Comparing Hotel Room Prices: Direct Bookings vs Aggregators

When it comes to booking hotel rooms, consumers often face the decision between directly contacting the hotel or using an aggregator site like Expedia. This article will explore the pros and cons of both methods, focusing on price differences and service quality.

Understanding the Pricing Landscape

Pricing for hotel rooms can vary significantly depending on the method of booking. Generally, direct booking with the hotel can offer better prices, especially for smaller hotels not part of large franchises. These hotels often have better service due to direct customer relationships. Larger hotels, such as those in the Hilton chain, typically reserve some rooms for direct bookings, which means better rates when you contact them directly.

Larger Franchised Motels

Larger franchised hotels often have special deals with aggregators to sell excess inventory. If a hotel has sold out its direct inventory and has excess rooms listed with aggregators, the front desk may redirect guests to book through these sites. However, direct booking can still offer savings.

Smaller Hotels and Mom Pop Inns

Smaller hotels and mom and pop inns often use aggregator sites to increase their visibility. These sites typically earn a 15-30% commission on each booking. Directly booking with these smaller hotels can result in better rates, as they can offer competitive prices to attract more direct customers.

Service Quality

Service quality can also be a decisive factor in choosing between direct booking and aggregators. Small, independently owned hotels often provide superior service due to their personal touch. They can offer customized experiences and may have better available room options when compared to large chains.

Availability on Aggregator Sites

Relying solely on aggregator sites for booking may not always provide the best availability. Google Maps and Bing Maps can be useful tools to check if a hotel has rooms available for direct booking. Look for the bed icon in the search results to determine if the hotel offers direct booking through their own reservations system.

Conclusion and Booking Tips

While there isn’t a significant difference in prices, direct booking with the hotel can often provide better rates, especially for small, independently owned hotels. Becoming a rewards member at chain hotels can also sometimes lead to upgrades, provided the hotel has the availability.

To ensure the best booking experience, consider the following tips:

Book directly with the hotel for better prices and service. Check Google Maps and Bing Maps for available rooms from the hotel’s own reservation system. Sign up for hotel loyalty programs to potentially receive upgrades. Compare prices from different sources and contact the hotel directly for the best deals.

By understanding the differences between direct bookings and aggregator sites, travelers can make informed decisions to find the best value for their accommodations.

Final Thoughts

Premium service and lower prices are achievable through direct booking with the hotel. While aggregator sites can provide convenience, they may not always offer the best deals. For travelers seeking the best possible experience and value, direct bookings should be considered over aggregator sites.