Feeling lucky? Can't decide where to go on your next trip? Kayak's recently launched Private Sale might have the answer. Travel deal seekers beware, you can only access it if you're a Kayak registered user, so if you're not already, you might want to get on the bandwagon. Private Sale hasn't entered the market without criticism. Some feel is it a departure from Kayak's original metasearch business model, while others feel excitement over Kayak's potential IPO may take away from the online travel co's capacity to negotiate the best deals. I don't agree. The more Kayak posts Private Sale deals, the more the consumer and hotels win. Win-win.
How it Works Each Thursday, hand-selected properties are posted based on search trends. The heavily discounted rates are only offered for one week or until the offer is sold out. One cool feature is the booking calendar. Rather than noting 10 date restrictions in mouse-print below the offer, the arrival calendar auto-populates days and/or months when the deal is applicable, making it easy to view and book the dates you want. Also, like Priceline and Hotwire, Kayak's Private Sale has an eire of 'feel good booking.' Once you select a hotel and enter your dates, it tells you the total price, as well as your savings compared to the hotel's best available rate.
Current Deals - Snake River Lodge & Spa. Jackson Hole, WY. Reg $275, Now $165 - Paradise Point Resort & Spa. San Diego, CA Reg $179, Now $119 - Bryant Park Hotel. New York City, NY. Reg $420, Now $325
*If you want to search a wider variety of properties, check out another new Kayak feature: Luxury Auctions.