Hotelplanner - TravelMole

About us

HotelPlanner is a leading travel technology company that combines proprietary AI/machine learning capabilities and a 24/7 global gig-based customer service network to seamlessly serve all traveler hotel needs from a single platform.

HotelPlanner is one of the world’s top providers of individual, group and corporate travel bookings, specializing in unique “Closed User Group” discount rates.

Founded in 2003, HotelPlanner has enduring partnerships with the world’s largest Online Travel Agencies, well-known hotel chains, individual hotels, online wedding providers, ancillary lodging providers, corporations, sports franchises, universities and government agencies.

Company Name : Hotelplanner

Company Website

News & announcements

18 Aug 25
NEWS
HotelPlanner to extend its support of the Progress Tour in new title sponsorship agreement
The relationship expands Hotel Planner’s investment in the next generation of British Tennis stars WEST ...Read more

HotelPlanner to extend its support of the Progress Tour in new title sponsorship agreement - News & announcements

The relationship expands Hotel Planner’s investment in the next generation of British Tennis stars

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla, August 11, 2025 Hotelplanner, a leading travel technology platform and hotel booking engine, today announced that the Progress Tour (the UK’s leading independent transitional tour for new Tennis stars) will be renamed the HotelPlanner Tour.

The five year agreement will see a £250,000 annual increase to the tours prize fund with Great Britain Davis Cup Winner and ATP World Top 20 professional player Dan Evans, acting as The Hotelplanner Tour’s brand ambassador.

This extends Hotel Planner’s existing investment in tennis and will enable the Tour to provide an improved service to its members, fans and athletes across the network.

Hotelplanner will provide participants with great hotel rates for national and international travel, player hospitality and voucher prizes.

“Hotelplanner’s tech opens hotel doors for millions of travelers each year. It’s great to be opening the doors for the best up and coming Tennis players” Tim Hentschel, CEO, Hotelplanner.

“I’m excited to welcome HotelPlanner on board as title sponsor of the tour as we embark on this new chapter” Barry Fulcher, Founder and Director of the Tour, said. “As with the Progress Tour, the newly named HotelPlanner tour will continue to provide first class playing experiences and earning opportunities for those players looking to progress their tennis careers and transition to the professional game.”

ABOUT HOTELPLANNER

HotelPlanner is a leading travel technology company and hotel booking platform that combines proprietary artificial intelligence, and a 24/7 global gig-based reservations and customer service network. HotelPlanner is one of the world’s leading providers of individual, group and corporate travel bookings. Founded in 2003, HotelPlanner has enduring partnerships with the world’s largest online travel agencies, well-known global hotel chains, individual hotels, online wedding providers, ancillary lodging providers, corporations, sporting organizations from youth to professional, universities, and government agencies. HotelPlanner’s family of brands includes its flagship site HotelPlanner.com, its meetings & events-focused sites Meetings.com; EventConnect.com; and Venuexplorer.com; Lucid Travel, which focuses on sports team travel; and its most recent acquisition Eventsquid, which focuses on corporate and association event registration. Learn more at https://hotelplanner.com/.

ABOUT THE HOTELPLANNER TOUR

The Progress Tour was set up in 2017 to give aspiring British players more earning opportunity on home soil. Since its inception, the tour has seen over 6,000 players take part in over 18,000 level-based and progressive matches, and paid out over £1.3m in prize money, all of which has been independently sourced, and privately funded. This years Wimbledon Championships saw over 30 former Progress Tour players and champions compete across Men’s and Women’s events.

The motivation for the tour stems from a belief that we need to provide more and better opportunities for transitioning players to earn prize money and player support whilst competing domestically.

Tim Gunstone Chief Communication Officer HotelPlanner [email protected]
16 Jun 25
NEWS
HotelPlanner EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 – Florida winners revealed
Inside the journey to the HotelPlanner EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 award HotelPlanner founders ...Read more

HotelPlanner EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 – Florida winners revealed - News & announcements

Inside the journey to the HotelPlanner EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 award

HotelPlanner founders recognized for innovation and growth in travel tech
John Prince and Tim Hentschel, co-founders and co-CEOs of HotelPlanner, have been named winners of the HotelPlanner EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 Florida Award. The prestigious recognition, announced on June 16, celebrates their leadership in developing one of the most innovative platforms in travel technology. [caption id="attachment_300038" align="alignnone" width="300"] Tim Hentschel, co-founder and CEO of HotelPlanner. He was recently named EY Entrepreneur of the Year for Florida.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_300040" align="alignnone" width="300"] John Prince, co-founder and CEO of HotelPlanner. Honored with the 2025 EY Entrepreneur of the Year award for Florida.[/caption]
The award is part of EY’s long-standing program recognizing business leaders who demonstrate excellence in areas such as innovation, long-term growth, and value creation. Winners are selected through an independent panel of judges, based on entrepreneurial spirit, financial performance, and impact.

A Business Built on Innovation and Scale

Founded in 2003, HotelPlanner has grown into a global platform for hotel bookings, specializing in group, corporate, and event-based travel. The company has gained industry attention through its use of AI-driven booking tools and a global network of travel experts. This model has helped HotelPlanner achieve strong growth while maintaining a lean and scalable structure.

The HotelPlanner EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 recognition highlights how the company has navigated industry shifts with agility, integrating technology to simplify complex booking processes and improve the customer experience.

In a joint statement, Prince and Hentschel acknowledged the work of their global team and emphasized the importance of innovation in shaping the company’s success.

Looking Ahead

As winners of the Florida award, the HotelPlanner leadership team will now be considered for the national Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 title in November. Finalists from across the country will compete at the Strategic Growth Forum, with national winners moving on to the global competition in 2026.

The HotelPlanner EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 award confirms the company’s position at the forefront of travel technology—and positions its founders among the most respected entrepreneurs in the industry today.
23 May 25
NEWS
HotelPlanner partners with London Design Biennale
Travel technology company HotelPlanner has joined forces with London Design Biennale in a strategic partnership ...Read more

HotelPlanner partners with London Design Biennale - News & announcements

Travel technology company HotelPlanner has joined forces with London Design Biennale in a strategic partnership to offer exclusive hotel discounts to the attendees of this year’s event. This collaboration aims to provide an unparalleled hotel experience for event participants. The London Design Biennale is a global platform for contemporary design and design-led innovation, creativity and research. “We are thrilled to partner with London Design Biennale,” said Tim Hentschel, CEO, Hotel Planner. “This partnership allows us to connect with a passionate community of designers and provide them with exceptional value on their hotel stays. We believe this will enhance the overall travel experience for the attendees.” London Design Biennale showcases design, innovation, creativity and research from exhibitors from across the globe. The three-week international exhibition features curated installations accompanied by a programme of events, thought-leadership talks, performances and workshops. This year’s theme, ‘Surface Reflections’ by Artistic Director Dr Samuel Ross MBE, explores how ideas are fuelled by both internal experiences and external influences. It says revelations in life are prompted by personal histories that inform who we are. These form the hues of human experience. Event attendees can book their rooms here. HotelPlanner combines proprietary artificial intelligence agents (HotelPlanner.ai) and a 24/7 global gig-based reservations and customer service network. It offers comprehensive hotel booking services to individuals and groups worldwide, leveraging a vast network of hotels and a user-friendly interface.
24 Apr 25
Partner News
Global Travel Tech Leader HotelPlanner Partners with UPA Asia Trailblazers Program
UPA Asia is pleased to announce HotelPlanner as the Official Accommodation Partner for the ...Read more

Global Travel Tech Leader HotelPlanner Partners with UPA Asia Trailblazers Program - News & announcements

UPA Asia is pleased to announce HotelPlanner as the Official Accommodation Partner for the Trailblazers Program in 2025. HotelPlanner is a leading travel technology company that leverages AI and a global customer service network to transform hotel bookings across individual, group, and corporate travel segments. Founded in 2003, the company provides unique discount rates through an innovative booking engine that connects travelers with an extensive network of hotel partners and institutions. Through the partnership, HotelPlanner will provide accommodation support to the Trailblazers during their time competing throughout the USA as well as at PPA Tour Asia stops in 2025. The UPA Asia Trailblazers Program is set to elevate talent across Asia and establish the region as a force in the global pickleball landscape. The Trailblazers will spend 3-months in the USA, receiving expert coaching, media training as well as competing on the PPA Tour. The UPA Asia Trailblazers immediately benefited from the support of HotelPlanner during their attendance at Baton Rouge PPA Challenger, from 4-6 April in Louisiana. There the Trailblazers claimed four medals, including Yufei Long (CHN) winning the gold over Ken Tam (VIE) in the Pro Women’s Singles. For fans wanting to follow the Trailblazers on their journey, book your accommodation here.
05 Feb 25
NEWS
Actress Cheryl Hines to receive World Hospitality Award
The World Hospitality Symposium has selected Cheryl Hines as the recipient of the 2025 World ...Read more

Actress Cheryl Hines to receive World Hospitality Award - News & announcements

The World Hospitality Symposium has selected Cheryl Hines as the recipient of the 2025 World Hospitality Award. This honour recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to enhancing the quality of hospitality for both customers and the broader travel and hospitality industries. The award ceremony will take place on March 4, 2025, at the Hotel de Rome in Berlin, which coincides with the ITB travel trade show. The World Hospitality Symposium, established by HotelPlanner, celebrates the finest leaders in global travel, tourism and hospitality. Tim Hentschel, creator of the World Hospitality Symposium and co-CEO of HotelPlanner, hailed Hines for her commitment to wellness and healthy living: "The global tourism industry must lead in embracing wellness and setting new standards for healthy eating. Cheryl Hines has long been a pioneer in promoting healthy living for herself, her family, and her fans." At the awards ceremony, Cheryl will sit down for an exclusive interview with veteran filmmaker Dylan Ratigan, to discuss improving the food and beverage industry. This will focus not only on the food we eat but also on the imports and exports sector. Her goal is to establish a global gold standard for food quality. "Cheryl Hines is the epitome of healthy living," Hentschel said. "We look forward to learning more about her exciting work." The World Hospitality Symposium is organised by publisher Cleverdis and backed by HotelPlanner. Hines is an American actress best known for playing Cheryl in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and has received two Emmy Award nominations for her work on the show. She has also starred as Dallas Royce in Suburgatory and directed the film Serious Moonlight. Hines is married to US Secretary of Health and Human Services nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. She is one of the leading supporters behind the ‘Make America Healthy Again’ movement. Cleverdis, a Hotelplanner company, offers powerful tools and content for the world’s biggest trade shows. Parent company HotelPlanner is a leading travel tech company with proprietary artificial intelligence agents (HotelPlanner.ai) and a 24/7 global gig-based reservations and customer service network.
13 Dec 24
NEWS
HotelPlanner AI: Call handlers with the human touch
HotelPlanner’s new call handler team are not your average AI bots answering simple, stock questions. ...Read more

HotelPlanner AI: Call handlers with the human touch - News & announcements

HotelPlanner’s new call handler team are not your average AI bots answering simple, stock questions. Having used eight million recorded phone calls made by human call center agents, the firm’s AI powered customer agents are as human as the tech gets. In fact, HotelPlanner says many customers don’t even realize they’re not actually speaking to a human. During its first month, the AI powered team has handled about 40,000 inquiries. UK newspaper The Times tested the service to see whether artificial intelligence compared with real time human interactions. Its initial reaction – there was no discernable indication that AI bot Cassandra wasn’t a real person. The service is as advanced as it gets; Cassandra and the other AI entities can make recommendations, check for room availability, quote prices, and give room type explanations with ease. Its quite a feat with 1.4 million hotels on its site. Overall, HotelPlanner has created 20 AI agents able to converse in 15 languages. There are two specific AI characters which have gained media attention. One is called Santa for the festive season, while another is called Donnie. The latter promises to make a stay in America great (again) complete with similar verbal mannerisms of the President-elect. The Times staffer’s interaction with Donnie went as follows: “This hotel is great, it’s tremendous, absolutely tremendous … it’s a beautiful thing, believe me.” “How many nights would you like to make America — I mean make your stay — great?” HotelPlanner’s CEO Tim Hentschel, said the volume of : calls has doubled since the AI platform fully rolled out. “This year we’ve had to curtail the capacity on our site, when fewer call handlers were available, but now we can now scale much faster,” he said. “We have calls recorded of people saying ‘Hey, James, will you be at the hotel when I get there?’, who responds, ‘Sorry, no — I’m an automated agent’.” Of course, sometimes an inquiry is too nuanced or complex for AI, such as ‘Does your breakfast have poached eggs?’ In that case we’ll transfer the call either direct to the hotel or to one of our human agents,” Hentschel added.
12 Sep 24
Partner News
Group Bookings the Easy Way
Planning an event like a wedding, meeting, or sports team travel can be time-consuming, ...Read more

Group Bookings the Easy Way - News & announcements

Planning an event like a wedding, meeting, or sports team travel can be time-consuming, costly, and stressful, especially when booking hotel rooms. HotelPlanner.com simplifies the process by allowing hotels to come directly to you. With HotelPlanner, you can get instant quotes from top hotels competing for your business, ensuring you find the best rates—guaranteed savings of up to 77%. Just fill out a request with your event details, compare offers, negotiate online, and select the best deal, all in one convenient platform. HotelPlanner.com is committed to making group bookings easy, efficient, and affordable.
11 Sep 24
Partner News
Tim Hentschel: Modernizing Hotel Booking with HotelPlanner – Top Floor Podcast
Tim Hentschel is the founder of HotelPlanner, which sought to digitize the analog ...Read more

Tim Hentschel: Modernizing Hotel Booking with HotelPlanner – Top Floor Podcast - News & announcements

Tim Hentschel is the founder of HotelPlanner, which sought to digitize the analog process of booking group business in hotels. HotelPlanner has changed a lot since it launched, and Tim is now exploring other ways to digitize analog processes in the hotel industry. Susan and Tim talk about automating relationships, over-managing rate strategy, and innovating in a tech resistant industry. What you'll learn about in this episode: - Why AI might not fully replace human agents in high-touch services. - How the flexibility of gig work is gamified for customer service agents. - How AI is being integrated into HotelPlanner's customer service operations. - Why the hospitality industry is resistant to fully automating meeting space bookings. - What challenges revenue management systems face during high-demand events like the Olympics.
10 Sep 24
Partner News
Here’s How To Drive Group Business With HotelPlanner.com In 2024 And Beyond
I know what you are probably saying to yourself right now: HotelPlanner?!?!?!? Not that ...Read more
Here’s How To Drive Group Business With HotelPlanner.com In 2024 And Beyond - News & announcements

I know what you are probably saying to yourself right now: HotelPlanner?!?!?!? Not that old thing again?!?!? Those leads are garbage and they NEVER convert!!! Well…(channeling my inner Chandler Bing)…you could not be more wrong! With first hand experience and loads of data over years and years of using their services, I can tell you if you still have this attitude in 2024 it is because you are not utilizing their system the way it was designed. I’ve seen consistent portfolio close rates of 8.5%. Yes…that’s on minimally qualified RFPs and on the low end of what you might expect. But…when you use the tools HotelPlanner gives you to get the leads that matter, I have seen close rates consistently above 40% (and…NO…that doesn’t mean they got 5 leads and closed 2 all year!). Real prospects measured in the 1000s across an entire portfolio of hundreds of hotels. If you want to maximize this potential partnership, keep reading. It’s pretty easy.
Who Can Benefit from HotelPlanner?
HotelPlanner is not…repeat…IS NOT a place for low rated business. Low rated leads do exist, but not any more than any other source. The stereotype that this site has earned among some in sales is undeserved. It is not just your average booking platform – it’s a kind of hero for all sorts of events. It caters to groups of all sizes AND all rate levels. Whether a planner (or a novice stuck with the job!) is looking to book a block of nine rooms or 999 rooms, or groups with space or without space, or groups with F&B or without F&B, or any other combination it is an actual source of all types of groups. Here are some key demographics that you can get in front of (in the order of what you can expect):

Weddings

Sports Teams & Youth Groups

Corporate Business (AT&T, Walmart by example are just two exclusive users)

Reunions

School Groups

Extended Stays 15+ Nights

So who can benefit from that? Well…everyone. These groups have a place at every property in some way, especially when you consider most leads are room-only blocks. All 4 major brands can utilize this platform with no issue: Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and Hyatt. These brands do place caps on the commission rates paid, so check with your NSO. Additionally, HotelPlanner is also cooperating with Best Western, Choice, Wyndham, Sonesta, Cobblestone, G6, and others.
Making Friends with OTAs & More
HotelPlanner is actually the “power” behind OTA group business. Like www.groups.expedia.com is HotelPlanner’s “white label” application managing all leads and the sales process for every group wanting 5 or more rooms. The major OTAs such as Hotels.com, Priceline, Trivago, and more are all through them. This is on top of the public sites they run that appeal to people searching online for help in planning group events – i.e. novice people looking for 15 rooms for 2 nights for their corporate retreat. This means: Even if a client submits a group hotel request through one of these sites, they will remain on the respective site from start to finish. But if you want to gain a piece of this business, you need to use HotelPlanner or take a pass on this rather qualified group business.
Top 5 Ways to Maximize the HotelPlanner Lead Volume
So this goes to the stereotype I mentioned at the top of this article. Do junk rated leads exist on HotelPlanner? Absolutely. But just like spam messages shouldn’t stop you from using email, junk leads can be easily “deleted” and never bother you again. Leaving only the ACTUAL, valuable qualified leads you want to talk to. How do you do that?
1 – Filter Like Your Life Depends on It
And it is sooooooooooo easy to do. Just one time and less than five minutes, you can be walked through some simple check-box-steps to get only the size, rate, and room night RFPs you want. You can even qualify by space + rates, rates + no space, space + F&B, rooms only, even geography and group event types if you wanted it. You set these minimums and…in the words of Ron Popeil…”you set it and forget it!” (google him if you don’t know…) See our simple step-by-step guide to filters HERE
2 – Let the System Do the Talking
Short and to the point: Instant Offers are your best friend. Like the filters, HotelPlanner lets you pick any date or set of days you want and set up an autoresponder that will instantly fire off a response to any RFP for you, including restrictions, contractual minimums, and even incentives. And it can be done in a matter of minutes just like filters. So, if you have a set of dates this year or 3 years from now that are just so behind pace you are “distressed”, just load an Instant Offer with a “take it or leave it” rate complete with incentives and contractual requirements and let offers fly! And even if you are doing well but could use some help. Use Instant Offers with a solid, competitive rate offer. If no bites, oh well. But if they do, they are that much more qualified when they finally reach out in person to close the deal.
3 – Simplify the paperwork process with the e-contracting functionality
Utilizing this feature allows you to manage contracts electronically, saving time and reducing administrative burden. Enter any restriction or minimum you want, even concessions. It does it all.
4 – Explore GNET Rate Plan Technology
The GNET Rate Plan Technology enables instant group bookings for small groups ranging from 10 to 25 rooms. For small teams who need to concentrate on larger group needs, this can be your “automated admin” helping you book those few extra rooms to get over your goal!
5 – Consider Preferred Membership
If you join as a Preferred Hotel Member, your benefits will include: top placement in search results (think Google Ads for paid search!), reduced commission rates, personalized recommendations to clients, access to RFPs open for collective bidding (free listings have to wait for a planner to ask you personally), and more!
Cost of Using HotelPlanner
The great news is you can start with no fee to participate as a classic member. In this case, HotelPlanner operates on actualized referral fees, based on meeting planner commission fees per brand. Additional Resources:

Best Practices for Group Rates vs Transient Rates

Account Review Check List

Outlook Rules: for New Lead Notification Emails, for Referred for Consideration Emails and Quick Parts

Useful HotelPlanner Contacts

FAQ

How to Set Up RFP Filters & Qualifiers:
HotelPlanner-Instant-Offers-How-To-Guide
In summary, HotelPlanner isn’t just any booking platform – it’s a comprehensive tool that integrates with you and your sales team, aligns with Branded hotels, provides you with a wide range of planners to reach who are ACTUALLY looking to book, as well as plenty of resources to help you maximize the production you will get.
21 Feb 24
Partner News
HotelPlanner Partners with Clerkenwell Design Week 2024 as Official Hotel Provider
The company’s partnership will support UK’s leading design festival with a discounted accommodations offering ...Read more

HotelPlanner Partners with Clerkenwell Design Week 2024 as Official Hotel Provider - News & announcements

The company’s partnership will support UK’s leading design festival with a discounted accommodations offering for more than 37,000 expected attendees. HotelPlanner, a leading travel technology platform and hotel booking engine, today announced a new partnership with Clerkenwell Design Week, UK’s leading design festival, to share revenue on attendee hotel bookings as their Official Hotel Provider. Taking place May 21-23, 2024 across various locations, Clerkenwell Design Week is a jam-packed design festival that features more than 600 showroom events, 160 local design showrooms, 300 exhibitors, 11+ curated exhibitions, striking installations, topical talks with leading creatives, design destinations, a fringe programme, and food and drink offerings. Last year’s event welcomed a record-breaking 37,725 visitors. Clerkenwell is home to more creative businesses and architects per square mile than anywhere else on the planet, making it truly one of the most important design hubs in the world. To celebrate this rich and diverse community, Clerkenwell Design Week has created a truly unique way of showcasing the world’s leading interiors brands. The upcoming event is set to elevate the experience with new venues, expanded exhibition spaces, thought-provoking installations and 600 curated events throughout the neighborhood. “We’re thrilled to be the official accommodations provider for the entire Clerkenwell Design Week, an iconic annual festival for all design lovers,” says Tim Hentschel, Co-founder & CEO, HotelPlanner. “This partnership enables all attendees to find the best price and value for their hotel stay during the week, while driving additional revenue to the Clerkenwell area.” More details about the upcoming event will be announced in due course. For more information, please visit clerkenwelldesignweek.com – registration is now open.
13 Dec 23
Partner News
2023 American Group Travel Awards Highlight Reel – HotelPlanner.com
The American Group Travel Awards charity gala hosted by HotelPlanner took place on November ...Read more

2023 American Group Travel Awards Highlight Reel – HotelPlanner.com - News & announcements

The American Group Travel Awards charity gala hosted by HotelPlanner took place on November 12, 2023 at the Boca Raton Resort to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and to celebrate HotelPlanner’s 20th Anniversary and HipHop50. Grammy Award nominee and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Flavor Flav was honored as the World Hospitality Award winner, with Hip Hop legends Rob Base and Grandmaster Flash performing, and a special appearance by Cuba Gooding, Jr.
07 Nov 23
Partner News
HotelPlanner Adds Cleverdis to its Family of Brands
HotelPlanner, a leading travel technology platform and hotel booking engine, is excited to announce ...Read more

HotelPlanner Adds Cleverdis to its Family of Brands - News & announcements

HotelPlanner, a leading travel technology platform and hotel booking engine, is excited to announce the integration of Cleverdis, the content provider for more than 17 international trade shows. Cleverdis is active across a range of industries including food, defense, consumer electronics, logistics, wine and spirits, and retail, all of which bolster the company’s global footprint in the trade show ecosystem and multimedia space. Established in 1997 in France, Cleverdis has earned its reputation as a comprehensive content factory for trade shows. Beyond producing daily magazines, the company offers official newsrooms and bespoke podcasts for various events. With a team of experts committed to delivering intelligent content and insights, Cleverdis enables buyers to make informed purchasing decisions while amplifying brand visibility. The company collaborates with more than 400 advertising partners and generates in excess of 3,500 pages of original content annually. Their extensive multimedia services encompass video and podcast production, photography, newsroom, and press services, which contributes to a vibrant and impactful trade show experience. Operating as an independent entity within the HotelPlanner family of brands, Cleverdis will maintain its current client relationships and uphold its standing as a leader in content production and media services. “We believe strongly in the power of collaboration and lasting partnerships. Becoming a part of the HotelPlanner family of brands allows us to offer additional value to trade show organisers and attendees, while enhancing our global reach and capacity to connect and serve trade show buyers and influencers worldwide,” says Jean-Francois Pieri, President & CEO, Cleverdis. “Having attended hundreds of trade shows over the past two decades, I can unequivocally state that quality content is a game-changer. A well-told brand story forms lasting impressions on buyers and attendees, and can make the difference in generating new business. Partnering with Cleverdis, a leader in the trade show ecosystem, is a strategic and exciting move for us. We are thrilled to work together to help trade show buyers maximise their brand presence while providing a state-of-the-art media experience for all attendees,” says Tim Hentschel, Co-founder & CEO, HotelPlanner.