Why Booking Direct Is The Best Choice

1. Best Price Guarantee
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Motels offer the lowest available rates when guests book directly through their website. Motels will  match or beat OTA prices and may provide exclusive discounts not available elsewhere.
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2. More Flexible Cancellation Policies
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Booking through OTAs often comes with strict cancellation policies, sometimes leaving guests stuck with non-refundable reservations. Motels, on the other hand, usually provide more flexible cancellation or modification options when booked directly. Dealing directly with a sympathetic Kiwi motelier is always better than dealing with an OTA robotic drone based in Amsterdam.
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3. Personalized Service and Special Requests
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When booking through OTAs, guests’ special requests—such as a particular room type, number of persons staying, time of arrival, late check-out etc may not always be communicated effectively. Direct booking allows guests to discuss their needs with an empathetic motelier that has a vested interest to deliver a more personalised experience.
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5. Avoid Hidden Fees
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OTAs often charge extra booking fees that guests may not be aware of until checkout. Booking directly with the motel can help travelers avoid unnecessary costs and ensure transparency in pricing.
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6. Better Customer Support
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If any issues arise before or during a stay, dealing directly with the motel simplifies problem resolution. Moteliers have a vested interest in their properties and local knowledge. OTAs act as middlemen, which can delay responses and limit the ability to make changes or offer solutions.
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7. More Room Options
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Motels will often limit room types displayed on OTA websites, reducing guests' choices. Booking direct with the motel will ensure that all available room options can be booked.
 
8. Supporting Local Businesses Instead of Foreign OTAs
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Many OTAs are large multinational corporations headquartered overseas. The 3 most popular OTAs are based in Amsterdam, Seattle & Singapore. This means the commission fees they collect do not benefit NZ’s economy. When guests book directly with a hotel, they help keep more revenue within the local community, supporting local businesses, jobs, and tourism development.
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9. Avoid Currency Exchange Issues and Foreign Transaction Fees
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Since many OTAs are based in different countries, bookings made through them may incur foreign transaction fees or currency conversion discrepancies. Direct booking with the motel eliminates these extra charges, ensuring a more accurate and cost-effective transaction.

 

10. Avoid Non-Compliant GST Invoices

 

OTAs are based outside NZ and act as intermediaries rather than direct service providers. They often issue invoices that do not include a valid GST number, which is required for businesses to claim input tax credit. A vexing issue with business travelers is losing eligible tax deductions. Booking direct with the motel will guarantee a you a valid GST receipt that complies with NZ standards. 

 

11. Avoid The Risk Of Lost Bookings

 

Turning up late at a motel that has no record of your booking is a daunting scenario. Instances of this along with overbookings are rare, however when miscommunication occurs, it’s likely guests have used an OTA. Cutting out the middleman and booking direct will greatly reduce the risk of turning up at a motel that doesn’t have a record of your booking.
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Conclusion
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While OTAs serve a purpose in helping travelers compare options, the benefits of booking directly with a motel outweigh the convenience of third-party platforms. From better rates and flexible policies to superior customer service and exclusive perks, booking direct ensures a smoother, more rewarding stay for guests.
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Next time you plan a trip, consider booking directly with the motel to enjoy these advantages.