Why Pay More? The Truth About OTA Fees and Why Booking Direct Accommodation Saves You Money

Book Direct Accommodation Saves You Money

When you book a stay through popular online travel agents (OTAs) like Airbnb or Booking.com, you probably assume you’re getting the best deal. After all, these platforms seem convenient, with thousands of properties at your fingertips. But here’s the shocking truth: when you book through an OTA, you’re not only paying for the convenience — you’re also shelling out for hefty commission fees that go straight into the pockets of these massive corporations. The real kicker? The property owners often have no choice but to hike their prices to cover these fees, and you end up paying far more than you need to.

Let’s break it down. OTAs like Booking.com and Airbnb charge property owners up to 20% in commission fees for every booking. That’s right — 20% of what you pay goes straight to these online middlemen. This is money that doesn’t go towards improving your experience, but instead, lines the pockets of these billion-dollar companies. As a small family business, we had to pay over £25,000 in commission to OTAs in September alone. That’s £25,000 we could have passed on as savings directly to our guests. But because of these fees, we’re forced to increase our prices just to stay afloat.

And here’s another myth we need to debunk: Many people believe that OTAs vet their properties to ensure quality, but that’s simply not true. OTAs don’t offer any more guarantees than booking directly with the owner. In fact, you’re often just paying for the convenience of using their platform, without any added security or quality control. So, why pay more when you can book the same property directly and avoid all those hidden costs?

The trick is simple: find a property you like on an OTA, then do a quick search for the property’s direct website. When you book directly, you’re avoiding those sky-high commission fees, and property owners are often more than happy to pass those savings on to you. Booking directly from the property’s website not only guarantees the best price but often comes with additional perks like early check-in, late check-out, or even complimentary upgrades.

Think about the real-world impact of these savings. If you’re a frequent traveler, especially for work, those commission fees can add up to hundreds or even thousands of pounds over time. If you’re staying away regularly or making a long-term booking, these savings could run into the tens of thousands! Imagine what you could do with that extra money — upgrade your holiday, extend your stay, or even fund a well-deserved personal treat.

The reality is that OTAs want you to believe they’re giving you the best deal, but that’s far from the truth. The real savings happen when you book directly. So next time you’re planning a trip or need corporate accommodation, think twice before clicking “Book Now” on an OTA.

Don’t believe us? Check out the amazing prices you can get by booking our premium serviced accommodation directly on our website at staygateway.com. We guarantee that the cheapest prices will always be found on our website, with no hidden commissions or extra fees. Save your hard-earned money for something that truly matters — and let’s put an end to paying more than you need to.

Make your next stay a smarter, more affordable one by booking direct and skipping the middleman!