Travelers at the moment are presented with more booking options than ever before. On-line travel agencies (OTAs) like Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com dominate the search outcomes, offering offers and comparisons across hundreds of properties. However, a growing number of seasoned vacationers are choosing to book directly with hotels. Why? Because direct booking can offer unique advantages that third-party platforms simply can’t match.
Better 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 the best rate on their own websites. Some even provide value matching or reductions for guests who book directly.
Beyond value, booking directly usually 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 stay 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, changes may be more difficult and typically 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 in the room? Desire a particular floor or view? These requests are more likely to be accommodated when the hotel can work with you directly fairly than through a third-party portal.
Loyalty Rewards and Unique Offers
For those who’re a frequent traveler, becoming a member of a hotel’s loyalty program can be very rewarding. Points earned from direct bookings can be redeemed free of charge nights, upgrades, or different 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 greatest provides directly on their websites or by way of e mail to subscribers. These unique packages might embody seasonal discounts, bonus nights, or dining credits that aren’t available through OTAs.
Higher Customer Service
If you book through a third-party site and something goes wrong—such as overbooking or a cancellation—it will be harder to resolve the difficulty quickly. Hotels typically have limited ability to make changes or issue refunds for OTA bookings, that means 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 easier 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 Would possibly Be Helpful
That said, OTAs do supply benefits in particular situations. They’re wonderful tools for evaluating costs, areas, and amenities throughout a number of properties at once. Some additionally bundle deals with flights or automobile rentals for added savings. In the event you’re booking a visit on brief notice or exploring unfamiliar destinations, OTAs can provide helpful consumer critiques and scores that simplify the choice process.
In rare cases, third-party platforms may need access to particular rates during high-demand durations or provide loyalty points through their own programs, resembling Expedia Rewards. Nevertheless, it’s always worth checking the hotel’s direct website before making a final decision.
The Backside Line
Booking directly with hotels usually leads to raised service, added perks, and more versatile terms. While OTAs will 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 stay, take a moment to check the hotel’s website—you could be shocked at what you find.
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