Hotel & vacation guide
Booking Directly vs Through a Travel Platform
Neither booking path is automatically best. Compare the same room and cancellation terms, then consider who you will need to contact if plans change.
Planning note: Hotel rates, policies, amenities, construction, transportation and local conditions change. Use this guide to compare options, then verify current details with the property, booking provider and official local sources before travel.
Direct booking
Direct reservations can simplify communication with the property and may qualify for hotel-specific loyalty benefits, depending on the program.
Third-party platforms
Platforms can make cross-property comparison easy and sometimes package rooms with other travel components. Changes may need to be handled through the booking platform rather than directly with the hotel.
Compare like with like
Room category, meals, fees, payment timing and cancellation terms should match before assuming one channel is cheaper.