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Snaptravel Review: does it work and actually save you money? [2021]

August 16, 2021 6 min read

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No matter how often you travel, everyone wants to get the best rates on hotels and flights. Snaptravel claims to be able to help you find hotels at lower prices than other online travel sites. Does it really work?

We’ve tried it out, and can say that we were pleasantly surprised: it’ll actually get you deals that you can’t find on Expedia or Booking.com . While you previously had to go from website to website comparing deals, Snaptravel now does the work for you. Simply provide trip information and get your travel deal directly on their website or via message – it’s that easy.

We here at Wanderlog love finding other travel tools and trying them out. Our app is an all-in-one trip planner for planning vacation travel meant to replace Google Maps and Sheets, but we’re always looking for other cool travel sites to try out too.

If interested in trying Snaptravel, this Wanderlog Snaptravel Review is here to offer you an overview of the company, how it works, and, ultimately, let you know if using Snaptravel is worth it.  

Snaptravel

What is Snaptravel? 

Founded in 2016, Snaptravel is a virtual travel agency that connects travelers with the best hotel and flight deals. Snaptravel’s primary goal is to “make travel a simple and magical experience” by providing incredible travel deals at the lowest market rates through an easy-to-use platform. 

Snaptravel’s agents have access to the lowest rates that previously only travel agents with physical stores would have access to. Snaptravel uses AI agents and algorithms to find hotel and flight deals. Real agents are available to help with customer service questions and concerns. 

Conveniently, you don’t need to leave your home to benefit from Snaptravel’s amazing deals! The entire process is completed via snaptravel.com and through Facebook, Whatsapp, or text message. You don’t even need to download an app. 

Snaptravel was founded by entrepreneurs Hussein Fazel and Henry Shi and is owned by SnapCommerce . Today, Snaptravel has a user base of over ten million. 

The company has even gained investment from major names like NBA player Steph Curry and Expedia CEO Peter Kern. Snaptravel has also been featured by Bloomberg , LA Times , Forbes , and many more. 

How Much Does Snaptravel Cost?

Snaptravel is free to use no matter what type of trip you’re planning. There’s no added fee for using Snaptravel as opposed to other online travel agents or booking directly.

Only when you decide on a travel deal will you be required to pay for that flight and/or hotel offer. In fact, you’ll save money booking through Snaptravel instead of directly through an airline or hotel.

The one add-on option offered is purchasing access to the Snaptravel VIP program for $30 upfront for six months. After six months, the VIP program is $5 a month. The benefits of this plan include free upgrades and booking modifications, discounts on bookings, and a 24/7 concierge service.

You can pay for flights, hotels, and the VIP program on Snaptravel via Apple Pay, PayPal, or credit card. 

How Does Snaptravel Work? 

snap travel.com

This Snaptravel Review will now look at how Snaptravel gets its low rates and how to book through Snaptravel. 

The company works with hotels and airlines in a “private 1:1 environment”, which allows them to get the best rates for each customer. Snaptravel’s efficient algorithm finds discounted hotel rates and flight fares that are not accessible on most travel websites.  

If you want to book through Snaptravel, first go to snaptravel.com and select “Hotels” or “Flights.” 

Snaptravel Hotel Booking 

snap travel.com

If you want to book Snaptravel hotels, then follow these steps: 

  • Input the city you want to visit, dates of the trip, and the number of guests. 
  • Select how you want to be contacted: via Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or SMS and provide contact details.  
  • Receive a customized offer with three Snaptravel hotels deals for your requested trip with the best possible rates offered.
  • If one of these Snaptravel hotel deals works for you, you can conveniently book and pay directly via your device and get an instant confirmation.  

Snaptravel Flight Booking 

Really, Snaptravel’s unique parts mostly have to do with hotels. Its flight booking service works more like any other flight booking website, since airlines don’t really have special “private 1:1 rates”.

If you want to use the Snaptravel booking website for flights, follow these steps: 

  • Choose round-trip, one-way, or multi-city. 
  • Input departure and return airports, flight dates, passenger information, and flight class (economy, business, first-class, etc.) 
  • Flights matching your criteria will be shown on snaptravel.com, and you can then select the flights with the best time and price for you and your preferred airline. 
  • You’ll then add additional passenger information, including date of birth, gender, and contact information.
  • Lastly add payment information. Once payment processes, you’ll get a confirmation email. 

What Are the Benefits of Snaptravel? 

The following are some of the major pluses of using Snaptravel over booking directly via an airline or hotel or booking through another online travel agency, like Expedia. 

Easy to Use 

Snaptravel is incredibly easy to use, and the company has an extremely user-friendly website. You simply input basic information about your trip and instantly get access to your deals. 

You can then book directly through Snaptravel and add upgrades. All of your trip info and confirmations are also stored by Snaptravel so everything relating to your trip is in one location. 

The Lowest Rates on Hotels and Flights 

Users of Snaptravel have access to some of the lowest flight and hotel rates around. Many Snaptravel reviewers say that when comparing rates with other travel websites and hotels or airlines directly, Snaptravel had the best rates consistently. On average, customers receive 30-50% lower rates when booking through Snaptravel. 

Customizable Deals 

Snaptravel finds rates specifically for you and your needs. Instead of offering one-size-fits-all deals, you can search for exactly the type of flight or hotel you need. Along with information like the dates of your trip, you can request room types, upgrades, and more to get a completely personalized deal. 

24/7 Customer Support 

Snaptravel customers have access to customer support 24 hours a day. Snaptravel uses a combination of bots and real agents to help answer questions and aid with concerns and complaints. You can easily contact customer support via Facebook messenger, Whatsapp, or SMS. You can also call the Snaptravel customer service number at 1-833-600-5830.  

Using Snaptravel won’t cost you anything. You only pay for the flights or hotel stays you want to book. If interested, you can upgrade to the VIP program for $5 a month, but this is not necessary to get deals and book your trip. 

Does Snaptravel Have Any Drawbacks? 

Snaptravel does have a few drawbacks, which this Snaptravel review will now address. 

Issues with Rewards Programs 

Some hotels will not provide you with membership rewards points if you book through Snaptravel. This doesn’t appear to be an issue with airline rewards points. 

Unable to Package Hotels and Flights 

You cannot book flights and accommodation together through a package deal as you can with other travel agent-style websites, like Expedia. If looking to book both hotels and flights via Snaptravel, you’ll have to do so separately. 

Booking Issues Can Occur 

It’s more likely that booking issues and errors can occur when not booking directly via a hotel or airline. Some negative Snaptravel reviewers highlight this, saying that they arrived at a hotel and did not have a booking despite having paid and received a booking confirmation from Snaptravel. Other reviewers say airlines canceled flights, and Snaptravel did not inform them. 

Customer Support Issues 

Some negative reviewers also say that getting in touch with a real person when needing customer support is a challenge. 

Is Snaptravel Legit?  

Many want answers to the questions, “Is Snaptravel legit?” and “Is Snaptravel trustworthy?” The answer to both is yes! Snaptravel has legitimately helped millions of users find incredible hotel and flight deals. 

The high level of customer satisfaction among Snaptravel users is seen in their online reviews. Snaptravel has 4.5/5 stars on Trustpilot, based on over 22,000 reviews. The company also has an A+ rating and 4.5/5 stars, based on over 2,000 reviews with the Better Business Bureau. 

Are Snaptravel Deals Refundable? 

Snaptravel hotel bookings and flight bookings may be refundable. While you can cancel some hotel stays and flights for a full refund, the majority of Snaptravel’s deals are non-refundable. You may be able to get Snaptravel credits to use on a future booking when canceling certain trips.

To check your Snaptravel refund policy, check your booking confirmation or type “my bookings” into the messaging thread. Also, note that you may incur fees if the hotel or airline changes or cancels your booking. 

Snaptravel currently has a Covid-19 cancellation policy and is more flexible about refunds. If your trip is non-refundable and you must cancel due to a Covid-19 related issue, contact the support team, and they will attempt to get you a full refund.

Is Snaptravel Worth It? 

This Snaptravel Review will now answer the most crucial question: “Is Snaptravel worth it?”

Due to its ease of use, incredibly low rates, and many satisfied customers, Snaptravel appears to be a company worth booking hotels and flights with. 

At a minimum, it’s worth getting some quotes from Snaptravel when planning a trip. If you find the best rate with Snaptravel and decide to book, it seems as though you’ll receive high-quality service and have access to support if needed.  

The many positive customer reviews left on review websites like Trustpilot help to prove that booking hotels and flights through Snaptravel is worth it. An average of 9% of reviews are negative, while the rest are positive. 

Happy Snaptravel customers mention:

  • How safe and secure booking through Snaptravel is 
  • That Snaptravel saved them a lot of money
  • Booking through Snaptravel is easy 

One especially satisfied customer says: “I only book with Snaptravel for the best rates on hotels. I guarantee you the prices are unbeatable. I love saving and I love Snaptravel.”

Another five-star reviewer adds: “The overall experience was great and Snaptravel had great communication along the way. I would highly recommend them” 

If considering booking through Snaptravel, it’s important to be aware of the drawbacks previously discussed. However, customers rarely have issues, with the vast majority having a great experience. 

If you think your plans may change, Snaptravel may not be the best choice as the majority of bookings are non-refundable. In addition, it’s recommended that you call the hotel or airline to double-check your reservation. 

Ultimately, using Snaptravel to book hotels and flights should save you a considerable amount of money and make your trip planning hassle-free!

If you need some help planning the perfect trip, be sure to check out our article on the best travel planning apps . And once you’ve booked a flight or hotel on Snaptravel, forward the confirmation email to Wanderlog’s travel planner to keep track of your travel plans and create a list of places to visit!

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My Honest SnapTravel (Super) Review: Is SnapTravel Legit?

* This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

Sick and tired of paying hundreds for hotels and flights, I tried Super.com for my SnapTravel review–here’s what I found out.

Have you looked at hotel and flight prices recently? They’re INSANE!

And with so much travel to catch up on after the past few years, weddings to go to, and long-delayed plans finally coming up, my wallet is feeling the squeeze.

But with hotel rates and flight booking pricier than ever, I listened closely when I heard that you could get discount flight tickets and cheap hotels with online travel agents. 

SnapTravel (now rebranded as Super) is popular because you don’t have to pay for their services. 

Unlike some other online travel agents, with SnapTravel, you don’t immediately work with a person. 

Instead, SnapTravel uses AI chatbots that communicate with you over messaging apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or regular text SMS. 

A real person is available if needed, but their chatbot is surprisingly good!

I tested SnapTravel for this review and compared their deals to actual prices. 

In this honest SnapTravel review, I’ll investigate whether the company is legit, share my experience using SnapTravel’s services, and answer all your questions about the website and app.

SnapTravel Review: A white desk with a computer monitor displaying the SnapTravel (Super) homepage and a pair of hands typing on the keyboard visible at the bottom of the frame.

Table of Contents

What is SnapTravel?

Close up of a hand holding a phone that displays a chat with a SnapTravel (Super) AI bot, with a soft focus interior room in the background.

SnapTravel is an online booking website (and app!) that combines the benefits of a travel agent with the ease and free cost of online booking platforms.

SnapTravel is essentially an online travel agent that lets you plug in dates and a location to find hotel and flight deals (just like any other online booking website).

You can occasionally find great deals because, like a travel agent, SnapTravel has access to discounts on hotels and flights and can pass those discounts on to you.

SnapTravel doesn’t charge you for its services. And unlike many apps, you don’t have to download the SnapTravel app to use their product.

Instead, you enter information directly into their website like any other booking platform. You can also opt to chat with a bot over several messaging apps.

A Quick Look at SnapTravel as a Company

A white desk with a computer monitor displaying the SnapTravel (Super) homepage with a globe, passport, mug of pens, and phone sitting beside it.

First off, SnapTravel went through a rebranding recently and now goes by Super , and hotel booking is now part of their Superbrand. 

Super Travel hasn’t quite taken off yet, so I’ll still call it SnapTravel for this article.

SnapTravel is a Canadian startup founded in 2016 by tech entrepreneurs Hussein Fazal and Henry Shi.

SnapTravel is a legit company with investors like Steph Curry (though I doubt he spends hours scouring the internet to save fifty bucks on a flight!).

It combines advanced chatbot technology with the business model of an online travel agent to find the best hotel and flight deals for customers.

Rather than charging people for these services, SnapTravel is free and relies on commissions from customers’ bookings.

Additionally, although I haven’t seen this in any chats with SnapTravel, they will sometimes send sponsored messages that partners might pay SnapTravel to advertise to its customers. 

Of course, SnapTravel mentions this as a positive– giving customers suggestions for where to stay or what to see.

SnapTravel Review: My Experience With Using SnapTravel

A man sits at a white desk, typing on a keyboard and looking at a computer monitor displaying the SnapTravel (Super) homepage with a globe, passport, mug of pens, and phone sitting beside it.

I researched SnapTravel hotel booking, SnapTravel flight booking, and SnapTravel customer service. Here’s my experience.

SnapTravel Hotel Booking

“Snaptravel Hotels” now goes by the name “SuperTravel.” They are booking hotels solely over Messenger. 

Now SnapTravel has added a more familiar way to show their deals. You can find SnapTravel hotel deals through a search system or by scrolling to the bottom.

I wasn’t able to start searching immediately, however. When I first hopped on to find a hotel, they wanted to ensure I wasn’t a robot. Okay, fine, I understand that. 

But SnapTravel did this in a strange way. I had to get a code sent to my phone. In doing so, they can now send marketing messages, which was a negative experience for me.

When you use SnapTravel , you’re not finding the best deals for a hotel through a search. Instead, you search to see what options are available, and then you can talk with their AI chat.

When searching for the best hotel deals in Mill Valley, I stumbled upon Travel Lodge. The first screen of this search showed a savings of $6 off in pink on top of the picture. 

As I proceeded to find the savings for three nights, it came back as $11. In the end, Snaptravel showed me a total savings of $17.85. 

But when comparing this deal with the hotel’s website, I saved closer to $9.88. This amount is still 3% in savings– which is good! 

When factoring in other reward programs (if you stick with one hotel company), the savings could be a wash. Still, these travel deals make SnapTravel legit!

SnapTravel Flight Booking

Close up of a pair of hands holding a phone that displays a chat with a SnapTravel (Super) AI bot, with a soft focus interior room in the background.

As I’m writing this, the entire SnapTravel website is currently under maintenance as they transition to their re-branded name. 

You might wonder where the flight deals are when you visit Super’s website. Until recently, to view the flights, you had to visit SnapTravel .  

In the short time since I tested SnapTravel, things have changed again. Now when you click that link, you’ll get a message that the third-party carrier they used to work with has ceased operations, and they don’t currently have a third-party carrier associated.

Regardless, my experience with their previous set-up was not positive. I was disappointed with my flight search for several reasons. 

First of all, their site is super slow! The last time I tried using it, it took over 30 seconds for the page to load. Maybe that’s why their site is under maintenance now. 

It doesn’t stop there, either. SnapTravel wasn’t really showing cheap rates– quite the opposite, in fact! I had to double-check to make sure they were correct.

I put my desired flight dates from LA to Omaha into SnapTravel, and they showed me a round-trip flight for $440. The same route on Google Flights was $237! How does that make any sense?

These flights were also during the week and six months in advance. I wanted to talk to the support team about these flight prices. It seems they currently only offer that for their hotel deals. But more on this later. 

Eventually, everything will be under the “Super” brand. Hopefully, all of this work is worth it, and they will have lower prices. 

When researching SnapTravel, I found negative reviews more frequently than I would have liked. 

Still, the SnapTravel reviews on the Better Business Bureau give them an A+ rating! 

It wasn’t all bad. SnapTravel did have some good flight features, like the ability to search for multi-city flights. 

However, given that many SnapTravel alternatives exist, they need to step up in this department or stick to hotels.

SnapTravel Customer Service

A view looking over a man's shoulder at his hand holding a phone that displays a chat with a SnapTravel (Super) AI bot, with a soft focus interior room in the background.

When you’re trying to find out if SnapTravel’s amazing deals are legit or not, you will run across some negative reviews. 

The complaints mostly had to do with reservations not going through, cancellations not working, etc. 

I suggest confirming the booking details with the airline and/or hotel to avoid dealing with this. 

This issue becomes an even bigger deal when customer service isn’t reliable. SnapTravel uses AI, which has become increasingly popular in recent months.  

SnapTravel’s chat can answer a lot of questions easily, it seems. I also asked their AI chat to look at flights for me. 

Surprisingly enough, it did this and even found cheaper flights than I saw when I tried to search on their website myself. 

When you click support, there will be multiple options you can choose.

Which option you’ll choose will depend on what type of question you have. They’ll then send you an article about it. 

I wanted to talk to an agent directly, so I simply clicked “talk to agent” in the chat box to do this. They’ll then prompt you to give more information about what you need. 

From here, things got tricky. I needed to talk to the support team about a plane ticket they deemed as “non-refundable.” Instead, they sent me to their old SnapTravel flights website to complete a form. 

Since they are a third-party site, it might be challenging to receive a full refund. Be sure to check out the SnapTravel refund policy before booking anything!

I also read about some of these issues before checking their online reviews. The SnapTravel reviews were correct; their customer service was sub-par, to say the least.

A white desk with a computer monitor displaying the SnapTravel (Super) homepage.

Supercash Bonus

SnapTravel offers its own unique credit card affiliated with MasterCard. This card is one of their best perks, and here’s why. 

The SuperCash card offers a 10% cashback on all purchases you make on SuperTravel. On top of this, you’ll also get 5% cashback on brands like Nike and Apple through SuperShop . 

Lastly, you’ll receive 2% cash back on all other purchases outside of SuperTravel. 

These deals are excellent and, at the bare minimum, would be a wash with other credit cards or reward programs.

Good Deals for Hotels

Since you can’t currently book flights (or, rather, they make it extremely difficult), you’ll find the best deals with SnapTravel hotels. 

Their deals on hotels do save you a good bit of money. It’s always worth a look using their user-friendly search system. 

I always want to ensure I have the best price for any accommodation I book. Given that, I’d consider adding SnapTravel as a top website for booking hotels.

Free to Use

At the end of the day, it’s hard to complain too much about a company that is completely free to use. 

Finding a SnapTravel Coupon or SnapTravel discount code to receive even better travel deals is possible. Just make sure to double-check your reservation after finding those deals!

Close up of a hand holding a phone that displays a chat with a SnapTravel (Super) AI bot, with a soft focus interior room in the background.

You Can’t Stack Credit Card Points with SuperCash

This is where SuperCash isn’t an absolute must to use. I have fantastic travel credit cards that give me just as good (if not better) deals as what I can find on SuperCash. 

Knowing how to use these points from all the different credit cards can be confusing. That’s why SuperCash is a great tool because it’s easy to use! At the end of the day, it doesn’t hurt to have it.

Page to Book Flights is Slow

When I looked into flights a few months ago, the website was too slow. Because it was taking far too long to load the pages, I almost immediately went to look at the same route on Google Flights. 

This issue simply can’t happen in this day and age. I’m hoping they fix this aspect because they have the potential to offer an awesome service if they were to model it after their hotel booking interface.

How to Have the Best Experience Shopping on SnapTravel

A man sits at a white desk, typing on a keyboard and looking at a computer monitor displaying the SnapTravel (Super) homepage with a globe, passport, mug of pens, and phone sitting beside it.

I want you to learn from my experience shopping on SnapTravel. When booking a hotel, you’ll have the best results if you find a good deal on SnapTravel, and then check other sites. 

Make sure the price and availability match up with what you’re seeing on SnapTravel. There are deals out there on SnapTravel, but these normally come through the messenger.

As I stated previously, SnapTravel uses AI to help you find these deals. Send them a quick message in the messenger with your dates and destination, and they’ll send you these deals.

Once you find the booking you like, you can proceed to checkout. At this time, you can even add a purchase to SnapTravel’s VIP program. 

The VIP program includes the following:

  • Free Upgrades 
  • Expedited Customer Support
  • Free Booking Modifications
  • 24/7 Concierge Service

You can get all of this for only $30 for the first six months and then $5 monthly afterward!

Other SnapTravel Products

Close-up of a man in profile looking at his hand holding a phone that displays a chat with a SnapTravel (Super) AI bot, with a soft focus interior room in the background.

SnapTravel (now Super) offers more than great travel deals. They also offer different products that can help you save on your next vacation. 

These savings come from gas, insurance, pharmacy, and phone plans. And there are also shopping deals if you want to buy certain items for your next trip! 

When scrolling through SnapTravel, you’ll see the trending deals of the day in a user-friendly form. These deals help make SnapTravel legit and worth checking out!

SnapTravel Return & Exchange Policy

A white desk with a computer monitor displaying the SnapTravel (Super) homepage.

What doesn’t make SnapTravel legit (and makes customers angry) is their return policy.

Like many third-party companies, SnapTravel states that they are not responsible if an event arises, like cancellations, delays, etc. There will be no refunds. 

For example: if you booked a great travel deal on a hotel of your dreams only to discover they don’t have a reservation with your name when you arrive, you’re still liable.

You might be able to get SnapTravel credits, but they’re far and few between. 

These issues are among the many SnapTravel complaints you will see online. 

Their return policy is a little better for SuperShop. When you purchase items through Supershop, you can receive a full refund within 30 days of delivery. This is normally more than enough time to return items that you don’t like.

Any item you purchase through SuperShop will normally ship between 24 – 48 hours and will then arrive within 7 – 10 business days. 

The best news is that shipping is free within the United States! That free shipping saved me a lot of money and stress over the years.

FAQs About SnapTravel

FAQs About SnapTravel

Can SnapTravel be trusted?

Is SnapTravel legit and can be trusted? It certainly can! The Better Business Bureau (BBB) gives it an A+ rating with almost 2700 reviews and 4.44 out of 5 stars.   

Other SnapTravel reviews and online reviews on sites like Trustpilot rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars. SnapTravel works and it’s possible to find great deals. 

Snaptravel’s average rating is still high compared to other sites I’ve used. If they fix up a few things (like the flights), their score can increase significantly. 

How does SnapTravel work?

You must first use the chat feature to find the best deals for your trip. Message them the dates and locations for your upcoming trip. 

SnapTravel will also send exclusive deals through other messaging platforms like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, iMessage, etc. 

From there, they will send the special deals they have for you. If you want to glance at what might be available before this, simply scroll down or use the search bar. 

You must talk with the messenger to purchase SnapTravel flights or a SnapTravel hotel. 

I understand this idea, but it often doesn’t deliver great service. However, with the recent rapid advancements in AI, I can see it being better soon.

You can also request room types and specify whether you want the SnapTravel VIP package, which can be a great travel deal if you plan on using it a lot.  

Are there hidden fees with SnapTravel?

There are no hidden fees with SnapTravel! This is fantastic, as hidden fees can waste time and money. 

Does SnapTravel refund your money?

SnapTravel hotels are non-refundable, but Snapshop is! You can get a refund on anything you order from Snapshop within 30 days of delivery. 

Who owns SnapTravel?

SnapTravel is owned by SnapCommerce, a company that uses AI to help find these deals. 

Is SnapTravel associated with Expedia?

SnapTravel works directly with sites like Expedia and Booking.com. Not only this, but one of their initial investors was the CEO of Expedia! Steph Curry is another known investor.

What is SnapMoney?

SnapMoney is the company that offers cash advances for the SnapCash card.

Conclusion: So, is SnapTravel Any Good?

A man sits at a white desk, typing on a keyboard and looking at a computer monitor displaying the SnapTravel (Super) homepage with a globe, passport, mug of pens, and phone sitting beside it.

SnapTravel has its uses and can find you fantastic deals on hotels. With that said, it does have its drawbacks.

Once they fix their SnapTravel deal page for flights, I think Super will be a huge piece in my arsenal of the best travel deal sites for planning a trip. 

Using their messenger to find the best hotel deals is a simple feature, saving you good money! What really makes SnapTravel legit are its deals on hotels. 

Using SnapTravel to book hotels with their SuperCash card creates amazing savings. It’s something everyone should think about using when planning their vacation.

My Favorite Alternative to SnapTravel 

My favorite alternative to SnapTravel is Hotels.com . This is largely due to their fantastic rewards program for hotels. A lot of times, you’ll get a great deal plus a one-night stamp. 

When you get ten stamps, you’ll receive a free night’s stay worth up to the average of those ten hotels! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Phillip Anderson

Phillip Anderson is a freelance travel writer, personal trainer, and adventure enthusiast. With years of travel experience under his belt, Phillip is an expert in finding the best deals through travel apps and websites. He knows how to find cheap domestic and international flights, like a flight to Peru for as low as $350.

When looking for cheap accommodations, Phillip combines his knowledge of websites like Airbnb, Booking.com & Hostelworld with more unique sites like TrustedHousesitters, for even more savings. Whether it’s flights, accommodations, or local experiences, he teaches travelers to make informed decisions, ensuring their adventures are both memorable and economical. For more from Phillip, check out his website, JaywalkTheWorld.com.

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SnapTravel Review: Can This On-Demand Hotel Deals Engine Really Save You Money?

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Shannon McMahon

Editor Shannon McMahon is always planning her next trip and often writing in her travel journal. Follow her on Twitter @shanmcmahon_ and on Instagram @shanmcmahon .

Shannon joined SmarterTravel in 2015. A former news reporter, she's lived in the south of Spain, spotted elephants in Sri Lanka, gone spelunking in the Caribbean, hiked Jordan's Petra Basin, interviewed Sao Paulo's Michelin-Star chefs, and explored China via bullet train. Travel trends, news oddities, and her visits to up-and-coming destinations are some of her favorite things to write about.

Her stories have also appeared online on USA Today, The Sun, Huffington Post, Business Insider, blog.TripAdvisor.com, Boston.com, and more. Her educational background is in journalism, art history, gender studies, Spanish, and film. She's been quoted as an expert travel source by CNBC, People.com, MarketWatch, The Washington Post, USA Today, and more.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "Plenty of extra thick hair elastics. They tame my frizzy curls and come in handy in a surprising number of packing and hotel dilemmas."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : "Climbing (yes, climbing, it's steep!) the Great Wall of China before it's gone."

Travel Motto : "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain

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If you like the idea of using a travel agent to ensure you’re getting the best hotel deal, but hate the idea of contacting one and waiting for their search to end, SnapTravel may be the site you’ve been waiting for. It’s a half-bot, half-human hotel booking service that can secure some of the lowest negotiated hotel deals around, and it sends them right to your Facebook Messenger inbox.

SnapTravel is an online search engine that sends hotel deals catered to your needs almost instantaneously. The secret to its speed is a bot, much like the ones that now send shipping details and boarding passes via Facebook Messenger . But the secret to SnapTravel ‘s ease is that it also uses actual people to guide the process and even to get you an upgrade.

How SnapTravel Works

SnapTravel does the hotel searching for you based on your travel dates and desired location, and sends you the three best deals. It also shows you just how much you’re saving compared to big-name search sites like Booking.com, and displays the hotel’s TripAdvisor rating if you view results on the site. ( Editor’s Note: TripAdvisor is SmarterTravel’s parent company, but is not affiliated with SnapTravel. )

How does SnapTravel secure deals? It apparently all comes down to the private messaging feature.

“Hotels sell unsold inventory to Priceline and Hotwire because these prices are too low to show publicly,” the SnapTravel website states . “SnapTravel lets you book these same great rates without having to guess the hotel’s name because your discounted price is not displayed publicly when you book over private 1-1 chat.”

After taking SnapTravel for a test drive and comparing prices elsewhere along the way, I can say with confidence that its users are finding some of the lowest hotel rates around, especially in cities. If you’re booking a hotel in a highly populated area, chances are SnapTravel will have a deal for you.

Using SnapTravel

To use SnapTravel , enter your dates and location in the site’s search tool, and choose a contact method: Facebook Messenger, SMS, or Slack . The best user experience is currently on Messenger, according to SnapTravel’s founder, Hussein Fazal .

Moments after entering your information, the results will come through, and you can add in special requests (like preferred hotels or rewards programs, necessary amenities, and your budget) directly through the chat window—or click “Filter Results” to refine your needs and view a map of the hotels. Start a new search or conversation with one of SnapTravel’s agents (who are available 24/7) in Messenger by sending “New Booking.” Here’s a demonstration:

Deals and Upgrades through SnapTravel

The prices are surprisingly low. I searched several destinations and found some of the best savings in large cities like London and New York. For example, the cheapest New York hotel SnapTravel gave me was less than half the price that it was being offered for on Kayak and on Hotels.com. The prices I found are below, including SnapTravel’s top three options (left) and their counterpart prices on Kayak (right).

NY snap vs kayak

London yielded similar results, with some of the cheapest central hotels costing $43 less than the nightly Booking.com price, which was being pushed as a 32 percent off “deal” (see prices below the SnapTravel map). Los Angeles hotels were all well over $100 cheaper on SnapTravel.

London map snap vs hotels

Even for smaller cities, SnapTravel had cheaper prices than the most popular booking sites. Galway, Ireland, hotels were on average $20 cheaper per night, and Boston hotels were up to $70 less per night in my tests. Those aren’t small savings, and the options are by no means budget hotels. Most of their ratings are above a four on TripAdvisor.

Unlike many sites, SnapTravel isn’t simply a bot that takes commands. “Our humans actually serve a good purpose beyond just trying to find you a hotel,” Fazal told me. An agent stays on top of your reservation after you’ve booked, not only confirming all your needs are met, but oftentimes getting you an upgrade. About 30 percent of the time an upgrade is secured, and 60 percent of bookings can at least get bumped to a higher floor. That means only about 10 percent of bookings don’t get something extra from using SnapTravel.

If you’ve ever wanted a virtual personal assistant for hotel bookings, here’s your chance.

Top Summer Hotel Deals from SnapTravel (Sponsored)

Image gallery.

Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile, Chicago

Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile, Chicago

The best place to stay in Chicago this summer is the Magnificent Mile, a popular district that's home to excellent shopping, historical landmarks, and some of the city's best eateries. The Navy Pier (with beautiful Lake Michigan views), the John Hancock Center (home to the 360 Observatory), and Field Museum are all within easy walking distance.

The highly rated Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile is a luxurious oasis in the middle of the bustling neighborhood. This 415-room hotel offers panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago Skyline, a signature "SoBed" sleep system, and a gourmet restaurant with a gorgeous terrace.

Click here to save almost 50 percent on a summer stay with SnapTravel!

Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco

Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco

San Francisco is simply magical in the summer, especially at Fisherman's Wharf. This lively waterfront is bursting with eclectic shops, world-renowned restaurants, and cultural activities. Here, you can hop on a boat to cruise the Pacific Ocean, say hello to some friendly Sea Lions on Pier 39's K-Dock, or even catch a 7-D movie.

After a long day on the water, Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf is right around the corner, so you can be back in your hotel without hassle. This chic hotel is perfectly located near Pier 39, Ghiradelli Square, and by a cable car stop. You won't find any bland rooms here—each room is uniquely decorated to reflect the Fisherman's Wharf location. It may be hard to tear yourself away to explore, especially from the hotel's heated outdoor pool!

Click here to book at up to 30 percent off with SnapTravel!

Washington Park Hotel, Miami Beach

Washington Park Hotel, Miami Beach

Just outside the Washington Park Hotel in Miami Beach, the streets are alive with revelers enjoying South Beach's best bars, clubs, and restaurants on Collins Avenue, Washington Avenue, and Ocean Drive. Inside, the hotel offers cool, spacious rooms that are a quiet refuge from the non-stop party outside.

When you're ready to head back out, free custom bikes await outside to help you explore the city. Or, if you've had a few too many cocktails, hop aboard the Washington Park Hotel's unique electric TUK TUK shuttle.

Click here to grab unbelievable savings of up to 85 percent off with SnapTravel!

The Miami Beach EDITION, Miami Beach

The Miami Beach EDITION, Miami Beach

The Miami Beach EDITION sprawls across 3.5 acres from Collins Avenue to Atlantic Ocean, and has every possible luxury that you can think of. There's world-famous chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Matador Room, a bowling alley, ice-skating rink, nightclub, and more.

Opt for one of the 294 individually designed guest rooms, or splurge on an oceanfront bungalow (some of which have their own private plunge pool).

Click here to save up to 30 percent off any room with SnapTravel!

The Wyndham New Yorker, New York

The Wyndham New Yorker, New York

Summer nights in New York City are magical, and best experienced at the Wyndham New Yorker. You'll probably recognize this iconic building—you can easily pick it out of the Manhattan skyline thanks to its Art Deco styling and bold red block lettering. Located steps from Penn Station, Times Square, and the Javits Center, it's well-situated for exploring the city with ease.

Inside, the rooms are inspired by Art-Deco style and are very spacious for Manhattan. This hotel is already a great value, but you can save even more.

The Modern Honolulu, Honolulu

The Modern Honolulu, Honolulu

Honolulu has wonderful weather year-round, with an average of 278 sunny days per year. Summers are hot and the perfect time to hit the beach, which you can easily do if you're staying at The Modern Honolulu. The location offers easy access to Waikiki Beach, downtown Honolulu, and Kaka'ako arts district.

Watch the Friday night fireworks over the harbor on the hotel's outdoor patio while you eat dinner, sign up for some adventure with a scuba diving trip offered by the hotel, or simply walk outside and be on Duke Kahanamoku Beach (named the best beach in America by Dr. Beach) in seconds. The Modern Hotel even has separate pools for sunrise and sunset, so you'll never miss either!

Click here to book at more than 50 percent off with SnapTravel!

The Westgate Las Vegas Resort, Las Vegas

The Westgate Las Vegas Resort, Las Vegas

Summer in Las Vegas means pool season, and The Westgate Las Vegas has one of the best. This newly renovated pool deck has well-equipped private cabanas, an oversized hot tub, and a relaxing atmosphere.

When you're ready to explore the rest of Sin City, the Westgate has its own stop on the Las Vegas Monorail, so you can beat the traffic and get to where you want to go quickly.  If that's not  enough, the resort also has its own tennis courts, shopping center, and wedding chapel.

Click here to book at unbelievable prices of up to 80 percent off with SnapTravel!

Hilton San Francisco Financial District, San Francisco

Hilton San Francisco Financial District, San Francisco

If you want to see all that San Francisco has to offer, stay at the Hilton San Francisco Financial District. It's situated within walking distance of the Financial District, Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, and Union Square.

Or, see it all at once from the top of the hotel's 27th floor, which has sweeping views of the bay and skyline. Our favorite unique perk of this hotel? The private karaoke room available to guests.

Radisson Resort Orlando Celebration, Orlando

Radisson Resort Orlando Celebration, Orlando

Take the kids on the trip of the lifetime to Orlando and explore the theme parks of their dreams. The Radisson Resort Orlando Celebration is just 1.5 miles from Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom and Epcot Parks, and is close to SeaWorld, Universal Studios, and Wet n' Wild. There's even a free shuttle to Walt Disney World, so you'll save money and the hassle of fighting for a parking space at the park.

You might be tempted to skip the parks, though, when you see how much the Radisson has to offer: a game room, sports lounge, hot tubs, volleyball court, tennis courts, two outdoor pools, poolside bar, and children's pool.

Click here to reserve a room at up to 60 percent off with SnapTravel!

Boston Park Plaza, Boston

Boston Park Plaza, Boston

Summer in Boston conjures up visions of warm nights cheering on the Red Sox at Fenway, idyllic Swan Boat rides, and all the lobster rolls you can eat. Make it a trip to remember by staying at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel, an elegantly historical hotel that's been iconic to the city since 1927—but recently underwent a $100 million renovation to add modern luxury.

This AAA Four Diamond Hotel is located next to the Public Garden, and near the Theater District and Back Bay. If you stay here, you'll be in good company—it's hosted all but two U.S. Presidents since it opened!

More from SmarterTravel:

  • 10 Mistakes You’re Making at the Hotel
  • 10 Hotel Booking Mistakes You’re Probably Making
  • What to Do When a Hotel Tries to Screw You

Associate Editor Shannon McMahon writes about all things travel. Follow her on  Twitter   and  Instagram .

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Is Snaptravel Legit? Here’s What You Need To Know

We all love being able to get a deal on flights or hotels when we are traveling. You have probably got your list of favorite comparison websites that you search for travel deals on, but have you heard of Snaptravel?

Snaptravel is not that new on the scene but rumor has it that you can find some excellent deals, and save money on both flights and hotels.

But, is that reality the case? Is Snaptravel legit and safe to use? We cover it all from how Snaptravel works to who owns it, how to use it, and more.

What Is Snaptravel?

snaptravel logo

Snaptravel is renowned for providing some of the cheapest hotel and flight deals around. It started out in Canada and works like a travel agent which is how they get such good pricing compared to other booking sites.

Snaptravel used artificial intelligence (AI) to scour the internet and offer the best deals to its customers and sending it to them via Whatsapp, Messenger, and SMS messages too.

Currently, around 30 million people across the world use Snaptravel. You don’t have to be on the messaging service either, you can get great deals on their website too .

Who Owns Snaptravel?

Snaptravel was founded in 2016 by Henry Shi, an ex-Google engineer, and Hussein Fazal, the co-founder of AdParlor.

Today, Snaptravel is owned by SnapCommerce which was also founded by Hussein Fazel and Henry Shi.

Snaptravel has a range of investors that pulled together millions of dollars. The investors include the likes of ACrew, iNovia, Lion Capital, Bee Partners, and SC30 Inc.

With credentials like this, it looks like Snaptravel is legit.

Is Snaptravel Legit?

Is Snaptravel legit? In a word, yes, it is a 100% legitimate company that has been giving users great prices on hotels and flights for 7 years.

When you add in that the CEO of Expedia also invested in Snaptravel, it confirms just how legit Snaptravel is.

You can book your flights and hotels from your phone and Snaptravel doesn’t even add any extra costs to your ticket. It is super user-friendly and has some of the best rates too!

There are a few negative comments about Snaptravel on review sites like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau, but overall it has solid ratings. We will look at reviews on Snaptravel in more detail in a later section.

Overall, Snaptravel is legit and safe to use. Let’s look at how to use it and the things to look out for.

How to Use Snaptravel

snaptravel website

The Snaptravel website allows you to search for either flights or hotels and it uses AI to search the internet to find you great deals.

It works directly with hotels and airlines as well as comparison sites like Booking.com and Expedia.

Snaptravel Hotel Booking

To book a hotel, simply fill out the form on the hotel landing page. Put in your destination, which can be anywhere in the world, along with your travel dates and the number of people in the booking.

You then hit search and choose how you want the deals to be sent to you – SMS, Whatsapp, or Messenger.

It will then send you all the Snaptravel hotels available and great prices for them too. Choose your favorite hotel within your budget and confirm your booking.

Before you make the final payment and confirmation, check to see if a cancellation is refundable just in case your travel plans change.

Snaptravel Flight Booking

To book flights with Snaptravel, head to their dedicated site which you can find here . You can do your search online for flights without using SMS, Messenger, or Whatsapp.

It uses a search algorithm that shows you unpublished flights that only travel agents have access to.

Put in your destination, dates, and number of people traveling, and hit search. Then choose from the deals the trip that suits your travel needs best.

Once you have chosen your flight, add in your personal info such as your email, name, and date of birth. Then it is time to pay, after which your flights should be confirmed within 20 minutes and you will receive an email confirming this.

Advantages of Using Snaptravel

It is free to use.

Snaptravel is 100% free for the user as they do not charge anything extra on top. Snaptravel takes its commission from the airline or hotel instead of you.

It Is Easy To Use

Booking flights and hotels with Snaptravel is super easy via the App or the website. You get all the best deals in one place to choose from plus buying and confirming your booking is super simple.

You Get Some Of The Best Deals on Hotels and Flights

The deals you get with Snaptravel can be up to 50% cheaper compared to booking directly with hotels and airlines. You also get a lot of different options to compare rates with other sites and find the best deal for you.

When you make bookings through Snaptravel, you get the best rates on hotels and flights. You will get a lot of choices for hotels and airlines. Therefore, you can compare rates and make the best decision accordingly.

A Huge Range Of Snaptravel Hotel Deals and Flight Deals

When you use Snaptravel, you get a large range of options and are therefore highly likely to find exactly what you are looking for and in your budget too.

You can also search for certain room types and ticket classes to match so you don’t waste time with deals that don’t suit you.

24/7 Customer Support

With Snaptravel, you get customer support 24/7 so if something goes wrong, you always have someone to speak to.

Disadvantages of Using Snaptravel

You can’t book everything together.

Unlike other sites like Kayak , you can not book your flight and hotel in one booking with Snaptravel, you have to book them separately.

Loyalty Points With Hotels Are 50/50

Not all Snaptravel bookings entitle you to loyalty points with hotels but it does work with airlines.

Things Do Go Wrong

Customer support isn’t always available in everyone’s experience and it can happen that you can only communicate with a bot.

Other issues include extra fees at hotels, no notifications about cancellations, and in some cases, hotel confirmations not going through.

These are all one-off issues, but it is worth having in the back of your mind. Reconfirm your booking directly with the hotel/airline, and make sure refunds are possible to avoid these issues.

What Others Are Saying About Snaptravel

Generally speaking, all the reviews you find online about Snaptravel are positive. There are some negative ones too, but nothing ever always goes to plan and issues do happen to all the similar travel sites.

One of the main complaints is that hotel prices change quickly and often, but this is the nature of the beast as millions of people are booking which changes the prices.

Here are some reviews from Trustpilot  and Sitejabber for you to take a look at.

Alternatives to Snaptravel

snaptravel review

There are plenty of alternatives to Snaptravel and you have probably used a lot of them. Here are the top ones

Kayak allows you to book flights and hotels in one booking, or separately. You can also book other services like car hire and lots more.

Hotels.com is a great place to book hotels either by phone or online. It has over 300,000 hotels across the world to choose from and some great deals too.

Skyscanner is similar to Kayak and allows you to book flights, hotels, and car hire, and as a package. Around 100 million people use it every month and it works as a metasearch engine.

Trivago is another metasearch engine that pulls deals from online booking websites. It does hotels only and is reliable. It searches across 5 million hotels and 300 websites so you get a lot of options.

Agoda also provides a lot of great flight and hotel deals as well as travel activities and airport transfers. It searches across 2.5 million hotels and multiple airlines to get you the best deal possible.

Booking.Com

Booking.com is an excellent site to book hotels and apartments around the world. It is very trustworthy and the system works. They have also started offering flights but don’t quite have the range available compared to other sites yet.

SEE ALSO: AGODA VS BOOKING.COM

Is Snaptravel Worth It?

Overall, Snaptravel is pretty solid and it does a good job of finding you good deals but it does not come without its risks.

Most hotel bookings are not refundable, this makes life hard if the hotel doesn’t deliver and if you change your plans. Plus, reconfirming directly with the airline or hotel is a must, if just for peace of mind.

I have traveled a lot, and personally always book directly with the airline or hotel as the hassle of things going wrong is just not worth it. Changing things becomes a lot harder when you have a 3rd party in the middle to deal with.

About the Author Roger Timbrook

Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!

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SnapTravel Is the Best New Way to Get a Hotel Deal

By Paul Brady

This image may contain Furniture Room Living Room Indoors Table Interior Design Chair Coffee Table and Electronics

If you love Facebook Messenger, you may already know that a few pioneering travel companies like Kayak and Skyscanner are making booking a trip as easy as texting your friend, using artificial intelligence–powered programs called chatbots. Now, a new company called SnapTravel is doing them one better: It aims to not just answer questions like “How much for a room in Chicago this weekend?” but also provide the best price on that room available anywhere. According to SnapTravel cofounder Hussein Fazal, the company has specially negotiated rates that aren’t seen anywhere else.

To test that claim, I searched for “four-star” hotels near San Francisco ’s Union Square for the weekend of August 12-14. SnapTravel recommended The Marker San Francisco, priced at $253 a night including taxes, or $506 for the weekend. For those same dates, Kayak had The Marker at $583 all in; Skyscanner didn’t list the property. The best rate available through The Marker’s own site was $538 including taxes.

SnapTravel also found notable deals for an upcoming Saturday night in Chicago , suggesting the Kimpton Hotel Allegro for $215 including taxes. A night booked through Kayak was $323 including taxes and fees; the lowest price bookable through Skyscanner had the hotel for $221 a night, though it wasn’t clear if that rate included taxes. Kimpton’s own site had the hotel for $348.

While the deals are compelling, SnapTravel is ultimately hoping to simplify the hotel booking process , says Fazal. “Kayak and Skyscanner seem to be providing a ton of recommendations, similar to going online and searching yourself,” he says. “We’ll be curating the recommendations and only providing the best two or three options.”

There is no SnapTravel app to download; instead, users can connect via Facebook Messenger, SMS, or the chat program Slack to communicate their budget, area preferences, and more. And while the booking service currently only offers hotel rooms, with deals like these, we’re hoping flights and rental cars aren’t too far behind. For a more in-depth demo on how the service actually works, check out this video from SnapTravel.

snap travel.com

Flightdeck Powered by Pilot logo

SnapTravel (SuperTravel) Review [2024]: Scam or Bargain?

SnapTravel (SuperTravel) Review [2024]: Scam or Bargain?

Found great deals or just curious about what SnapTravel is all about? Worried about those SnapTravel reviews? Here's what I found in my deep dive into the flights and hotel deals site, including the features, pricing, and other important details you should know before you book with them!

snap travel.com

Whether you’ve traveled the world over, or are planning your first adventure, I know that something all travelers love is a deal. Finding those deals and promotions when you’re booking flights or hotels can be tiresome, and hard to locate sometimes.

The reason is primarily due to the overwhelming amount of options in travel deal sites like Priceline or Scott's Cheap Flights that are directly competing with each other to provide travelers with the best deals. After all, it's only normal you'll want the best of the best travel deals, right?

That’s where SnapTravel comes in handy. Not heard of them before? Perhaps you've seen their online reviews and you're wondering... should I really trust them?

I've looked into the reviews and research so you don't have to. Here's the facts about SuperTravel, previously known as SnapTravel.

snap travel.com

What Is SnapTravel?

Founded in 2016, Snaptravel is a Canadian startup that aims to get customers the best prices on hotels and flights using AI. In August 2020, according to GlobeTrender, they had helped book more than 350,000 nights in over 150 countries.

SnapTravel describes itself as a “travel agent over messaging.” Their services offer a platform of accommodation booking services, namely Snaptravel hotels or Snaptravel Flights, that aims to bring the latest cheap travel deals to its customers. They offer you promotions and great rates via 1:1 private chat through SMS, WhatsApp, or Messenger.

You send them a message with your city and date preferences, and you’ll get a reply with SnapTravel's tailored travel deals, which you can then easily take advantage of with a few clicks.

SuperTravel - SnapTravel Rebranded

SuperTravel, a rebrand

SnapTravel is currently undergoing the process of rebranding to SuperTravel . While the logo and name has changed, the company promises that all the travel deals, credits, and points will stay the same.

I'll continue to refer to SuperTravel as SnapTravel until the rebranding is complete as to not confuse you!

A suspected reason for the rebranding is to reduce the amount of negative reviews SnapTravel currently has online, which I'll also cover extensively below!

How Do You Use Snaptravel?

So how does Snaptravel work, exactly? It's pretty straightforward.

If you scroll down to the bottom of Snaptravel's webpage, you can browse hotel deals by city or destination.

This allows you to see what’s available before you begin messaging with SnapTravel to scope out prices and locations. You cannot book online, though, as you have to go through SMS or Facebook Messenger to access SnapTravel’s deals.

Looking for VIP upgrades? SnapTravel can also help tune up the quality of your stay to make your trip extra special.

SnapTravel operates in a similar fashion to the one-to-one relationship you might have with a travel agent, but they use AI to act as the agent. Their booking engine uses industry connections and relationships to search for private contract rates, bulk fares, and consolidator inventory that aren’t typically available to the public.

If you're on Fb Messenger, you can also use SnapTravel to look for deals the same way you can chat with your friends online!

This means that customers are getting not only the best rates but ones they might not find anywhere else.

SnapTravel describes itself as being “half-bot, half-human.” This means that while many of your inquiries will be handled by a bot, you can still speak with a human agent if need be.

The ease of using an AI service means that you will get quick and efficient service to help you find the best rates for your travel adventures.

my screenshot of the top SnapTravel features

Discount Flight Tickets

While SnapTravel started as a booking service for hotels, they have expanded to include flights in their service. For great deals on flights, check out their specialized flight webpage .

Their unique flight search algorithm helps you find the best-unpublished fares so you can travel on a ticket that fits your budget.

Unlike the hotel booking service, SnapTravel’s flight service allows you to conduct your research entirely online as opposed to via messaging apps. Simply put in your travel information, and you can view all the discounted flight options.

You'll also enjoy an additional discount if you refer a friend to sign up for SnapTravel!

Note that if you opt to book through SnapTravel, you will have 20 minutes to confirm your purchase after selecting a flight.

A screenshot I took of Snaptravel's flight search bar

Who Owns SnapTravel?

SnapTravel is owned by SnapCommerce , a platform that uses AI and messaging to connect customers with “the right products at the right prices.” Information about SnapTravel’s founders and advisors can be found on their website.

SnapTravel and SnapCommerce were both founded by Henry Shi and Hussein Fazal.

Fun fact: Initial investors of SnapTravel included NBA star Steph Curry, and the CEO of Expedia, Peter Kern!

Snap commerce logo.

Is SnapTravel Legit?

Conde Nast Traveler calls the app the " best new way to get a hotel deal ". But are they really the new best way to find deals?

While they sound really good on paper, the SnapTravel reviews online paint a different picture.

Is SnapTravel legit? If so, why is SnapTravel so cheap? Let's take a look at what other people are saying about SnapTravel.

SnapTravel has an average rating of 4.5/5 stars (TrustPilot), with an A+ rating on Better Business Bureau. Based on SnapTravel reviews, the flight deals service does deliver on the promises and can find exclusive deals at cheap rates.

However, many of the SnapTravel reviews regarding its legitimacy on TrustPilot are written by invited reviewers, which means that SnapTravel requested they write a review after using their services. These reviews should be taken with a grain of salt.

Keep reading to find out what our overall review of SnapTravel is!

Are SnapTravel Flights Legit?

SnapTravel only connects users with cheaper flight deals using AI technology, so SnapTravel is effectively a third-party site and does not directly handle flights or flight experiences. If you have further inquiries about the flights that SnapTravel offers, check out individual airline reviews on the quality instead!

Flight times on a board in the airport

What Are People's Experiences Using SnapTravel?

We understand that it's hard to judge people's experience using star ratings, so what's the deal? How many people have actually used and enjoyed SnapTravel? And what is the consensus among SnapTravel's users of their travel planning app?

If you asked some people about their experiences using SnapTravel on Reddit, you'd get a variety of answers. Plus, there are many other review sites of SnapTravel with lots of opinions on it.

The consensus is that SnapTravel is good for what we say it's good for. People love it for this. Some might have had different varying experiences, which may explain why there are some negative reviews or even complaints on SnapTravel online.

What's the Deal With the SnapTravel Complaints?

If you've been scrolling through SnapTravel review forums through different websites and sources, you've probably come across many negative reviews or feedback about other travelers' experiences with SnapTravel. What exactly are these users' complaints, and are they legit?

Most of the complaints revolve around inconsistencies and communications between SnapTravel and the hotels. This means that SnapTravel might have outdated or incorrect information about the hotel's amenities and regulations. You might also run into problems with SnapTravel not relaying the fees you have paid to the hotel on time.

Regardless of the issue, it's always a good practice to double-check with the hotel's website on its amenities and check with SnapTravel before leaving for your travels. While some have called SnapTravel scams, these are complaints some users have experienced while using SnapTravel and should not reflect the overall app's experiences.

SnapTravel has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

I use SnapTravel and other apps on my phone to search up travel

Is SnapTravel Refundable?

Unfortunately, if you booked a non-refundable trip through SnapTravel, you will not be issued a refund for any cancellations or changes. Another important small print item is that SnapTravel is not liable for any issues arising with the hotel supplier. If a hotel is unable to honor your reservations, you will be responsible for any fees incurred.

So... What does SnapTravel's official cancellation and refund policy say?

SnapTravel is not responsible for any problems in the event of “delay, cancellation, overbooking, strike, force majeure or other causes beyond our [SnapTravel] direct control.” In those situations, no refund will be issued.

SnapTravel's Response to COVID-19 Related Cancellations

Currently, SnapTravel is offering a flexible policy for refunds on Covid-19 related cancellations, so don't fret!

If you find out that your trip must be canceled due to covid-19 issues but your trip is non-refundable, just shoot a message on their website to the support team and they'll get back to you as soon as possible, hopefully with a full refund.

group camping trip overlooking the water at sunset

How Does SnapTravel Make Money?

As customers can use SnapTravel’s services for free, they don’t make their money directly through them. SnapTravel makes a percentage of every hotel booking they sell.

What Is SuperCash?

SuperCash , long for SuperCash MasterCard® Hybrid Card, is an online debit-credit hybrid card offered by SuperTravel (SnapTravel) with big perks associated with purchases on SuperTravel's site.

The SuperCash™ Mastercard® is issued by MRV Banks, headquartered in Missouri, United States. So what does the hybrid card offer?

SuperCash Card offers 10% cashback on SuperTravel purchases, 5% in the SuperShop, and 2% everywhere else. They've pitched it as an easy way to earn credit points with no minimums, monthly fee, overdraft, and interests.

Waiting in a airport seating area seeing a plane taking off

Is SnapTravel Worth It?

So, what do SnapTravel reviews tell us? Is SnapTravel/SuperTravel actually worth using to find the best hotel deals?

If you’re looking to make the booking process for your next travel adventure seamless and easy, you should consider using SnapTravel. With a few taps on your phone, you can be on your way to scoring great deals on Snaptravel hotels and flights!

While there are many mixed SnapTravel reviews out there saying different things, it's easy to get overwhelmed.

The majority of the negative SnapTravel reviews are based on fluctuating and dynamic accommodation prices, which operate similarly to larger travel providers like Booking.com. While they could do a better job at communicating that, the dynamic fluctuation of prices is outside SnapTravel's control.

All that being said, we recommend you to look up deals SnapTravel have to see if you can find the cheap flights or hotels you might want, but definitely keep other alternatives in consideration, such as Hopper !

From the reviews, I would book deals with Snaptravel only if they've got significantly great deals, at the risk of miscommunication and subpar customer support response rate.

My Rating: 3.5/5

  • Low negotiated hotel deals
  • Great/New platform and interface
  • No hidden/surprise fees
  • Great for Last-minute bookings
  • Mixed customer experiences
  • Frequent miscommunication
  • Pricing Discrepancies
  • Confusing rebrand

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Can You Really Get Big Hotel Discounts Via Text Message?

a woman looking at a phone

I came across an article about SnapTravel a few weeks ago and decided to check it out. Snap Travel claims to offer big hotel discounts via text or Facebook Messenger. I was skeptical how good the discounts would be compared to a myriad of other booking options, but decided to give it a try for several upcoming trips.

How Does Snap Travel Work?

a cellphone next to a screen

How Good Are Snap Travel’s Hotel Discounts?

It depends.

With my limited experience looking in Seattle and the Bay Area they do offer better discounts than sites like Orbitz and Hotels.com. Mostly with non-chain/small chain hotels — properties that might not offer member pricing or AAA discounts — and with room type assigned at check-in.

a screenshot of a hotel

For a stay in Berkeley at the Hotel Shattuck they were $18 cheaper (for a non assigned room) than the best rate I could get on Hotels.com.

a screenshot of a computer

I’ll note however, that I rarely, if ever, make reservations at major chains on third party sites since I value the free internet and other benefits that my elite status offer more than a small discount.

I have yet to book with them but am adding them to my list of sites to check when planning trips.

UPDATE: I now have a code offering 10% off your first booking, up to $100. Apply KERIA77 when checking out.

I also have used SnapTravel to book a hotel in Singapore, this was my experience .

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Living for the little (and big things) that make life so fun, especially mistake deals and crazy last minute weekend mileage runs across the world. www.twitter.com/klatravel

I’m considering using SnapTravel to book a room. Do you have a referral code?

Thanks for checking! I do not have a referral code or discount, but I noticed they offered me a limited time 10% discount when I looked at hotels but didn’t book right away.

Update: I now have a code that will get you 10% off your first booking, up to $100, code KERIA77.

I may have booked the room twice by mistake

I would contact them ASAP — they have great customer service and might be able to help!

I booked a good hotel deal at Mandarin Oriental Taipei. After I received my confirmation from SnapTravel, I contacted the hotel 7days later to confirm they have my rsvp. After 2wks of back and forth, the Hotel do not have my rsvp and SnapTravel finally came back and said ‘due to system errors, they cannot confirm my rsvp’. They did not provide me with anything else. SnapTravel want to place me at another hotel. I don’t have an option of which hotel. Any suggestion what I can do at this moment? I got a great deal and really want to keep my rsvp with Mandarin Oriental.

I totally recommend Snap Travel! I booked a very good hotel with Snap Travel and everything was ok.

Great experience! Exceptional deal, very professional, quick response, reservation confirmed.

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IMAGES

  1. Snaptravel Review: does it work and actually save you money? [2021

    snap travel.com

  2. Snaptravel Review: does it work and actually save you money? [2021

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  3. Discover the Best Deals on Vacation Packages with Snap Travel

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  4. Snap Travel review: 2022

    snap travel.com

  5. Snaptravel

    snap travel.com

  6. Snaptravel uses AI to let travellers book hotels via WhatsApp

    snap travel.com

COMMENTS

  1. SnapTravel

    We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us.

  2. Super: Cashback, Travel, & Everyday Savings

    Through rich rewards and everyday savings, Super helps you access more of what you want at better prices, escape overspending, and level up life.

  3. Snaptravel Review: does it work and actually save you money? [2021]

    Snaptravel is a virtual travel agency that connects you with the best hotel and flight deals through an easy-to-use platform. Learn how Snaptravel works, how to book, and what benefits it offers in this Wanderlog blog post.

  4. My Honest SnapTravel (Super) Review: Is SnapTravel Legit?

    SnapTravel is a legit company with investors like Steph Curry (though I doubt he spends hours scouring the internet to save fifty bucks on a flight!). It combines advanced chatbot technology with the business model of an online travel agent to find the best hotel and flight deals for customers.

  5. SnapTravel Review: Can This Hotels Deals Engine Save You Money?

    SnapTravel is an online search engine that sends hotel deals catered to your needs almost instantaneously. The secret to its speed is a bot, much like the ones that now send shipping details and ...

  6. Super.com: Travel, Save, Earn.

    SUPER TRAVEL. For travelers on a budget - get the convenience, security and savings you deserve. Say goodbye to endless searches, and hello to booking with ease and speed. We're talking 50% savings on over 500K hotels worldwide, 24/7 customer service and more. Trust us, you won't want to miss out on these must-have travel deals.

  7. Is SnapTravel Legit? Everything You Need to Know

    Yes, it is legit from the standpoint of being a business and currently having an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, with customer reviews averaging 4.54 out of 5. However, there are ...

  8. Is SnapTravel legit? Yes, but take these precautions…

    Yes. SnapTravel has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). It has 2659 customer reviews on BBB's website with an average rating of 4.44 out of 5. That's actually very impressive. By way of comparison - Expedia has a customer review rating of 1.05 out of 5 on the BBB.

  9. Is Snaptravel Legit? Here's What You Need To Know

    In a word, yes, it is a 100% legitimate company that has been giving users great prices on hotels and flights for 7 years. When you add in that the CEO of Expedia also invested in Snaptravel, it confirms just how legit Snaptravel is. You can book your flights and hotels from your phone and Snaptravel doesn't even add any extra costs to your ...

  10. SnapTravel Is the Best New Way to Get a Hotel Deal

    SnapTravel recommended The Marker San Francisco, priced at $253 a night including taxes, or $506 for the weekend. For those same dates, Kayak had The Marker at $583 all in; Skyscanner didn't ...

  11. SnapTravel (SuperTravel) Review [2024]: Scam or Bargain?

    Founded in 2016, Snaptravel is a Canadian startup that aims to get customers the best prices on hotels and flights using AI. In August 2020, according to GlobeTrender, they had helped book more than 350,000 nights in over 150 countries. SnapTravel describes itself as a "travel agent over messaging.".

  12. SNAPTRAVEL.com is a SCAM travel site.

    It uses bait and trap method to fraud its customers. I booked a hotel for my family through snap travel and had worst experience. 1. Snaptravel website showed me a search result with a hotel that doesn't take kids despite me searching in the filter for specifically 2 adults and 1 kid. 2.

  13. Snaptravel Review: Is it Legit to Use?

    Snaptravel Alternatives: Comparison with Similar Businesses. Snaptravel is a well-appreciated company providing people with the best deals on hotels and flights. The company is known for its user-friendliness and message-driven travel assistance. Let us compare it with some of its alternatives. 1. Kayak

  14. Is Snaptravel Legit? [The Pros & Cons of The Online Travel Agent in 2024 ]

    Snaptravel is a Canadian-based online travel booking platform that launched in 2016. The company has been featured in major publications like Forbes, TechCrunch, and Business Insider. If you're the kind of shopper who is always on the lookout for a great deal, then you'll love Snaptravel. It uses Snapcommerce, which is a message-driven commerce ...

  15. Anyone use SnapTravel and it went okay? : r/travel

    Maybe I'm just a wuss, but I wouldn't risk using SnapTravel and potentially getting left high and dry without a place to sleep for the night, along with $190 worse off. Call the hotel directly and 1.) Confirm that the booking is real, and 2.) Confirm that the price you're paying is actually what you think it is.

  16. SnapTravel is a total SCAM!! Don't ever try it!

    Don't ever try it! SnapTravel is a total SCAM!! Don't ever try it! We had the worst ever experience today, first time booking with SnapTravel! What a scam! An absolute fraud! I booked for my partner a hotel in NY using their website. They sent us a confirmation email when we booked online, saying this is 100% warranted, and that you don't even ...

  17. Has anyone had a good experience using Snaptravel? : r/travel

    Snaptravel such a scheme. you book a hotel room, 2 weeks before arrival, they promise a price 10% -20% cheaper, they take your money without paying the hotel or booking room for you. They just waiting for price fall. one day or few hours before your check-in, the price of the hotel should fall by a minimum, by about 50% if there are rooms and ...

  18. SnapTravel is a total SCAM!! Don't ever try it!

    Don't ever try it! SnapTravel is a total SCAM!! Don't ever try it! We had the worst ever experience today, first time booking with SnapTravel! What a scam! An absolute fraud! I booked for my partner a hotel in NY using their website. They sent us a confirmation email when we booked online, saying this is 100% warranted, and that you don't even ...

  19. PDF 2019 Travel Snapshot

    By creating an entirely new way to book travel via AI and messaging, SnapTravel seeks to make the booking experience — and commerce — as simple as chatting with a trusted friend. Launched in 2016, SnapTravel has booked over 350,000 nights in more than 150 countries to date. We took a look at our hotel booking data and unearthed helpful tips and

  20. Are SnapTravel Hotel Discounts Really That Good?

    By Keri Anderson March 3, 2017. I came across an article about SnapTravel a few weeks ago and decided to check it out. Snap Travel claims to offer big hotel discounts via text or Facebook Messenger. I was skeptical how good the discounts would be compared to a myriad of other booking options, but decided to give it a try for several upcoming trips.

  21. Has anyone used SnapTravel?

    Re: Has anyone used SnapTravel? "If you pay and they do not have the ticket at that price they will contact you and ask for more" - Actually the terms and conditions allow them to charge the extra. "You hereby consent to any such price increases and authorize your credit card to be used for them." 9.

  22. Super.com

    Find the best hotel deals in List | Get 30-50% off your next reservation with exclusive Super.com prices. Book your cheap hotel deal today!

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