Hotel Booking. Agent v booking direct

[Skyedriver]

Trying to book a hotel for two separate nights, one in August, one in December.
Companies like Expedia, Booking, Skyscanner etc seem to be quoting prices, sometimes about 25% of booking direct via the hotel website.
Is there a catch? Scam? What's the story please?
Glasgow if that matters.
Thanks

[craig1912]

I find the booking cos are sometimes cheaper than the hotel direct site. Just book the cheapest

[loskie]

Phone the hotel and speak to them.

[FlyVintage]

If using booking.co.uk then check prices using your phone - many are further discounted as “mobile only” prices against those on PC.

I’ve been using booking.co.uk for years right across the globe and only had one significant issue (which sounded like the hotel being able to sell directly for a higher price so bumped us).

[scot_aln]

Who invariably tell you they can't get anywhere close to that price and so you revert to just going click, click, click with the whoever is the cheapest of the online booking agents.

[The Leaper]

Just make sure the type of booking you get from the agents is what you expect. Most of the cheap quotes are not flexible so they are non refundable and often paid at the time of booking not arrival. Nothing wrong with this as long as you are aware of whet you are getting for the price.

R.

[Chucklehead]

No catch. No scam. It's the industry, as much as hoteliers don't like it. If you call direct they might match. If you book direct they might have offers that get you to the same price. It's up to you whether it's worth it or not.

If you choose Booking or Expedia, then set up an account and offers will likely start to flow. Either member specific offers, or tiered benefits if you continue to book. Either way, create that account before you search.

[Skyedriver]

Thanks everyone, so it's not a scam. A hotel web site was quoting over £200 one of the booking agents, can't recall which, was around £50.

[Chucklehead]

Glasgow can be cheap, but £50... Where are you staying, the Alexander Thomson?

[Matt..]

Personally I book most hotels via Booking.com as it’s easy. It’s also easy to cancel if that’s offered. I sometimes book direct if it’s cheaper but often it’s hard to understand cancellation terms for a lot of non-UK hotels so I often don’t go direct. I book 40-50 nights a year so not huge amounts.