Vacationers right this moment are presented with more booking options than ever before. Online travel businesses (OTAs) like Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com dominate the search outcomes, offering deals and comparisons throughout hundreds of properties. However, a growing number of seasoned vacationers are selecting to book directly with hotels. Why? Because direct booking can offer distinctive advantages that third-party platforms merely can’t match.
Higher Rates and Perks
One of the biggest misconceptions in the journey world is that OTAs always provide the lowest prices. While they usually advertise unique offers, many hotels assure the perfect rate on their own websites. Some even provide worth matching or discounts for guests who book directly.
Past price, booking directly often comes with added perks. These might embody 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
Another key advantage of direct booking is flexibility. Most hotels offer more beneficiant cancellation and modification policies whenever you book through their site. With OTAs, adjustments can be more difficult and sometimes incur higher fees, especially if the booking is part of a non-refundable promotion.
Direct communication with the hotel also makes it easier to customise your stay. Want a crib within the room? Need a particular 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 Unique Presents
In case you’re a frequent traveler, joining a hotel’s loyalty program can be very rewarding. Points earned from direct bookings could be redeemed without spending a dime nights, upgrades, or other benefits. Most chains—akin to Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and IHG One Rewards—only award points for direct reservations.
Hotels additionally tend to promote their best gives directly on their websites or by way of electronic mail to subscribers. These unique packages could embrace seasonal discounts, bonus nights, or dining credits that aren’t available through OTAs.
Better Customer Service
While you book through a third-party site and something goes flawed—equivalent to overbooking or a cancellation—it can be harder to resolve the problem quickly. Hotels usually have limited ability to make adjustments or challenge refunds for OTA bookings, that means you may 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 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 Would possibly Be Useful
That said, OTAs do provide benefits in specific situations. They’re glorious tools for evaluating costs, places, and amenities throughout a number of properties at once. Some additionally bundle deals with flights or car rentals for added savings. If you happen to’re booking a visit on short discover or exploring unfamiliar destinations, OTAs can provide useful person critiques and scores that simplify the decision process.
In uncommon cases, third-party platforms may need access to special rates throughout high-demand intervals or supply loyalty points through their own programs, equivalent to Expedia Rewards. Nevertheless, it’s always value checking the hotel’s direct website earlier than making a last decision.
The Bottom Line
Booking directly with hotels usually leads to higher service, added perks, and more flexible terms. While OTAs could be useful for comparability and planning, savvy travelers more and more turn to direct booking for a more reliable and personalized experience. Earlier than locking in your subsequent keep, take a moment to check the hotel’s website—you might be surprised at what you find.
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