Aug 20, 2024

New EU Rules Turn Direct Hotel Bookings into a Major Hack

Booking directly with hotels is a great choice because it can save you money, offer exclusive perks, better customer service, more flexibility, and support the hotels directly.


Booking a hotel these days is super easy, thanks to sites like Booking.com and Expedia. But did you know that booking directly with the hotel can actually be better? Here's why:

1. You Can Save Money

When you book directly through the hotel's website, you often get a better deal. Third-party sites charge hotels big fees, sometimes up to 30%. By booking direct, hotels can pass those savings on to you, offering lower prices and exclusive discounts that you won't find anywhere else.

2. Get Special Perks

Hotels love when you book directly with them, so they often throw in extra perks to sweeten the deal. This could mean a free room upgrade, free breakfast or dinner, free parking, or even access to the hotel's spa. You might also get early check-in or late check-out, making your stay even better.

3. Earn Points for Free Stays

Many hotels have loyalty programs that reward you with points when you book directly. These points can add up to free nights, upgrades, and other goodies. If you book through a third-party site, you might miss out on these points.

4. Better Customer Service

When you book directly, you're dealing with the hotel itself. If you have special requests or need to change your reservation, it's easier and quicker to get things sorted out. You'll get more personalized service without having to go through a third party.

5. More Flexibility

Hotels often offer more flexible cancellation and change policies when you book directly. If your plans change, it's easier to adjust your booking without extra hassle. You'll also have peace of mind knowing you can talk directly to the hotel if any issues come up.

6. Help Out the Hotels

Booking directly also helps support the hotels. When you cut out the middleman, more of your money goes straight to the hotel, helping them keep offering great service and maintaining their property.

7. Hotels Can Now Offer Even Better Deals

Thanks to a new EU rule, hotels can now offer better prices on their own websites than on third-party sites like Booking.com. This means booking direct is now even more of a no-brainer if you're looking for the best deal.

In a Nutshell

Booking directly with hotels can save you money, get you better perks, and give you more control over your stay. It's the smarter, simpler way to book a hotel. Next time you're planning a trip, try booking directโ€”you'll be glad you did!