Is it better to book hotel room directly or through a travel site?

[Imzadi]

I'm always worried about getting to the hotel and they have no room available. Either they lost the reservation (if you book directly by phone with the front desk,) it was never confirmed at the hotel (if through a travel site,) or the price when you get there is way different from the one quoted.

Plus don't travel sites, like Expedia & Hotels.com charge a booking fee?

I'm trying to get a reservation on a BUSY weekend. How can I be sure there will be a room when I show up?

 

[LoraJ]

I usually book directly through the hotel. It's usually the same price.
I booked through Expedia last year for a hotel in AC for Dh's birthday. I booked a deluxe ocean view room. We had a view of the air conditioning units. I called the front desk to complain and that was just useless. They brushed me off because I had booked through Expedia and told me to complain to them. I did end up complaining to them and they gave me $50 off on a future booking.

And if the hotel is overbooked, from what I understand, if you book through a travel site, your rooom will not be guaranteed.

 

[Imzadi]

I booked a deluxe ocean view room. We had a view of the air conditioning units.

I guess they considered the condensation dripping off the air conditioning units was an ocean.

 

[handinpocket]

We have had really good luck through Priceline, but be aware - you will get the crappiest view they can find in the resort. If an emergency comes up and you need to leave early, you are sol, no refund for you!

 

[Shyvioletisme]

we always book directly through the hotel...I've always found better prices that way, you know you are getting the view you are told you are getting, and if anything comes up you can deal with the hotel directly instead of a different company.

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

I think both are fine. I've done both many times as well. Just find which ever is cheaper and book that way and if it's the same price then I book through the hotel directly.

I know Expedia isn't doing booking fees anymore, I haven't used any other travel sites.

 

[bigbabyblues]

We book directly with the hotel.

 

[bumbershoot]

I've been enjoying booking DH's work-travel hotels through hotels.com. He's only had one issue, where an employee said he didn't have breakfast included, and when he brought the printed info from his booking down, a different employee found it just fine (didn't even need to look at the print out). It's generally the same price, he hasn't had a problem moving rooms when needed, and I go through a rewards site and get disney money back. Win-win situation so far.

Plus, hotels.com is generally cancellable (just canceled a trip half an hour ago) and they have the individual hotel's cancel/change policies right there for you.