A La Carte Tip

[bonniejoy03]

Did you know that even though the a la carte option has gone away, you still can call LL to buy a hotel night or two? I have been using this function and working with Jim or Kyla at LL. They are quite helpful. They will work with the property. In my case, my property was purchased less than if I went to the hotel's web site. Its a nice bonus. Try it sometime!

[omegaet]

bonniejoy03...Jim also has access to most, if not all, of the major airlines (especially some of those serving some of the more remote destinations) computer systems......which can be extremely helpful in finding the best routes at the lowest prices.

[bonniejoy03]

Omegaet. I did not know this! What a great resource. Jim has been booking our next few hotels to DC and Guatemala. Prices look good offered by LL.

[lhbrown]

Hi bonniejoy and omegaet,
It is good to hear that you still can use LL (Kyla and Jim) to book hotel nights (or air) through them. Does anyone know, if VIP or other LL promotional Gift Certificates are applicapble for those bookings? I have two of their $150 promotional gift certificates hanging around and would love to use them on a couple of single night bookings before the end of the year.

[michael_choe_ll]

lhbrown,

it depends on the gift certificate. i don't know if you can combine them but ask whomever you speak to when you book and pay.

michael

[bonniejoy03]

Hi LH. I believe you can use the gc but cannot combine them. It is a great option. Also, it is back to an original discussion to use LL gift certificates as gifts to people for weddings, birthdays, etc. If the people cannot find an auction or best buy or if time is limited, they could use the GC for a short stay.

[CMDAVILACLI]

Hi bonnyjoy03,

I've been away from my computer for 3 weeks (a nice break for me) and I just read this post. Thanks for the info on the a la carte option. I noticed it was gone and was rather disappointed as sometimes I just want a night or two away at some nice hotel without a big package or bidding involved. Years ago when I hooked into LL, I used to review all of the hotels LL had listed under a la carte and I felt comfortable booking one of these hotels on my own (directly through the hotel when the price was better) because these hotels were part of the LL offerings. I felt that LL had vetted out these hotels and I stood a good chance of liking my hotel selection if it was listed on LL. I wonder why LL removed this option?



cmdavilacli

[bonniejoy03]

Great point. I did the same. I would search a particular area and rely on their hotel choices due to the reputation of LL. I hope that it will be added in the future. I have had a lot of luck calling directly to Jim at LL to work on one day hotel choices.

[michael_choe_ll]

the a la carte feature will be back in the future (no firm date yet). currently we are making some subtle changes to the site and trying to figure out where a la carte fits in best. we will have a better idea as we implement and solidify changes to the current site (which we hope will enhance the user experience).

in the interim, call customer service and ask for Jim.

also, thank you for your kind words about LL's vetting ability. we do our best to partner only with hotels that will meet the expectations of our consumers and community members.

-michael

[kyshel]

I spoke with Jim on Friday and he said that promo GC's can't be used except for buy now and auction pkgs.