InterContinental Sydney
HOTEL PHONE NUMBER $142
TOLL-FREE NUMBER $142
HOTEL WEB SITE $132**
EXPEDIA.COM $142
TRAVELOCITY.COM $142
ORBITZ.COM n/a
TRAVELWEB.COM n/a
HOTELDISCOUNTS.COM n/a
ALL-HOTELS.COM n/a
HOTELS.COM $142
Cape Grace Cape Town
HOTEL PHONE NUMBER $458
TOLL-FREE NUMBER $369
HOTEL WEB SITE $356
EXPEDIA.COM $356
TRAVELOCITY.COM n/a
ORBITZ.COM $356
TRAVELWEB.COM n/a
HOTELDISCOUNTS.COM $351
ALL-HOTELS.COM $351
HOTELS.COM $351
Grand Hyatt Bali
HOTEL PHONE NUMBER n/a
TOLL-FREE NUMBER $100
HOTEL WEB SITE $100
EXPEDIA.COM $100
TRAVELOCITY.COM $100
ORBITZ.COM n/a
TRAVELWEB.COM $100
HOTELDISCOUNTS.COM $100
ALL-HOTELS.COM $100
HOTELS.COM n/a
The Peninsula Hong Kong
HOTEL PHONE NUMBER $305
TOLL-FREE NUMBER $266
HOTEL WEB SITE $266
EXPEDIA.COM $266
TRAVELOCITY.COM $266
ORBITZ.COM n/a
TRAVELWEB.COM n/a
HOTELDISCOUNTS.COM n/a
ALL-HOTELS.COM $266
HOTELS.COM $266
Four Seasons Hotel Milan
HOTEL PHONE NUMBER $672
TOLL-FREE NUMBER $731
HOTEL WEB SITE $622
EXPEDIA.COM $622
TRAVELOCITY.COM $595
ORBITZ.COM n/a
TRAVELWEB.COM n/a
HOTELDISCOUNTS.COM n/a
ALL-HOTELS.COM n/a
HOTELS.COM n/a
Chewton Glen England
HOTEL PHONE NUMBER $552
TOLL-FREE NUMBER $458
HOTEL WEB SITE n/a
EXPEDIA.COM $442
TRAVELOCITY.COM $458
ORBITZ.COM $458
TRAVELWEB.COM $458
HOTELDISCOUNTS.COM $458
ALL-HOTELS.COM $458
HOTELS.COM $458
* special rate, usually prepaid and with cancellation restrictions and/or penalty
** special prepaid rate, no cancellations, includes taxes
VALUE ADDED: THE TRAVEL-AGENT FACTOR
Although the Web proved the best source of low prices in our tests, don't rule out travel agents. Not only can they save you time, but in many cases they also have access to additional booking options. "Most of the time, agents subscribe to a service that offers discounted room rates," says Chris Dane, a spokesman for the American Society of Travel Agents. However, those discounts will vary, and savings may not offset the consulting and booking fees many agents charge. You'll also generally fare better if you're a regular client, since the agent may do a more careful search for you.
Of course, low cost isn't the only plus. Members of the high-end agent consortium Virtuoso (800/401-4274), for example, have preferred status at more than 400 hotels worldwide. "We hardly ever negotiate for the lowest, bare-bones rate," managing director Michael Enberg says. Instead, the group secures clients extra benefits, such as free breakfasts or activities, or automatic room upgrades.
