Is HotelPlanner Legit? A Comprehensive Review

Are you planning a trip and wondering if HotelPlanner is a legitimate booking platform?

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: HotelPlanner is a legitimate site that has been providing reliable travel booking services for over 15 years.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive review of HotelPlanner to help you decide whether it’s the right choice for your next trip. We’ll cover everything from the company’s history and reputation to its features and pricing.

So, let’s dive in and find out if HotelPlanner is the real deal!

What is HotelPlanner?

HotelPlanner is an online travel agency that specializes in group travel arrangements. The platform caters to both leisure and business travelers who are looking for affordable accommodation for their group trips.

History of HotelPlanner

HotelPlanner was founded in 2002 by Tim Hentschel and John Prince, two former college roommates who saw a need for an online platform that would simplify group travel bookings. Since its inception, the company has grown to become one of the largest group travel booking websites in the world, with over 4 million group bookings made through their platform.

Services Offered by HotelPlanner

HotelPlanner offers a wide range of services to cater to the needs of group travelers. Here are some of the key services offered by the platform:

• Hotel Bookings: HotelPlanner allows users to search for and book hotel rooms for group trips. Users can filter their search results based on location, price, and other preferences.
• Event Planning: The platform also offers event planning services for group travel, including venue selection and catering arrangements.
• Transportation: Users can also book transportation services through HotelPlanner, including car rentals and airport transfers.
• Travel Insurance: HotelPlanner offers travel insurance to protect users against unexpected events that may disrupt their travel plans.

Is HotelPlanner Legitimate?

HotelPlanner is a well-known online hotel booking platform that has been in operation since 2003. However, many people still wonder whether this platform is legitimate or not. In this review, we will provide you with an in-depth analysis of HotelPlanner’s reputation and reviews to help you determine whether it is a trustworthy platform.

HotelPlanner’s Reputation

HotelPlanner has built a solid reputation in the travel industry over the years. It has won several awards, including the coveted “Best Group Travel Site” award from Travel + Leisure. The platform has also partnered with many reputable organizations, such as the National Association of Sports Commissions and the National Tour Association. Additionally, HotelPlanner has been featured in several reputable media outlets, including Forbes, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.

Furthermore, HotelPlanner has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, which is a testament to its commitment to customer satisfaction. The company has resolved all complaints filed against it, which shows that it takes customer complaints seriously and strives to provide excellent services.

Reviews of HotelPlanner

HotelPlanner has received mixed reviews from customers. Some customers have praised the platform for its competitive prices, user-friendly interface, and excellent customer service. They also appreciate the fact that HotelPlanner allows them to book hotels for large groups and events.

However, some customers have complained about hidden fees, poor communication, and inaccurate information about hotel amenities and locations. Some customers have also reported difficulties in canceling their bookings and obtaining refunds.

It is worth noting that most of the negative reviews are from a few years ago, and HotelPlanner has since implemented measures to address the issues raised by customers. The platform now provides clear information about fees and policies, and it has improved its communication channels to ensure that customers can reach its support team easily.

How Does HotelPlanner Work?

HotelPlanner is a website that allows users to search for and book hotels online. It is a legitimate website that has been operating for over 15 years and has helped millions of people book their accommodations. Here is an overview of how HotelPlanner works:

Booking a Hotel with HotelPlanner

Booking a hotel with HotelPlanner is a straightforward process. To get started, simply enter your destination, check-in and check-out dates, and the number of guests. You can then filter your search results by price range, star rating, and hotel amenities. Once you have found a hotel that meets your needs, you can book it directly through the website. HotelPlanner offers competitive rates and often has exclusive deals with hotels, so you may be able to save money by booking through them.

When you book a hotel through HotelPlanner, you will receive a confirmation email with all of the details of your reservation. You can also view your reservation on the website and make changes or cancellations if needed.

Group Travel with HotelPlanner

One of the unique features of HotelPlanner is its group travel booking service. If you are planning a trip for a large group, such as a wedding, conference, or sports team, HotelPlanner can help you find the best rates for group accommodations. You can request a group quote on the website and a dedicated group travel specialist will work with you to find the perfect hotel(s) for your group. HotelPlanner also offers a free online group management tool that allows you to track reservations, send messages to group members, and manage room assignments.

Other Features of HotelPlanner

HotelPlanner offers several other features that make it a convenient website to use for your travel needs. These include:

• 24/7 customer service
• A mobile app for booking on-the-go
• A loyalty program that rewards users with cash back on bookings

HotelPlanner also has a Best Price Guarantee, which means that if you find a lower price for the same hotel on another website within 24 hours of booking, HotelPlanner will match the price or refund the difference.

Pricing and Fees of HotelPlanner

When it comes to booking hotels, one of the most important factors to consider is pricing and fees. In this section, we will take a closer look at the pricing and fees of HotelPlanner, a popular online hotel booking platform.

How Much Does HotelPlanner Cost?

HotelPlanner is a free service for travelers. They do not charge any fees to use their platform to search for and book hotels. Instead, HotelPlanner makes money by charging hotels a commission for each booking made through their platform. This means that travelers can use HotelPlanner to find the best hotel deals without having to pay any extra fees.

Are There Any Hidden Fees?

One of the concerns that travelers have when booking hotels online is the possibility of hidden fees. These fees may not be disclosed upfront and can add significant costs to the total price of the booking. Fortunately, HotelPlanner does not have any hidden fees. The price you see when you search for hotels on their platform is the price you will pay. However, it is important to note that some hotels may charge additional resort fees or taxes, which will be disclosed during the booking process.

Price Match Guarantee

HotelPlanner offers a price match guarantee to ensure that travelers get the best deal possible. If you find a lower price for the same hotel room on another website within 24 hours of booking on HotelPlanner, they will match the lower price and refund the difference. This guarantee applies to publicly available prices on other websites and does not include prices offered through opaque booking sites or membership programs.

Pros and Cons of HotelPlanner

Advantages of Using HotelPlanner

HotelPlanner is a legitimate and reliable travel booking platform that offers a lot of benefits for travelers. Here are some of the advantages:

• Great deals on hotel bookings: HotelPlanner has partnerships with more than 100,000 hotels and can offer discounted rates for group bookings. This is especially useful for companies, sports teams, and event organizers.
• Easy to use website and mobile app: HotelPlanner has a user-friendly interface that allows you to search for hotels, compare prices, and book rooms in just a few clicks.
• 24/7 customer support: HotelPlanner has a dedicated team of customer support agents that are available round the clock to assist travelers with any queries or issues they may have.
• Flexible cancellation and refund policies: HotelPlanner offers flexible cancellation and refund policies that allow travelers to modify or cancel their bookings without incurring any extra fees.
• Secure payment options: HotelPlanner uses advanced encryption technologies to ensure that all transactions are secure and safe.

Disadvantages of Using HotelPlanner

While HotelPlanner is a great platform for booking hotels, there are some disadvantages that travelers should be aware of:

Conclusion

After conducting a thorough review of HotelPlanner, we can confidently say that it is a legitimate booking platform that offers reliable travel services.

With its long history and positive reputation, HotelPlanner is a great choice for anyone looking to book a hotel for their next trip. Its user-friendly interface and competitive pricing make it an attractive option for both individual and group travelers.

While there are some minor drawbacks to using HotelPlanner, such as limited search filters and customer service availability, overall it is a solid choice for booking your next hotel stay.

So, if you’re still wondering ‘is HotelPlanner legit?’, we hope this comprehensive review has answered all your questions and helped you make an informed decision.