I finally stopped booking hotels through those big travel sites

For years, I would just go to the usual booking sites for every trip. I thought I was getting a good deal. Then, on a trip to Lisbon last fall, I saw a sign at a small guesthouse with a price that was 40 euros a night less than what the site showed for the same room. The owner told me they have to add a huge fee for the site, so they always keep a few rooms to book direct for less. Now, I always search for a place I like, then call them or check their own website. I've saved so much money, and the owners are always happy to skip the middleman. It takes a few extra minutes, but it's worth it. Has anyone else found a better way to find direct contact info for smaller places?

3 comments

3 Comments

avery_nelson1mo ago

Ever try calling a place and they just tell you to book online anyway? I mean, I've had that happen a few times and it's super annoying. Like, what's the point of having a phone number then? Maybe it's just me, but how do you actually get them to give you the direct rate over the phone? Do you have to say something specific?

the_noah1mo ago

I called a hotel last week and got that exact line. They basically read their website to me like I'm a child who can't use the internet. The point of the phone is to talk to a human who can actually help, right? Sometimes I just say I'm having trouble with their website and need a real person to check something. It works maybe half the time, but you can hear the sigh through the phone.

dylan26518d ago

Actually, I had the opposite experience last week in a small town in Mexico. I called this little posada and the guy on the phone was super helpful, gave me a room for 20% less than the online price, and even held it for me without a deposit. I think it really depends on the place and who picks up the phone. Smaller family-run spots tend to be more flexible, especially if you call during a quiet time like mid-afternoon. The chains and bigger hotels, yeah, they usually just tell you to book online because they have a system to follow. That's why I mostly stick to guesthouses and B&Bs now where that personal touch actually works.