Hotel price comparison and special offers
Superbreak changes affiliate network
Dec 22nd
Superbreak has switched network from Affiliate Future to Affiliate Window. We have updated all our link code and all clicks from sletoH to Superbreak now go through Affiliate Window.
Affiliates linking to sletoH.com to provide hotel booking services don’t need to update any links at all. We have done all this for you 
sletoH affiliates who have given us their network IDs for 100% commission direct payments into their network accounts must ensure that they join the Superbreak program on AW.
Any affiliates looking to lower the administration burden of linking to hotel merchants (especially when merchants move networks) should join our 100% commission hotel affiliate program.
Hotel Search Widget Improved
Aug 18th
Our hotel search widget was upgraded today with a “splash” image that loads before the main widget. The splash image explains what the widget does and because it’s just an image loads very quickly. We anticipate these benefits:
- Increased search volume as the user knows what the widget can do.
- Faster loading web pages for our partners as the full widget is only when the user actually wants to search.
We have also improved the inner workings of the widget and the way it displays hotel search results. Each hotel is displayed with a thumbnail image and description, map link and guest review score. The result list can be sorted and filtered down to meet the users exact requirements.
Feedback is welcome on this change – please add a comment below.
Widget or White Label Website?
We are considering increasing the width of the widget by between 100 and 400 pixels:
- A 100 pixel increase will keep the widget as a plugin for individual pages.
- A 400 pixel increase would take total width to 950 pixels which is the width of a normal web page. The widget wouldn’t really be a widget any moreand would become a full white label hotel comparison site that can be plugged into affiliate sites. 950 pixels would allow for better results display with the search form and filters in a fixed position to the left of the hotel results list. The layout would mirror main website pages like this one.
Would affiliate partners welcome such a change?
Hotel Review Competition
Aug 3rd
Reviews help people find and book good hotels and avoid bad ones. They are very important to sletoH.com and so for every 200 reviews we will give the writer of the best one £100 in cash. Yes cash! To enter the competition:
- Find a hotel (or apartment, aparthotel, B&B, etc) that you have stayed in.
- On the hotel page, click the Reviews tab and add your review.
If your hotel is not listed, add your review in the comments box below with the hotel name, city and country.
Rules
The rules are straight-forward:
- Reviews must be original and at least 150 words (approximately 10 sentences). Copied reviews will be rejected and deleted.
- There is no limit on the number of reviews you submit and reviews can be of positive or negative hotel experiences.
- Winners will be posted on this blog.
- The £100 prize will be paid by cheque or Paypal. It can be paid in other currencies via Paypal.
- The judge’s decision is final.
Writing Tips
It is important to not only share your opinion but to be objective and ensure that the information you are providing is useful to others who are considering the same hotel. Ask yourself what were the best and worst parts and would you stay there again?
If your hotel review is lengthy, please break it into sections such as location, food, facilities and entertainment. Use good English grammar, punctuation and a spell checker! Do not use bad language, txt msg slang or ALL UPPERCASE letters. Do not criticise other writers – everyone is entitled to their opinion.
Merchant changes affiliate network
Apr 21st
On April 20th 2011 a hotel merchant (who we cannot name) terminated their affiliate program on Affiliate Future. Affiliates linking to this merchant via this network must now:
- Modify all links to go through another network.
- Replace the links with another hotel merchant.
Both of these options require an investment of time and effort from affiliates. Many will not modify the links and the merchant will pick up free bookings at the expense of affiliates.
Over the past year several big merchants have moved networks (e.g. Sunshine.co.uk) and others have gone bust (e.g. Xcapewithus, Reserveahotelonline). Each time the administration burden on affiliates is huge. There is a solution to the problem though that will protect affiliates from these scenarios… join the sletoH.com affiliate program.
sletoH.com technology creates the merchant links. When a merchant moves network sletoH changes the network setting for that merchant and URLs continue to work. If a merchant goes bust sletoH turns that merchant off. Affiliates don’t have to do anything – no link modifications, no adminstration burden.
Hotel Search Form Improvements
Mar 15th
Last week we updated the sletoH.com affiliate hotel search form and hotel widget pages. We simplified colour selection and search form width settings. It’s now much easier to change and preview search form colours and grab the code to insert the search forms into your website. Here is a screengrab of the widget preview screen.
Configure your hotel widget
We have also improved the loading speed of these tools to make them appear a bit quicker on your site.
As always, we appreciate feedback on the tools and program. If you have a great implementation of the widget or search form let us know and we may link to you from our affiliate pages.
HotelClub £30 Discount Voucher Code
Dec 9th
Book a hotel stay over £200 with HotelClub between now and 19th December 2010 for a massive £30 off! Click here and enter your email address to get the discount.
Happy travels!
Ben
Rome Marathon hotels – recommended by the Italian Marathon Club
Sep 3rd
Address: Atielle Roma S.r.l. – via Fagare 15, 00195 Roma
Date: March 16, 2008
Hours: 9:00am
Tickets: Free
WWW: http://www.maratonadiroma.it/eng/
Phone: 01829101003
About the Rome Marathon
What better place to run a marathon than the place where Olympic size competitions started? The Rome marathon has a history almost as rich as the city itself and people travel from near and far to join in this annual event.
The course starts at Via dei Fori Imperiali and weaves its way through the ancient city. It is a great way to see the beauty of the city as you jog on by. The course will take you by notable landmarks like the Via Ostiense (University) and the Coliseum among many others until it completes the loop once again at the Imperiali.
The marathon is so anticipated that almost 100,000 come to the Marathon Village and to see the race! Entertainment abounds for all during marathon madness in March. Marathon Village is open the entire week before. Runners can pick up their bib and race packet. Those not participating in the actual running can opt to do the Stracittadina Fun Run 4k or the Roma Walk. There are also many stands, concerts and other forms of entertainment.
The race is run annually in March. This year it is running Sunday, March 16 at 9:00am. Registration fees are 28EUR by November 13, 37EUR by December 15, 47EUR by January 24 and 57EUR by February 23, which is also the deadline. In order to register, applicants must fill out an entry form entirely, pay the fees and also have a sport federation membership that is affiliated with the IAAF or CIP or medical certificate specific to athletes. Registration forms can be downloaded and paid for online or printed and sent by post. The Fun Run immediately follows the marathon, is open to all and is only 6EUR to enter. There is a suggested training program available to all registered run to prepare for the race.
Getting to Rome Marathon
Rome’s metro has two lines which run into Termini station. Line B (Blue Line) is the one to take the marathon. It has a drop off point right near the Coliseum, which makes it very simple to get to the start or finish of the race.
There are also 8 trams that run through mainly historic parts of the city. You can easily catch a tram that stops at the Coliseum as well to avoid the hustle and bustle of the metro station.
Here is a short guide to hotels near the Rome Marathon.
The Quadrifoglio hotels in Rome are the recommended choice by the marathon. They provide additional supplements for all runners, provided they have the proper identification of a marathon race card. The Hotel Il Quadrifoglio is a newly constructed three star hotel. It is extremely elegant and a more relaxing choice as it is situated on the far outskirts of the city rather than in the bustling center. It is also close by the EUR Palasport and Fermi stations for easy access to the rest of Rome. Best of all a single room will only cost 69EUR per night.
Hotel Colosseum is a three star gem that is off to the side on a quiet street yet still right by the Cathedral of St. Mary Major, the Colosseum and Termini station. It has easy access to the race and all of the events that surround it. The price for a standard room is an affordable 97EUR per night.
If you are looking to really up your ante and pamper yourself prior to the marathon, Ambasciatori Palace Hotel is a magnificent 5 star establishment that will suit all of your pre-race needs. It is located in the center of the city, close by the Spanish steps. It is also located mere steps from the Barberini-Fontant di Trevi station which can get you where you need to go in no time. Even if you don’t want to use your subway access, the race travels close by the hotel so you may only need to go as far as the front stoop. Prices for a twin room including breakfast are about 130EUR per night.
Top Five Edinburgh Attractions
Aug 25th
Edinburgh, a beautiful city rich in fantastic architecture, history and culture is now rapidly becoming one of Europe’s most popular destinations. Edinburgh fuses together the medieval Old Town, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Georgian New Town, creating a harmonious balance of traditional and contemporary design. Quiet and mysterious cobbled lanes merge effortlessly with a bustling high street full of fashionable shops, bars and restaurants. Here’s our run down of Edinburgh’s top five must-see attractions:
Edinburgh Castle
One of the oldest and most dominant structures in the city, Edinburgh Castle has a history that dates back to around 900 BC. The Castle has been home to royal blood since the reign of David I in the 12th century and has been the site of numerous historical battles and conflicts over the years including The War of Scottish Independence and the invasion of Oliver Cromwell in 1650. Today Edinburgh Castle stands as the single most important building in the city and attracts over 1.25 million visitors per year. On display in the castle are a number of historical artefacts including the Stone of Destiny and the giant cannon ‘Mons Meg.’ Edinburgh Castle attracts many visitors for the Military Tattoo, held each year in August as well as for the firing of the One O’ Clock Gun that takes place every day at precisely 1pm.
Edinburgh Dungeon
One of the city’s scariest attractions, the Edinburgh Dungeon is the place to go to learn about the gory history of Scotland’s capital. Discover how those who inhabited the old city centuries ago lived out their lives with a number of gruesome exhibitions and frighteningly real live performances. Delve into the brutal history of the Clan Wars or wander through The Haunted Maze which stretches far out into the tunnels and catacombs of the Royal Mile. Highlights include the cave of Sawney Bean, where visitors travel by boat deep into the heart of the murderous cannibal’s lair and face his horrifyingly bloodthirsty family in the flesh. New for 2010 is the chilling Burke and Hare live experience, as visitors wind up in an eerie graveyard trying to avoid becoming one of the notorious serial killer’s next unfortunate victims.
3D Loch Ness Experience
One of the world’s most famous lakes is brought stunningly to life, as the 3D loch Ness Experience seeks to uncover the mystery of the monster. Presented by scientist Adrian Shine, visitors will experience illusions, hoaxes and real life eye witness accounts of the Loch Ness Monster in a clear, 3D surrounding. The experience raises questions about the existence of Nessie and presents interesting and eyebrow raising facts about the mythical creature’s life over the centuries. Created by the award winning Loch Ness Centre, which was opened by explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the 3D Loch Ness Experience will entertain children as well as adults.
Auld Reekie Tours: Terror Tour
Visited by televisions “Most Haunted” team on Halloween 2006 and described as their scariest location ever, the Auld Reekie Terror Tour is sure to entertain…and scare. A strictly ‘adults only’ tour of Edinburgh’s old underground vaults and passages led by a costumed guide explores the gruesome horrors and paranormal activities that dates back to the 17th century. Visitors will be led by candlelight around the cold and damp underbelly of Edinburgh’s Old Town and discover how torture was common practice among those who inhabited the streets. A small museum dedicated to the infamous instruments of death will turn fear into reality for those who brave the trip, who all the while may be stalked on their journey by the notorious South Bridge Poltergeist. A free Vodka mixer is included afterwards at Edinburgh’s most haunted pub to calm any frayed nerves.
The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour
The award-winning Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour takes visitors on a journey around some of Edinburgh’s best pubs in a 300 year old celebration of some of Scotland’s best loved literary characters and writers. Led by Clart and McBrain, a literary duelling duo, those along for the ride will be entertained by witty and colourful verses from Robert Burns, a spine-tingling reading of the metamorphosis from Stevenson’s Jekyll and Hyde and a humorous account of Muriel Clarke’s divided Edinburgh. Clart and McBrain also engage in a passionate debate over the importance of a pub atmosphere’s ability to produce creative and intellectual thought. An engaging evening where drinking, if anything, is encouraged.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival – Cheap Places To Stay
Aug 11th
As this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival slowly approaches, it’s probably a good time to start looking at some affordable accommodation in the city. There is enough choice of hotels in Edinburgh to ensure that you certainly don’t need to spend a fortune, helping you free up money to enjoy the festival. We have provided our choice of the top five cheap places to stay in the city during the Fringe Festival.
As with all Travelodge’s across the UK, the name of the game is simple and affordable. The Travelodge situated on Rose Street puts you in the heart of Edinburgh’s lively city centre, a perfect location during the Fringe Festival. Located just off Princes Street, Edinburgh’s equivalent of London’s Oxford Street, you are only a stones throw away from the beautiful Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh Castle. Rose Street Travelodge is also just a five minute walk from Waverley Train Station and bus stop, the main port of arrival into and out of the city. The Travelodge sits on a pedestrian street lined with bars and good restaurants, ensuring you will never be away from the action. Rooms will be basic but provide you with enough necessities to feel at home while rates per room start from around £35 per night although prices will be higher at weekends.
Edinburgh First at the University of Edinburgh
Situated just across from the National Library of Scotland and within touching distance of the beautiful Edinburgh University, Edinburgh First is just over a mile away from the heart of the city. Set amidst picturesque grounds, Edinburgh First is a modern option in the cities Newington district. Rooms are basic but provide the essential tea and coffee makers plus complimentary bathroom toiletries. Guests have a choice of using the coffee shop/café and the restaurant which houses a comfortable bar and lounge area. Conference rooms and banqueting facilities can all be made available and guests are served a complimentary breakfast each morning. Room rates start from £30 per night.
Halcyon Hotel Guest House
Located on Calton Hill, this beautiful old Georgian property is just a ten minute walk from Princes Street and the historic Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre. This grand building is blessed with typical Georgian features, with a quaint living area and medium to large sized rooms. There are a total of fourteen rooms within the Halcyon, twelve of which are en-suite. High speed wireless internet access runs throughout the building and guests are also served a complimentary breakfast each morning. The Halcyon Hotel Guest House is run by a committed and friendly couple who share a passion for good service and rooms start from just £35 per night.
The affordable two star Cairn Hotel sits alongside Edinburgh’s Royal Terrace Gardens and is only a ten minute walk from Waverley Train Station. Set in the heart of the cities lively theatre district, visitors to the Cairn Hotel can enjoy a comfortable and spacious lounge area in a modern setting while the typically Georgian architecture gives the building a sophisticated and luxurious quality. A small bar and large restaurant allows guests to relax with some good food and a quick dram before heading out for the night. All fifty two en-suite rooms are fully equipped with tea and coffee making facilities, television and complimentary bathroom amenities. Conference and banqueting facilities are accessible upon request and private parking is also available. Rooms start from £39 per night.
Chalmers Street Apartments
Set back a little from the main city centre, Chalmers Street Apartments puts guest in the quieter region of Meadows Park. Within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle, the National War Museum and the National Galleries of Scotland, Chalmers Street Apartments are situated in an ideal location for soaking up some culture. Guests are provided with well equipped rooms with a kitchenette complete with microwave and refrigerator plus en-suite private bathrooms. All rooms are fitted with televisions and telephones and guests have access to a communal kitchen and lounge area although there are a variety of excellent restaurants nearby. Rooms start from as little as £50 per night with a laundry service and high speed internet access also available.
Create Your Own Hotel Search Form
Aug 3rd
Last week a couple of partners asked whether they could integrate their own search forms with sletoH.com hotel search. We have re-written a piece of the search engine to make this possible.
To create your own search form you will need these form input components:
- Text box for the hotel, city or airport name.
- Date input for check in date (date format is dd-mm-yyyy).
- Nights dropdown.
- Rooms, adults and children dropdowns. When children > 0, child_age must be supplied for each child.
- Currency dropdown (EUR, GBP, USD).
Refer to the search form at www.sletoh.com for dropdown values and ranges. For example nights is between 1 and 28, rooms between 1 and 5.
Your search form should send traffic to the following URL:
http://www.sletoh.com/find.php?search_term=halifax&country_id=&check_in_date=27-07-2011&nights=1&rooms=1&adults=1&children=1&child_age_1=6&child_age_2=-&child_age_3=-&child_age_4=-¤cy=GBP&partner_id=0
Parameters search_term, check_in_date, nights, rooms, adults, children and currency are mandatory. Parameter partner_id is given to you in your welcome email and can be retrieved from the partners login area. If you add a country dropdown to your search form, take the country IDs from the list of all cities and countries.
Custom Search Forms
You can create a custom hotel search form without getting into any technical stuff. Custom hotel search form.
Get In Touch
We would love to see your search form implementations. Send us your URL and we may even link to you to show others how it’s done.
