Direct booking

Direct booking means reserving your room directly with the hotel, through their official website, phone, or email, rather than through an OTA like Booking.com or Expedia. Why it matters: hotels save 15-30% in commission, so they often reward you with exclusive perks: lower "member-only" rates (typically 5-10% off), free upgrades if available, late checkout, complimentary breakfast or Wi-Fi, and loyalty points that count toward elite status. You also have a direct relationship with the hotel if anything goes wrong, no third-party customer service to navigate. To find the best direct rate: search the hotel's website (not the brand's), call the property directly, and ask if there's an unpublished rate or available upgrade. Loyalty members almost always benefit more booking direct.