Whether travelling for business or pleasure, one of the most important arrangements for any trip can be the hotel accommodations. A bad seat selection on an airplane can make for a miserable flight, but it is something that you’ll only need to endure for few hours. The wrong Hotel room however can ruin your entire trip.

Hotel Reservation Software should be easy to use and provide the information you and your clients need to research and complete a Hotel Booking. It should not make a User feel disappointed or somehow trapped in a Hotel nightmare like described in the 1977 Eagles song “Hotel California”. The album’stitle track “Hotel California” is a rock ballad about a luxury hotel visit that crosses over to the dark side. This iconic Eagles song was inspired by a drive into Los Angeles one evening filled with high expectations that were later shattered. The song has become a metaphor for people anticipating a dreamlike experience only to find themselves trapped in a nightmare.

But with so many different hotel options available and so many different ways to book a hotel room, where does someone start? Do you shop using one of the many online discount hotel sites for the best rate? Do you book directly with the hotel? Contact a professional Travel Agent?

If you are not sure if the hotel is right for you or if you are getting the best price, this is one of those times that booking with a travel agent can really work in your favor. Many experienced Travel Agents know the different hotel properties, have access to special deals and in many cases can get you that VIP treatment that will make your stay more enjoyable. Booking with a travel agent may be the key to getting a special rate on a hotel room, a possible room upgrade or that special V.I.P. treatment during your stay.

Many of today’s travel agency websites I even include a Hotel Booking Engine option. This allows travelers to take advantage of all the benefits that booking with a travel agent combined with the ease and accessibility of a using an online B2C booking engine.

Hotel Reservation Software should be simple to use and never make the User feel like they are trapped in a Hotel nightmare. A travel agency Hotel Booking Engine needs to contain the information that both the Travel Agent and Consumer need to research and book the right hotel. Many of today’s hotel applications include tools that allow Users to search for hotels by geographic locations, including specific neighborhoods and points of interest within a selected city. Specific Hotel information and photos should be up to date and accurately depict the property to avoid disappointment and that “Hotel California” feeling. Hotel Reservation Software should provide quick confirmation of reservations along with any information that the consumer needs in order to properly plan their stay.

Despite this, many online booking engines are difficult to manage and do not provide the flexibility that many travel agents require. Finding a Hotel Booking Engine with the right combination of options for your business can be a critical decision. Finding the right technology company to partner can be just as important.