Hotel Rate Query System for Non-Public Pricing Transparency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current online reservation systems for hotel accommodations do not effectively allow consumers to inquire about or obtain non-public rates for specific properties, as the final price or discount is not disclosed until after payment, limiting transparency and consumer choice.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables consumers to query non-public rates for specific hotels, providing a range of possible discounts, with the final price revealed only after reservation purchase, utilizing a server-based database and call center interaction for real-time dialogue and booking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the final price or discount is disclosed to the consumer before payment, then transparency and consumer choice are improved, but the ability to offer non-public rates is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pricing information into two distinct parts: public rate information that is disclosed to consumers, and non-public discount information that remains confidential until after purchase. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously provide price transparency for the base rate while protecting the proprietary discount structure, resolving the contradiction between transparency and non-public rate offering
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary disclosure of the public base rate and available discounts before the consumer makes a purchase decision. The consumer is informed of the public rate and potential discount ranges in advance, allowing informed decision-making. The exact non-public discount amount is determined and applied during the transaction process, maintaining both transparency and proprietary rate structures
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate call center is maintained for booking, then consumer service options are increased, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the call center operations with the online reservation system through integrated technology. The call center agents access the same centralized reservation database and pricing system as the online platform, allowing them to process non-public rate bookings using the same technical infrastructure. This integration provides multiple booking channels while avoiding the complexity of maintaining entirely separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The reservation system is designed with universal functionality that serves both online and call center channels. The same database, pricing engine, and transaction processing system handle reservations from both digital and human-assisted channels, enabling the system to adapt to different consumer preferences without requiring separate operational structures
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided whereby a consumer is provided with nonpublic hotel rate accommodations for specifically identified hotels. In particular, a consumer provides a query as to whether a non-public rate exists for an accommodation at a specific hotel or property.