Booking directly with a hotel often gives you benefits like free upgrades, and flexible change or cancellation, while third-party sites can offer lower upfront prices and easy comparisons. It’s a good idea to compare both when you book hotels.
How to Book Hotels: The Dilemma
After you’ve picked your destination and packed your bags, the next step is figuring out where to stay. Do you search through sites like Expedia, Booking.com, or Agoda for the best deals? Or do you go straight to the hotel’s website?
I’ve personally tried to book hotels both ways. Sometimes, I score great deals on third-party sites, but other times, I miss out on loyalty points and extra perks when I book directly with the hotel. So, which option is best? Honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as it really depends on a few factors.
In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of booking directly vs. using third-party sites, so you can decide what works best when you book hotels.
1. Cost: Who Gives You the Best Offer?
Third-party websites frequently promote lower rates because they negotiate with hotels for bulk bookings
However, direct reservations sometimes match these prices and provide extras like free parking, Wi-Fi, or breakfast.
But be careful as some reservation websites do not include taxes or resort fees until the final checkout, which initially appears to lower the price.
So, it’s always a good idea to compare both direct and OTA (Online Travel Agency) prices when you book hotels since there’s no clear winner.
Travel Tip: Check base rates on comparison websites, then check the hotel\’s own website to see if they match.
2. Hotel Change & Cancellation Policies
Flexibility is where booking directly with the hotel might have the advantage, but it’s not always the case:
Direct hotel bookings: Hotels are more likely to offer free cancellations, flexible changes, or “book now, pay later” options.
Third-party websites: Policies can vary and tend to be stricter. Some budget rates are non-refundable, even if your plans change, while others might allow free cancellations or changes, but the rate could be higher.
We always recommend reading the cancellation policies carefully when you book hotels, as they can differ from site to site.
If there’s even a small chance your plans might change, it’s worth paying a little extra for a flexible option. It’s a lot cheaper than losing your entire booking!
3. Perks, Rewards & Loyalty Programs ✨
Direct booking benefits: Hotels love when you book directly. They might offer upgrades, free drinks, late checkout, or reward points toward future stays.
Third-party bookings: Often, you won’t earn hotel loyalty points. Some may even limit access to perks like free breakfast or spa credits.
OTAs’ own loyalty programs: Programs like Expedia Rewards or Booking.com’s Genius program.
They can offer discounts or perks at select properties.
You might be surprised to learn that major hotel chains like Hilton and Marriott have invested millions into direct booking campaigns in recent years, with Hilton alone spending around $100 million annually to promote its direct booking platform. Loyalty members tend to spend 12–18% more on average, making these campaigns a key revenue driver.
4. Customer Service: Who Has Your Back?
Direct bookings: If something goes wrong, whether it’s a flight delay or a room issue, hotels usually prioritize guests who booked directly. That means you’re more likely to get quick, personalized assistance.
Third-party bookings: You might need to go through the OTA first, which can slow things down. In some cases, hotels may even tell you, “Sorry, you need to contact the third-party where you made the booking” That said, you can usually resolve the issue through the third party as well.
During emergencies: Having that middleman can be a real pain when you need fast help. Direct bookings skip that extra step, making it easier when things go wrong.
Bottom line: If smooth customer service is important to you, booking directly cuts down on the hassle and gives you more reliable support when you need it most.
5. Convenience & Comparison
Third-party sites: They help compare hotels, prices, and locations, and are perfect if you’re planning a trip to a new place or looking for travel packages.
Direct booking: It takes a bit more time since you’ll need to check hotels one by one, but it can be worth it for extra perks like free breakfast, room upgrades, early check-ins, or late check-outs.
Hybrid approach: Some travelers browse third-party sites to get a sense of options and amenities, then book directly with the hotel. So, it really depends on your preferences.
You can use the filters on third-party sites (location, price, amenities) to narrow down your choices, then check for any direct booking perks before you hit \”confirm.\”
Comparison Table: Direct vs. Third-Party Booking
| Factor | Booking Direct | Third-Party Sites |
| Price | Often matches lowest rates + perks | Sometimes lowest upfront price |
| Flexibility | Usually better (free cancellation) | Policies vary, often stricter |
| Rewards | Loyalty points, upgrades, perks | OTA loyalty programs only |
| Customer Service | Priority support from hotel | Middleman delays possible |
| Convenience | Check one hotel at a time | Easy comparison across many hotels |
Conclusion: What’s the Right Way to Book Hotels?
All in all, it all comes down to what matters most to you when you book a hotel.
If you’re focused on getting the lowest possible price, third-party sites might have the edge.
But if you’d prefer more flexibility, some extra perks, or a better chance at an upgrade, booking direct is usually the better choice.
The sweet spot? Do both. Start by browsing third-party sites to see what’s out there, then check the hotel’s own site to see if they can match—or even beat—the deal.
At the end of the day, it’s all about finding the balance between saving money and keeping your travel plans as smooth and stress-free as possible.
FAQ on How to book Hotels
Q: Do hotels give better prices than booking sites?
Sometimes—many hotels now offer a best rate guarantee when you book directly through their official website, making it worth checking before locking in a deal elsewhere.
Q: Is it safer to book hotels direct?
Yes—direct bookings usually come with clearer cancellation policies and better customer support, giving you more peace of mind if plans change unexpectedly.
Q: Can I earn loyalty points through Expedia or Booking.com?
Not usually. Most major hotel chains only offer loyalty points, upgrades, or perks when you book directly, so third-party reservations often don’t count toward your membership status.
Q: Should I use both?
Absolutely! The smartest approach is to compare deals on third-party sites first, then check the hotel’s own site to see if they’ll match the rate or offer better perks before you confirm.