Is It Better to Book Directly With Hotels? What You Should Know

Vacationers at this time are presented with more booking options than ever before. Online journey businesses (OTAs) like Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com dominate the search outcomes, providing offers and comparisons across hundreds of properties. Nonetheless, a rising number of seasoned travelers are choosing to book directly with hotels. Why? Because direct booking can provide unique advantages that third-party platforms merely can’t match.

Higher Rates and Perks

One of the biggest misconceptions within the travel world is that OTAs always provide the bottom prices. While they usually advertise unique offers, many hotels guarantee the best rate on their own websites. Some even provide worth matching or discounts for guests who book directly.

Beyond value, 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 keep and are usually reserved for direct bookers or loyalty members.

Greater Flexibility

Another key advantage of direct booking is flexibility. Most hotels supply more generous cancellation and modification policies when you book through their site. With OTAs, adjustments might be more complicated and sometimes incur higher charges, 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 within the room? Need a specific floor or view? These requests are more likely to be accommodated when the hotel can work with you directly reasonably than through a third-party portal.

Loyalty Rewards and Unique Presents

In the event you’re a frequent traveler, joining a hotel’s loyalty program will be very rewarding. Points earned from direct bookings can be redeemed without cost nights, upgrades, or other benefits. Most chains—corresponding to Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and IHG One Rewards—only award points for direct reservations.

Hotels additionally tend to promote their finest offers directly on their websites or through email to subscribers. These unique packages could embody seasonal reductions, bonus nights, or dining credits that are not available through OTAs.

Higher Buyer Service

Whenever you book through a third-party site and something goes improper—resembling overbooking or a cancellation—it might be harder to resolve the problem quickly. Hotels usually have limited ability to make modifications or challenge refunds for OTA bookings, which means you may 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 arise, it’s easier and faster to find a resolution. Hotels typically prioritize guests who book with them over those that come through OTAs when it comes to upgrades and problem resolution.

When OTAs May Be Useful

That said, OTAs do supply benefits in specific situations. They’re glorious tools for evaluating prices, areas, and amenities throughout multiple properties at once. Some additionally bundle deals with flights or automotive rentals for added savings. In case you’re booking a trip on quick notice or exploring unfamiliar destinations, OTAs can provide useful user opinions and ratings that simplify the decision process.

In rare cases, third-party platforms may need access to special rates throughout high-demand periods or provide loyalty points through their own programs, resembling Expedia Rewards. However, it’s always price checking the hotel’s direct website earlier than making a final decision.

The Bottom Line

Booking directly with hotels typically leads to raised service, added perks, and more flexible terms. While OTAs will be helpful for comparability and planning, savvy travelers increasingly turn to direct booking for a more reliable and personalized experience. Before locking in your next stay, take a moment to check the hotel’s website—you might be shocked at what you find.

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