Vacationers at this time are offered with more booking options than ever before. Online travel agencies (OTAs) like Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com dominate the search outcomes, offering offers and comparisons across hundreds of properties. Nevertheless, a growing number of seasoned vacationers are selecting to book directly with hotels. Why? Because direct booking can supply unique advantages that third-party platforms simply can’t match.
Better Rates and Perks
One of many biggest misconceptions in the travel world is that OTAs always supply the bottom prices. While they often advertise unique offers, many hotels assure the very best rate on their own websites. Some even offer value matching or discounts for guests who book directly.
Past price, booking directly typically 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 normally reserved for direct bookers or loyalty members.
Greater Flexibility
One other key advantage of direct booking is flexibility. Most hotels offer more beneficiant cancellation and modification policies when you book through their site. With OTAs, adjustments might be more difficult and typically incur higher charges, especially if the booking is part of a non-refundable promotion.
Direct communication with the hotel additionally makes it simpler to customize 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 somewhat than through a third-party portal.
Loyalty Rewards and Unique Affords
For those who’re a frequent traveler, joining a hotel’s loyalty program might be very rewarding. Points earned from direct bookings could be redeemed at no cost nights, upgrades, or different benefits. Most chains—equivalent to Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and IHG One Rewards—only award points for direct reservations.
Hotels additionally tend to promote their finest presents directly on their websites or by way of email to subscribers. These exclusive packages may embody seasonal discounts, bonus nights, or dining credits that are not available through OTAs.
Higher Customer Service
Once you book through a third-party site and something goes mistaken—equivalent to overbooking or a cancellation—it can be harder to resolve the difficulty quickly. Hotels often have limited ability to make changes or issue refunds for OTA bookings, meaning 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 that come through OTAs when it comes to upgrades and problem resolution.
When OTAs Might Be Useful
That said, OTAs do supply benefits in specific situations. They’re wonderful tools for comparing costs, locations, and amenities throughout multiple properties at once. Some also bundle offers with flights or automotive leases for added savings. Should you’re booking a trip on brief notice or exploring unfamiliar destinations, OTAs can provide useful person opinions and ratings that simplify the decision process.
In uncommon cases, third-party platforms might need access to special rates during high-demand intervals or provide loyalty points through their own programs, similar to Expedia Rewards. Nonetheless, it’s always value checking the hotel’s direct website before making a remaining decision.
The Backside Line
Booking directly with hotels often leads to raised service, added perks, and more flexible terms. While OTAs will be helpful for comparison and planning, savvy travelers increasingly turn to direct booking for a more reliable and personalized experience. Earlier than locking in your next stay, take a moment to check the hotel’s website—you could be shocked at what you find.
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