Can I Get a Better Price by Calling the Hotel Directly After Booking Online?

 In today’s highly competitive hotel industry, travelers often seek out the best possible deals when booking their accommodations. Online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia, Booking.com, and Hotels.com have made booking hotels easier than ever, offering a wide array of options, reviews, and often, competitive prices. However, there’s a question that many people ask: Can you get a better price by calling the hotel directly after booking online?

This question is not only relevant for bargain hunters but also for those looking for more personalized service, upgrades, or additional perks. In this blog, we’ll explore whether calling the hotel after booking online can result in a better deal and the factors to consider when making this call.

1. Understanding the Hotel Pricing System

Before diving into whether you can get a better price by calling the hotel directly, it’s important to understand how hotel pricing works. Hotels often set their rates based on dynamic pricing, which adjusts depending on various factors such as:

• Demand: High-demand periods (e.g., holidays, events, or peak tourist seasons) can lead to higher prices, while off-peak times may lead to lower rates.

• Room Availability: Prices are influenced by how many rooms are available. If a hotel has fewer rooms left for a given date, prices may increase as the check-in date approaches.

• Booking Channels: Hotels often have different pricing for their website, third-party platforms, and phone bookings. They sometimes offer different rates or perks for booking directly on their official website.

2. How Online Travel Agencies Affect Hotel Prices

OTAs can offer competitive prices by aggregating hotel listings, allowing users to compare rates and find discounts. However, hotels often pay a commission fee of 10-20% to these third-party booking platforms for each reservation made. As a result, hotels may have less flexibility to offer the lowest rates through OTAs compared to direct bookings.

While OTAs offer convenience and a broad selection, they don’t always reflect the most accurate or exclusive pricing. Sometimes, hotels may offer lower prices or better deals directly through their own booking platforms, avoiding the need to pay hefty commission fees.

3. The Potential Benefits of Calling the Hotel Directly

Now that we understand the basics of hotel pricing, let's dive into the potential benefits of calling a hotel directly after booking through an OTA.

1. Room Upgrades

One of the primary reasons travelers call the hotel after booking is to inquire about upgrades. Many hotels prioritize guests who book directly through their website, and they may offer free room upgrades or perks (like late check-out or free breakfast) as a loyalty incentive.

While an OTA booking may not give you priority for upgrades, calling the hotel directly could help you secure a better room at no extra cost, especially if you ask politely and mention that you're a loyal customer or looking forward to your stay.

2. Exclusive Discounts

Hotels often reserve the best prices for direct bookings. This is particularly true for major hotel chains that run loyalty programs, such as Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors, where members earn rewards points for direct bookings.

While OTAs may offer discounted rates, calling the hotel after booking could sometimes result in the hotel offering you a better deal, especially if you mention that you found a better price elsewhere. The hotel may be willing to match or beat the online rate to keep your business, or they may offer you perks or credits toward future stays.

3. Avoiding Hidden Fees

OTAs often add on extra fees that can make the final price significantly higher than the initial quote. Resort fees, cleaning charges, or booking fees are examples of these hidden costs that are often not disclosed upfront.

By calling the hotel directly, you can confirm the total cost, ask about hidden fees, and sometimes even negotiate their removal. Some hotels might waive certain fees, particularly for guests who book directly, or if you're a loyal customer. This is less likely when booking through OTAs, as the platform generally sets those fees.

4. Personalizing Your Request

If you have specific requests, such as needing a non-smoking room, requesting a quieter floor, or asking for additional amenities, calling the hotel directly can give you the opportunity to make those requests and confirm their availability.

When you book through an OTA, your special requests are often passed along to the hotel through an intermediary, which could lead to misunderstandings. Calling directly gives you a chance to speak with someone at the front desk, clarify your needs, and even confirm that your requests will be accommodated.

5. Establishing a Relationship

Establishing a good relationship with the hotel staff can sometimes lead to benefits, especially if you stay at the same hotel chain frequently. By calling the hotel directly, you may be able to form a rapport with the team, leading to preferential treatment or recognition for future stays.

For example, if you're a frequent guest, calling the hotel directly after booking could result in extra attention and perhaps complimentary perks like breakfast, parking, or a welcome gift.

4. When Might Calling the Hotel Not Result in a Better Price?

While calling the hotel directly can offer benefits, there are certain circumstances where it may not result in a better deal or price.

1. Price Parity Agreements with OTAs

Many hotel chains have price parity agreements with OTAs, meaning the rates they offer on their own websites must match or closely align with those available on third-party platforms. If the hotel is bound by these agreements, calling them directly won’t lead to a better price, as they are not allowed to offer a lower rate.

In some cases, OTAs may have access to exclusive promotions or discounts that hotels cannot offer over the phone. For instance, a last-minute deal or limited-time sale might be available only through an OTA, and the hotel may not be able to honor it if you call directly.

2. Limited Availability on Certain Booking Platforms

In some cases, booking sites and OTAs may have exclusive inventory that the hotel does not offer when you call directly. For example, certain room types, special packages, or limited availability may only be available through the booking platform you used.

If you’ve booked a specialized package or room type (such as a themed room or a particular view), calling the hotel may not result in the same availability. Additionally, if you booked through a flash deal or promotion, the hotel might not be able to offer the same price or deal.

3. The Hotel’s Policy on Price Matching

Some hotels have a strict policy that doesn’t allow for price matching or negotiating prices after a booking has been made. Even if you do call the hotel directly, the hotel might not offer any discounts or upgrades because they already have a policy in place to maintain rate consistency.

In these cases, calling the hotel may not have much of an impact on your price. However, it’s always worth asking politely, as some hotels may still be willing to accommodate a guest’s request if the situation warrants it.

5. Tips for Successfully Negotiating with Hotels Directly

If you decide to call the hotel directly after booking online, here are a few tips to help you secure a better deal:

• Be polite and respectful: Hotels are more likely to offer you a better deal if you’re courteous and respectful to the staff. A positive tone can go a long way.

• Mention competing prices: If you’ve found a better price on an OTA, don’t be afraid to mention it. Ask the hotel if they can match or beat that price, or offer you additional perks.

• Ask about upgrades or perks: Inquire about any available upgrades or additional perks like free breakfast, parking, or late check-out. Hotels may be more likely to offer you these bonuses if you book directly or if you’re a loyal guest.

• Consider loyalty programs: If you’re a member of the hotel’s loyalty program, mention it when calling the hotel. Loyalty program members often receive better treatment and may be eligible for exclusive deals or upgrades.

Conclusion

Calling the hotel directly after booking online may not always result in a better price, but it can offer several advantages, including room upgrades, exclusive perks, and potentially avoiding hidden fees. However, the outcome largely depends on the hotel’s policies, price parity agreements, and availability.

For the best chance of securing a better deal, always check the price on the hotel’s own website before booking through OTAs, and don’t hesitate to call directly afterward to inquire about upgrades, discounts, or special perks. Ultimately, a combination of smart shopping, loyalty program membership, and direct communication with the hotel can help you maximize your travel experience and ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.