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Is It Better to Book Hotels Directly or Through Booking Sites?

 When planning a trip, many people turn to popular booking platforms like Hotels.com or Booking.com to reserve their rooms. But should you use these websites to actually book your stay, or are they better suited as search engines to compare prices before booking directly with the hotel? Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons.

Benefits of Booking Directly with the Hotel:

  • Savings: You can often save between $5 and $10 per night by booking directly.
  • Loyalty Programs: Some hotels offer loyalty points that can be used for free stays.
  • Exclusive Perks: Many hotels provide added benefits, such as welcome drinks, room upgrades, or free breakfast when you reach certain loyalty levels (e.g., bronze, silver, gold).

Drawbacks:

  • Limited Online Booking Options: Not all hotels offer the ability to book and pay through their own website.
Overall, it’s usually better to book directly with the hotel. Hotels often prefer this, as they don’t have to pay the high commissions (around 25%) charged by third-party booking platforms like Booking.com or Hotels.com. Plus, you can take advantage of the extra perks and savings.

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