Lonely Planet has launched its independently author-reviewed and recommended online accommodation booking service, Lonely Planet Haystack.

Published: 18 Feb 2007

Lonely Planet has launched its independently author-reviewed and recommended online accommodation booking service, Lonely Planet Haystack.

The site (http://haystack.lonelyplanet.com) is being termed as a unique `invitation only’ booking service that features only properties that have been visited, reviewed and recommended by a Lonely Planet author. According to the company, many of the properties that have already joined the service were not previously bookable online through any other service.

“As many Americans find it difficult to call internationally to make reservations, Haystack will prove to be an invaluable resource for booking desirable accommodation overseas,” stated an official release. All Haystack properties are hand-picked by Lonely Planet authors and the site features detailed author reviews and information on each property, complemented by reviews from independent travelers.

Dan Christian, Lonely Planet’s Haystack product manager said, “We are inviting our favourite properties from around the globe to join the service -- whether it’s a backpackers in Sydney, an eco-resort in Yap, or a boutique hotel in Rome. Haystack is a unique service in that every property listed is recommended as a great place to stay. Every property review is 100 percent independent and written by an experienced travel writer.”

Lonely Planet Haystack now has over 1000 properties in more than 58 countries and will continue to develop rapidly. US travelers are the second largest group using the service. So far, the top thre destinations booked are Barcelona, Bangkok and Buenos Aires.
“Haystack will continue to grow daily as more destinations and properties are added to the site throughout 2007 and beyond,” added Christian.