Travelers at this time are presented with more booking options than ever before. Online travel businesses (OTAs) like Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com dominate the search results, offering deals and comparisons throughout hundreds of properties. However, a growing number of seasoned vacationers are choosing to book directly with hotels. Why? Because direct booking can supply 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 supply the bottom prices. While they usually advertise unique deals, many hotels guarantee one of the best rate on their own websites. Some even supply price matching or reductions for guests who book directly.
Beyond worth, booking directly often comes with added perks. These may embrace 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
One other key advantage of direct booking is flexibility. Most hotels offer more beneficiant cancellation and modification policies while you book through their site. With OTAs, adjustments can be more difficult and typically incur higher charges, particularly if the booking is part of a non-refundable promotion.
Direct communication with the hotel additionally makes it easier 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 quite than through a third-party portal.
Loyalty Rewards and Exclusive Offers
If you’re a frequent traveler, becoming a member of a hotel’s loyalty program can be very rewarding. Points earned from direct bookings will be redeemed at no cost nights, upgrades, or other benefits. Most chains—resembling Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and IHG One Rewards—only award points for direct reservations.
Hotels additionally tend to promote their greatest affords directly on their websites or by way of e mail to subscribers. These exclusive packages could include seasonal discounts, bonus nights, or dining credits that are not available through OTAs.
Higher Customer Service
If you book through a third-party site and something goes wrong—corresponding to overbooking or a cancellation—it will be harder to resolve the issue quickly. Hotels usually have limited ability to make adjustments or concern refunds for OTA bookings, which means you will 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 easier 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 Would possibly Be Helpful
That said, OTAs do offer benefits in particular situations. They’re excellent tools for comparing prices, locations, and amenities throughout a number of properties at once. Some also bundle offers with flights or automobile leases for added savings. In the event you’re booking a trip on brief notice or exploring unfamiliar destinations, OTAs can provide useful consumer critiques and scores that simplify the choice process.
In rare cases, third-party platforms might have access to special rates during high-demand intervals or offer loyalty points through their own programs, similar to Expedia Rewards. Nonetheless, it’s always value checking the hotel’s direct website earlier than making a final decision.
The Backside Line
Booking directly with hotels usually leads to raised service, added perks, and more flexible terms. While OTAs could be helpful for comparability and planning, savvy travelers increasingly turn to direct booking for a more reliable and personalized experience. Before locking in your subsequent keep, take a moment to check the hotel’s website—you could be shocked at what you find.
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