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Same Bed, different Price! Why?

General Hostel Operations

alsacekid started this discussion 14 years 6 months ago

As an experienced traveler, I stayed in hostels all around the world. I've seen and experienced most.
So please excuse my stupid question, I might just don't get it.

Checking the online availability of a hostel on Hostelworld, it would tell me that they have many beds available in a 4 bed dorm. Each bed for 22€ a night. I am checking this on a PC at the train Station, 5 minute walk away from the hostel.
So instead of making the booking online for 3-4 nights, I just walk there, show up at the reception and ask for a dorm bed.

Funny, the 22€ bed turns into a 26€ bed. WHY?
If I make the reservation online, the hostel gets 10% less of the 22€. I am a walk-in, willing to turn around and find another place, which I did.
I was told I would have to pay 26€ the first night, but could make an online Hostelworld reservation at the guest PC for the other 3 nights, paying 22€.Anyone explain that to me, please!!

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gordo

14 years

http://www.hostelmanagement.com/forum/f25/your-hostel-dynamic-pricing-aka-revenue-851.html
we had an interesting discussion about this problem a little while back.

as far as different rates online and for walk-ins, obviously I cant speak for the hostel you encountered but in my experience some hostels figure that once you're in the hostel you're far less likely to walk off again and find somewhere else cheaper. kinda like the 'beds FROM $xx.xx' signs you see. (though the 'from' usually isnt in upper case :P). i know in places ive worked theres been discrepancies between advertised prices and walk in rates; generally id ignore management and give people the room for the price they saw online and get chewed out for it later by the boss.

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Nan Ning City Hostel

14 years

I would say its just bad management. There thinking is, that they can make a little more on the walk in customer, and keep their rates close to the other compatition on line.

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