This question has maybe been asked before. When booking a hotel, is is better to book through the hotel website and get their 'points' or through a middleman like expedia where it's cheaper (like $20/night cheaper). Or any advantage to going through a TA. Thanks!

I always book through third party and get points off my credit card instead

Through the hotel website

I think it's personal preference. Which one is likely to have more value to you, future points or cash in your pocket now?

I would only do the points thing if there were a promotion going on that got me bonus points, or a free night stay or a gift card or etc.

If the price is the same, dealing directly with the hotel is beneficial. Same with airlines

The cash is likely of more benefit. Thanks!

When we booked through a middleman we have never gotten the best available room. More than once, when booked through expedia, etc, we had to request a better room ..... and got a better one for same price. Because of that, we always book with hotel directly.

I think I waited too long to book
now the prices are the same so I just booked it through the site.

Always best to book through a hotel directly. They will likely give you a nicer room or a comp upgrade over those booked via a third party site since they are getting full revenue from you and not paying a margin to the "middle man".

priceline- always get a good deal

priceline works for me but last time I used trivago to check all at once and found a deal only offered by Amoma and saved $500 on a weeks stay

I love Trivago. It has found me some amazing deals

I check the middleman and hotel websites. Sometimes the hotel has deals which aren't reflected on the booking sites. Same goes for airlines.

I call the hotel directly and try to negotiate the best price.

Hotel points are only good if you plan on going to that hotel franchise again ( you also need to know how many point to get a bonus and when do they expire) - expedia also gives points and Trivago is owned by expedia

Forget hotels and use airbnb

Call hotel ad ask if they'll match the online rate. That way you very the best of both.

One point about hotels in Mexico. I had an awful time with the hotel, trying to get a refund. I had booked through Booking.com and only when I got them to intervene on my behalf did I eventually get the refund. They have odd rules there regarding deposits.....

Booking.com really supports its clients. I never book direct with the hotel unless I have stayed there before. Had a major problem with a hotel in Thessaloniki last summer. They triple charged us and wouldn't return email . They refused to speak English on the phone when we managed to reach the mgr. Contacted booking's customer service and within 24 hrs, we had the refund.