The Truth About Booking.com: A Hospitality Insider’s Perspective

Booking.com has positioned itself as a trusted partner for travelers and hospitality businesses alike. At first glance, it appears to be a convenient platform that connects guests with accommodations worldwide. However, behind the scenes, many hoteliers and lodge owners have a very different experience—one marked by excessive commissions, lack of genuine support, and an exploitative business model that prioritizes profits over partnerships.

The Commission Trap: How Much Are You Really Paying?

One of the biggest misconceptions among travelers is that booking through Booking.com is the same as booking directly with a hotel. In reality, when a guest books via the platform, the establishment is often forced to pay **commissions as high as 50%** on each booking.

For small, independent lodges and boutique hotels, these fees can be devastating. While large hotel chains may absorb the costs, independent properties rely on direct bookings to sustain their businesses. The high commissions demanded by Booking.com eat away at revenue, making it harder for small businesses to reinvest in their property, pay staff fairly, or offer competitive rates.

Booking.com During COVID: A Lesson in Corporate Greed

For many hospitality businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic was a period of extreme hardship. One would expect a so-called "partner" like Booking.com to show support and flexibility during such unprecedented times. Instead, they demonstrated a shocking level of indifference and greed.

When travel restrictions led to mass cancellations, many hoteliers found themselves **forced to refund guests in full—without any support from Booking.com**. While hotels and lodges struggled to stay afloat, Booking.com continued to charge commission fees on bookings that never even happened. Businesses were left out to dry, with no assistance or compromise offered by the platform.

This ruthless approach highlighted what many in the industry already suspected—Booking.com does not see hotels and lodges as partners, but rather as revenue sources to be exploited.

Why You Should Always Book Direct

For travelers, the allure of Booking.com is its ease of use. It aggregates accommodations in a convenient way, making it easy to compare options. But here’s the secret that Booking.com doesn’t want you to know: **most of the time, booking directly with the hotel is cheaper**.

When you book direct:

- You often get better rates (since establishments don’t have to factor in commission costs).

- Hotels and lodges can offer added perks, such as free upgrades or complimentary breakfast.

- Your money goes directly to the establishment, helping them reinvest in quality service rather than paying commissions to a third-party giant.

#How to Use Booking.com Without Supporting It

If you like the convenience of Booking.com but don’t want to contribute to their predatory system, here’s a simple trick:

1. Use Booking.com as a search tool– Browse for accommodation options and read reviews.

2. Find the hotel’s official website– Almost every reputable hotel or lodge has its own direct booking platform.

3. Book directly – Reach out via email or phone if necessary; many places will match or beat the Booking.com rate and may even throw in added perks.

Final Thoughts: Rethinking Online Travel Agencies

The hospitality industry thrives on genuine connections between guests and establishments. Platforms like Booking.com may offer convenience, but at what cost? Their exploitative commissions, lack of true partnership, and disregard for struggling businesses during COVID have exposed them for what they truly are—profit-driven corporations that care little about the industry they claim to support.

If you truly want to support independent hotels, lodges, and guesthouses, **book direct** whenever possible. It saves you money and ensures that your favorite destinations can continue to operate without being crushed by excessive commission fees.

#BookDirect #SupportSmallBusiness