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On Wednesday, Google launched its Google One cloud storage plans to users across the US. Google One is really just a rebranding of Google Drive but with some new features and payment plans, including a nugget that may help travelers save on their next hotel booking.
Google One is offering cloud storage plans from $2/month for 100 gigabytes to $300/month for a whopping 30 terabytes. If you’re a paying Google One customer you may be eligible for discounts from 15%-40% for hotel reservations made through Google search. These seem to be real discounts, not fluff prices that other OTA’s advertise when you can find the same price anywhere else.
Twitter users have been sharing the discounts they’re seeing. Az Respes shows the Yotel in New York city advertised at a “1 Member price” of $57/night in September. A search on Hotels.com and Yotel’s website for the same date shows prices at $98 a night. That’s a 42% savings.
Masaki Okazawa shows the Hotel Milo Santa Barbara with a “1 Member price” $65 lower than the list price.
It’s unclear how you access these deals right now. But the two screenshots appear to indicate that you need to be using a Google Android phone and be a Google One member to receive the discounts. TPG has reached out to Google for clarification.
If these rates are real, it could mean serious competition for websites like Hotels.com, even when factoring in using a credit card like the Capital One Venture that earns 10x points at the website. Just always make sure to use a credit card that earns points on either hotel or travel purchases regardless of where you shop.
Google’s move may be a way to preempt Amazon, which many analysts predict will soon enter the travel booking space.
Lifehacker reports that Google One subscribers will receive other “special perks” like Google Play credits and more, although the company wouldn’t go into more specifics.
H/T: Doctor of Credit
Featured image by Murat Kaynak/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images.
The American Express Platinum card has some of the best perks out there: cardholders enjoy the best domestic lounge access (Delta SkyClubs, Centurion Lounges, and Priority Pass), a $200 annual airline fee credit as well as up to $200 in Uber credits, and mid-tier elite status at SPG, Marriott, and Hilton. Combined with the 60,000 point welcome offer -- worth $1,140 based on TPG's valuations -- this card is a no-brainer for frequent travelers. Here are 5 reasons you should consider this card, as well as how you can figure out if the $550 annual fee makes sense for you.
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 3 months.
- Enjoy Uber VIP status and free rides in the U.S. up to $15 each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings.
- 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel.
- 5X Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com.
- Enjoy access to the Global Lounge Collection, the only credit card airport lounge access program that includes proprietary lounge locations around the world.
- Receive complimentary benefits with an average total value of $550 with Fine Hotels & Resorts. Learn More.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit, up to $200 per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one qualifying airline.
- Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue on your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
- $550 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
