Vacationers right now are offered with more booking options than ever before. Online travel agencies (OTAs) like Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com dominate the search results, providing deals and comparisons across hundreds of properties. Nonetheless, a growing number of seasoned vacationers are selecting to book directly with hotels. Why? Because direct booking can provide unique advantages that third-party platforms simply can’t match.
Better Rates and Perks
One of many biggest misconceptions within the travel world is that OTAs always supply the lowest prices. While they usually advertise unique offers, many hotels assure the perfect rate on their own websites. Some even offer price matching or reductions for guests who book directly.
Past worth, 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 often reserved for direct bookers or loyalty members.
Greater Flexibility
Another key advantage of direct booking is flexibility. Most hotels supply more beneficiant cancellation and modification policies once you book through their site. With OTAs, modifications might be more complicated and generally incur higher charges, especially if the booking is part of a non-refundable promotion.
Direct communication with the hotel additionally makes it easier to customise your stay. Want a crib in the room? Desire a specific floor or view? These requests are more likely to be accommodated when the hotel can work with you directly slightly than through a third-party portal.
Loyalty Rewards and Unique Gives
For those who’re a frequent traveler, joining a hotel’s loyalty program may be very rewarding. Points earned from direct bookings will 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 best offers directly on their websites or through electronic mail to subscribers. These unique packages may embrace seasonal reductions, 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 incorrect—equivalent to overbooking or a cancellation—it might be harder to resolve the issue quickly. Hotels usually have limited ability to make adjustments or subject 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 arise, it’s simpler and faster to find 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 Helpful
That said, OTAs do supply benefits in particular situations. They’re wonderful tools for evaluating prices, places, and amenities across a number of properties at once. Some also bundle deals with flights or automotive rentals for added savings. In case you’re booking a visit on quick discover or exploring unfamiliar destinations, OTAs can provide useful user evaluations and ratings that simplify the choice process.
In uncommon cases, third-party platforms may need access to special rates throughout high-demand periods or provide loyalty points through their own programs, corresponding to Expedia Rewards. Nonetheless, it’s always value checking the hotel’s direct website earlier than making a closing decision.
The Bottom Line
Booking directly with hotels usually leads to better service, added perks, and more flexible terms. While OTAs can be helpful for comparison and planning, savvy travelers more and more turn to direct booking for a more reliable and personalized experience. Before locking in your next keep, take a moment to check the hotel’s website—you could be shocked at what you find.
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