Hotels Etc

Based in Loganville, Georgia, Hotels Etc. operates not as a conventional travel agency but as a private membership club built on a compelling premise: pay an annual fee for access to wholesale travel and entertainment discounts unavailable to the general public. This business model, which has been active for over two decades, positions the company as an alternative to public booking sites, promising significant savings for its members. The feedback from customers paints a picture of a service with high potential for value but also significant risks, creating a divided reputation that warrants a closer look.

The Value Proposition: Deep Discounts on a Global Scale

The core appeal of Hotels Etc. is its promise of exclusive access to a massive inventory of deals. The company claims members can save up to 70% or more on over a million properties worldwide, including hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals. This extends far beyond accommodation, encompassing cruise deals, car rentals, theme park tickets, restaurant vouchers, and even movie tickets. Positive testimonials strongly support these claims. Several clients report that the annual membership quickly pays for itself, with one long-term member of ten years stating she abandoned a timeshare with its burdensome maintenance fees in favor of the flexibility and savings offered by Hotels Etc. She highlights the company's growth and improved offerings under its current CEO, Shawn Pigg, as a key reason for her continued satisfaction.

Other members echo this sentiment, providing specific examples of substantial savings. One user recounted how the service helped her and her friends secure flights to Jamaica for $570 each, compared to the $850 they found through conventional channels. Another praised the company for arranging a multi-city trip from Atlanta to New York, noting that the recommended hotels were excellent and that the overall savings amounted to thousands of dollars. This level of satisfaction suggests that for the active traveler, the membership can unlock considerable value, making it a powerful tool for travel planning and budgeting.

A Wide Spectrum of Savings

Unlike many travel services that focus solely on big-ticket items, Hotels Etc. appears to provide value across a broad range of consumer activities. The "Etc." in its name is well-earned, according to satisfied customers who leverage the membership for more than just their annual family vacations. The discounts reportedly apply to:

• Accommodation: Significant price reductions on hotels, from budget-friendly chains to luxury travel options and all-inclusive resorts.
• Transportation: Deals on car rentals and cruises are frequently mentioned as key benefits.
• Entertainment: Members cite savings on tickets for professional sporting events, concerts, and major theme parks around the world.
• Everyday Activities: The platform also includes discounts for local activities such as dining out and going to the movies, adding a layer of daily utility to the membership.

This multifaceted approach is a strong selling point. It transforms the service from a simple tool for booking hotels into a comprehensive lifestyle savings program. For individuals and families who frequently spend on entertainment and travel, the cumulative savings could easily justify the upfront membership cost.

The Downsides and Risks: When Things Go Wrong

Despite the glowing reviews, a significant counter-narrative exists that prospective members must consider. The most serious concerns revolve around customer service and problem resolution when travel arrangements falter. One particularly troubling review details a disastrous experience where a customer's travel plans were severely disrupted. The arrangements made by the company were allegedly flawed, causing a late arrival at their destination. To make matters worse, the hotel they were booked into was infested with roaches.

The most critical part of this complaint was the aftermath. The customer reported that their multiple attempts to contact Hotels Etc. for a refund or assistance were met with indifference, leaving them feeling that "no one cared or helped." This account highlights a critical potential failure point: a lack of robust support when a booking goes awry. While any travel agency can encounter issues with third-party providers, the response is what defines its reliability. The allegation of being left to fend for oneself after paying for a service is a major red flag for any traveler entrusting their plans and money to a company.

Broader Concerns and Criticisms

Further investigation reveals that such negative experiences may be part of a larger pattern. Some online sources point to consumer complaints regarding misleading discount claims, where the advertised savings are not substantially better than publicly available rates. Other reported issues include difficulties with membership cancellation and unauthorized charges, particularly after trial periods. While the company holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, it is not BBB accredited, which means it has not agreed to adhere to the BBB's specific standards for trust and vetting. These external reports, combined with direct negative customer feedback, suggest an inconsistency in service quality and business practices that potential customers should not ignore.

Conclusion: A Calculated Risk for the Savvy Traveler

Hotels Etc. presents a dual-sided offering. On one hand, it is a potentially powerful tool for achieving deep discounts on a vast array of travel and entertainment options. For the frequent traveler, the dedicated bargain hunter, or those seeking an alternative to timeshares, the membership model can deliver exceptional value, as evidenced by numerous positive and detailed testimonials. The praise for specific staff members like Shawn Pigg suggests that personalized and effective service is possible within their system.

On the other hand, the investment comes with tangible risks. The negative experiences, particularly the report of unresolved booking errors and poor-quality accommodations, point to a significant gap in customer support. The broader complaints found online about misleading deals and difficult cancellations add to these concerns. Therefore, a decision to join Hotels Etc. should be a calculated one. It seems best suited for proactive consumers who are willing to manage their own bookings through the platform and are prepared to be persistent if issues arise. For those who prioritize guaranteed, hands-on support from a travel consultant, especially when plans are complex or high-stakes, the potential for service failure may outweigh the allure of deep discounts.