What is the advantage to using Hotels.com as opposed to just booking directly through the hotel?

Answer 1

My tip is the more time you spend on it the better advantage you get. Hotels.com and similar sites are good at letting you compare prices for several hotels in the city. Also compare locations around the city to your plans and where you want to be. These sites generally give you good prices that at worst are lower than the listed prices and at best can be the cheapest.

However, once you lock in on one or two prime locations, it is still worth your while to then call the hotel (or their website) and see if you can't get a better rate. Just as it is worth you while to cross check on another Internet travel site. It just depends on how much time you have to look.

Another thing about booking through an online agent that isn't a contract with the hotel, is you usually don't get the hotel points. Many hotels have preferred customer programs. But that benefit varies from program to program, and if you don't travel frequently staying in the same chains it usually is minimal.

Answer 2

No advantage!!!!! I got a cheaper rate by going directly through the hotel! The cancellation policies are stricter when using a travel website vs. the actual hotel website. I have found this to be true with flights, hotels, rental cars. I will never again use a travel website vs. dealing direct.

Answer 3

Sometimes you can get a cheaper rate. Sometimes, if you are booking a whole vacation, Hotels.com can help you plan it out, and everything goes on one bill.

Answer 4

Well, if you go by their claims, then you're supposed to get cheaper rates. Personally, after years of trying, I still find that the rates they provide are actually higher. Perhaps it's just the places I was going, but nonetheless that is my experience.