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Travelocity Now Offers Opaque (or Unpublished) Hotel Deals
Without the Hassle of Bidding

 

First Major Travel Site to Serve Up Unpublished and Regular Hotel Rates in One Search Window, Without the Hassle of Bidding

SOUTHLAKE, Texas-- - Travelocity announced today it is the first major online travel site to offer unpublished (or �opaque�) hotel deals and regular hotel rates all in one search window, without the hassle of bidding. In the current economy, travelers are more price conscious than ever, with approximately 20 to 30 percent of online hotel bookers now seeking out opaque hotels. Travelocity�s Top Secret Hotels offer an easy way to shop hotels and find unpublished rates that are up to 45 percent off three- and four-star hotels.

�We are giving consumers one easy place to find great hotel deals, regardless of the type of trip they are taking, including a stress-free, bidding-free option for finding unpublished hotel deals that are backed by the Travelocity Service Guarantee.�

So what is the secret? With Top Secret Hotels, Travelocity is able to offer consumers deeply-discounted rates at top hotels by not naming the exact hotel until the booking is complete. Before making the booking, consumers see the hotel�s star rating and general location, and, unlike other major opaque sites, Travelocity�s Top Secret Hotels shows what other travelers think about a hotel, with user ratings on 10 key details of the hotel, such as cleanliness, location, staff and service, room quality and more. Travelocity also shows the hotel�s specific amenities such as pool, courtesy breakfast, non-smoking, high-speed Internet and shuttle service.
Possibly best of all -- like all bookings on Travelocity, Top Secret Hotels bookings are backed by the Travelocity Service Guarantee.
 

How it works...

Step 1: Know the Price Upfront
We work with three- and four-star hotels to get you up to 45% off already great rates, and we reveal these prices upfront. 

Step 2: Pick What Best Fits Your Needs
Choose a date and location, and we'll give you a choice of top hotels, including their price and rating. 

Step 3: Book It, and the Secret is Revealed!
After you book, we�ll immediately tell you the hotel�s name and details. 

Step 4: Backed by the Travelocity Service Guarantee
We guarantee that your booking will be right or we will work with our travel partners to make it right, right away. 

�We heard from consumers that, depending on the type of trip they are taking, they sometimes want to know the exact hotel in which they are staying, while other times they care more about price,� said Tracey Weber, president of Travelocity North America. �We are giving consumers one easy place to find great hotel deals, regardless of the type of trip they are taking, including a stress-free, bidding-free option for finding unpublished hotel deals that are backed by the Travelocity Service Guarantee.�

How to Find Top Secret Hotels Deals

When customers search for hotels in a destination, they will see the available hotels by name, and depending on availability, can simply click on the Top Secret Hotels tab above the general hotel listings that allows them to view unpublished rates at participating hotel properties. Or, they can search only the thousands of available Top Secret Hotels by using the checkbox located on the main Hotels tab on Travelocity.

�We�ve been working incredibly hard over the past year to get Top Secret Hotels up and running, responding to both the needs of our customers and hotel partners,� said Weber. �In today�s tough economic environment, hotels are looking to us to help them drive bookings while consumers are craving great deals, so we�re thrilled to deliver the right product at the best possible time.�

Sample Deals Comparison
 
Top Secret Hotel Property  Top Secret Rate  Percent Savings off Regular Rate
4 star - Top Secret Hotel in Manhattan  $130  35%
4 star - Top Secret Hotel in Boston  $250 35%
3 star - Top Secret Hotel in San Francisco $110 45%
4 star - Top Secret Hotel in Atlanta  $67 45%
3 star - Top Secret Hotel in Dallas  $30 50%
3 star - Top Secret Hotel in Las Vegas 480 50%
4 star - Top Secret Hotel in Chicago  $95 55%
4 star - Top Secret Hotel in Orlando  $90 70%

About Travelocity Global
Travelocity® is committed to being the traveler's champion -- before, during and after the trip � and provides the most comprehensive and proactive guarantee in the industry (http://www.travelocity.com/guarantee). This customer-driven focus, backed by 24/7 live phone support, competitive prices and powerful shopping technology has made Travelocity one of the largest travel companies in the world. Travelocity also owns and operates: Travelocity Business® for corporate travel; igougo.com, a leading online travel community; lastminute.com, a leader in European online travel; and ZUJI, a leader in Asia-Pacific online travel. Travelocity is owned by Sabre Holdings Corporation, a world leader in travel marketing and distribution.
 

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Contact: 

Amanda Borichevsky, 972-488-4790
[email protected]
 

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Also See: Founders of Hotels.com Launch New Hotel Booking Site; Getaroom.com Provides Benefits of Opaque Pricing without Keeping Travelers in the Dark / July 2009
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