benefits

When it comes to planning your vacation, one of the first questions that pop up, is, should I book my hotel directly or through an agent? Online travel agencies (OTAs) such as Expedia, Booking.com or Orbitz have grown bigger and bigger over the last few years. They are hard to ignore, since they come up first on google search, luring travelers by promising best rates.

But are those third-party agencies really the traveler’s best option? They sure have their perks, like being able to compare hotel rates side-by-side. But, for some reason, people are unaware of the benefits they have when booking directly with a hotel. We won’t lie to you, of course, the hotel also benefits from direct bookings. But most importantly, there are some real advantages for you. Here are as much as 7:

1 The really best rate

Yes, maybe the rates published on the hotel website are higher than the ones online travel agencies offer. But we assure you, any hotel is more than happy to match this price or even lower it. We at Playa Palms Beach Hotel sure are. Just don’t be shy, ask and send a screenshot of the offer you saw within 24 hours of booking.

 

2 No hidden fees

When booking through agencies, the price you are charged at the end often is significantly higher than what you originally saw on their website. While if booking directly with the hotel, they usually are very clear about their charges.

 

3 Better customer service

In case that you have any problems before, during or after your stay, you can contact the hotel directly, instead of being directed to the third-party agency, which usually involves waiting hours and hours on the phone for them to solve your issue – or not. Especially during your stay this is great, since the people you have to deal with are on the property itself. Keep in mind that they, unlike online travel agents, know their hotel and the rooms best, and thus can assist you in better ways. Plus, unlike agencies such as Expedia or Hotels.com, they actually do care about your vacation and are interested in having fully satisfied guests. This is why they will do everything they can to resolve your situation.

 

4 Better rooms

Usually, guests who book directly get preferred room assignments or even free room upgrades.

 

5 Better discounts and amenities

Most hotels appreciate your loyalty with special deals and amenities for returning guests – as long as you book directly. If you enjoyed your stay and are planning to come back to Playa Palms Beach Hotel, ask for the 3P-Guest-Card when checking out.

 

6 Better check-in and check-out

Rooms of direct bookings are a priority. If you need an early check-in or late check-out, it will be provided if possible.

 

7 More personalized stay

Imagine you are traveling with a baby and wish to have a crib. Or you have mobility problems and want to stay on the ground floor. Or maybe you are traveling with your significant other, and wish to have a special surprise prepared upon arrival. There are many things one can need when traveling. If the communication goes through a third-party agency, information can easily get lost. Whatever it is, it is way easier if you can talk directly with someone at the hotel – and they most certainly will be happy to provide it. At Playa Palms Beach Hotel, just as probably at any hotel, there’s nothing more important to us than the happiness of our guests.