What is Orbitz?

Orbitz is a travel planning and booking website that offers a one-stop solution for all your travel needs. It provides a wide variety of deals and discounts on flights, hotels, rental cars, and more, making it an excellent option for budget-savvy travellers. Part of the Expedia Group Family, Orbitz also offers its users exclusive rewards and VIP access to specific hotels and airlines.

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Why should I list my hotel on Orbitz?

Listing your hotel on Orbitz can provide several benefits:

  1. Orbitz has a broad user base, which means your hotel can gain visibility among a large number of potential customers. 
  2. Orbitz offers a rewards program where customers can earn Orbucks, which can be redeemed instantly for future travel purchases. This incentivises customers to book through Orbitz, increasing the chances of your hotel being booked. 
  3. Orbitz is part of the Expedia Group Family, which means your hotel could potentially gain exposure on other platforms within the group.

How do Orbitz hotel bookings work?

Booking a hotel on Orbitz is simple. Users enter their travel destination and dates, and Orbitz provides a list of available hotels. Users can then browse through the options and select the one that best suits their needs. Once the perfect hotel is found, the proprietor is notified and the booking is added to their property management system (if it integrates with Orbitz like Little Hotelier does).

Like most OTAs, Orbitz charges a commission for every booking made through their platform.

Key features of Orbitz for hotels

Travel as you are

Orbitz understands that every traveller is unique, and therefore offers a wide range of travel options. Users can book flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, and even activities in their chosen destination, allowing them to tailor their trip to their specific needs and preferences. By being represented on Orbitz, you can ensure that your hotel can be included in these packages.

Rewards program

The Orbitz Rewards program allows travellers to earn Orbucks on bookings, which can be redeemed for future travel purchases. There is no limit to how many Orbucks a user can earn, and they never expire, incentivising users to book through Orbitz – and thus incentivizing them to book your hotel as well.

Orbitz VIP access

Frequent travellers can sign up for Orbitz VIP Access, which provides access to exclusive deals and offers, as well as priority customer service. Listing on Orbitz means you in turn get access to these VIPs, possibly securing you with frequent, regular and recurring guests once you’ve earned their loyalty.

Price protection

Orbitz offers price protection on certain bookings. If the price of a booking drops after it has been made, Orbitz will refund the difference, ensuring users always get the best possible price. This takes the pressure off your guests as well as your hotel, reducing the potential for guests to try to find a better deal elsewhere or lean on rate parity.

Featured offers

Orbitz regularly features last-minute deals and all-inclusive hotels, providing users with a range of options to suit their budget and travel preferences. The last-minute booking option can be especially effective at keeping your hotel’s rooms full, even during the quiet season.

Cancellation policy

Orbitz has a reasonable cancellation policy that allows users to cancel most bookings and receive a full refund, providing peace of mind for those whose travel plans may change. Like price protection, this encourages guests that might otherwise be wary of booking with your business to take the plunge.

Orbitz hotel review: Is it worth it?

While Orbitz offers many benefits, it is not without its flaws. Some users have reported unreliable and unresponsive customer support, and issues with trip cancellations. However, the benefits such as the rewards program, VIP access, and price protection may outweigh these potential drawbacks for many users. Ultimately, whether Orbitz is worth it for your hotel will depend on your specific needs and circumstances.

Broad customer reach

One of the significant advantages of listing your small hotel on Orbitz is the broad customer reach it offers. As a globally recognised platform, Orbitz can expose your property to a vast audience of potential guests that you might not reach otherwise. This increased visibility can lead to higher booking rates, especially if your hotel caters to the needs and preferences of the platform’s user base.

User-friendly interface

Orbitz provides a user-friendly interface that makes the booking process straightforward for guests. This ease of use can enhance the customer experience, leading to positive reviews and potentially repeat bookings. For small hoteliers, this means less time spent on managing bookings and more time focusing on providing excellent guest experiences.

Competitive edge

Orbitz is part of the Expedia Group, one of the world’s leading travel companies. By listing your hotel on Orbitz, you’re also gaining potential visibility on other platforms within the group. This can give your small hotel a competitive edge, especially in a crowded market.

Limited customisation

Another potential downside is the limited customisation options. While Orbitz does offer a range of listing options, it may not provide the level of customisation that some small hotels require to truly showcase their unique offerings and charm.

Commission fees

Finally, like many online travel agencies, Orbitz charges commission fees on bookings made through the platform. These fees can add up and impact your bottom line. It’s essential to factor in these costs when considering whether listing on Orbitz is a financially viable option for your small hotel. Direct booking enabled by Little Hotelier means that more revenue stays in your pocket.

By Dean Elphick

Dean is the Senior Content Marketing Specialist of Little Hotelier, the all-in-one software solution purpose-built to make the lives of small accommodation providers easier. Dean has made writing and creating content his passion for the entirety of his professional life, which includes more than six years at Little Hotelier. Through content, Dean aims to provide education, inspiration, assistance, and, ultimately, value for small accommodation businesses looking to improve the way they run their operations (and live their life).