
HotelPlanner - Detailed Review
Travel Tools

HotelPlanner - Product Overview
HotelPlanner Overview
HotelPlanner is a leading travel technology company that specializes in individual, group, and corporate travel bookings, leveraging advanced technology to simplify and automate the hotel booking process.
Primary Function
HotelPlanner’s primary function is to connect travelers with discounted hotel rates, particularly for group bookings. The platform uses proprietary artificial intelligence and a global gig-based reservations and customer service network to offer unique “Closed User Group” discount rates that are often unavailable through other channels.
Target Audience
The target audience for HotelPlanner is diverse and includes various groups such as weddings, sports teams, youth groups, corporate businesses, reunions, school groups, and those requiring extended stays. This platform is particularly beneficial for event planners and organizations needing to book multiple rooms, as it caters to groups of all sizes and rate levels.
Key Features
- Direct Hotel Access: HotelPlanner allows users to negotiate directly with hotels to secure the best prices and group booking policies.
- Automated Group Booking System: The platform uses patent-pending technology to streamline the group booking process, including features like a rooming list builder and access to hotel group reservations information such as deposit requirements and cancellation policies.
- Alexa Integration: HotelPlanner offers an Alexa-enabled booking feature that connects customers to live Hotel Planners for personalized and discounted hotel bookings.
- Rebate Program: Users can earn rebates for their group’s actualized hotel rooms, which can be used as a fundraiser.
- Free Event Website: The platform provides a free event website to help manage and communicate with group members.
- Global Partnerships: HotelPlanner has enduring partnerships with major online travel agencies, well-known hotel chains, corporations, sports franchises, universities, and government agencies, ensuring a wide range of options for users.
By combining these features, HotelPlanner provides a comprehensive and user-friendly solution for anyone looking to book hotel rooms for groups or events.

HotelPlanner - User Interface and Experience
User Interface and Experience of HotelPlanner’s AI-Driven Travel Tools
Voice-Activated Booking
HotelPlanner has integrated Alexa-enabled booking, allowing users to make hotel reservations using voice commands. To use this feature, users must first enable the HotelPlanner skill on their Alexa device or app. Once enabled, they can activate the feature by saying commands like “Alexa – open HotelPlanner” or “Alexa – ask HotelPlanner to make a new reservation in Boston.” This voice-activated system connects users directly to a live Hotel Planner agent, who can offer discounted rates and provide personalized service.
AI-Powered Assistants
HotelPlanner has introduced an end-to-end AI voice hotel reservationist that handles over 10,000 calls daily. These AI assistants can engage in complex conversations, answering various customer queries and booking hotel rooms efficiently. The AI can speak multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Mandarin, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, and Turkish, with more languages to be added soon. The assistants are programmed to mimic human-like conversations, making it difficult for customers to distinguish between AI and human agents.
Personalized Interactions
The AI agents have instant access to up-to-date information, allowing them to conduct tailored searches based on the caller’s requests. This capability enables the AI to present the most suitable hotel options quickly and in a user-friendly manner. The personalization of the booking process is a significant aspect, as the AI agents can provide recommendations that cater to individual travel needs, saving time and improving the overall experience.
Ease of Use
Feedback from customers indicates that the AI system is easy to use and efficient. Customers have praised the ease of interaction with the AI assistants, noting that the process is streamlined and enjoyable. The AI’s ability to handle complex queries and provide immediate responses enhances the user experience, making hotel bookings simpler and faster.
Human Support
While the AI handles most queries, customers also have the option to speak with a human agent if needed. However, due to the high quality of service provided by the AI, this is relatively rare. Human agents are typically reserved for more complicated or higher-value bookings, ensuring that customers receive the best possible service for their specific needs.
Customer Feedback
Customer reviews and feedback highlight the positive experience users have with HotelPlanner’s AI-driven system. Customers often praise the friendly, knowledgeable, and patient service provided by both the AI and human agents. The company’s proactive approach to customer feedback and its responsive customer service team further enhance the overall user experience.
Conclusion
In summary, HotelPlanner’s user interface is user-friendly, leveraging voice-activated technology and AI-powered assistants to provide a seamless and personalized hotel booking experience. The system’s efficiency, multilingual capabilities, and option for human support when needed all contribute to a positive and satisfying user experience.

HotelPlanner - Key Features and Functionality
HotelPlanner’s AI Integration
HotelPlanner, a leading travel technology company, has integrated advanced AI features into its hotel booking process, offering several key functionalities that enhance the user experience.Alexa-Enabled Booking Feature
HotelPlanner introduced an Alexa-enabled hotel booking feature that allows customers to book hotels using voice commands. Here’s how it works:How It Works
- Users enable the HotelPlanner skill on their Alexa device or app.
- They can then activate the feature by saying commands like “Alexa – ask HotelPlanner to make a new reservation in Boston.”
- Once the travel details are provided, the service connects the customer to a live Hotel Planner agent, bypassing the call queue. This agent can offer discounted rates and complete the booking.
AI-Powered Hotel Booking Assistant
HotelPlanner has launched an end-to-end AI hotel booking assistant, known as HotelPlanner.AI. Here are its main features:Main Features
- Language Capabilities: The AI assistant is fluent in 15 languages, including English, Hindi, Mandarin, French, German, Spanish, and more.
- Booking Process: The AI assistant takes calls, responds to customer requirements, checks room availability, prices out suitable rooms, explains room types and booking terms, and processes credit card bookings. Customers receive confirmation via text and/or email.
- Personalized Service: The AI is trained on over 8 million reservation calls, allowing it to engage in friendly and emotionally intelligent conversations. It can adjust its conversational tone to match the caller’s mood and handle complex queries.
- Localized Knowledge: The AI can connect customers with agents who have knowledge about the desired destination, providing localized advice.
Integration with Human Agents
The AI system works in conjunction with human agents:Collaboration with Human Agents
- Routine bookings are handled by AI, freeing human agents to focus on more complicated and higher-value bookings. This ensures that customers with complex needs receive personalized attention from experienced human agents.
Benefits
- Efficiency: The AI system can handle a high volume of calls, up to 10,000 per day, without compromising on service quality. This scalability is crucial for managing large numbers of bookings efficiently.
- Convenience: Customers can book hotels at any time, using either Alexa or direct calls to the AI assistant, making the booking process more accessible and convenient.
- Cost Savings: HotelPlanner often offers discounted rates, especially through its “Closed User Group” discount rates for group and corporate bookings.
User Experience
The feedback from users has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the ease of use and the human-like interaction with the AI assistants. Some users have even been unaware that they were speaking to an AI rather than a human, highlighting the advanced nature of the AI’s conversational capabilities.Conclusion
In summary, HotelPlanner’s AI-driven product category offers a seamless, efficient, and personalized hotel booking experience, leveraging advanced AI technology to streamline the process while maintaining high-quality customer service.
HotelPlanner - Performance and Accuracy
Performance of HotelPlanner’s AI-Driven Product
HotelPlanner has made significant strides in integrating AI into their travel booking process, which has notably enhanced their performance in several key areas.Efficiency and Speed
The AI agents at HotelPlanner handle a substantial volume of calls, with over 45,000 calls per day, which is a significant increase from their pre-AI call volumes of around 25,000. These AI agents can process information and complete bookings much faster than human agents, providing immediate access to the most up-to-date information and presenting users with their best-suited options quickly.Customer Interaction and Personalization
The AI agents are programmed to engage in emotionally intelligent conversations, fluent in 15 languages, and can recognize the tone and preferences of the customer. This allows them to adjust the conversation style, whether the customer is in a hurry or more laid back, and even recall previous customer bookings to offer personalized repeat reservations. Customers have often reported being unaware that they were speaking with an AI agent rather than a human, indicating a high level of engagement and realism in the interactions.Accuracy and Reliability
The AI agents are trained on data from over 8 million recorded calls, which helps them to accurately respond to customer queries, check availability, and process bookings efficiently. The initial feedback from users has been very positive, highlighting the advanced capabilities of these AI agents.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Customer Service Limitations
While the AI agents handle simpler booking requests effectively, they are not yet as efficient as human agents in converting bookings, particularly for more complex or higher-value requests. Currently, the AI agents convert bookings at about a fourth of the rate of human agents, though the goal is to improve this.Operational Management
Managing the scale of operations with AI agents is a challenge. HotelPlanner is working to double the current call volume handled by AI agents within a short period, which requires continuous operational adjustments and improvements.Privacy and Data Security
To ensure privacy and data security, HotelPlanner does not record or log sensitive parts of the calls, such as payment information. However, maintaining the highest standards of data security remains an ongoing priority as AI handles more sensitive information.Human Agent Integration
While AI agents handle simpler tasks, human agents are still necessary for more complex and higher-value bookings. The integration of both AI and human agents is crucial for maintaining a balanced and efficient booking process. HotelPlanner aims to ensure that human agents can focus on more advanced queries while AI handles the bulk of simpler requests.Conclusion
HotelPlanner’s AI-driven product has significantly improved the efficiency, speed, and personalization of the booking process. However, there are areas that require ongoing improvement, such as enhancing the conversion rates of AI agents, managing operational scale, and ensuring top-notch data security. The combination of AI and human agents has revolutionized the way HotelPlanner operates, but continuous refinement is necessary to meet the evolving needs of their customers.
HotelPlanner - Pricing and Plans
HotelPlanner Overview
HotelPlanner offers several options and plans that cater to the different needs of travelers, particularly focusing on group and corporate bookings, as well as individual travelers through their new membership program.General Group and Individual Bookings
For general users, HotelPlanner provides access to exclusive, negotiated rates on individual and group hotel bookings across 800,000 properties worldwide. Users can save up to 65% off compared to public rates, and they can access features such as hotel reviews, maps, and descriptions to find the best hotel for their stay. Additional perks include convenient online or over-the-phone reservations, 24/7 customer service, and mobile, tablet, and desktop accessibility.Group Booking Features
For group bookings, HotelPlanner offers several benefits:- Free breakfast for groups, listed in the hotel bid comments section.
- Potential for free upgrades to suites or free amenities for VIP attendees.
- One free room for every fifty rooms booked (or less, depending on the hotel’s policy).
Membership Plans
HotelPlanner has recently launched a Membership Club with two tiers:Classic Membership
- Cost: $5.99/month or $59.99/year.
- Features:
- Discounted hotel rooms.
- Bi-weekly Inspire Newsletter with travel advice.
- VIP concierge customer service.
- Personalized group travel support for large bookings.
- Extended stay support and increased flexibility to modify reservations.
Premium Membership
- Cost: $49.99/month or $500/year.
- Features:
- All benefits from the Classic Membership.
- $100 Shell Gas Gift Card.
- 4 free Airport Lounge Passes via Ask a Concierge.
- Free International Data Roaming powered by Celitech.
- Global Entry with TSA PreCheck.
- Discounted U.S. Passport processing in partnership with RushMyPassport.
- Additional exclusive benefits.
Free Options
While there are no completely free membership plans, users can still access and book hotels at discounted rates without subscribing to a membership. The general booking features and group booking benefits are available to all users, although the membership plans offer additional perks and savings.Conclusion
In summary, HotelPlanner provides a range of options from general discounted bookings to premium membership plans, each offering a set of features and benefits tailored to different travel needs.
HotelPlanner - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with EventR
HotelPlanner has partnered with EventR, a travel and event management app, to integrate hotel booking processes directly into the EventR platform. This integration allows users to build dynamic itineraries that include flights, accommodations, activities, and more, all from a centralized hub. This partnership enhances the event planning process, ensuring that all team travel events are well-coordinated and everyone is on the same page through integrated chat and robust analytics.
API and Custom Booking Engine
HotelPlanner offers a robust API that allows for easy integration with other platforms. This API enables functions such as searching for hotels, booking hotels, managing room blocks, and retrieving content. The company provides a customizable booking engine that can be integrated into any website using a simple JavaScript snippet. This engine supports multiple booking options, including individual, group, and meeting bookings, and is fully white-labeled for brand customization.
Gig-Based Reservations Network
HotelPlanner’s platform includes a gig-based reservations network with thousands of remote agents, backed by AI voice agents. This setup ensures 24/7 customer service support via chat and voice, catering to a global audience with support for over 80 countries and 27 different languages.
Compatibility Across Devices
The booking engine provided by HotelPlanner is optimized for desktop, tablet, and mobile devices, ensuring a seamless user experience regardless of the device used. This flexibility makes it accessible and user-friendly across various platforms.
Partnerships and Compatibility with Various Industries
HotelPlanner has enduring partnerships with a wide range of industries, including online travel agencies, hotel chains, corporations, sports teams, universities, and government agencies. This broad compatibility ensures that the platform can be customized to meet the specific needs of different client types, from sports organizations to corporate travel and employee benefits.
Conclusion
In summary, HotelPlanner’s integration capabilities and compatibility are built to be highly flexible and user-friendly, allowing for seamless integration with various tools and platforms, and ensuring a smooth experience across different devices and industries.

HotelPlanner - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Overview
HotelPlanner offers a comprehensive range of customer support options and additional resources to assist users in planning and managing their travel bookings.Phone Support
HotelPlanner provides multiple phone numbers for different types of inquiries and regions. Here are some of the key phone numbers:General Inquiries
Business Customer Service
Groups and Long Stays
International Customers
Email Support
HotelPlanner offers several email addresses for different types of inquiries:General Inquiries
Sales and Reservations
Technical Support
Fundraising and Donations
Online Contact
You can also contact HotelPlanner through their website. By clicking the “Contact Us” option at the bottom of the homepage, you can access various phone numbers and email addresses for different types of support. This section also provides details on business hours, fax numbers, and other contact information.Additional Resources
AI and Automation
While HotelPlanner’s current customer support does not explicitly mention the use of AI-powered tools, the travel industry as a whole benefits from AI in various ways, such as handling routine inquiries, automating booking processes, providing real-time assistance, and predicting travel disruptions. However, based on the available information, it appears that HotelPlanner’s support is primarily handled through human customer service representatives. By utilizing these resources, users can efficiently manage their travel bookings and address any issues that may arise during the planning process.
HotelPlanner - Pros and Cons
Advantages
Low Negotiated Rates
Time Efficiency
Global Network
AI-Powered Booking
Multi-Language Support
Disadvantages
Customer Service Issues
Payment Issues
Limited Support for Sales Agents
High Prices for Individual Bookings
Technical and Communication Issues

HotelPlanner - Comparison with Competitors
Unique Features of HotelPlanner
- AI-Enabled Booking: HotelPlanner has integrated proprietary artificial intelligence into its platform, allowing for high-tech automation combined with high-touch personalization and customization. This includes an Alexa-enabled booking feature that connects customers directly to a global gig-based reservations agent, enabling quick and personalized bookings.
- Global Gig-Based Reservations: HotelPlanner operates a 24/7 global gig-based reservations and customer service network. This allows for real-time assistance and booking capabilities, with agents fluent in 15 languages, providing humanized conversations and localized advice.
- Closed User Group Rates: HotelPlanner specializes in offering unique “Closed User Group” discounted rates in unpublished private sale environments, which can be particularly beneficial for group and corporate travel bookings.
- Partnerships and Integrations: The company has significant partnerships with various entities, including Extended Stay America Hotels, the NBA’s Orlando Magic, and other major hotel chains, online wedding providers, and corporate clients. These partnerships enhance the range of services and accommodations available to users.
Competitors and Alternatives
ChoiceHotels.com
ChoiceHotels.com is a close competitor with 8.82 million visits per month. It has a strong authority score of 78 and a lower bounce rate of 61.25%. While it does not offer the same level of AI-driven personalization as HotelPlanner, it is a well-established brand with a wide range of hotel options.
Trivago.com
Trivago.com receives 5.39 million visits per month and has an authority score of 68. It is known for its price comparison features across multiple booking sites, but it lacks the AI-powered customer service and group booking specialization of HotelPlanner.
Priceline.com
Priceline.com is another major competitor with 25.29 million visits per month and an authority score of 72. It offers a wide range of travel services, including hotel bookings, but does not match HotelPlanner’s focus on group and corporate travel or its AI-driven booking features.
Hotels.com
Hotels.com has 43.46 million visits per month and an authority score of 91. It is a large and popular platform but does not specialize in the same level of personalized, AI-driven service or group booking capabilities as HotelPlanner.
Agoda.com
Agoda.com receives 92.69 million visits per month and has an authority score of 93. It is a significant player in the hotel booking market, especially in Asia, but lacks the specific AI and group booking features that distinguish HotelPlanner.
Hilton.com
Hilton.com, with 40.26 million visits per month and an authority score of 96, is a major hotel chain’s booking platform. While it offers a high level of service, it is more focused on direct bookings within the Hilton network rather than the broad, AI-driven services and group booking capabilities of HotelPlanner.
Conclusion
HotelPlanner stands out due to its innovative use of AI in customer service and booking processes, as well as its specialization in group and corporate travel. While competitors like ChoiceHotels.com, Trivago.com, Priceline.com, Hotels.com, Agoda.com, and Hilton.com offer strong alternatives in various aspects of hotel bookings, they do not match the unique blend of AI-driven personalization and group booking expertise that HotelPlanner provides. If you are looking for a platform that combines advanced technology with personalized service, especially for group travel, HotelPlanner is a compelling choice.

HotelPlanner - Frequently Asked Questions
What types of hotel rates does HotelPlanner offer?
HotelPlanner offers various types of hotel rates, including negotiated group rates, extended stay rates, and corporate meeting rates. They also provide exclusive discounts for AAA members, Military/Government personnel, and Seniors. For group bookings, they ensure the best group rates by price-checking to guarantee savings.
How do I book a group reservation on HotelPlanner?
To book a group reservation, you need to input the destination city, check-in and check-out dates, and the number of rooms (minimum of 5) on the HotelPlanner portal. You will then select your agency affiliation, confirm the number of rooms, choose the room type (singles or doubles), and specify the group type and maximum rate you are willing to consider. The system will then send your request to hotels in your destination city, and you will receive bids from hotels that meet your criteria.
What is the process for making a reservation using HotelPlanner’s AI agents?
HotelPlanner’s AI agents can assist you in booking a hotel room through voice interactions. These AI agents can engage in emotionally intelligent conversations, speak in 15 different languages, and provide immediate access to the most up-to-date information. They can complete a tailored search based on your requests and present the best-suited options quickly. The AI agents do not record or log sensitive personal and payment information during the call to ensure privacy and data security.
How secure is my personal and payment information when using HotelPlanner’s AI agents?
HotelPlanner ensures that your personal and payment information is secure by not recording or logging any sensitive parts of the call. The AI agents are integrated with a product that provides observability, allowing them to track metrics and detect any issues or misunderstandings. This ensures that your information is handled securely and not used maliciously.
What additional services does HotelPlanner offer besides hotel bookings?
Besides hotel bookings, HotelPlanner offers several additional services. These include access to hotel reviews, maps, and descriptions to help you find the best hotel for your stay. You can also search for meeting spaces and access car rental discounts. The platform is accessible via mobile, tablet, and desktop, and it provides 24/7 customer service.
Can I get discounts on individual bookings through HotelPlanner?
Yes, HotelPlanner provides exclusive, negotiated rates on both individual and group hotel bookings. Members of certain organizations, such as NAHB, can save up to 65% off on hotel stays across over 800,000 properties worldwide. Additionally, there are special discounts available for AAA members, Military/Government personnel, and Seniors.
How do I know if the rates I’m getting are the best available?
HotelPlanner ensures that you are getting the best rates by price-checking group rates. For bookings of 10 rooms or more at a hotel of equal or greater quality, HotelPlanner will meet or beat any price. The system displays negotiated rates vividly, and you can see the green percentages indicating your group savings.
What kind of customer service does HotelPlanner offer?
HotelPlanner offers 24/7 customer service, which is highly praised by customers. The AI agents and human customer service representatives are known for being friendly, kind, courteous, and helpful. Customers have reported positive experiences with the customer service team, who go above and beyond to assist with travel needs.
Can I use HotelPlanner for international travel?
Yes, HotelPlanner allows you to search for rooms in more than 250 countries. The platform offers a wide range of international hotels, and the AI agents can assist you in multiple languages, making it easier to book accommodations abroad.
How do I track and manage my group booking requests on HotelPlanner?
You can track and manage your group booking requests by logging into the HotelPlanner system. Once you’ve sent your request, you will receive emails each time a hotel bid meets your maximum budget. You can also log into the system to view all the hotel bid responses and manage your bookings accordingly.

HotelPlanner - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of HotelPlanner
HotelPlanner is a formidable player in the travel tools and AI-driven product category, particularly specializing in group, corporate, and individual travel bookings. Here’s a comprehensive look at what HotelPlanner offers and who would benefit most from using its services.Key Features and Benefits
Group Booking Expertise
HotelPlanner excels in handling group bookings, offering unique “Closed User Group” discount rates that can save users up to 65% off public rates.
Extensive Hotel Network
With access to over 800,000 properties worldwide, users can find hotels in more than 250 countries, ensuring a wide range of options.
Advanced Technology
The platform uses patent-pending technology for automated group booking systems, making the process efficient and streamlined.
User-Friendly Interface
The service is accessible via mobile, tablet, and desktop, and includes features like rooming list builders, event websites, and exposure to thousands of top hotels.
Customer Service
HotelPlanner provides 24/7 customer service, ensuring support is always available.
Innovative Booking Features
The introduction of an Alexa-enabled booking feature allows users to book hotels using voice commands, connecting them directly to a live agent for discounted rates.
Who Would Benefit Most
Group Travel Organizers
Event planners, wedding coordinators, sports teams, and corporate event managers will find HotelPlanner invaluable due to its specialized group booking capabilities and discounted rates.
Corporate Travelers
Companies looking to manage their travel bookings efficiently and cost-effectively can benefit from HotelPlanner’s corporate travel services and partnerships with major hotel chains.
Individual Travelers
While primarily focused on groups, individual travelers can also take advantage of the exclusive rates and wide range of hotel options available through the platform.
Overall Recommendation
HotelPlanner is highly recommended for anyone involved in organizing group travel or managing corporate travel needs. Here are a few reasons why:Cost Savings
The platform offers significant discounts, especially for group bookings, which can be a major cost-saver for events and corporate travel.
Convenience
The automated booking system and user-friendly interface make the booking process much easier and faster.
Global Reach
With access to hotels in over 250 countries, HotelPlanner provides a global solution for travel needs.
Innovative Technology
Features like the Alexa-enabled booking and the ability to book direct leads from various groups enhance the user experience and efficiency.
In summary, HotelPlanner is a reliable and efficient tool for anyone looking to manage travel bookings, especially for groups and corporate events, offering a blend of technological innovation and personalized service.