Why Booking Directly can Benefit you as a Guest

In today's world of endless travel options, it can be tempting to hop onto a third party online travel agency (OTA) to secure your next stay. They promise convenience, comparison, and sometimes even exclusive deals. But here's the catch: those “deals” often come with hidden trade-offs. Booking directly with us can actually offer more value, better service, and greater peace of mind.

Better Rates & Hidden Perks

Many Properties offer the lowest rates on their own websites or when you call them directly. Why? Because third-party sites take a commission—sometimes up to 25% excluding taxes—from every booking. By going direct, properties can offer better pricing or throw in extras like an early check-in or late check-out.

More Flexible Policies & Payment Options

Need to cancel or move your dates? Direct bookings often come with more flexible change or cancellation policies. Third-party bookings, on the other hand, are often stricter—and refunds can be delayed or even denied, depending on their terms.

When you book direct, you're dealing with the decision-makers at the property, not a call center in another country.

When paying for your booking, OTA's often take the full amount or are limited with payment options, especially when coming down to Credit Card payments - Just like booking a flight ticket.

When booking directly, many properties have flexible payment options, secure payment methods and may even offer you a payment plan, especially when booking far in advance.

Direct Communication - Fewer Surprises

Special requests—like a property with a sea view, extra amenities, or requesting a cot for your baby—are easier to arrange when you book directly. Communicating with the property or host directly allows them to personalize your stay in ways that OTA systems simply can’t match. 

Ever found yourself contacting a call centre where you end up listing to that annoying elevator-type tune for almost an hour just to get the line dropped or speaking to an agent who does not understand you and you do not understand a word they are saying? International language barriers can turn your holiday into a distaster real quick.

Dealing directly with the property is mostly just a WhatsApp message away. Instant responses and instant solutions.

Support a Local Business

When you book through a third party platform, you support a multi billion company who does not care about your experience, while the property agent or your host in many cases will end up taking a financial hit with the high commissions and service fees that the platforms take without lifting a finger. When booking directly said commissions stays with the property instead—helping the property hire local staff, maintain our spaces better, giving us the opportunities to offer better facilities and invest more in your guest experience.

When you think about it, when you compare the rates between the online platform and the property's own website, you will find that not only are the rates higher on the platform, but it excludes hidden services fees and taxes.

Just 5 more minutes of your time by Googling the property's direct contact details or website, can not only save you money on booking fees and extra taxes, but save you endless hours of frustration.

More Accurate Property Descriptions

Properties are in control of their own websites, meaning you’ll see the most accurate and up-to-date descriptions, property types and photos when you book direct. OTAs may have incorrect descriptions, availability errors due to back end system problems from the platform, or even incorrect pricing. Most platforms use AI to describe a property, destination or activities and distances, often causing confusion and guests to get lost when traveling via GPS. May platforms list a property without the owner or host's consent, leading to scams and misleading bookings. 

Booking directly ensures you know exactly what you're getting, who you are dealing with and where you are going.

Final Thoughts

While OTAs are convenient for browsing and comparing options, seeing that 99% of the time they will show up first on your browser, the actual booking is often best done directly. Not only do you get more value for your money, but you also set the stage for a smoother, more personalized and hassle-free holiday experience.

Next time you're planning a getaway, consider reaching out to the property directly. A quick call or click could make a big difference - not only in your wallet but your entire travel experience too.

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