When deciding whether to book a hotel room through Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) like Booking.com or Agoda, or directly through the hotel’s official website, it’s important to consider what matters most to you—price, flexibility, or added value. OTAs often showcase competitive rates and allow easy comparisons across multiple properties, making them convenient for first-time travelers or those seeking quick options. However, booking directly with the hotel often comes with hidden perks such as room upgrades, early check-in or late check-out, complimentary services, or exclusive packages not available on third-party platforms. Many hotels also offer a “Best Rate Guarantee” on their website, meaning if you find a lower rate elsewhere, they’ll match it or beat it. Plus, booking directly helps support the hotel more sustainably by reducing third-party commissions. In short, if you’re looking for convenience and wide choices, OTAs work well, but for better service, exclusive deals, and direct communication, booking through the hotel’s own website is often the smarter choice.