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Booking engines -- no 'Comments' field

General Hostel Operations

uktrail started this discussion 14 years 11 months ago

When booking a hostel, I often want to make a request or give extra info. For example, I may need to specify a lower bunk, or the time and method of my arrival if it is later than the hostel requests.

Yet booking engines do not have a 'Comment' field!

There are ways round it. One can make a booking via Hostelbookers, then send a separate email to the hostel afterwards, which usually works. Or, one can forget Hostelbookers, look up the hostel's website, find their email address and send a direct message. But sometimes the hostel only allows you to contact them via Hostelworld.

I am sure a Comments field would help many guests. Would it help hostels?

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soi1david

14 years

Would it help Hostels?....
My fast answer is no.
Logistically it could be more of a hindrance.
Say if someone asked for a bottom bunk in comments and then it was not available, they would feel that they did not get what they ordered. I understand it would be a request, but would they?.
We ask for a confirmation e-mail so that we can send arrival info and other tips.
We have had request in these e-mails for bottom bunks and have always been able to provide.
I myself am happier to get a direct e-mail from guest for special request so that I can have a 1-on-1 with the guest request in confirming or rejecting (with a reason) of said request.

It could even cost me $. HOW? you ask...
Say I have a 4 bed dorm with the bottom beds already filled (first come first served). But a guest who booked the 4 bed now insists that they wanted a bottom bunk as "I requested on the form". To make good I'd have to open another dorm (possibly an even bigger dorm). Thus more A/C more electric - If you know about A/c many leave the dorm with it on while they are away.

I can imagine other request..:rolleyes:. I want a bottom bunk that I can get out of on the right side ( I get up better that way) by a window but not close to the A/C. Oh And I have a neck problem can I have an extra fluffy pillow or maybe 2 pillows and brightly coloured pillowcase.:rolleyes: Or Or lol Can I have a bunk by a swedish girl...:D
While I don't mind these request in person and am happy to grant them if possible, I would like the opportunity to deal with it on locale.

If some has a Medical condition or is extremely over weight and ask for a bottom bunk in the confirmation e-mail I'm happy to oblige.

No I think I'm well happy without the 'Comment' field.

UK Maybe your Ideal is better suited for Boutique Hostels
http://www.hostelmanagement.com/forums/what-boutique-hostel.html
last post on 1st page.:D

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uktrail

14 years

OK, so you prefer an email sent separately. That's fine.

With regard to the lower bunk, I am indeed talking about the situation where the matter is essential, not just desired. My own situation is that I have arthritis which makes it impossible in some cases, and not safe in others, to use a top bunk. Fortunately, all hostels have been helpful. But I do have to mention it when booking, as if I just turned up and asked, they would be certain to say: "Why didnt you ask us when booking?"

There is also the time of arrival, which the booking form always expects you to know to the nearest hour. In order to not have the booking refused, I am forced to state a time. But suppose I am booking hostels BEFORE I book transport? There's no point in booking a flight to Munich on Monday if the hostels are booked up on that day. So the site forces me to lie. To clear this up, I want to tell the hostel that the time is just a guess.

You say you ask people to email. Most hostels do not reply to a booking on HB etc, so it's up to me to search for the email address and send one.

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soi1david

14 years

"With regard to the lower bunk, I am indeed talking about the situation where the matter is essential, not just desired".

As I stated above--- If some has a Medical condition and ask for a bottom bunk in the confirmation e-mail I'm happy to oblige. and have done so when needed. But I feel that all that would use a 'Comment' field would not do so for just essential needs.

"You say you ask people to email. Most hostels do not reply to a booking on HB etc, so it's up to me to search for the email address and send one."
"they would be certain to say: "Why didnt you ask us when booking?"

I imagine myself that if I had a special need I would most surely contact the management, the effort of looking up the e-mail would be minor, In fact, Thinking about it, I'd contact the establishment before I even made a booking to confirm my situation could be resolved, Most likely I'd end up booking with them direct in that case, leaving out the 3rd party, It would make the process even easier in that case.

"There is also the time of arrival, which the booking form always expects you to know to the nearest hour",

Yes I completly agree with you here. I don't think that it should be a definite or guest penalized for missing the time.
In our case it does not matter as we are open 24 hrs. We do look at booking times as a reference only. We hold the beds all night.
As a traveler yourself you know,like we do, that THINGS happen, delayed flights being the most obvious reason. The way I look at it If someone makes a booking and does not appear or does not send an e-mail letting us know, It is usually beyond their control. I send an e-mail to them asking them what happened and if things are alright ( sometimes the Taxis at airport "Highjack" a guest). 90% of the time we get a reply. /don't cringe/ but we Never charge their card for missing a booking.
I do realize the things I mentioned are not done by alot of places but being an independant owner and having only 45 beds, I can make the calls that I am comfortable with.

Uk if you ever come to Bangkok, send me an e-mail and we'll make sure your needs are met.
Cheers

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