Mobile phone apps are a quick and convenient way to research and reserve your next hotel stay in Israel, or anywhere in the world. The apps may even offer access to exclusive discounts or perks, keyless entry, in-app room requests, as well as fast checkout and folio review. The two categories of mobile apps are Hotels Chains’ Smartphone Apps (IHG, Hilton Marriott, Fattel, Dan) and Smartphone Apps for Online Travel Agencies (Expedia, Bookings.com, Hotels.com, Hotel Tonight). The links below are to the websites, but be sure to download the app on your mobile phone.
The Marriott Bonvoy app is straightforward and makes it a breeze to book even a last-minute Marriott stay with cash or points. It's easy to book, modify reservations, check balances, see elite qualifying nights, check for free night certificates, available promotions and points expiration dates. Once you click on an already reserved trip, you can quickly see all the amenities the property offers, as well as recommended activities and excursions. Mobile check-in allows you to notify the hotel of arrival time and receive a notification when the room is ready. The mobile key option offers keyless entry. You can use the app to communicate with the front desk and request services such as late checkout, extra towels or a dental kit. Marriott hotels in Israel include: The Ritz-Carlton, Herzliya; Publica Isrotel, Autograph Collection in Herzliya Pituach; Sheraton Tel Aviv; The Jaffa, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Tel Aviv; Renaissance Hotel, Tel Aviv;
Hilton’s app has the “choose your room" feature. When checking into select properties via the app, you can see a map of the hotel layout and tap on the room you’d like to have. Some properties let you pre order your favorite pillow type or request snacks and beverages (at an added cost). Besides booking your stay, you can check out with a single tap. The digital key feature allows you to skip the front desk and head straight to your chosen room. There are two Hilton hotels in Israel: Hilton, Tel Aviv and Waldorf Astoria, Jerusalem.
Like Hilton and Marriott’s you can book your room, check in and check out with the app. You can also check how many points you’ve earned (and then use those points to book). You can see how you've progressed through the program's various tiers and see how close you are to a Milestone Reward. IHG hotels in Israel include: Crowne Plaza Tel Aviv Beach; Crowne Plaza Tel Aviv City Center; Hotel Indigo Tel Aviv - Diamond District; Intercontinental David Tel Aviv
Fatel is an Israeli hotel chain with 250 hotels in Europe and Israel. It was founded in 1998 by David Fattal. With a 25% market share, the company is the largest hotel operator in Israel. In Germany and Israel, the company operates the Leonardo Hotels . Other brands include NYX, Herods , U Hotels , Magic and Hotel Rothshild22. Both the phone apps and the website leave something to be desired, yet the properties are worthy of consideration.
Dan Hotels is a chain of Israeli luxury hotels, including the famed King David in Jerusalem. The company was established in 1947, owns 18 hotels, with 3,669 rooms, a convention center, airport lounges, a hotel training center and a luxury tent site (Glamping) in Eilat. The website and phone app is quite robust. Like in all hotel chains and OTA site, be sure to sign up for the rewards programs.
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This app allows users to make bookings and view and modify current reservations. You can also use the app to access rewards status and activity (you get one night free for every 10 reservations booked and completed). Use the app to book because the website incurs a $5 charge. The app offers money-saving features like "Deals for Tonight" and "Your Secret Price," which unlocks special savings for last-minute reservations. The advantage of this app is that there is a much wider range of accommodations. Including small independent hotels, guesthouses, and bed and breakfasts. Plus, when traveling outside of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem the large hotel brands are unavailable. There are hundreds of properties in Israel available on this app.
For last minute travel, HotelTonight allows you to book great deals at a range of hotels on the same day (or up to 100 days out in some markets). The best savings will usually be found with last-minute bookings where hotels are trying to fill unsold rooms. Hotel rooms are categorized as basic, luxe, hip, solid, charming and high-roller so you can get a feel for the style of the property.You can get some good deals for hotels in Israel.
Booking.com is one of the most popular app for reserving hotels and vacation rentals with an inventory of 28 million properties worldwide. With so many available properties, the app is ideal for booking accommodations in more obscure locations. The interface makes it easy to see what’s included in your reservation and if you can cancel without a penalty. The loyalty program gives members discounts at many properties around the world, as well as perks such as welcome drinks, free airport transportation and late checkout. Booking.com was in the news recently for adding an alert to listings in the Israel West Bank, following years of pressure from Palestinian officials.
The Expedia app comes with exclusive deals you may not find when booking on its website. This includes deals up to 40% off as well as the app-only Expedia Rewards rate of 2 points per dollar.The account section of the app shows your rewards activity, as well as how close you are to unlocking elite status. When booking, you have the choice to apply your Expedia Rewards points with the swipe of a button.
Besides the ability to book more than 500,000 properties worldwide, you can also reserve flights, car rentals, tours and vacation packages from your phone. When reserving hotels, the app states the payment terms (if you’re able to book now and pay later or cancel up until a certain date). It also displays a map of the hotel’s location and other important details such as hotel amenities and photos.
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Google Flights requires an honorable mention. Though you can not book directly from the site, and it is a website, not an app, it happens to be the mega travel search engine of the web. Google Flights is the perfect place to start any of your travel plans. Besides the flight booking search service, you can find “things to do'', hotels and vacation rentals. All purchases of airline tickets, hotel rooms, rentals and tours are directed through the suppliers. Google Flights is the one!
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