1. What the heck is Chaago?
Technically, it's an acronym that stands for Connecting Hotels and Guests Online. (Okay, so we threw in an extra "a" just for fun.) More precisely, Chaago is an online exchange that enables travelers like you to get a great deal and personalize your hotel stay by connecting you DIRECTLY with hotels. All responses to your requests are e-mailed from the hotels you select right to your inbox. Not ours. Our slogan is, "It's kind of a big deal," because, well... it is. No longer do you have to submit your credit card number to name your price for a hotel room. And no longer are you limited to choosing only pre-negotiated deals offered by a middleman.
back
2. How does this Chaago thing work?
Simply put, we let you put together the hotel deal you want (price and customized requests) and submit it directly to a variety of hotels. Those hotels then review your request and e-mail you back their offer. If you're willing to accept their offer, you can book the rooms directly with them. That's it. Whether you're looking for a room with a garden view and a bottle of champagne or just don't want to pay more than $150 for a 4-star hotel, Chaago lets you set all the parameters you like and see which hotels are willing to accommodate you. You can also explore a variety of great deals posted directly by the hundreds of hotels we work with in our "Deal Zoo".
back
3. What's so special about Chaago?
Chaago creates a platform that allows hotels and travelers, like you, to interact directly. We connect the two of you and then leave the equation. There are absolutely no fees for you to use Chaago. You're also not under any obligation to book a room when you submit a request. How can that be? Because unlike other online hotel reservation sites, Chaago charges hotels very, very little, if any, to participate in our program. What's more, Chaago does NOT charge the hotel transaction commissions. As a result, hotels are more willing to pass on substantial savings to you because they have more of a profit margin to play with.
back
4. What is "Make Your Own Deal"?
"Make Your Own Deal" allows you (as the name suggests) to make your own deal by customizing the details of how you'd like your hotel visit to go—from the price to the floor your rooms is on, etc. It works like this: First, you submit your "deal request" to the hotels of your choice. Then, after you receive their reply via e-mail, you can review their responses and book directly with the hotel you choose. We give you full control of your visit and how or who you ultimately reserve a room with.
Five steps to happiness.(Courtesy of Chaago.)
- Enter your destination
- Pick multiple hotels, price range, and more
- Submit your request to multiple hotels with one click.
- Receive multiple hotel offers and pick the winner.
- Grin widely and pack your suitcases.
back
5.What is "Deal Zoo"?
The best way to explain Deal Zoo is to think of it as an electronic coupon offered by hotels who've partnered with us. The big difference is Chaago's approach is a heck of a lot cheaper for hotels than it is for them to do so via direct mail or newspaper ads. Consequently, the deals are that much better. They're easier for hotels to update and post, too. So check back often for last-minute deals, weekend vacancy specials, and more.
back
6. If I can't find the deal I want in the "Deal Zoo" or anywhere else on Chaago, can I make my own deal with a hotel?
In a word: ab-so-lutely. That's the whole idea behind Chaago. In fact, unlike other online travel sites where you have limited control over your reservation, we encourage you to submit requests to the hotels of your choice—and feel free to include all the details you'd like the hotel to provide (chocolates or flowers in room, etc.).
back
7. When I place a request with Chaago, will I know which hotel I'm dealing with and where they're located?
Definitely. Chaago is completely transparent; we provide you the details of every hotel you're interested in—from their phone number to their web site.
back
8. Do I have to give a credit card in order submit a deal request?
Nope, never. We're not an online travel agency and we don't sell anything to travelers; we simply connect you with the hotels who want to do business with you and let you pay them directly.
back
9. Am I obligated to book a room when I submit a deal request?
Not at all. Send as many requests as you wish to the hotels of your choice and wait for them to respond—within reason of course. Out of courtesy, we do ask that you respect the hotels' time and resources by narrowing your list of possible hotels as much as possible.
back
10. When I decide to book, do I book through Chaago?
No you don't. We're not equipped to take reservations. After you've reviewed offers from the hotels that you've submitted your request to and chosen which hotel you'd like to accept, you book directly with that hotel.
back
11. What if I need to cancel my reservation?
Generally, that shouldn't be a problem. However, the decision rests with the hotel you made your reservation with, so please be sure to check your hotel's cancellation policy before booking.
back
12. Can I cancel my reservation via Chaago?
Because we don't keep or maintain any reservation records, you'll need to cancel directly with the hotel. Before booking, always be sure to check your hotel's cancellation policy.
back
13. Are the special deals under "Deal Zoo" for real? They seem too good to be true.
They are absolutely, 100% real. The unique nature of Chaago and the rapid manner in which it allows hotels to post and remove deals makes us a powerful tool for them. They need to sell as many rooms as possible and often they're willing to offer deep discounts to do that. It's not in a hotel's best interest to post bogus deals because their reputation is on the line. That said, occasionally demand may exceed a hotel's occupancy in which case hotels will generally work with travelers to honor and rectify the situation.
back
14. Does it cost me to use Chaago?
Not a penny. Hotels pay us to connect them with you (quite a bit less than they pay other online travel sites, by the way) so you're not charged anything.
back
15. Do hotels have my e-mail address when I make a request?
No. Hotels will not receive your e-mail address until you review the multiple offers you receive and then reply to that hotel. At that point, the hotel you've chosen to enter into e-mail dialogue with will receive your e-mail address.
back
16. The last thing I need is more spam. Will I receive junk e-mail from using Chaago?
We respect our users' privacy and will not send junk e-mail to Chaago users. From time to time we will e-mail users regarding special promotions that may be of interest to Chaago users (which users can always opt-out of if they desire).
back
17. What is the definition of "other cities"?
"Other cities" are defined as those within the same metropolitan area as a major city.
back