DECADECA Travel and Tourism Practice Exam

What does a guaranteed reservation ensure?

1. Guests can cancel anytime without penalty

2. The room will be held for the guest regardless of arrival time

3. A discount will be applied to the reservation

4. Guests will receive free upgrades

The correct answer is: The room will be held for the guest regardless of arrival time

A guaranteed reservation is an important concept in the hospitality industry that provides assurance to both the guest and the hotel. When a reservation is guaranteed, it means that the hotel commits to holding a room for the guest, ensuring that it will be available regardless of the time of arrival. This is particularly crucial for guests who may arrive late or at unconventional hours, providing peace of mind that their accommodation is secured. This type of reservation is often paired with a prepayment or a credit card assurance, which further solidifies the hotel’s obligation to hold the room. Consequently, even if the guest does not arrive at the expected time, the hotel cannot sell that room to someone else, thus guaranteeing the reservation. The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of a guaranteed reservation. For instance, while some establishments may allow for flexible cancelation policies, a guaranteed reservation specifically relates to room availability rather than cancelation terms. Similarly, discounts and upgrades are separate promotional offerings that do not pertain directly to the guarantee aspect of the reservation itself.