So then what is the best way to book?
Book directly with the hotel! Major hotel chains such as Marriott, Hilton and SPG resorts actually have rewards for you if you are able to find a lower price than their published online rates.
1. Hilton
If you find a lower price on a third party booking website than the Hilton online published rate you can call them directly at 1-800-445-8667 and they will match the rate you found. On top of that they will give you a $50 resort credit for your stay!
2. SPG (Starwood Hotels)
(SPG is the alliance of Sheraton, Westin, W hotels, A loft, Four Points and a few others)
If you find a lower price on a third party booking website than the SPG online published rate then you can call them directly at 1-888-625-4988 and they will not only match the rate but they will add an extra %20 discount on the nightly rate.
3. Marriott
If you find a lower price on a third party booking website than Marriott online published rate than you can call them directly at 1-888-236-2427 and they will not only match the rate but they will add a %25 discount to the nightly rate! (If you had a $100 a night room that would kick it down to $75 a night)!
These examples above are for the main hotel chains I travel but most other hotel chains offer similar offers.
So why do hotels offer this?
The answer is simple. There are many factors that are included when it comes to hotels dealing with third parties. First they need to have a way to integrate their reservation system to make sure that third party bookings are active in their system. This requires some one on paid salary just managing third party bookings every day.
On top of that, third party websites can take up to %50 of the cost of the booking. That means if you book $100 room only $50 goes to the hotel.
Room Choice
The hotel has a block of rooms in the hotel that it leaves designated to third party bookings. That means that there is a very slim chance that you will have a nice room or get any chance of an upgrade. If you are staying at an ocean front hotel there is a good chance you will be on the first floor facing the side of a building unless you paid a hefty price when you booked for an ocean front room.
People that book directly with the hotel are more likely to be upgraded to a better room as long as their is availability. Those upgrades are usually free for the sole factor that you booked directly through their site.
Refundable Rates
When you book directly with the hotel there is usually more flexibility with your reservation. Booking online directly with the hotel will usually show you a refundable rate. This means you can cancel the reservation or move dates around without any problem usually up to 24 hours before your stay.
You Get Better Service
It is really an industry secret but the hotel knows what kind of guest you are regardless or status. Upon checking in the front desk staff will see what kind of booking you made and it automatically determines what kind of treatment you get for the most part. You are more prone to receiving things such as free breakfast vouchers, executive lounge access, room upgrades and so on. Direct bookings are obviously more profitable for the hotel so it gives them leeway to serve you with a better experience.
Loyalty Points
If you book through a third party site and have a loyalty reward number to that chain you are NOT eligible to receive points for the booking amount. The nights that you staid are also not eligible towards the next tier of your membership status. This is a crucial benefit that allows the hotel to recognize your loyalty to their brand.
I hope this was valuable information and will help you on your next vacation, if you have any questions feel free to message me directly through Google circles.