agent was very good. She was efficient, friendly, and clued up about the Maldives. She gave me her direct email and phone number for follow-up. On the face of it, service seems better than BA!
I’ll contact the hotel in a few day and ask about seaplane transfers and diving as a check that they have actually received a confirmed and paid-for booking.
Just a heads up – I’m thinking there’s a chance the hotel won’t have your name against the booking for some time.
That will depend how the TA Destination2 is working with operate. The hotel may simply know that XYZ travel have confirmed a room for certain dates, with names updated later.
I asked D2 for the booking reference for the hotel which the agent I’d spoken to did right away, and then confirmed that with the resort.
So turns out it’s the real deal. Half the cost of the cheapest nights available elsewhere with their premium all inclusive.
Obviously no perks other than Avios via Barclaycard. I did look if the BA portal linked to them, but unsurprisingly they do not.
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