Why is booking a holiday cottage direct with the owners the best choice?
When planning a holiday, finding the perfect accommodation is often the most exciting and sometimes the most stressful part of the process. With so many booking platforms and options available, it can be tempting to stick with large, well-known online travel agencies (OTAs) for convenience. However, there’s a growing trend among savvy guests to book their holiday cottages directly with the owners. And for good reason! Here are some of the benefits of booking direct.
1. Better Value for Money
When you book directly with the self catering owner, you’re likely to get the best price available. Why? Because large OTAs often charge significant booking fees or commissions, sometimes as high as 20-30%. These fees are typically added to the price you pay or deducted from the owner’s earnings. By booking direct, you eliminate these extra costs.
Some owners even pass on these savings to guests in the form of discounts or added perks, making your stay even better value.
2. Personalised Service & Local Knowledge
Holiday cottage owners often live in the area or have a deep connection to their property. When you book directly, you’re talking to someone who knows the ins and outs of the region. They can recommend the best local restaurants, hidden gems, or the quietest hiking trails that you won’t find in guidebooks.
Booking platforms rarely offer this level of personal interaction. By speaking directly with the owner, you can ask specific questions about the property and surrounding area.
3. Flexibility
Owners often have more flexibility when it comes to bookings. Whether you’re looking for an early check-in, a late checkout, or need a special arrangement for a celebration, they’re more likely to accommodate your requests when you book directly.
You can also communicate specific needs, such as child-friendly equipment, pet-friendly options, or arranging a surprise welcome gift for a loved one. This level of personalisation is hard to come by when booking through large platforms.
4. Transparency and Peace of Mind
When you book directly, you can have a clear and honest conversation with the property owner. You’re not relying on a third party to relay information, which reduces the risk of misunderstandings or miscommunications.
Additionally, some OTAs have strict policies and penalties for owners, which can make resolving issues slower and more impersonal. Booking directly fosters trust and accountability between you and the owner, ensuring that if a problem does arise, it can be resolved quickly and fairly.
5. Support Small Businesses
By booking directly, you’re supporting a local business or family, rather than contributing to the profits of a global corporation. Many cottage owners pour their hearts into creating unique and comfortable spaces for guests. Your direct booking helps them continue to invest in their property and the local community.
Especially in rural or less tourist-heavy areas, your support can have a significant impact, contributing to local employment and helping preserve the charm of these destinations for future guests.
6. Unique and Authentic Experiences
When you book directly with owners, you’re more likely to discover unique properties and hidden gems that don’t always appear on mainstream booking platforms. Many smaller or independent holiday cottages don’t list their properties on OTAs because of high fees or strict policies.
This means you may stumble upon a one-of-a-kind cottage, whether it’s a cosy cabin in the woods, a historic farmhouse, or a seaside escape that you wouldn’t find anywhere else.
7. Clearer Cancellation Policies
One of the downsides of using OTAs is their complex and sometimes rigid cancellation policies. When booking directly, owners can often offer more flexibility or explain their policies clearly. If you have to reschedule or cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, direct communication with the owner can often lead to a more accommodating solution.
How to Book Directly
Booking directly doesn’t have to be complicated. When you visit The Holiday Cottages we provide the contact information for the self catering owner, they also normally have their own website which is also listed on our website.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to the owner directly for any questions or booking enquiries.
Final Thoughts
Booking a holiday cottage directly with the owners offers a more personalised, transparent, and rewarding experience. Not only can it save you money, but it also supports local businesses and helps you book a holiday that's perfect for you. Next time you’re planning a getaway, visit https:www.theholidaycottages.co.uk and book direct with the owner. You won’t regret it!
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