Direct Bookings vs OTA Bookings: What’s Best for Your Stay?

Are you putting your booking eggs all in one basket?

When it comes to booking accommodation, guests and property owners alike face a choice: book directly with the provider, or go through an Online Travel Agency (OTA) like Airbnb or Booking.com. At Top Stay Hosts, we work with both channels to maximize occupancy and guest satisfaction. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons of each approach from our experiences:

Direct Bookings

Pros:

• Lower Costs: No third-party commission fees, which means guests often get better rates and owners keep more revenue.

• Personalized Service: Direct communication allows for tailored guest experiences, special requests and flexibility.

• Faster Response Times: No middleman—queries and issues are handled directly by our operations team.

• Exclusive Offers: Access to loyalty discounts, special packages and add-ons not listed on OTAs.

• Better Control: Owners can set flexible cancellation policies and payment terms.

Cons:

• Trust Barrier: Some guests may feel less secure booking outside well-known platforms, especially first-timers.

• Limited Exposure: Direct bookings rely on your own marketing efforts and brand visibility.

• Payment Security: Guests may be cautious about sharing payment details directly, unless secure systems are in place (we use Charge Automation for peace of mind).

  
  

OTA Bookings

Pros:

• Global Reach: OTAs attract millions of users, increasing visibility for your property.

• Trust & Credibility: Well-known brands like Airbnb and Booking.com offer guest reviews, guarantees and secure payment systems.

• Streamlined Booking Process: Instant booking, verified profiles and automated communication make it easy for guests.

• Marketing Power: OTAs invest heavily in advertising and SEO, bringing more eyes to your listing.

Cons:

• Higher Fees: OTAs charge between 15-18% commission per booking, reducing net income for owners.

• Less Flexibility: Strict platform policies on cancellations, guest screening and communication.

• Impersonal Experience: Automated systems can make guest interactions feel less personal.

• Dependency Risk: Relying too heavily on OTAs can limit your control over bookings and pricing strategy.

  
  

Our Approach at Top Stay Hosts

We believe in a balanced strategy—leveraging OTAs for reach while encouraging direct bookings for better value and guest relationships. With 90% of our bookings already direct, we’re committed to making the process smooth, secure and rewarding for both guests and property owners.

Thinking about switching to more direct bookings? We can help you get set up with professional listings, secure payment systems, and targeted marketing to grow your direct booking share.

Want more tips or a tailored booking strategy for your property? Contact our team for a free consultation!