Hidden Costs
February 22, 2010 | 10:51 AM

Aloha Doug,

Thank you so much for writing this article. As a small hotel owner in Maui, Expedia, Orbitz, Priceline, etc... has taken a toll on my income. You are very correct with everything you stated in this article. I would like to add a few more things.

I am very willing to match a rate that someone sees online. Expedia has a lot of specials that they run, and granted, they do spend a lot of money advertising, but they take a big chunk of my money when someone books online. If they call me, I will match the rate. My pet peave is when I have a guest that has ALREADY been at my hotel for several days, and they don't have the guts to come to the front desk to see if I can match the rate. They sit in their room and book ADDITIONAL nights at the low rate. Had they come to the front desk, I would have extended that rate to them and I would have saved the booking fees.

All of these websites are very competitive and like to offer the lowest rates. They shop each others sites and if I post a special on one site, but don't include it on the other site, they send me an email telling my rates are not in line with other sites.

2009 took a toll on everyone and my revenue was cut at my hotel by 30-40% compared to years in the past.

I would love to have everyone call me directly to get a discounted rate and mention that they saw a special on one of the sites. This would increase my overall revenue at the end of the year.

Thank you again for bringing this information to the general public. They need to know what these companies are charging.

Book Local! Call the hotels directly and see if they can match the rates. If they can't they will tell you, but give them a chance to save the booking fees!

Toni Johnson, Lahaina Inn www.LahainaInn.com 661