Call Direct, or Book through an Online Travel Agency?

 

When planning a trip, you want the best value, the smoothest experience, and the flexibility to make the most of your stay.

As an avid traveler, it is a frequent occurrence for me to be able to book a room through an online travel agency (OTA) such as Expedia, Booking.com, or one of their many subsidiaries, cheaper than I can book by dealing with the hotel directly.

The main reasons why this practice exists are OTAs:

• Provide access to a much greater audience than a hotel can reach on its own.
• Prices can be changed quickly, especially when rooms are unsold.
• Can package flights, rental cars, and hotels together with ease.
• Have can have loyal customers that get special discounts.

Although the practice is confusing, as a hotelier, I understand it.

Hotels, especially franchised hotels, like those who have agreements with Wyndham, Marriott, Hilton, and many other brands, often require hotels to have a rate parity agreement. This agreement means the rate offered across all websites must be the same. However, many times, OTAs can offer additional discounts through mobile-only deals, discounts to frequent users, and package deals.

Additionally, hotels using OTA specific deals, are often boosted with a higher ranking in search results. Research has shown the first listed properties in a search often get more bookings than others, and a lot more than those hotels ending up on page two of a results page.

Travelers often find using OTAs to be quick and easy, and often the cheapest price a hotel will offer, even if you call direct.

However, it may still be wise to be armed with tips that may save you a few bucks:

• Research online, and then call the hotel directly to see if they will give you a cheaper price, or throw in some perks like room upgrades, free parking, or early check-in or check-out.
• Join a hotel loyalty program, and calculate the value of free or discounted room nights that become available through points. Wyndham has one of the top-rated loyalty programs in the hotel business.
• Use different devices. There are often mobile-only discounts available, and some programs use geo-fencing to offer better rates to those within a certain proximity to the hotel.

Our hotels, like most, are bound by a parity agreement, giving the same price across all online platforms. Our guests will get a great rate regardless of their preferred method of booking a room.

Calling the Hotel Directly

We also suggest you go the extra step when booking a room with us and make the phone call.

Reaching out by phone to the hotel gives you access to:

• Real-time availability and clarity on room types
• Rate discussions based on what you’ve seen online
• Added perks like early check-in, room upgrades, or free access to paid amenities
• A direct connection to someone on-site who knows the property and surrounding area

Our mission statement includes our desire to “exceed guest expectations.” We do that best when guests call us directly. Go ahead, search the web, even check with your Wyndham Rewards app, but continue with the phone call. And when you book direct, not only do you get a great rate, if you are a Wyndham Rewards member, you get the added benefit of adding to rewards points. For more information on other fun activities and experiences check out our blogs.

Allow us to provide you the best service possible by calling us directly to make a reservation.

In Florence, Oregon
River House Inn, a Baymont by Wyndham (541) 997-3393
Super 8 by Wyndham – Florence, Oregon (541) 997-7131

In Salina, Utah
Super 8 by Wyndham – Salina/Scenic Hills, Salina, UT (435) 529-7483