Methods and apparatus for reserving a block of hotel rooms on short notice

摘要: A reservations processing center is coupled by communication links to hotels in the vicinity of one or more airports and airline offices same airport(s). The methods invention include maintaining a database (at center) which each hotel indicates rates it has contracted with airline, number currently available rooms, today's rate (if lower than rate). If rooms requested less equal twenty, compiles list having at least forwards agent. greater reservation request copied participating as for bid. bid instructs submit their bids designated designate agent contact when accepting When receives bids, most appropriate accepted transmitting acceptance directly hotel.