If you love traveling and exploring new places, you know how challenging it can be to find the perfect hotel online. With countless options available, it can feel like trying to navigate a maze. But have you ever considered skipping the middleman and booking directly with the hotel? In this post, we'll explore some insider tips to help you understand why it's smarter to book directly and make the most of your next adventure.
When you book directly with a hotel, you can enjoy significant benefits, especially when it comes to getting the best rates. Hotels often guarantee that their prices are the lowest online. They also offer exclusive promotional rates and packages, such as reduced or included parking, that are only available to direct guests. Loyalty programs offer discounts and enticing perks for direct bookers that can make your stay even more affordable. In contrast, third-party sites may add extra fees, making it essential to compare rates before finalizing your booking.
Pro tip: Most hotels have a price matching guarantee, so don't be afraid to ask!
Booking through a third party can make it challenging to communicate specific requests. However, when you book directly with the hotel, you have the opportunity to make requests like choosing your preferred floor, early check-in or check-out, dietary restrictions, accessibility needs, and room location. Direct communication with the hotel staff helps to make sure there is a clear understanding of your requests, thus ensuring your stay goes smoothly. Often times you'll also be provided with more detailed information about your stay, the check-in process, amenities, and nearby attractions.
Direct bookings give you the most comprehensive and updated information regarding room availability and ratings. Third-party sites may have outdated information, leading to unsatisfactory room choices. Booking directly also allows you to take advantage of loyalty programs, earning points and rewards for future stays, as well as putting them to use. This might include things like complimentary room upgrades, late checkout, or even a free night's stay.
Booking directly with a hotel often provides more flexibility than using a third-party agency. This can be especially helpful if your plans change, as negotiating directly with the hotel is usually easier. This flexibility extends to cancellation policies, where hotels may have more lenient options than third-party sites. Whether you need to extend your stay or cut your trip short, hotels typically offer more options than third-party agencies.
When you book direct with a hotel, it almost always comes with enhanced customer service. By choosing to book through the hotel website over other third-parties, you become a recognized and valued guest. This recognition often translates into personalized and excellent service, including potential perks like upgrades, early check-in or late check-out, and complimentary amenities such as breakfast or spa treatments.
In conclusion, booking directly with a hotel offers numerous benefits, including the best rates, personal communication with staff, loyalty program perks, increased flexibility, and outstanding service. Consider booking directly with hotels like Placemakr for your next trip, and enhance your travel experience. Happy travels!