Quikbook's ads originally positioned itself as "America's No. 1 hotel discounter." But placed in magazines like Family Circle, they were way off target. They actually alienated the company's real customer base - executives. Luckily, the company recovered in time to create a new ad campaign ("For a great hotel at a great price") that stressed the value of the service and attempted to reassure those making reservations.

How did this website survive when others around it failed? Much like the cautionary tale above, Quickbook learned to listen to their customers. Now the company bills itself as the most consumer focused of all the online sites.

The Travelsites team thinks that Quikbook.com really takes a different approach to online travel.

First, it can be a cheaper option. The site says that you should use Quikbook and avoid "rate creep." Quickbook correctly points out that other discount sites (Hotwire, Hotels.com, etc) sneak in mysterious fees and push add-on services to increase the price you thought you were going to pay. At Quikbook, the site tells you what you will pay.

Second, you don't have to prepay. Most of the site's rates are not prepay rates.

Third, Quickbooks lets the consumer see what the site's owners and previous consumers really think about the sites that they sell. With the Quickbook exclusive Hotel Profile, the consumer can always access unbiased hotel recommendations right onsite. Also, the site shows the user lists of hotel amenities; proximity to shopping, entertainment and airports; photos and maps.

Lastly, Quickbooks let's the user buy the way they'd like to. The site's toll-free number is on every page. The site doesn't hide its number the way other folks do.

But since the company is private and very low profile, you might want to know a bit more about them before you buy.  So here's what we know about Quikbook.  The company was founded in 1988. They originated as an independent call-center hotel reservation service. Now, through Quikbook.com is now a fully integrated online and call center distributor of hotels offered at deeply discounted rates. The site negotiates special rates with independent hotels in major markets. The guaranteed lowest rates, up to 60% off, are available whether a guest books online or by calling our toll-free reservation center. In 2004, the company added HotelMarketplace.com to their list of assets, though this site does not sell the special Quikbook rates.

A visit to the Quikbook.com site (remember not to go to Quikbooks.com) is a bit different than what the user might be accustomed to. The site is much busier at the design level than some of the other sites out there. Although the site is, frankly, too much to look at, it delivers on savings and content, so the team at Travelsites recommends it.

<back to where to buy online