Travelers at the moment are offered with more booking options than ever before. On-line journey agencies (OTAs) like Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com dominate the search outcomes, providing offers and comparisons across hundreds of properties. Nonetheless, a growing number of seasoned travelers are choosing to book directly with hotels. Why? Because direct booking can provide distinctive advantages that third-party platforms simply can’t match.
Higher Rates and Perks
One of the biggest misconceptions in the journey world is that OTAs always supply the bottom prices. While they typically advertise unique deals, many hotels guarantee the perfect rate on their own websites. Some even supply price matching or reductions for guests who book directly.
Past value, booking directly typically comes with added perks. These may embody free breakfast, room upgrades, early check-in, late check-out, or complimentary parking and Wi-Fi. These extras can significantly enhance your stay and are often reserved for direct bookers or loyalty members.
Greater Flexibility
Another key advantage of direct booking is flexibility. Most hotels supply more beneficiant cancellation and modification policies when you book through their site. With OTAs, modifications may be more difficult and generally incur higher fees, particularly if the booking is part of a non-refundable promotion.
Direct communication with the hotel also makes it easier to customise your stay. Need a crib within the room? Want a particular floor or view? These requests are more likely to be accommodated when the hotel can work with you directly quite than through a third-party portal.
Loyalty Rewards and Exclusive Affords
For those who’re a frequent traveler, becoming a member of a hotel’s loyalty program will be very rewarding. Points earned from direct bookings will be redeemed for free nights, upgrades, or different benefits. Most chains—resembling Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and IHG One Rewards—only award points for direct reservations.
Hotels also tend to promote their greatest affords directly on their websites or through email to subscribers. These unique packages may embrace seasonal reductions, bonus nights, or dining credits that aren’t available through OTAs.
Better Customer Service
Whenever you book through a third-party site and something goes incorrect—similar to overbooking or a cancellation—it could be harder to resolve the difficulty quickly. Hotels usually have limited ability to make modifications or subject refunds for OTA bookings, that means you could have to go through the third party’s customer service, which can delay solutions.
Booking directly provides you a direct line of communication with the hotel staff. If any problems come up, it’s simpler and faster to discover a resolution. Hotels typically prioritize guests who book with them over those who come through OTAs when it comes to upgrades and problem resolution.
When OTAs Might Be Useful
That said, OTAs do provide benefits in specific situations. They’re glorious tools for comparing prices, places, and amenities across multiple properties at once. Some additionally bundle offers with flights or car leases for added savings. When you’re booking a trip on quick notice or exploring unfamiliar destinations, OTAs can provide useful user critiques and scores that simplify the choice process.
In rare cases, third-party platforms may need access to particular rates during high-demand periods or supply loyalty points through their own programs, reminiscent of Expedia Rewards. However, it’s always worth checking the hotel’s direct website earlier than making a ultimate decision.
The Bottom Line
Booking directly with hotels typically leads to better service, added perks, and more versatile terms. While OTAs may be helpful for comparability and planning, savvy travelers increasingly turn to direct booking for a more reliable and personalized experience. Earlier than locking in your next keep, take a moment to check the hotel’s website—you could be surprised at what you find.
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