Travelocity's Top Secret Hotels are Very Deceptive

Just so people know, I have used TSH more than ten times and the bang
for the buck is always there whether it is 2-4 stars! Try the four
star in Addison Tx . The Intercontinental is in a great location and
so nice for $70.

Regarding the hotel’s star rating, our Travelocity ratings are
assigned to properties based upon the most up-to-date research
conducted by our hotel experts in accordance with industry standards.
The ratings are objective evaluations of a hotel's level of comfort
and style based on a number of criteria, which may include on-site
inspections, post-trip customer feedback, and quality of amenities and
staff. According to our records, the hotel’s Travelocity 3-star rating
is accurate. Hotel Star rating systems are intended as guidelines
only. There is no standardized system and the hotel might have a
different rating assigned by another travel organization guideline. We
fully disclose our system and the star ratings on our website. Our
ratings and offers regarding this property are correct and adequate.

****Notice that they use "industry standards" to rate hotels according
to the first sentence. Then later on in the response when they are
justifying their rating of this location there is no "standardized
system." More lies.

The hotel clerks may truly not know how each website rates its
location. They weren't "lying" to you.

Think about it. There are plenty of sites like Travelocity, Expedia,
TripAdvisor, Hotels.com, "i'll rate your website high if you pay
me.com".

You call *one* LaQuinta front desk, and expect the person who answers,
to be aware of *one* website's ratings system. And how that ratings
system applies to that *one* location. At the particular time you
call.

Heck, I think of my own kitchen. If you'd called me at 5 p.m.
yesterday, and *I* had answered, I'd have told you 5 stars. If
mr.olie had answered, he probably would have given a really cautious
3. teen.olie would have guessed, as she knew what was in the fridge
and my intended shopping trip. 4.5, but she likes fast food.

olie himself would have rated my fridge at 10 stars, but he's a dog
and scarfs up anything that hits the floor.

By 8 p.m., the fridge would have rated 2.5 or 3 stars.

For the record: Tenderloin, sirloin, bleu cheese, Caesar salad,
store-bought cookies, mushrooms sauteed with decent Pinot Noir and
balsamic vinegar.

By noon today, the normal 1 or 2 stars. I ramble, but I enjoy Glee
with a decent Sauvignon Blanc.

I always book directly with the hotels. It is nearly always the same
price as Hotwire, Travelocity, Expedia, and other travel sites. This
way you also know what type of hotel you are getting.

I have heard of too many horror stories of problems people have had
when using these types of websites.

This is one of the downfalls of opaque bookings. The site is free to
rate hotels as it wishes, but here is their definition of a three
star;

"These properties offer a higher level of service with additional
amenities, features, and facilities. The property grounds, decor, and
quality of furnishings are a noticeable upgrade in terms of style and
class. Most properties in this category feature restaurants serving
breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Room service availability may vary.
Valet parking, pools, and fitness centers are often provided."

This describes a lower end full service property such as a Holiday
Inn, Clarion, or Radisson.

I hope they get back with you as it does sound highly deceptive.

I would recommend in the future that you always book through the
property directly, it eliminates extra hassles.

This is a fascinating story. To avoid all this drama, I just book
directly with hotels after researching them using AAA.