Chevron Island - Surfers Paradise - Main Beach - Gold Coast Accommodation

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Online bookings are so common these days that most people would not want it any other way. The standard AAA Star rating system continue to be a great support for all of us - because it lets you know the standard to expect.

It is great to see the growing confidence in online transactions, and we also appreciate that fierce competition in the tourism market will ensures that unreliable operators are weeded out very quickly.

• Property ratings

Star ratings are used to describe the standard of accommodation as assessed by AAA Tourism, the national tourism body of Australian Auto Clubs.

	3 star properties offers clean and comfortable accommodation.
	4 star properties offer a high standard of accommodation. 4.5 stars provide that little bit extra (at a higher rate).
	5 star properties offer a superior standard of accommodation.

In general, self catering apartments feature cooking facilities in accordance with certain standards. Laundry facilities will be located either in the apartment or in a guest laundry. Most apartments are only serviced after 7 days, and do not provide hotel facilities such as room service, mini bars or porterage.

You may check the official AAA Star Rating of any property at www.AAAtourism.com.au.

• Some thoughts about online holiday & accommodation bookings

Traditional travel agents are fighting a losing battle, and you may soon have to pay to see them. Commissions are difficult to come by because airlines and other tourism operators are less prepared to pay for their services. In addition, travellers have full control of their own destiny. A wealth of information is available online , so anyone with internet access and some basic skills can research travel destinations and make their own bookings - fully informed and at their convenience.

Australians are also getting used to transacting online, and in the last couple of years we have seen a tremendous improvement in people's acceptance. Tourism products such as flights and accommodation are right at the forefront of this trend due to the nature of what we sell, non-physical products with instant online confirmation.

Hotels and resorts are happy with the trend of booking online, because automated selling means they spend less time bringing people to the resort, and more time providing a great holiday experience.

The typical booking process goes like this:

STEP 1 - Basic research from the convenience of your home or, (even more likely) by using the office computer.

STEP 2 - Arrange transport (book flight online or use own car).

STEP 3 - Book accommodation online. Pay deposit and receive instant confirmation.

STEP 4- At your own convenience, make some basic plans for the holiday. Organise transfers if required (most resorts will do it for you if you send them an email). Tours are most frequently booked at the resort tour desk, but then again, some travellers prefer to do it in advance.

STEP 5- Start packing!

This way travellers are free to do anything they like, and they are free to take advantage of individual deals on tranport or accommodation, without the restrictions imposed by package deals or travel agents.

Does it matter who you book through? Well, there is very little difference between the various offers. However, it might be a good idea to compare quotes if you plan to use any of the large international groups that sell hotel accommodation anywhere in the world. (This is because it is a big ask to be everything to everybody). The simplest and safest process, in our opinion, is to book via a website such as www.chevronisland.com.au where you effectively book direct with the resort and receive instant confirmation.

• Why internet bookings are here to stay

We searched the internet to find simple quotes that support our views on online accommodation bookings:

We are extremely happy with the bookings we have received since the [online booking] engine went live.
BD, Daydream Island Resort: "

Splendidly simple, convenient and a great costcutter - all my favourite things. What a seamless solution!
Brendan - NSW

We are so confident in our products that we offer our customers an unconditional 90 Day Money Back Guarantee.
Roamfree Sales - software provider, Qld

ELRes provides customers with the facility to view rates, availability and reserve their accommodation directly from the property’s website, immediately increasing your online distribution and sales.

First Quarter Worldwide Hotel Revenue Up 12.9% from Electronic Channels.
TravelCLICK

"From the moment I decided to book, I have been very impressed with [your] online service.
GH, USA