Like many things, the best website to reserve a hotel isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about assessing your needs, researching the options, and making an informed decision.
Some options include hotel websites, while others belong to online travel agencies (OTAs) and aggregators. But what are these, and how do you choose between them?
If these questions run through your mind, you’ve arrived at the right place. So, explore the pros and cons of booking rooms through these options before uncovering some of the best websites.
Hotel Websites vs. Third-Party Sources: The Pros and Cons of Each
Hotels often incentivize direct bookings because they bring in more profits. But do such bookings help you as a traveler?
The answer is yes. A direct booking through the hotel’s website brings you more perks than any OTAs or aggregators. You can get exclusive deals, free upgrades, and benefits like complimentary breakfast with a hotel booking engine.
Hotels also offer loyalty programs to returning guests. These rewards can bring you even more savings for future stays. Plus, the communication is clear, with fewer hidden fees. However, you won’t be able to compare prices since you’ll only be looking at that hotel’s offerings.
On the other hand, OTAs and aggregators provide you with multiple hotel choices so you can easily compare prices. This benefits people looking for cheap hotels since they can choose the best deals.
These websites even offer package deals with tour guides, car rentals, and flights. However, you might come across hidden fees and unclear communication.
So, which option should you choose? Hotel sites would be the best when you know which hotel you want to stay in. On the other hand, choose OTAs when you want the best package deals!
How Do I Choose the Best Website to Reserve a Hotel?
As you saw earlier, choosing the best website to reserve a hotel starts with assessing your needs. Only then will you be able to decide whether to go for hotel websites or third-party sources.
Once you’ve made that decision, compare the options, their features, and prices. For example, if you’re going for aggregators, test multiple websites and check which ones align with your specific goals. One important feature you need is flexible cancellation and refund policies.
It would also be a good idea to look at reviews and ratings. Read other people’s experiences on TripAdvisor or similar websites. Look at the website’s ease of use, transparency, customer service, and exclusive deals.
Best Website to Reserve Hotel: 4 Top Picks for Easy Reservations
Now that you know how to choose the best website to reserve hotels, let’s look at the top picks. After all, you’ll need to shortlist some options before you start looking at the features and reviews.
That’s a tiresome process. There are hundreds of options out there, all claiming to be the best. Trying to judge each and every option will only make your trip less enjoyable and exhausting. A better approach would be to test and use options from the following sections based on your needs.
Booking.com is the first name that comes to mind when you want to book a hotel room. After all, it boasts an impressive collection of more than 28 billion accommodation options. There are hotel rooms, vacation homes, apartments, and even unique stays like cabins and villas. Whether you’re doing a staycation or an international trip, Booking.com has it all.
You also have plenty of options for locations, including Italy, France, San Francisco, and Australia. Searching for rooms is easy with its simple interface and extensive filters. Other features include last-minute bookings, a mobile app, and free cancellations (for some hotels).
2. Agoda’s Secret Deals Can Help You Save Money
While Agoda holds a stronger image in the Asia-Pacific region, people in the USA can also take advantage of it. This is especially true if you want to travel to popular tourist spots like Bali.
This option has a secret deals feature that brings you huge discounts from hotels. However, you won’t know the hotel’s name until after the booking. So, this option might not be for you if you want to look at room pictures or amenities in advance. With that said, it’s an excellent option for saving money. There’s even a loyalty feature that you don’t usually see with OTAs.
3. TravelPerk Is the Top Choice for Business Travelers
If you’re looking to book a hotel for business trips, TravelPerk would be the best website to make hotel reservations. It sets itself apart with user-friendly interfaces that most business OTAs lack.
Moreover, the payment process is quite transparent, with no hidden fees. You can also get free cancellation with 80% cashback!
Besides, this option provides more than just room bookings. You can also receive discounted packages on other things like cost management and reports. This way, you can manage your trips even if you’re funding your employees.
4. Expedia Offers Personalized Bookings
People are after personalized experiences, whether they’re buying everyday products or booking hotel rooms. If this is what you want, Expedia would serve as the best option.
Its local expert service brings you personalized recommendations for hotels according to your activities. For example, if you’re a tourist, this website will show you options closest to the sites you want to visit.
It will also help you find the cheapest rates with its price match guarantee feature. You’ll get the difference back if it finds a cheaper option for the listing. Lastly, it includes travel insurance, which will bring you peace of mind.
Book Rooms Easily With the Best Website To Reserve Hotels
Hotel websites aren’t the only place to book hotel rooms; you can use an online travel agency. Comparing prices on these websites helps you choose the cheapest option. However, direct bookings bring perks like incentives and loyalty programs. Assess your needs and choose the best website to reserve a hotel.
You know which websites to use for your hotel; now elevate your service with free WiFi. With hotel WiFi, guests can enjoy a fast connection, and you can use a captive portal to collect guest data.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Best Websites To Reserve Hotels
Booking your hotel room using the right website can bring you substantial savings. So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions to fill any gaps the above discussion might have left.
What are the advantages of booking directly through a hotel’s website?
The advantages of booking directly through a hotel’s website include lower rates, exclusive offers, and added flexibility with cancellations.
You can also earn loyalty points, make special requests, and receive support from hotel staff, enjoying more personalized experiences. Another thing worth discussing is the transparency received when booking through a hotel’s website.
Is it cheaper to book a hotel directly with the hotel?
Yes, it’s cheaper to book a hotel directly with the hotel, but not always. Sometimes, hotels offer the best price guarantees when you book directly through their websites.
On the other hand, some hotels list higher prices than third-party booking sites and aggregators.
Can I find last-minute hotel deals using reservation websites?
Yes, you can find last-minute deals using reservation websites. Expedia and Priceline excel at providing last-minute bookings at the cheapest price.
Sometimes, leaving your hotel reservation to the last minute can even bring you unexpected savings. So, if you haven’t made your booking yet, head over to Expedia!
