Hello everyone!
Traveling has gotten way easier with all the online booking platforms out there.
I decided to give Ostrovok a try, and I've got to say, it's been a game-changer for me.
Here's the lowdown on my experience with the service.
Getting Started
I was blown away by how easy it was to use Ostrovok. You can access it on both computers and smartphones, and it's actually way easier to download the app on your phone.
Of course, I already had the app installed, so I couldn't demonstrate the download and registration process.But essentially, you just need to input your phone number and email address – that's it.
I remember it was a breeze, just like downloading any other app. The only thing that stood out was the beefed-up password protection.
Of course, you can use it on both Android and iOS.
Navigating the Interface
I'm no tech expert, but I'm not a complete newbie either. I'm your average user, and I found it super easy to navigate both the website and the app. The interface is intuitive, and I loved the bookmarking feature for future reference.
When it comes to searching, you've got a ton of filters to choose from. I mean, what more could you ask for?
Need to find a specific hotel by name, location, or rating? No problem. You've got all the options at your fingertips.
Whether you're a picky traveler or a seasoned pro, you'll find it easy to navigate.
So, you've booked your trip. Now what? Whether you're heading to the beach, a business meeting, or a city break, this app has got you covered.
My Experience and Impressions
The app has a 'Favorites' section where you can bookmark hotels that caught your eye. It's a great way to keep track of your preferences and find them easily in the future.
They've got a service contact number.
They've also got a wealth of information about the service, and a pretty impressive track record. That's got to count for something in terms of building trust and loyalty.
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Referral Programxa0
They want you to come back, so they've got a discount system in place. The more you book, the less you pay.
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Bookingxa0
I recently tried out their service for a trip to Moscow.
I booked the hotel based on its proximity to the city center, since I planned on doing a lot of walking there. Plus, it had to be close to the metro (walking distance) and have a modern interior. And, of course, breakfast had to be included.
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I started by bookmarking the hotels that caught my eye and then reading their descriptions. Ostrovok provides the most comprehensive and accurate information about the place you're staying.
Each hotel room and its amenities are fully described.
There are plenty of photos of the location, too.There's even a map so you can see what's around.
All the main attractions and interesting places are listed.It even tells you how far away they are.The distance to airports is also included. The information is seriously exhaustive.
I was impressed by how the construction year, type of outlets, and other details were all accounted for.
I read plenty of genuine reviews from tourists, including some negative ones, and I have to say, I was impressed by the transparency. There were no hidden gems or misleading information to sift through.
Next, I filtered out any hotels that charged extra for breakfast, as my budget wasn't exactly flexible. I appreciated the fact that there were no surprises waiting for me when I booked.
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After I finalized my travel dates and selected the hotel, I entered my promo code (I had one) and was given a clear breakdown of the total cost.
I clicked the 'book' button, and the booking process kicked in.The payment was deducted from my card, and I was also able to use a payment system from St. Petersburg.
I got the confirmation of my booking in the app and via email, which was a lot faster than I'm used to with other tour operators.It usually takes them a day or two to confirm with the hotel, and even after paying, there's no guarantee the hotel's been paid. But with this service, the payment goes through instantly, and you can even leave a comment or message for the accommodation.
I'm not fussy, so I didn't bother writing anything – for me, it's not a big deal where the room is located or anything like that.
The best part is – you can cancel almost up to the day of your trip for free!
In a travel agency, they'd never refund you under the same conditions.
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Waiting / Reality
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Now, let me tell you about my experience with Hampton by Hilton, which I booked.
Honestly, reality even exceeded my expectations.
The real-life number was even cooler than the photo – one piece of space-age design is worth a thousand words.When I checked in, they asked about my preferences – which floor I wanted. I chose the top one, the 9th.
Now, I know this isn't really about the hotel itself, but I just have to mention the booking service, Ostrovok. It's actually really good – they made the whole process a breeze.
I loved everything about it.
The new room with great renovation, a kettle, quality plumbing, and all the essentials for a cozy stay was a real treat.And the food in the restaurant was delicious and reasonably priced, served by a friendly waitress with a smile.
Breakfast was also top-notch, compact but better than what I've had in 5-star Turkish hotels.
After my stay, I can honestly leave a review about my experience on the website.
Key Takeaways
Key takeaway number one: I left completely satisfied with myself and the island. Booking was a breeze, and I had a great time.
The fact that the island's tour operators only work with hotels is a major plus. I've run into this issue when booking accommodations in Europe, like in Rome. But there are plenty of mini-hotels and guesthouses out there - they're often cheaper and more convenient. The island offers a range of accommodation options, from apartments to hostels.
First off, it's super easy to find a place that fits your budget and preferences. The filters are really helpful – I can quickly narrow down my search.
Next, the interface is super user-friendly – my eyes don't get tired.
Then, you can pay directly through the booking platform, which is a huge plus.
And, of course, I love that I can leave comments and feedback for the host.
Plus, I can also leave a review to help other travelers.
But the best part? FREE CANCELLATION – you can cancel almost up to the day of your trip for free!
And, as a bonus, there are no spammy ads or emails – just a smooth experience.
And, of course, there's a rewards program with discounts.
The downsides:
Okay, I'll admit it – I couldn't find any major cons. Maybe just that I want to book another trip already.
I'd definitely recommend Ostrovok for booking – it's reliable, easy to use, and a great value for money.
I'd recommend it to friends, family, and anyone looking for a stress-free booking experience.
I'll definitely be using it again – I didn't find any hidden fees or surprises.