Would you book directly or through third party booking website?

[myconianchocolate]

Looking at booking a hotel. Found it for £100 a night through expedia. I was always told that they take a cut, so cheaper to book directly.

I reached out to hotel and asked for a quote, mentioned it was £100 a night on expedia. They seemed shocked it was so low as their website is £120. They said alright, we’d be happy to meet that quote (£100). No offer of a better room or better terms and conditions.

Would it be safer for us to book via a third party? We’d also be able to get points from expedia, so technically booking directly would be more costly.

On the beach are good. Used them twice

Id probably book via Expedia. You could ask them again to reduce the price or upgrade the room as they would be losing out on fees via Expedia.

It's a bit awkward really isn't it? I think I will end up booking via Expedia because I can earn some points... so it's technically slightly cheaper.

I always book directly, regardless of cost. It just feels safer and you would have a better chance of speaking to an actual person if there are any issues.

I have no issue in booking with sites such as Expedia and booking.com. But equally direct is fine and you may fine them more flexible especially in terms of not having to pay until you get there which is a big plus in my book.
in this case Expedia is the better deal If you are saving points etc

I would use Expedia.

Never ever use booking.com

I’ve used booking.com for years and not had a single issue.

For hotels third party sites are fine, a bit more problematic with flights. I always use booking.com.

I think it used to be true that it was cheaper to book directly, but these days it no longer seems to be the case.

Hotels .com are by far the best in my experience for both problem resolution and rewards.