Is Super Travel Legit for Hotels? A Candid Look Behind the Curtain
In the ever-evolving world of online travel booking, new platforms emerge regularly, each promising unbeatable deals and seamless experiences. One such platform that has garnered attention is Super Travel, known for its claims of offering the lowest hotel rates. But is Super Travel legit for hotels, or is it just another gimmick? In this candid review, I’ll share my personal experience with the platform, dissect its legitimacy, and provide insights to help you make an informed decision.
Quick Tip
- Remember when using super.com for hotel reservations, always directly confirm the reservation from the hotel you are going to stay in ahead of time. Also, make sure the reservation is made for the desired date and time.
What is Super Travel?
The Promise of Unbeatable Hotel Deals
Super Travel is an online travel booking platform that has made waves with its bold promise of delivering the best hotel deals. Their tagline, “Unbeatable rates on hotels worldwide,” is plastered across their website, luring budget-conscious travelers with the prospect of significant savings.
How Super Travel Works
Like many other online travel agencies (OTAs), Super Travel operates by aggregating hotel listings from various sources and presenting them to users through a user-friendly interface. Travelers can search for accommodations based on their desired location, travel dates, and other preferences, and Super Travel claims to scour the internet for the lowest available rates.
The Super Plus Membership
While Super Travel offers a basic booking service, the true allure lies in its paid membership program, Super Plus. By signing up for this subscription, users gain access to exclusive, deeply discounted hotel rates that are not available to non-members. However, as I discovered, the Super Plus membership comes with its own set of complexities and challenges.
My Personal Experience with Super Travel
Stumbling Upon Super Travel on Google Maps
My journey with Super Travel began innocently enough. While planning a recent trip, I was searching for hotel options on Google Maps, and Super Travel caught my attention with its prominently displayed low rates. Initially skeptical, I decided to investigate further, especially since the platform appeared as a verified listing on the trusted Google platform.
The Allure of the Lowest Price
Upon clicking through Super Travel’s website, I was immediately captivated by the tantalizing promise of the lowest hotel prices. However, the catch was that I couldn’t see the actual rates until I signed up for their Super Plus membership. Driven by the potential savings, I took the plunge and registered for the $14 monthly subscription.
Signing Up for Super Plus
Once I became a Super Plus member, the elusive discounted rates were finally revealed, and true to their word, Super Travel did offer the lowest price for my desired hotel – a whopping $30 lower than the next best option on Google. Feeling triumphant, I promptly booked my stay, rationalizing that I could easily cancel the Super Plus membership after my trip.
The Harsh Reality of Canceling Super Plus
The Missing Cancelation Button
Little did I know that canceling the Super Plus membership would become a Herculean task. After my hotel stay, I diligently searched the Super Travel website and app for a cancelation option, as per their instructions. However, to my dismay, the supposed “left-side menu” for canceling the membership was nowhere to be found.
Hitting a Brick Wall
Frustrated, I scoured every nook and cranny of the platform, hoping to find a way to opt-out of the $14 monthly fee. The “Help Center” and “More Ways to Save” sections offered no solace, leaving me feeling trapped in a subscription I no longer wanted or needed.
The Credit Card Company Intervention
With no clear path to canceling through Super Travel’s channels, I resorted to contacting my credit card company, Capital One. Fortunately, they had already flagged the recurring charge as potentially suspicious and promptly blocked any further payments to Super Travel after I confirmed the charge was unauthorized.
Is Super Travel a Legit Platform?
The Legitimacy of Hotel Bookings
In all fairness, Super Travel did deliver on its promise of securing me a legitimate hotel room at the advertised discounted rate. The hotel itself was reputable, and my stay was without incident, confirming that the platform can indeed facilitate genuine hotel bookings.
The Questionable Membership Model
However, the legitimacy of Super Travel’s business model comes into question when examining the Super Plus membership. While the platform boasts exclusive deals for members, the lack of transparency surrounding the cancelation process raises red flags. Trapping users in a recurring subscription they cannot easily opt out of is a dubious practice that undermines trust.
User Experiences and Reviews
A quick online search reveals a mixed bag of user experiences and reviews regarding Super Travel. While some travelers have successfully secured great deals, many others echo my frustrations with the opaque membership policies and the difficulties in canceling Super Plus.
Pros and Cons of Using Super Travel
Potential Cost Savings
The primary draw of Super Travel is the potential for significant cost savings on hotel bookings. If you’re a frequent traveler and can make the most of the Super Plus membership, the discounted rates may justify the recurring fee.
Lack of Transparency and Difficult Cancelation
However, the lack of transparency surrounding the membership terms and the arduous process of canceling Super Plus are major drawbacks. These practices undermine consumer trust and can leave users feeling trapped in an unwanted subscription.
Limited Value for Occasional Travelers
For occasional travelers like myself, the value proposition of Super Travel is questionable. The hassle of navigating the membership and potential cancelation headaches may outweigh any marginal savings on infrequent hotel stays.
Alternatives to Super Travel
Traditional Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)
If the Super Travel experience seems too risky or convoluted, consider sticking with established and reputable online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia, Booking.com, or Travelocity. While they may not always offer the absolute lowest rates, their transparent pricing and straightforward booking processes can provide peace of mind.
Hotel Loyalty Programs
Another option is to join hotel loyalty programs directly with major chains. By accumulating points and taking advantage of member-exclusive rates, you can often secure competitive deals while enjoying the benefits and perks of brand loyalty.
Metasearch Engines and Price Comparison Tools
Metasearch engines like Kayak, Trivago, or Google’s own hotel search function can be valuable tools for comparing rates across multiple platforms. These aggregators can help you identify the best deals without the need for specialized memberships or subscriptions.
Ultimately, the decision to use Super Travel boils down to your personal travel patterns, risk tolerance, and willingness to engage with a platform that lacks full transparency surrounding its membership model. While the allure of unbeatable hotel deals is undeniable, the potential pitfalls and frustrations should not be overlooked.
For those seeking a more straightforward and trustworthy booking experience, traditional online travel agencies or leveraging hotel loyalty programs may be the wiser choice. However, for the savvy and persistent traveler willing to navigate the complexities of Super Travel, the potential cost savings could make the platform a viable option – provided you remain vigilant and prepared for any hurdles that may arise.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the legitimacy of Super Travel lies in a gray area, offering both tantalizing promises and concerning practices. As with any online service, it’s essential to approach with a discerning eye, weigh the pros and cons, and make an informed decision that aligns with your travel goals and preferences.
FAQs
1. Is booking a hotel through Super Travel safe and secure?
Yes, the hotel bookings facilitated through Super Travel are generally safe and secure. The platform partners with reputable hotels and the accommodations themselves are legitimate. However, the safety and security of the booking process should not be conflated with the legitimacy of Super Travel’s membership model and practices.
2. How much does the Super Plus membership cost, and what benefits does it provide?
The Super Plus membership costs $14 per month. It promises to unlock exclusive, deeply discounted hotel rates that are not available to non-members. However, the actual savings and benefits can vary based on individual travel patterns and destinations.
3. Can I easily cancel the Super Plus membership if I no longer need it?
Canceling the Super Plus membership is notoriously difficult through Super Travel’s website or app. Many users, including myself, have struggled to find a straightforward cancelation option, often resorting to contacting their credit card companies to block further charges.
4. Are there any hidden fees or charges associated with using Super Travel? S
uper Travel claims to offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees. However, some users have reported encountering unexpected charges or difficulties when attempting to cancel their Super Plus memberships. It’s essential to thoroughly review the terms and conditions before committing to any bookings or memberships.
5. How does Super Travel compare to other online travel agencies (OTAs) in terms of pricing and user experience?
While Super Travel may offer the lowest hotel rates for Super Plus members, its user experience and transparency have been called into question by many travelers. Established OTAs like Expedia or Booking.com may not always have the cheapest rates but often provide a more straightforward and trustworthy booking process without the complexities of a paid membership model.
FURTHER READING
