When to Book Hotels Directly vs. a Third Party Site

The internet has opened up a wealth of options when it comes to saving money online. More than ever before, it’s become easy for the consumer to find deals and compare an offer from various places. 

This has created a sense of competition between various outlets. For a long time, consumers would go to third party sites to get better deals on hotels. But today, the answer of when to book hotels via a third-party site and when to book directly isn’t so clear. 

Read on, and we’ll walk you through what you need to know. 

When You Want Benefits

There are some instances where booking hotel through a third-party site can get you a better deal. But it can also cause you to miss out on a variety of opportunities. 

For one, you can’t receive any loyalty points when you book in this fashion. This might not be a big deal to you, but if you’re a frequent traveler, these points can really add up. You might be saving money in the short run by going third party, but you also might be losing money in the long run.

Booking directly with a hotel also tends to allow you a better selection of your room at the hotel. You have a much better chance of getting your preferred set up when you contact a hotel directly. 

During A Last Minute Trip

Sometimes you find yourself traveling across the country or to a new place with little notice. If you go directly to a hotel during these moments, the rates might be too high. But if you go through a third-party seller, the rates might be very affordable.

As a date draws near and a hotel has a better sense of their vacancies, they might offer these rooms up to sellers at a major discount. You might be able to get a room for half the price as you normally would if you book the day before or even the morning of. 

Booking a today only kind of special can save you a lot of money, but you might not be happy with the kind of room you receive. 

If You’re Staying Local

Most of the time, travelers stay at hotels that are national brands and have locations around the country. With these hotels, you can expect consistent pricing and an expectation of your stay that you can rely on. 

Although, if you look at local hotels in the area you’re staying in, you might be able to find a better deal. These hotels probably won’t show up on third-party sites, so this is another scenario where you might want to buy direct from the hotel instead of going to a third party. 

You might be able to find a perfect new experience that you never would have envisioned prior to searching. 

When To Book Hotels Directly Vs. Third-Party

It can be hard to know when to book hotels directly or when to look elsewhere for deals. The above information can help you make the right decision for your personal situation. 

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