As reported by Starwood Hotels, SPG has announced today an interesting partnership with TripAdvisor to bring Starwood brand hotels to the TripAdvisor “instant booking platform.” Last year, Marriott too partnered with TripAdvisor in the same way, so perhaps this news makes sense as Marriott and Starwood are to combine this year.
TripAdvisor To Partner With Starwood
STAMFORD, Conn. & NEEDHAM, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) and TripAdvisor (NASDAQ:TRIP) announced today they have partnered to make Starwood’s global hotel portfolio accessible on the TripAdvisor instant booking platform. From a last-minute business trip to a special luxury getaway, customers can seamlessly book a room at participating Starwood properties through TripAdvisor’s booking platform. The unique partnership enables Starwood to market and merchandise its world-class, lifestyle brands to a unique customer base, starting in the first half of this year.
With TripAdvisor instant booking, users simply click on a “Book Now†button to initiate a reservation. Travelers are reminded throughout the booking process that their reservation is powered by Starwood and are provided links and phone numbers to contact the hotel’s customer service associates directly; all support inquiries will be handled by Starwood’s award-winning customer care team.
Bottom Line
Look for instant booking on TripAdvisor for Starwood Hotel properties some time in the first half of the year, probably close to when the Marriott/ Starwood deal closes. Do you ever use TripAdvisor to book hotels? I use them for reviews often in particular I love their traveler’s pictures when I am scouting out new hotels. How about you?
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For me, the problem is twofold: Booking through TripAdvisor doesn’t pay any portal bonuses, and likely wouldn’t work with getting the benefits of booking through a hotel chain website.
@Christian- my guess is that since SPG is a partner with TripAdvisor on this, the bookings would get you the normal reward benefits.
I typically book direct through the hotel website, then use TripAdvisor to find a cheaper rate to submit for a Best Rate Guarantee discount.