Why Booking Hotels Directly is Always the Better Choice in Australia
When planning a trip, most travelers instinctively head to Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) to compare prices. But did you know that booking directly with a hotel often gets you better deals, more flexibility, and a smoother experience?
While OTAs claim to offer the
lowest rates, the reality is that hotels prefer direct bookings and
often reward customers who book through their own websites. In this article,
we’ll explore why direct hotel booking in Australia is the smarter choice
and how you can maximise your savings.
1. Hotels Save on OTA Commissions—And So Do You!
Every time you book through an OTA, the hotel pays a
commission of 15%–40% per booking. This means if you book a $200 per
night stay through an OTA, the hotel might only receive $120–$170
after commission fees.
Hotels would rather pass these savings on to
direct-booking guests than pay OTAs. However, because of rate parity
agreements, hotels often can’t advertise lower rates openly. But that
doesn’t mean lower prices don’t exist!
How to Get a Lower Rate:
Call the hotel directly and ask for a better price. Many hotels will match
or beat OTA rates.
Check for exclusive "book direct" discounts on their website.
Sign up for hotel loyalty programs that OTAs can’t offer.
2. Exclusive Perks for Direct Bookings
Booking directly often comes with added perks that OTAs
can’t provide. Hotels want to reward guests who cut out the middleman. Some
common benefits include:
Room Upgrades – Many hotels prioritize direct bookers
for complimentary upgrades when available.
Flexible Check-In & Check-Out – Hotels are more likely to offer early
check-in or late check-out to direct guests.
Free Extras – You may get free breakfast, parking, Wi-Fi, or welcome
drinks.
No Hidden Fees – OTAs often add surprise service fees, while direct
bookings show the final price upfront.
Pro Tip: When checking hotel prices on an OTA, always
visit the hotel’s website to see if they offer added benefits.
3. Better Cancellation & Refund Policies
Ever tried canceling an OTA booking? It’s a nightmare. OTA
policies are rigid, and refunds often come with penalties or long
processing times.
Hotels, on the other hand, have more flexible
cancellation policies for direct bookings. Since they don’t have to abide
by OTA rules, they can adjust policies based on demand and guest needs.
Example:
OTA Booking: Non-refundable, strict terms, limited changes.
Direct Booking: Flexible cancellation, date changes, or credits for
future stays.
4. Direct Communication with the Hotel
If you book through an OTA and need to make a change, you’re
stuck dealing with customer service delays, chatbots, and call centers.
When you book directly with the hotel:
You can speak to the hotel directly for special
requests.
The hotel has full control over your booking and can make adjustments.
Special requests (e.g., extra pillows, early check-in) are more likely to be
honored.
With OTAs, requests often get lost in automated systems. Hotels prioritise direct guests because they have more control over the reservation.
Image of a traveler enjoying free breakfast at a hotel
🔹 ALT: Complimentary breakfast perk for
guests who book directly with hotels.
Chris Fozard
5. More Loyalty Rewards & Discounts
Many hotels offer loyalty programs with discounts, free
nights, and bonus perks—but you only qualify if you book directly. OTAs
can’t offer these deals.
Even independent hotels in Australia now offer direct
booking discounts and perks to repeat guests.
Many hotels offer "Best Rate Guarantees,"
meaning if you find a lower price on an OTA, they will match or beat it.
How to take advantage of this:
- Find a
price on an OTA.
- Call
or email the hotel.
- Ask if
they can match or provide a better deal.
Some hotels even offer extra discounts if you book
directly after finding an OTA price.
7. Support Local Businesses Instead of Large OTAs
When you book through an OTA, a big chunk of your money
goes to corporations out of Australia.
When you book directly with an Australian hotel, more
of your money stays in the local economy, helping small businesses and staff.
Supporting hotels directly also helps them invest in
better facilities, services, and guest experiences.
8. Avoid Overbookings & Booking Errors
OTAs overbook hotels more often than direct
reservations. Since they operate on automated systems, availability isn’t
always updated in real-time.
If an OTA overbooks a hotel:
You may be walked to a different hotel (often lower quality).
The hotel may not even know about your reservation.
Booking directly avoids this risk because your reservation
is immediately confirmed by the hotel.
9. Special Direct-Only Packages
Some hotels offer packages that aren’t available on OTAs,
such as:
Stay 3 nights, get 1 free.
Spa, dining, or experience packages.
Discounted midweek or long weekend deals.
For example, Hotelsanddeals.com.au
showcases special direct-booking deals you won’t find on OTAs.
Final Verdict: Always Check Direct First!
While OTAs are convenient for browsing, booking directly
with a hotel is almost always the better choice. You get:
Better rates & discounts.
More flexibility & perks.
Direct communication & priority service.
No hidden fees or booking errors.
The satisfaction of supporting local businesses.
Pro Tip: Always Compare Before Booking
Find a hotel on an OTA.
Check the hotel’s website for direct deals.
Call and ask if they can offer a better price.
Book direct & enjoy exclusive perks!
Looking for the best direct hotel booking deals in
Australia? Visit Hotelsanddeals.com.au
and find your perfect hotel booking deals now!
Comments
Post a Comment