Many vacationers unknowingly increase their chances of receiving a subpar room by making a common mistake before reaching their destination.
Numerous online tip guides offer strategies to enhance the likelihood of securing complimentary upgrades, whether on a flight or in a hotel. Suggestions include offering treats to the check-in staff or dressing formally.
According to expert hoteliers, the quality of your hotel room can be determined at the time of booking. Paul Scott, founder of My Budget Break and a travel expert, explained that booking through a third-party site might result in a less favorable room allocation compared to booking directly with the hotel. This discrepancy is not intentional but stems from the high commission fees, up to 25%, that third-party websites charge hotels.
Hotels incentivize direct bookings by offering discounts, additional perks, and room selection options. For instance, Hilton Hotels allows direct bookers, especially Hilton Honors members, to choose their preferred room, granting access to better room options such as superior views or locations away from noise.
Ben Firth, a senior account director at Gold79, emphasized the advantages of booking directly with hotels. While booking through third-party platforms doesn’t guarantee the worst room, guests miss out on exclusive benefits like late check-out, welcome drinks, and limited room categories only available through direct bookings. Additionally, direct bookings often secure better rates.
Research indicates that guests booking through third-party websites are more likely to be assigned undesirable room locations, such as near elevators or noisy areas. Hotel managers prioritize direct bookings for room assignments, as reported by Mews.
Customers booking through third-party sites spend more time at check-in resolving room preferences and are less likely to secure their preferred room type compared to those booking directly with hotels, according to a recent study.
Contrary to claims that third-party bookings lead to inferior room assignments, Tim Hentschel of HotelPlanner.com refuted these notions, stating that room assignments are primarily based on availability rather than booking method. Hotels heavily rely on third-party bookings, representing approximately 36% of room reservations, and prioritize guest satisfaction to maintain positive reviews and business sustainability.
Overall, the room allocated is more a reflection of availability than the booking platform used. Hotels understand the importance of positive guest experiences, regardless of the booking channel, to sustain their reputation and competitiveness in the hospitality industry.