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lesson 4 Hotel and Lodging. Multiple Question. I need to score all the answers right so please make sure all the questions are answered right Attached are the notes plus the multiple questions Thank you lesson_4_assignment.docx lesson_4.docx Unformatted Attachment Preview Assiginment 4 1. Which hotel reference offers fun, frank and subjective descriptions of several hundred hotels and cruise ships? A. Travel Weeklys Hotel Search B. Star Service Online C. Hotels.com D. Global Distribution System 2. Which hotel reference has booking capability that allows commissions to be paid? A. Travel Weeklys Hotel Search B. Star Service Online C. Hotels.com D. Global Distribution System 3. Which hotel reference has staff that will assist with group bookings? A. Travel Weeklys Hotel Search B. Star Service Online C. Hotels.com D. Global Distribution System 4. Which hotel reference relies on travelers to provide reviews and rank its hotels, attractions and restaurants? A. Fodors B. Frommers C. TripAdvisor D. Small Luxury Hotels of the World 5. Which hotel reference is for clients seeking excellence, distinction and uniqueness in accommodations? A. Fodors B. Frommers C. TripAdvisor D. Small Luxury Hotels of the World Refer to this excerpt from Travel Weeklys Hotel Search to answer questions 6-7. 6. Does this property offer a commission? A. Yes B. No 7. Does this property have its own website? A. Yes B. No Refer to this excerpt from Travel Weeklys Hotel Search to answer questions 8. 8. What time is check in? A. 4:00 p.m. B. 12:00 p.m. C. 2:00 p.m. D. 6:00 p.m. 9. In the distribution system for hotels, which entity focuses on group bookings? A. Airline Reservation Center B. Hotel Reservation Center C. Travel Agency D. Tour Operator 10. In the distribution system for hotels, which entity specializes in booking accommodations for a given property or chain of properties? A. Airline Reservation Center B. Hotel Reservation Center C. Travel Agency D. Tour Operator Introduction 1 Most travel professionals use Global Distribution Systems (GDSs) to book rooms for business travelers. However, in the research process of selecting a hotel or resort for the leisure traveler, you may very well be using one of the additional references available for hotel reservations. Technology and electronic communications make the hotel product more accessible to the public with direct booking apps on mobile phones or via the Internet. Professional knowledge and recommendations are still sought by many independent leisure travelers who want a safe, clean room without spending hours researching. To keep yourself informed, become familiar with the hotel references your company or consortium recommends as well as hotel information available through industry e-newsletters and through your favorite search engine or other source. After this lesson you should be able to . . . • • • • List and differentiate between hotel references Read and interpret selected hotel references Name the various ways to book a hotel room Explain the hotel industry distribution system • References/Resources 2 You will often use the Internet to find a wealth of information on hotels and accommodations, but you cannot always verify the truth of what you read. There are several legitimate and helpful websites available, but for now you will want to become familiar with at least these online references. Each guide or reference provides basic hotel information but each has its own type of presentation. Hotels.com Travel Weeklys Hotel Search powered by HTI STAR Service that some agencies, consortiums or travel groups have preferred hotel suppliers or hotel groups they work with? On-the-job, you will want to follow protocol of your agency, consortium or host agency when booking hotels, not only to ensure commission payments but to ensure your clients get the best rate possible along with good customer service. Hotels.com 3 Hotels.com is a leading provider of hotel accommodations worldwide. It offers reservation services through a network of localized websites as well as telephone call centers. Hotels.com has a wide selection of accommodations on the Internet, both independent and major chains, claiming over 145,000 properties globally. The website offers hotel pricing, amenities and availability. It also helps travelers find accommodations during sold-out periods. It is free to use and you can register on the site to track reservations but they do not offer commissions to agents. It can be accessed online at www.hotels.com. Once there, you can select the country you are in (if it is not currently the default). Hotels can be searched by destination, hotel name or landmark. Advanced search options allow users to narrow results by rate, ratings (both guest and hotel classification), distance from landmarks, accommodation type and amenities. Hotels.com offers a Price Match guarantee for all bookings. There are special deals available through Hotels.com and their staff will assist with group bookings as well. Access and browse the Hotels.com website; www.hotels.com. It will be displayed in a new browser window. When you are done, viewing the Hotels.com website, close that window and return to the classroom to continue to the next page. Travel Weeklys Hotel Search powered by HTI 4 This reference is designed for use by multiple travel professionals. It is free to use and comes from a trusted source - Northstar Travel Media. It is accessed online at www.travelweekly.com/hotels. The Hotel Travel Index (HTI) offers access to more than 100,000 hotels which can be searched by property or by destination. An advanced search option allows you to search by exact location or proximity to a location, by hotel chain or classification or by amenities offered. The site also offers links to hotel websites and includes their toll-free and local phone numbers, addresses and other contact information. In addition, it lists the commission rate paid for booking the property. This resource offers maps and comparison capability. There are also links to additional destination information and suppliers to the area. Access and browse the Travel Weekly s Hotel Search website in the screen below. When you are done, scroll to the top of this page and click the forward arrow at the top of this page to continue with the lesson. https://ifj.www.vaxvacationaccess.com/ifj/promotions/your-getaway-your-way-sale/ Star Service Online 5 The STAR Service was published by ABC International, bought out by Northstar Media and in the year 2000 became Star Service Online (www.starserviceonline.com). For a monthly subscription, you can access the information on the website which includes reviews of over 10,000 properties. Property listings include multiple pictures along with frank reviews. Users can also access maps, best of lists and the Superstar listing of the worlds outstanding properties. This reference resource is fun, frank and opinionated. The subjective opinions are liberally interspersed with detailed information and descriptions. Not all hotels and ships are described. It is very easy to read as it does not use many codes. Access and browse the Star Service Online website by clicking on the link above. When you are done return to the classroom to continue with the lesson. Additional References 6 The Internet has opened up a wealth of resources and information at your fingertips - for both the travel professional and the traveler. Reservations can be made on the hotels website, via an online agency or through a variety of other options. One thing to keep in mind is which resource will pay a commission on the booking. Most hotel websites and some online resources will pay commission with a valid travel industry identification number, such as an ARC or IATA number, verifying you are a legitimate seller of travel. Other resources do not pay commission and therefore, are best used as informational, not for making reservations. Verify before making a reservation so that you will be compensated appropriately. Additional References Additional references used include: Small Luxury Hotels of the World (www.slh.com)- This resource is for clients seeking excellence, distinction and  uniqueness in an intimate setting. Offers a listing of over 500 small, independent hotels which meet a high standard. Club members are eligible for upgrades and benefits. Frommers (www.frommers.com) - Since the 1957 publication of Arthur Frommers Europe on $5 a Day, Frommers has been a trusted name in travel. The website includes hotel  listings and travel guides along with tips, deals and suggested trips. The message forums allow you to ask or answer questions about destinations and properties to assist you in finding the perfect hotel for your client. TripAdvisor (www.tripadvisor.com)) - Touting itself as the worlds largest travel site, TripAdvisor relies on the advice of millions of travelers to rank its hotel, attractions and  restaurants. Offering hotel choices throughout the world, TripAdvisor seamlessly links to booking tools which check hundreds of websites to find the best hotel prices. Fodors (www.fodors.com)- Celebrating more than 80 years in the travel industry, Fodors provides insights and tools to plan the perfect vacation. Information on destinations, hotels,  itineraries, experiences, activities and restaurants are all found compiled in one website along with travel tips and helpful advice. Hotels in GDSs 7 Hotel information in the Global Distribution Systems (GDSs) is similar to that in online references, including the added features of availability and the capability to book the reservation. An added benefit is that GDSs provide information to make reservations on a variety of travel products so that lodging can be reserved along with air transportation and a rental car. Unlike the Internet, however, hotels pay a fee for being represented in the GDS and generally will pay full commissions on GDS bookings. Check with the property. Study the sample GDS displays that follow. Availability displays show basic information with general rates. Additional displays are available for fare detail and property descriptions. In addition to GDS displays and the online resources mentioned previously, a hotel may have its own web site or a chain may have a site representing the entire chain. You can find hotels through online reservation services and also through virtual travel agencies. For up-to-the-minute information, the Internet is the best source. Commission structures vary with Internet bookings. Be sure to check prior to making reservations. GDS Hotel Availability Display HOTELS IN BUF Hotels in Buffalo, New York Hotel Property Number and Name LOCATION Hotel location code and city C A R S City Airport Resort Suburban DIS/DIR/TRAN Distance and direction hotel is located from reference points. Transportation from reference point to hotel. L H O P Limo Hotel courtesy car Other (Taxi, Car Rental, etc.) Public transportation **RATES DISPLAYED ARE GUIDE FOR COMPARISON ONLY ** An additional display can be retrieved for complete rate information and hotel description. See the display below for the Sheraton. The hotel on line 6 of the display above. Rate Quote = A general rate for the hotel. Note the specific rate codes that follow. Hotels in GDSs ~ continued 8 GDS Hotel Fare Detail Display In this display a rate is shown for the Room Type and Rate Types as shown in the availability display for the specific hotel—in this case the Sheraton Inn Buffalo Airport. ROOM TYPES AND RATE CODES: A1KRAC Deluxe room with 1 king bed - Rack rate B1KRAC Superior room with 1 king bed - Rack rate A1KCOR Deluxe room with 1 king bed - Corporate rate B1KCOR Superior room with 1 king bed - Corporate rate C2DCOR Standard room with 2 double beds - Corporate rate ROHWKD Run of House - Weekend rate EXTRA FEES: RA 25.00 Rollaway for adults RC 15.00 Rollaway for child CR 0.00 Crib charge EX 10.00 Extra person charge Hotels in GDSs ~ continued GDS Property Description Display 9 Distribution Systems 10 Booking a room can be accomplished in a number of ways. The lodging industry distribution system is fairly direct. Accommodations are marketed directly to the public as well as to travel retailers and wholesalers. Sales and service personnel (Sales Reps) from the hotels, the corporate entity (Hilton International, Best Western, etc.) as well as individual properties, call on travel agencies and wholesalers (such as tour operators) to promote, market and sell their product. Automation and Electronic Media Airline Reservation Center Hotel Reservation Service Retail Travel Agencies Tour Operators Automation and Electronic Media The automation of lodging reservations includes the computer systems owned and operated by the major lodging corporations, as well as the airlines’ Global Distribution Systems (GDS). A traveler or travel professional like yourself can make accommodations reservations using the airline GDSs, a Hotel Reservation Service, through the Internet or by calling the specific property direct. Further, those in the travel industry work with wholesalers and retailers including travel agents, tour operators and group desks. Distribution Systems ~ continued 11 Reservation Centers Airline Reservation Center Each GDS contains hotel data of the major chains and larger hotels. When a traveler books an airline seat through the website or by phone, they can also ask for help with hotel reservations. However, the selection of properties is much more limited in any one GDS than it might be if the caller went through a travel agency. Hotel Reservation Service Hotel representatives, hotel systems and hotel reservation services are entities that book hotels for a given property or chain of properties. They may offer reservation systems using websites, toll-free numbers, extended hours and tie-ins with airline GDSs. You as the travel professional (and sometimes the traveler) have access to a special online booking area for travel professionals for major hotel chains. You may also call the direct or local number of individual properties and book directly with the property. These numbers are published in multiple hotel references as well as in the principal GDSs. ravel Agencies Retail travel agencies have the automation (GDSs) for booking accommodations, as well as personnel trained in the use of online resources and in the selection of the appropriate property for the client for any given trip. Travel agencies may also belong to a consortium or marketing group that will qualify their clients for special discounts negotiated by the consortium. Tour Operators Group reservations can be booked by individual travel agents or by tour operators putting together packages that include accommodations. Since they can be quite profitable, you will find group bookings are eagerly pursued. The number of rooms that constitutes a group may differ from hotel to hotel. A request for anywhere from three to ten rooms may constitute a group. A group reservation must be requested well in advance of the proposed stay. This may mean that only preliminary estimates can be made for the actual number of rooms, check-in date and check-out date. In such cases, the hotel may tentatively block the rooms. ... Purchase answer to see full attachment