Avoid booking your hotel room through an online third-party service, is our advice! Booking a hotel room through Booking.com or Hotels.com or Expedia, may seem to get you a cheaper rate, however, there are several disadvantages to consider:

1. Lack of Direct Customer Support

When you book through a third-party site, any issues with your reservation have to be resolved through the booking agency, not the hotel directly. This can lead to delays and complications, especially if you need to make changes or cancel your booking.

2. Limited Room Choices and Preferences

Hotels may allocate less desirable rooms to guests who book through third-party services. Preferences for specific room types, locations, or views are less likely to be honored, as hotels prioritize direct bookings for prime room assignments.

3. Less Flexible Cancellation Policies

Cancellations for bookings made through third-party websites must be made with the third-party website. The hotel cannot cancel your booking nor refund you. That means if you arrive and don’t like your room the hotel and want to leave, the hotel cannot help you.

4. Potential for Overbooking

Hotels sometimes overbook rooms expecting a certain percentage of no-shows. If they need to manage an overbooking situation, third-party bookings are often the first to be relocated to a different hotel, potentially causing inconvenience.

5. No Loyalty Points or Membership Benefits

Many hotel loyalty programs do not offer points or benefits for stays booked through third-party sites. This means you may miss out on accumulating points or perks such as free Wi-Fi, room upgrades, or complimentary breakfasts.

6. Inaccurate or Misleading Information

Information on third-party websites can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. This might include incorrect details about room amenities, hotel facilities, or location, or outdated photos of the hotel.

7. Risk of Scams and Fraud

Booking through less reputable third-party sites can increase the risk of fraud. Some websites may be set up to scam customers, leading to loss of money or identity theft.

8. Potential for Miscommunication

Information conveyed through third-party sites might not always reach the hotel accurately or in a timely manner, leading to issues like incorrect room types or unregistered special requests.

For a smoother and more personalized experience, booking directly with the hotel is often the better choice and you can ask them to price-match whatever rate you found at one of those third-party websites.