Hotel booking sites

Teetime, I think a lot of booking sites will give you a few pictures of room the size and size of bed etc, plus a shot of the bathroom so you have some idea of what you are going to get when booking. Some hotels do the same and offer a box with "special requests" so you can state "not near lift etc" I also go on feedback and ratings. I suppose as with anything there is always a premium for a seaview. We were very happy with our room in Spain on our recent holiday, whilst we didn't get a sea view, nevertheless had a nice raised ground floor room, fronting gardens with fountains and lovely Bougainvillea cascading over the top of the balcony.

Interesting post BGranniel, I wouldn't post a negative comment on TripAdvisor, certainly not for a small establishment. I haven't had too many bad experiences fortunately.

I use Expedia, because you can collect Nectar points, awful reason I know! Although, because I use them a lot, I've had slight discounts through them. If they don't produce a good range though, I will switch to Booking.com who sometimes seem to have more choice. I have also booked with hotels direct but I don't find a lot of difference between their prices and the booking sites. I also like to take the option that booking sites offer of cancellation without penalty, at a slightly higher price, because one can never be sure if that might be required.

We run a B&B in SW Scotland and the booking sites are a great way to get otherwise missed business. At a cost however, as much as 17% sometimes, which is a lot but still extra business. Sometimes these sites offer discounts on rooms but usually with chain type hotels. We much prefer it if folks look for us on booking sites then ring us directly. Never any difference in rates but we can sometimes offer discounts for multi rooms etc etc. If folks do use a booking site we can offer an upgrade to one of our better rooms (if available, we only have 4 rooms) at the extra cost which negates the % I would say if you are not happy with what you have booked and sometimes paid for in advance, have a quiet word with the owner/manager and see if something can be done. Don't leave harsh trip advisor reviews without talking to them first..... we are very lucky never had one.... but its amazing what a quiet word will achieve.... !!

A relative of mine owned, until quite recently, a B &B in a Welsh seaside town and she had to pay the booking sites a percentage of any guest who booked via them. She always encouraged guests to book direct with her, especially if they had special requirements, such as mobility issues or dietary needs. I've followed this advice in any hotel or B & B in the UK and have always been offered better rates than any booking site quotes.

I have used Booking sites, air bnb, direvt booking and tbh could not say one route was better than another. Some you win , some you lose! I try to to as much research as poss. & tbh depends what you need the place for! A room for a night as a stopover, a base for a tourist weekend or a bit of a relaxing few days to unwind!

I have always used booking.com but we have just returned from Dawlish and I noticed that the hotel's own prices were considerably cheaper.Our room was OK but not sea view like most. I didn't say anything but the owner said "come again and we will make sure you get a sea view"DH always says it is better to deal directly with the hotel.I am inclined to agree now.

Used Booking.com twice but much prefer airbnb, usually staying in a room of the owners own home. You can be assured that they are not going to have a dirty room or grotty bathroom and I have stayed in many swanky, interesting, quirky and stylish homes (and boats) all over the UK and Europe for a fraction of hotel costs. After all, you don't LIVE in the room 24/7. Most have high end toiletries and great breakfasts included.

We booked a room in the Lakes via a site and got a really nice room. We booked directly the following time and the room was awful backed onto the fire escape where the staff hung around to smoke. We asked to be moved but it wasn't any better.

I tend to use the booking sites to find a range of hotels then check their individual web sites. Often cheaper. Recently as much as £20 a night. Now and again there is a much better deal via a booking site, so best to check both if you’ve time.

I wonder that too Teetime.
You don't always pay less either. I was enticed by cashback this summer and found that the pay at the hotel price was quite a bit cheaper than the booking site....I just didn't bother to make the calculations.

Rule of thumb.

I always compare rates on the hotel’s own website with booking sites to get the best deal. Some chains also have loyalty schemes which are free to join and offer discounts on room rates. My rule of thimb is always to book a room I’d be happy with, but enquire about an upgrade on arrival- some hotels will give a free upgrade, others for just a small amount.