How Weskar Patagonian Lodge Had the Slight Edge

I called Puerto Natales, Chile to make a room reservation with The Singular Hotel after having difficulties trying to get a family room for four nights. The receptionist was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. She spoke perfect English and went out of her way to answer my questions.

There were three reasons why I ended up making my reservation with another resort:

One: The website online reservation system
The website was easy to use until we reached the payment and personal information area. As prompted in the boxes, I entered 2 adults, 2 children (since anyone below 18 are considered children), but the reservation showed 3 people not 4. There were no indication that rooms are only for 3 occupants.

After several attempts, I decide to call the hotel directly.

Two: Phone Reservation
It was 7 pm Santiago time when I called, so the reservation office was close. I was told to email them instead. I did not receive a reply from two emails sent.

I’ve written emails to accommodations in Chile and usually get a reply within 24-48 hours.

What if the resort receptionist was allowed to take the reservation and follow up with confirmation from the reservation office the next day?

Three: The Price and our tours
We have a full schedule of tours and would not have too much time to spend in the resort. Paying $6,000 full board or just bed and breakfast for $3,100 for accommodation for four nights is quite steep for a family of 4 traveling for 18 months.

I found out about both hotels from a well written article in The Guardian called Top 10 hotels in Puerto Natales, Patagonia, Chile. Weskar Patagonian Lodge's website explains everything clearly and has a fast auto-reply after the payment. However there is one thing missing with Weskar. I’m going to write to the hotel management about it.

The travel industry has changed since the days of brick and mortar travel agencies and fax machine confirmations. Consumers have choices and many ways to get useful information.

Are you a travel company or hotel looking for ways to get your information out to more prospects? Take a look at your website and find out if you are offering ease of confirmation and payment. I’ve worked in the travel industry for years, have traveled extensively and now manage content for travel related companies. Let me help you get the slight edge.