Web Buzz: Travel-deal site Spire.com offers luxe rooms for less to members

Do we really need another members-only travel flash-sale site? If you’ve ever scored a deal on one, then yes, because they can be addicting. If one site doesn’t have the destination you’re looking for, another might. Introducing: Spire.com.

Name: Spire

What it does: Offers members (free to join) luxury hotel stays at 30% off the lowest offer found anywhere else for a limited time.

What’s hot: The site offers a “Best Deal Guarantee.” If you find the same room at the same hotel for a lower price, Spire will refund the difference between the lower rate and what you paid, plus give you $100 credit toward future Spire reservations. It also has a generous cancellation period worth noting. I particularly liked the insight in the right navigation bar that tells users highlights of the hotel and, more important, what kinds of travelers should stay away. Keeps user research quick and efficient.

What’s not: The site looks a lot like other notable travel flash sites Jetsetter and Vacationist. There are differences, but you must really know all three sites to notice them.