CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL is implementing “Choice Direct Pay,” a system that allows corporate customers to make reservations for their employees and guests at multiple Choice hotels. The new system then bills the companies directly through a single, centralized invoice.
Choice Direct Pay also would provide weekly consolidated invoicing so corporate travelers can pay for all stays at one time. Users can download and manage their invoice data through an individualized online portal, and centralized customer support can help with the enrollment process, check the status of payments and invoices and resolve issues with charges.
The program also allows users to add project costs and department codes to bills to further simplify the reconciliation process. They also can access to existing negotiated and chainwide rates and search for participating hotels, as well as adjust their stay dates.
"From the flagship Comfort brand and the upscale Cambria Hotels, beloved by modern travelers, to our growing lineup of extended stay offerings, ensuring today's business travelers have access to the right accommodations in the right markets for their corporate travel is key," said Chad Fletcher, Choice’s vice president for global sales. "Fundamental to this approach is equipping travel managers with the tools and resources they need to better serve these corporate clients. Choice Direct Pay streamlines what has traditionally been an onerous process across the industry, further underscoring Choice's commitment to building on its leading value proposition for guests and corporate customers alike."
More than 5,000 domestic properties will be part of Choice Direct Pay. The new system is based on current technology developed by Choice, including its Virtual Pay and the Group Management Platform. The former allows travel managers to book stays for their guests without needing a personal credit card, and the Group Management Platform is an online reservation solution focused on group travel.
Last week, Choice completed its acquisition of Radisson Hotels Americas for $675 million. The transaction includes Radisson’s franchise business, operations and intellectual property. The merger, which was announced in June, will add Radisson’s nine brands to Choice, bringing it to 624 hotels.
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