When it comes to booking hotels, travelers are often faced with two options: book directly through the hotel’s website or use a third-party platform like Expedia or Hotels.com. While both approaches have their merits, the best choice depends on what you value most—price, perks, flexibility, or rewards.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each method, and how to make the right call based on your travel priorities.
Booking direct: the loyalty and perks advantage
Booking directly through the hotel’s official website often unlocks exclusive benefits that aren’t available through online travel agencies (OTAs). Major brands like Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt frequently offer:
- Lower member-only rates
- Free Wi-Fi
- Room upgrades
- Bonus points for loyalty program members
- More flexible cancellation policies
Additionally, only direct bookings typically qualify for earning elite night credits and tier status in loyalty programs like Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, or World of Hyatt.
If you’re aiming for free nights or status-based perks, booking direct is usually the smarter move.
Third-party platforms: competitive pricing and bundling options
On the flip side, OTAs like Expedia, Hotels.com, Priceline, and Booking.com offer significant convenience and occasional price advantages, especially when bundling hotels with flights or car rentals.
Perks of booking through an OTA may include:
- Simplified comparison shopping
- Bundle discounts on multi-part trips
- Access to user reviews across hotel brands
- Consolidated bookings for multiple hotels
Some platforms also offer their own loyalty programs. For instance, Hotels.com has a reward system where every 10 nights earns you one free night’s credit (based on average value).
What about price matching?
Many hotel brands offer a price-match guarantee if you find a cheaper rate on a third-party site. However, these often come with strict conditions—like matching room types, rate terms, and cancellation policies—and must be submitted shortly after booking.
If you’re willing to do the work, this can help you secure the direct booking perks while still benefiting from OTA-style pricing.
Can you still earn rewards with third-party bookings?
While hotel loyalty points are typically forfeited with third-party bookings, you can still earn credit card points or cashback. Some savvy travelers combine OTAs with cashback apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, or Fluz by purchasing digital gift cards for their favorite hotel brands before booking direct.
For example, you can earn cashback with a Hilton gift card or get rewards with a Hyatt gift card and still enjoy elite benefits when booking directly through the hotel’s site.
When to use each option
Book direct if you:
- Are a loyalty member chasing elite status or benefits
- Value perks like late checkout or free upgrades
- Want the most flexible change and cancellation policies
- Found a gift card cashback deal through a rewards app
Use a third-party site if you:
- Are bundling with flights or cars
- Need to compare hotels quickly in one place
- Don’t care about loyalty points or perks
- Are booking a non-chain or boutique property
Final thoughts
The best booking strategy often comes down to your goals. If you prioritize loyalty perks and flexibility, book direct. If you’re hunting for bundled savings or quick comparisons, third-party sites can deliver value. In either case, layering in gift card rewards from platforms like Fluz can give you an added edge—just make sure to use the right path for the right trip.
