Question: We booked a hotel through a third party, but got an email from the hotel saying if we cancelled the third-party booking and booked directly through the hotel, they'd give us a better rate - almost $100 savings over a four night stay.
My Significant Other wonders how ethical that is. Me, I'd appreciate a better deal.
What do other folks think?
I'd jump on it. The hotel is basically saying to you......book directly with us and some of the money we would have to pay to the third party we'll share with you.
It's called doing business.
Cancel the third party booking and book directly with hotel. It will also help the hotel.
As long as you can cancel with no penalty and depending on what the hotel cancellation policy is, I say go for it. I always try to book directly and on my regular hotels in Paris they almost all say on the website that the best rate is to book direct.
Most hotels do that now and will match your rate. I usually book directly with the hotel incase there are any snafus.It's easier to show them that this is what YOUR website said as far as price and accommodations. Plus you can usually sign up for their membership club and get free wifi-hotel upgrades and bottled water.
I'd take advantage of it. The only risk is really on the hotel itself getting caught and being de-listed from that third-party platform, and therefore losing the sales it brings them.
they almost all say on the website that the best rate is to book direct
They all say this, but it's often not the case.
I do both. It depends on the establishment. If it's a hotel chain, more likely that I will use the "third party" to reserve. When it is small family run hotel, B&B, or Pension, I book directly by calling them up. That increases the chances of getting a discount, at least, I know that for sure in London reserving in Kings Cross B&B. In Germany ..depends on the small hotel.
I’d take the lower rate if the other booking is free cancellation. You owe the third party no allegiance or loyalty. We always try to book directly though the hotel if possible.
Thanks for the quick and great replies, folks. I think we'll take advantage of the savings by booking direct with the hotel. There is no cancellation fee with the third party booking service. AND ... the hotel is even throwing a couple tickets for a fado show.. So, it looks like a win-win.
I don’t think there is anything unethical about this at all. Neither on the part of the hotel for suggesting it, nor on your part for availing yourselves of the opportunity.
I agree -- no ethical issue. I never book through third-party sites because they've never shown me significant savings and they won't be any help if I have a problem with the hotel. They are useful for searching, and they make plenty of money without the commissions my bookings would generate.
