Blog Post 7 - Online Travel Agents VS Direct Bookings
“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” —
— Warren Buffett
Airbnb vs Direct Bookings:
Why Contractors & Travellers Save More by Going Straight to the Source
In today’s world of short-term and serviced accommodation, platforms like Airbnb, Booking com and VRBO have become the default first choice. They offer convenience, familiarity and an easy browsing experience.
In today’s world of short-term and serviced accommodation, platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com and VRBO have become the default first choice. They offer convenience, familiarity and an easy browsing experience.
In many cases, working directly with the serviced accommodation provider delivers:
better value
better communication
faster problem-solving
And for companies managing tight budgets or project timelines, those differences matter.
Let’s break down why.
1. Cost Savings: No OTA Commissions Means Better Rates
Online Travel Agencies charge hosts anywhere between 15% and 20%+ per booking. Someone has to pay for that — and it’s usually the guest.
By booking directly:
Guests avoid inflated nightly prices designed to cover OTA fees
Providers can offer discounted rates, weekly deals or project-based pricing
Companies can secure fixed “preferred contractor rates” for multiple bookings
For stays lasting a week, a month or a full project, this can easily create substantial savings.
2. Faster Communication & Clearer Expectations
Communication through OTAs is often slow and filtered.
Messages pass through the platform, notifications get delayed, and in urgent situations it’s rarely quick enough.
Direct booking gives guests:
A WhatsApp or phone number for immediate contact
Clear arrival instructions without platform restrictions
Direct access to the person responsible for the property
When you’re arriving late, have multiple vans, or need flexibility on check-in times, this type of direct communication isn’t just convenient — it’s essential.
3. Quicker Resolution of Any Issues
One thing most travellers don’t realise is that OTAs slow down issue resolution, because everything must be reported and handled via their process.
If you report a problem through Airbnb:
The host often cannot act until Airbnb acknowledges the message
Refunds must go through their system
Disputes take longer
Emergency relocations can take hours
When dealing directly with the accommodation provider:
Problems are solved immediately
Decisions are made on the spot — no approval chains
Replacement items, alternative units, or compensation can be provided instantly
For contractors, where time is money, this level of responsiveness is invaluable.
4. A More Personal, Reliable Relationship
Serviced accommodation providers who deal directly with guests usually have more skin in the game:
They rely on long-term partnerships
They understand project needs
They offer tailored stays (parking, number of beds, workspace, etc.)
They can keep the same property reserved for the entire job
On OTAs, you are one of thousands of anonymous short-term bookings. When you book direct, you become a valued customer.
5. Greater Flexibility on Everything That Matters
Direct providers can typically offer:
Flexible check-in/out
Custom bedding setups
Parking arrangements
Reduced deposits
Project-specific billing
VAT invoices
Company accounts
Longer-term discounts
OTAs rarely allow this level of customisation.
🚨24/7 Cover - What, How, Why...
At MD Accommodation we created a policy called 24/7 Cover to protect our guests and make them feel safe and looked after.
There are many angles we tackled so that guests are insured on various circumstances:
100% Payment Protection Cover
24/7 Highest Industry Cover
24/7 Checked In Cover
24/7 Connected Cover
24/7 Guest Cover
24/7 Safety Cover
These are some of the highlights of our cover, however we are proud to see our guests feeling safe as they book directly with us.
But why is this important?
Millions of traders, contractors and individuals book properties through Airbnb every year. One of the reason is the cover provided by their channel. I completely understand it, I used to book properties via Airbnb for this same reason.
We can provide even better level of protection, with shorter lead times and better prices. We make this a no-brainer for our guests.
💡Final Thoughts
OTAs are great for browsing, discovering new places and handling one-off stays.
But when it comes to contractors, corporate stays and anyone planning a longer or more specialised booking, dealing directly with the serviced accommodation provider almost always results in:
✔ Lower prices
✔ Better communication
✔ Faster support
✔ A more personalised, professional experience
Guests save money.
Providers deliver a higher standard of service.
And issues get resolved in minutes, not days.
It’s a win–win — and one of the reasons direct bookings continue to grow across the serviced accommodation industry.
