Vacationers at this time are offered 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 across hundreds of properties. Nonetheless, a growing number of seasoned travelers are selecting to book directly with hotels. Why? Because direct booking can offer unique advantages that third-party platforms simply can’t match.
Higher Rates and Perks
One of many biggest misconceptions within the journey world is that OTAs always provide the bottom prices. While they often advertise unique deals, many hotels assure one of the best rate on their own websites. Some even provide value matching or reductions for guests who book directly.
Beyond price, booking directly typically comes with added perks. These would possibly embrace 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 normally reserved for direct bookers or loyalty members.
Greater Flexibility
One other key advantage of direct booking is flexibility. Most hotels provide more generous cancellation and modification policies when you book through their site. With OTAs, changes may be more sophisticated and generally incur higher fees, especially if the booking is part of a non-refundable promotion.
Direct communication with the hotel also makes it simpler to customize your stay. Need a crib within the room? Want 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 Exclusive Offers
If you happen to’re a frequent traveler, becoming a member of a hotel’s loyalty program could be very rewarding. Points earned from direct bookings could be redeemed totally free nights, upgrades, or other benefits. Most chains—reminiscent of 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 via e-mail to subscribers. These unique packages may embody seasonal reductions, bonus nights, or dining credits that aren’t available through OTAs.
Higher Customer Service
Once you book through a third-party site and something goes wrong—akin to overbooking or a cancellation—it might be harder to resolve the issue quickly. Hotels often have limited ability to make modifications or challenge refunds for OTA bookings, that means you may have to go through the third party’s customer support, which can delay solutions.
Booking directly offers you a direct line of communication with the hotel staff. If any problems arise, it’s simpler and faster to discover a resolution. Hotels typically prioritize guests who book with them over those that come through OTAs when it involves upgrades and problem resolution.
When OTAs May Be Useful
That said, OTAs do provide benefits in particular situations. They’re excellent tools for comparing prices, areas, and amenities across multiple properties at once. Some also bundle offers with flights or car leases for added savings. Should you’re booking a visit on short discover or exploring unfamiliar destinations, OTAs can provide helpful person critiques and rankings that simplify the decision process.
In uncommon cases, third-party platforms might have access to special rates during high-demand durations or provide loyalty points through their own programs, akin to Expedia Rewards. Nevertheless, it’s always price checking the hotel’s direct website before making a closing decision.
The Backside Line
Booking directly with hotels typically leads to raised service, added perks, and more flexible terms. While OTAs could be useful for comparison and planning, savvy travelers increasingly 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 could be stunned at what you find.
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