How Your Email Can Save You On Hotels

There is a cool new site that allows you to get 5% back on hotel bookings.

Introducing…..

The best part is that you can make your booking directly with the hotel (or through The Guestbook website). As long as you have registered with TheGuestbook.com and your emails match, you are in business.
The Guestbook program is available in 47 countries and offered at over 450 boutique and independent properties.

What do you do:

• Go to TheGuestbook.com and sign up.
• Browse their hotels and book through The Guestbook website or with the hotel directly (ELIN’S TIP: I like to book directly with the hotels. I find that  chances of getting a better room or an upgrade are higher, by booking directly.)
• Make sure that the email you use to book with matches the email(s) you have registered with The Guestbook.
• Stay and enjoy. Submit your reservation to The Guestbook at the time of booking, or your final bill upon your return. Check your PayPal for the cash refund! You also have the option to redeem for various gift cards or Bitcoins. (Note: At time of publishing, the US redemption options for gift cards are far greater than those available to Canadian/Global members.) .
• There is also a “sync machine” option that looks for hotel confirmations in your inbox and automatically submits them on your behalf.

Why do I like this:

• Instant Gratification. Most hotel loyalty programs take a long time to get a free night. This program gives you the cash refund immediately (within 7 days according to their website).
• In most cases the 5% refund also applies to spa charges, room service, drinks, pretty much everything you charge to your room.
• Cool boutique and independent hotels.
• You can use The Guestbook program in addition to the hotel’s loyalty program.
• You can double-dip and get the credit card rewards.
• Are you getting the best price? A quick compare button shows you the listed prices from Travelocity and Hotels.com. (Note: Taxes are not originally shown on the listed prices.)
• James Gancos, The Guestbook founder, knows hotels and hotel programs. Besides working all over the world, he started the very popular “Make a Green Choice” program at Starwood Hotels that let you could choose extra points or a Food & Beverage credit instead of housekeeping service.
• Although this has been in the works for over a year, this just launched before the holidays. It is always nice to be ahead of the curve.
• Feel good about your stays! Members celebrating their 10th and 25th stays are gifted additional funds to donate to a local project of their choice through GlobalGiving.

According to Remmington, The Guestbook’s Director of Marketing, “hotel & member enrollments (and paid out rewards!) have been growing exponentially since the PR launch in November”

Want to know more? You can follow them on Twitter, Facebook, see their photos, or post your own on Instagram.