Learn why travellers who book directly with hotels are saving an average of 15%-20% compared to those who use third-party websites. Beyond the savings, when you book direct, you avoid hidden fees and ensure your preferences are prioritised. Discover why third-party sites might not have your best interests at heart and how choosing to book directly guarantees you the best guest experience possible.
Skip the Middleman: Third-Party Sites vs. Direct Booking: Let’s Break It Down!
Let’s start by clarifying what a third-party site really is. It’s a platform beyond your direct control, where travellers often go to research and book their reservations. They are sites such as booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb and so on. In contrast, making a direct booking means you’re going straight to the source, eliminating the middleman and ensuring that you’re connecting directly with our dedicated team at Indulge and are booking through our website!
1. Enjoy 15-20% Off When You Book Direct—Your Wallet Will Thank You!
When it comes to booking accommodation, many travellers instinctively turn to third-party websites, or may think they are booking direct but they are actually using a third-party site. These companies often use the names of the hoteliers to create the illusion that travellers are booking directly. Unfortunately, many end up booking through overseas sites, thinking they’re dealing with our curated team directly. But here’s the scoop: booking directly with the hotelier is not only financially savvy, it’s also a breeze!Let’s talk money first. Those enticing prices on third-party sites? They often come with sneaky additional fees that can inflate your final bill. You might think you’re scoring a deal, but by the time you add in service fees, booking fees you could be looking at an increase of 15-20%! Ouch! When you book directly with the hotel, you typically sidestep these pesky extra charges. That means more cash in your pocket for those fabulous vacation treats (hello, ice cream sundae)!
But the benefits don’t stop there. Booking directly usually means you’ll have a much smoother and flexible process, too. You can easily communicate with the hotel for special requests, upgrades, or any last-minute changes, where if that were through a third-party website, you would have to go through at least two people (who are halfway across the globe mind you) before you could get a hold of the hotelier, sounds like a no brainer to me. Plus, hotels such as ourselves are able to offer early check-in & late departure if everything aligns when you book through them.
Let’s dive into a little hotel comparison to see how much you can save by booking directly with a hotelier versus using Booking.com!
Hotel Comparison Example
Booking.com Price: $210 per night | Direct Booking Price: $180 per night |
But here’s the good news: when you check out the hotelier’s direct website, you’ll discover it’s only $180 per night! That’s a saving of $30—or about 15%—which means you can treat yourself to that extra dessert or a fun night out.
So, you and your partner are looking for a nice romantic weekend’s getaway. You come to find that Booking.com lists this balcony studio for $210. You might raise an eyebrow and think, “Hmm, that’s a bit more than I’d hoped!”
Now, if you’re travelling for work, here’s where it gets really exciting: we provide corporate rates for our regular guests which is even cheaper again, I know, did you just get butterflies too? If you frequently find yourself staying with us, these special rates can translate into significant savings—perfect for those who are always on the go. Not only do you get to enjoy a comfortable stay, but you also build a true bond with us, enhancing your future visits.
2. Communication Counts: Why Direct Bookings Keep the Conversation Flowing!
Now, here’s the kicker: when you book through third-party sites like Booking.com (Based in the Netherlands) or Expedia (Based in the U.S.), you might find yourself chatting with someone who’s not even based in Australia! Imagine trying to resolve an issue with someone who doesn’t have a clue about our business or local nuances. Why put your trust in someone halfway around the world when you can go straight to the source?
When you book directly with us, you’re talking to a team that knows the ins and outs of our business and can actually solve any problems that pop up. Plus, we absolutely love connecting with our guests! Hearing your voices and getting to know you makes your stay even more special. So, let’s skip the middleman and keep it local!
Not to mention you’re getting the reassurance of knowing you’re dealing with the people who are just as invested in your stay as you are.
3. Unlock Your Freedom: Make Your Stay Uniquely Yours!
Imagine you’ve just become a new mum & dad—congratulations! Now you’re in need of a porta cot for your little one, or maybe you’ve booked a room that’s a bit tight on space and could use an extra blow-up bed for your family member. Here’s the thing: third-party sites just can’t accommodate for those specific requests; they lack the capability to add things like extras to your reservation. The only way to resolve this is to get in touch directly with the hotelier (Us) and request the items personally.
It just makes all the sense to book direct at this point, not only will you be saving money, but hoteliers such as ourselves are usually more willing to accommodate your special requests and are always looking for ways to make your stay that much smoother.
Plus, if your plans change—maybe you want to extend your stay or need an early check-in—it’s much easier to make those adjustments when you’re in direct contact. You’ll be dealing with our team who are genuinely invested in your experience, ensuring that every little detail is just right!
4. Picture Perfect: Room Details and Photos You Can Trust!
Third-party booking sites often leave hoteliers like us shaking our heads. Why? They’re notorious for displaying incorrect information! From vague room descriptions—crafted without our input mind you—to confusing details that can leave guests uncertain about what they’re really booking, the potential for misunderstandings is high. They often pull info from the hotels website and proceed to change the rooms descriptions—sometimes with less accuracy.
And let’s talk about photos! Take booking.com, for example: they mix images of all our different room types together, which can lead to the frustrating scenario of guests believing they’ve booked a certain room, only to find something entirely different upon arrival. It’s a classic case of “what you see isn’t always what you get,” and sadly, we have no control over this. When you book directly with us, you can ditch the uncertainty! What you see is truly what you get. We ensure that all room information is always up to date, with detailed descriptions and picture-perfect photos, so you know exactly what you’re paying for. After all, there’s nothing worse than arriving at your holiday haven only to find it doesn’t match the dreamy photos or description you saw online. That’s why we pride ourselves on transparency, showcasing every little detail about our rooms and facilities.
5. Helping Small Businesses Thrive: The Power of Booking Direct & Keeping Money Local!
Imagine this: you’re gearing up for a getaway. What’s your first move? You hop onto Google and type in ‘Accommodation Mildura.’ Instantly, the first link that pops up is likely a third-party website—and chances are, the next three or four links will be the same. Why? Because these giants are pouring billions into marketing, and let’s face it, we can’t compete with that kind of firepower. So, you click on that top link, thinking, ‘well it’s at the top for a reason.’ They certainly look appealing and promise the world, but let’s take a closer look, shall we?
As we’ve discussed, those third-party websites are backed by billion-dollar corporations. Google doesn’t rank sites based on who offers the best deals—if only! Instead, it favours those with the deepest pockets, and unfortunately, that’s not us. This lets giants like Booking.com create the illusion that they’re the best option, but in reality, you might end up with the worst deals around.
When you book through these sites, you’re allowing them to take a chunk of your hard-earned money, channelling it into their own profits while boosting their home economies and leaving ours stuck in neutral. In contrast, when you choose to book with us, you’re supporting local jobs, helping our staff pay their bills, and keeping nearby shops and restaurants thriving. Every time you book directly, you’re not just securing a room; you’re saying “yes” to community growth!
At the end of the day, those big corporations simply can’t match the genuine care we have for our guests! To them, you’re just another fleeting booking, but for us, every guest is a valued individual. We’re truly dedicated to making your experience special because our success relies on your satisfaction. Our customers mean the world to us—they literally keep our business alive. When you choose to book direct, you’re ensuring that our passion for hospitality continues to thrive! We’re committed to providing our customers with the best deals possible, because we believe it’s the very least, we can do to show our appreciation!
6. Quick and Easy Support When You Need It!
Let’s paint a picture: you’re gearing up for a holiday and decide to book your stay through a third-party website. You pick your dream complex and set your arrival and departure dates, only to realize—oops! —you’ve entered the wrong departure date. Now, you need to make a change. But here’s the kicker: for those sites, resolving issues like this isn’t even an option when non-refundable let alone a priority, as they’re getting paid either way and are happy to make the hotelier look bad. They’re all about the sale and less about the support, making it feel like a one-way street.
Getting help can turn into a game of telephone as you bounce between 2-3 customer service reps, just trying to find out if your room is even available for that night. It’s enough to make you want to pull your hair out! But don’t worry—there’s a better solution waiting for you! By booking direct not only can we resolve this situation in just a couple of minutes, but you’ll be speaking with a team member who genuinely has your best interests at heart and is eager to assist you.
When you book directly, you’ll often enjoy lenient cancellation policies that let you breathe a little easier. If you need to cancel or adjust your reservation, we are more than happy to work with you to find a solution that suits your needs. Think of us as your trusty travel buddy, here to lend a hand when things go off course!
7. The Personal Touch: Experience True Hospitality!
At small hotels, we take pride in offering a personal touch that makes all the difference. When you book direct, you’re not just another reservation—your part of our family! We remember your name, your favourite room type, and those little details that make your stay feel like home.
Can you say the same for a faceless booking site? Absolutely not! While they may flaunt a long list of options, they can’t match the warmth and genuine care we put into every guest experience. From the moment you arrive to the time you check out, we’re here to ensure your stay is nothing short of special. So why settle for anything less? Experience hospitality that truly feels like home!
Book Direct and Unlock the Benefits!
So, there you have it—the hidden costs of third-party booking and why going direct is the smarter choice! By booking directly with hotels, you can save an average of 15-20% on your stay, sidestep pesky hidden fees, and enjoy a level of personalized service that faceless booking sites just can’t match. Remember, you’re not just securing a room; you’re ensuring that your preferences are prioritized, your questions are answered, and your experience is truly memorable.
When you book direct, you’re also supporting local economies and small businesses, helping us thrive and keeping our community vibrant. Plus, you’ll enjoy quicker support and genuine care from a team that sees you as more than just a reservation. We genuinely want you to have a fantastic stay!
So, next time you’re planning your getaway, consider booking directly. Dive into the world of genuine hospitality and discover the difference for yourself! And we’d love to hear about your experiences—share your stories with us and let’s make your next trip unforgettable!
Now, if you find yourself booking with us several times throughout the year, you’re in for an even bigger treat! You’ll unlock even better rates. Stay tuned for more details in our next blog!
Feel free to reach out with any questions or comments. Happy travels!