Vacationers today are presented with more booking options than ever before. Online journey businesses (OTAs) like Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com dominate the search results, offering offers and comparisons throughout hundreds of properties. However, a rising number of seasoned vacationers are selecting to book directly with hotels. Why? Because direct booking can offer distinctive advantages that third-party platforms merely can’t match.
Better Rates and Perks
One of the biggest misconceptions in the travel world is that OTAs always provide the bottom prices. While they usually advertise unique deals, many hotels guarantee the most effective rate on their own websites. Some even provide worth matching or discounts for guests who book directly.
Beyond price, booking directly often comes with added perks. These might include 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 usually reserved for direct bookers or loyalty members.
Greater Flexibility
One other key advantage of direct booking is flexibility. Most hotels supply more generous cancellation and modification policies when you book through their site. With OTAs, modifications can be more complicated and sometimes incur higher fees, particularly if the booking is part of a non-refundable promotion.
Direct communication with the hotel additionally makes it simpler to customise your stay. Need a crib in the room? Need a specific floor or view? These requests are more likely to be accommodated when the hotel can work with you directly rather than through a third-party portal.
Loyalty Rewards and Unique Provides
For those who’re a frequent traveler, becoming a member of a hotel’s loyalty program may be very rewarding. Points earned from direct bookings can be redeemed without spending a dime nights, upgrades, or other benefits. Most chains—corresponding to Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and IHG One Rewards—only award points for direct reservations.
Hotels also tend to promote their best offers directly on their websites or via e-mail to subscribers. These unique packages could include seasonal reductions, bonus nights, or dining credits that are not available through OTAs.
Better Customer Service
If you book through a third-party site and something goes wrong—equivalent to overbooking or a cancellation—it can be harder to resolve the problem quickly. Hotels usually have limited ability to make modifications or problem refunds for OTA bookings, that means you will have to go through the third party’s customer service, which can delay solutions.
Booking directly gives you a direct line of communication with the hotel staff. If any problems come up, it’s easier and faster to discover a resolution. Hotels typically prioritize guests who book with them over those who come through OTAs when it involves upgrades and problem resolution.
When OTAs Might Be Helpful
That said, OTAs do offer benefits in particular situations. They’re excellent tools for comparing prices, places, and amenities across a number of properties at once. Some also bundle deals with flights or automotive leases for added savings. In the event you’re booking a trip on quick notice or exploring unfamiliar destinations, OTAs can provide helpful consumer opinions and scores that simplify the choice process.
In uncommon cases, third-party platforms might have access to particular rates throughout high-demand periods or offer loyalty points through their own programs, reminiscent of Expedia Rewards. However, it’s always price checking the hotel’s direct website earlier than making a ultimate decision.
The Bottom Line
Booking directly with hotels usually leads to better service, added perks, and more versatile terms. While OTAs could be useful for comparison and planning, savvy vacationers more and more turn to direct booking for a more reliable and personalized experience. Earlier than locking in your subsequent stay, take a moment to check the hotel’s website—you may be shocked at what you find.
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