What is the best way to book hotels: Expedia vs. direct vs. travel advisor
What is the best way to book a hotel: Expedia, direct, or through a travel advisor? This guide compares all three options, breaking down pricing, flexibility, cancellation policies, and added value — especially for luxury and 4- and 5-star hotels. While booking direct can offer loyalty benefits and third-party sites may seem convenient, booking a hotel with a travel advisor often unlocks preferred partner amenities like daily breakfast, hotel credits, potential upgrades, and personalized advocacy at no additional cost. Using a real pricing example at The Dewberry Charleston, this article shows how travelers can maximize value without paying more. If you’re booking a luxury hotel, the smartest first step is asking a travel advisor whether any preferred partner benefits or exclusive promotions are available.
Table of Contents
Is it better to book directly with the hotel or a travel advisor?
When should you contact a travel advisor for a hotel booking?
What’s the advantage of booking a hotel with a travel agent/advisor?
Do travel agents / advisors mark up prices when booking hotels?
What is the best way to book a hotel? And what do you actually gain — or lose — depending on how you book your hotel?
A quick Google search reveals varying insights from other travelers, with some swearing by Expedia’s lower price while others advocate passionately for booking directly with a hotel. There’s a third option many travelers overlook: booking your hotel with a travel advisor.
I might be a little biased as a luxury travel advisor of ten years. 😉But before my travel advising career, I worked as the Director of Operational Excellence at a 5-star hotel in China. So when it comes to hotels, I’ve seen both sides of the experience.
The three most common ways to book a hotel are:
Book directly with the hotel: Usually directly through the hotel’s website if the hotel has a reservation system. Travelers choose this route for direct customer service, loyalty rewards, and sometimes competitive rates. Some smaller boutique hotels don’t always have a direct booking system and require you to email to set up a booking. Which is why many travelers will opt to…
Book a hotel with a third-party system (Expedia, booking.com): If you are on the go or looking for the fastest way to book a hotel, you may opt to use a third-party site/OTA (Online Travel Agency) like Expedia or Booking. Many travelers think that booking a hotel this way ensures the cheapest rates. This can be true, but it’s increasingly common to see that those cheaper rates come with limitations around cancellations, rescheduling, amenities, and customer service.
Book a hotel with a travel agent/advisor: While every advisor works differently, here’s what booking a hotel with a travel advisor can offer you: potential access to upgrades and amenities (i.e. on property credit, room upgrades, etc.), personalized customer service, and complimentary add-ons like dinner reservations through my travel agency. The experience goes beyond a confirmed reservation — you get peace of mind as we handle the details + any perks I can access as a travel advisor. Want more info? Send me an email! *See below for more details on when it makes sense to book a hotel with a travel advisor like myself.
So what’s the most valuable way to book a hotel? That depends on what you value most.
According to travel industry reporting, more travelers want intentional, personalized travel experiences and are budgeting for luxury prices. Deloitte’s “The 2025 Travel Industry Outlook” reports that more American travelers are prioritizing travel (40% surveyed plan to increase travel spending), with many increasing their budgets for luxury hotels and travel. Luxury hotels are planning for this projected 5-7% growth over the coming years.
As a travel advisor, I see these shifts playing out in real time with my own clients. Whether planning a 2-week European adventure or a 2-night beach resort getaway, they are looking for intentionally-crafted travel. Instead of the ‘cheapest rates possible,’ many are seeking inspired & meaningful experiences.
If you’ve ever booked a hotel with Expedia, you might know that the experience is more transactional than ‘inspired’.
What is the best way to book luxury hotels?
Booking a luxury hotel with a travel advisor is one of the best ways to maximize the value of your booking with added amenities and personalized service. Plus, a travel advisor can learn your preferences over time and offer recommendations accordingly. Sometimes booking direct offers lower prices. Other times you’ll find discounted rates on Expedia. Most of the time, travel advisors offer the best value.
Here’s how this can look, with a quick comparison when booking a room at The Dewberry Charleston through my agency’s preferred partner booking system, Expedia, and directly on the hotel website.
Here’s how pricing and inclusions compare for a Signature King room for 2 guests between Friday, May 1 - Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Hotel Price Comparison: Direct, Expedia, Travel Advisor
My travel advisor booking site:
$879 / night = $2,008.14
This rate includes preferred partner amenities, including a $45 per person daily breakfast credit, a $100 hotel credit (use at spa, restaurant, etc), and priority for upgrade and early check-in / late checkout based on availability.
Directly through The Dewberry hotel site:
The regular rate (without breakfast) is $879 / night = $2,008.14
The rate that includes a $60 breakfast credit (although it is unclear on the booking system if that is per room or per person) is $909.
If you book in advance, they currently offer a special rate of $792 / night = $1,807.70. However, this option is non-refundable in case of cancellation (something we can book as travel advisors as well, but we don’t recommend it).
Expedia:
The nightly rate is $879 = $2,009 total.
After some searching, I found that you can “add on” breakfast for $30 per person
The cancellation policy between these options are all the same, giving you up to 72 hours (3 days) before your reservation to cancel for a full refund. This excludes the discounted rate option available on the hotel’s website, which is non-refundable for any reason.
By this quick comparison alone it is clear that booking a hotel through a travel advisor elevates the experience. But price is only part of the story. Let’s dig deeper.
Is it better to book directly with the hotel or Expedia?
Between these two options, booking direct is the best. When it comes to price, third-party booking sites like Expedia don’t necessarily offer cheaper options, as demonstrated above. Sometimes you might find last-minute decreased rates, but it’s always important to check the fine print around what is or isn’t included, from breakfast to parking to their cancellation policies.
If something goes wrong with your travel plans, the hotel is less likely to accommodate. Most will defer to the fact you booked through a third-party system, and you’ll most likely need to get in touch with Expedia’s customer service line for assistance.
Is it better to book directly with the hotel or a travel advisor?
Travelers who have discovered the value of booking with a travel advisor share that it’s better to inquire with a travel advisor about your hotel booking. We can elevate your stay with upgrades, act as a liaison if plans go awry, and my agency even offers additional complimentary support like restaurant and spa reservations.
When you are looking to book a hotel, always start by asking: Are there any preferred partner benefits or exclusive promotions available with this hotel? If so, you’ll want to book with a travel advisor to unlock them.
Many travel advisors have direct access to hotel partnerships that provide advisor-only amenities (breakfast, hotel credits, complimentary services) and potential upgrades (early check-in / late checkout, room upgrades) based on availability.
In fact, I often point people towards my direct booking link where you can search for and reserve hotels yourself + access available preferred partner amenities. I have a client who exclusively books all his hotel stays directly through my portal.
If you can’t find the hotel on my portal – or if you simply want personalized service – send me a simple email with the hotel, number of people and dates you need booked.
When should you contact a travel advisor for a hotel booking?
When you want to inquire if they can unlock exclusive perks and preferred partner amenities
When you’re booking luxury or five-star hotels, generally at a price point of $500+ per night
If you book hotels often (3+ times a year) and want a reliable liaison who knows your preferences and can add value over time
If you’re traveling to a new destination and want expert guidance on which hotel actually fits your travel style
When you know exactly which hotel or resort you want and want it confirmed, serviced, and enhanced
When you want help deciding which hotel is the best fit for your trip and your personal travel style, not just the “best-reviewed” one
When you want someone who can advocate for you if something goes sideways before or during your stay
When you want your booking handled by someone with real relationships at the hotel, not a call center
When it doesn’t make sense to book a hotel with a travel advisor:
If you plan to book entirely with points
If you’re looking for budget or lower-end hotels (~ $250–$300 per night or less)
If you want the absolute cheapest non-refundable rate you can find online (advisor typically book best available rates with flexibility because we’ve seen one too many trips gone wrong)
What’s the advantage of booking a hotel with a travel agent/advisor?
There are many advantages to booking a hotel with a travel advisor, including personalized service, guaranteed best rates, potential upgrades, and access to perks & amenities.
Better customer service, personalization, and fewer doubts
Travel advisors book hotels at the same rate (sometimes better) that you see on a hotel’s website, so you never have to wonder what you’ll be paying. The added benefit is that you pay the same as booking direct, but access any additional perks and amenities that travel advisors unlock
At Undiscovered Sunsets, we often offer complimentary restaurant reservations & airport transfers to elevate your hotel stay. Inquire with my team to learn more.
At a minimum, you have a professional in your corner. I communicate with the hotel on your behalf, sending reminders about your arrival/check out, and advocate on your behalf for any potential early-checkins or upgrades available. I also remind the hotel about other important details such as important times for tours, airport transfers, etc.
Whenever you are booking a 4 or 5 star property, reach out to a travel advisor to ask if there are preferred partner benefits or exclusive promotions available when booking the hotel through them.
Access to amenities and upgrades
Many hotels automatically offer perks & amenities to guests who booked with a travel advisor, including breakfast, on-property credits, and complimentary services. Confirm with the travel advisor whether your hotel of interest offers these services.
Do travel agents / advisors mark up prices when booking hotels?
Travel advisors do not mark up hotel prices or quote higher rates than what you will find online. On the contrary, we often find the most competitive rates available.
It is important to know, however, that travel professionals like myself charge a Research & Design fee for trips that require more work than a simple hotel booking. When the scope of the request expands to considering multiple hotel options or a fully customized itinerary design, we charge a Research & Design fee.
But when you know exactly what hotel you want to book and simply want to book through Undiscovered Sunsets to access our preferred partner amenities, we do not charge any fees. You provide the hotel, room category, and dates and we confirm the booking on your behalf.
Do travel advisors make commissions from hotel bookings?
Yes, travel advisors receive commission from the hotel when they book for clients – most often around 10% of the nightly rate (pre tax).
This is often where travelers pause, not knowing if they can trust that the travel advisor isn’t just trying to ‘drum up commissions.’
How can you tell the difference between a travel advisor with a business built off commissions and a travel advisor with a business built off client satisfaction? It is clear through their communication. Simply check out their website, Instagram, and newsletter. Language that claims a single ‘best hotel’ without context can be a red flag.
But if they have the receipts to prove that their clients have been impressed time and time again with their hotel bookings, you’ve found yourself a travel advisor you can trust.
How to book a hotel with a travel agent / advisor
Every travel advisor works differently when it comes to hotel bookings. In most cases, start by reaching out through their website contact form or by emailing them. Provide the hotel or trip you want to book, the dates, the number of people, and any relevant details for the booking.
To book your hotel with Undiscovered Sunsets, you can:
Email me directly with the above details to get your reservation started
Check out my booking portal for prices and included preferred partner amenities. You can also create an account to book the hotel yourself and my team will be in touch to confirm your booking.
FAQ: Booking a Luxury Hotel
Can you explain the cost structure of using a travel advisor?
For most trips, I charge a Research & Design fee on a per trip basis. Everything else you pay is the trip itself. I don’t mark up prices, and am always on the lookout for better prices than when you book direct. If you simply want me to book you a specific hotel and know the dates, I don’t charge a fee. You will only pay the cost of the booking.
Will I still get credit card rewards if I book a hotel with a TA?
Yes. You earn all loyalty points (airlines, credit card, etc) when booking through a TA. For hotel loyalty, it's important that you tells our team in advance. We can book a hotel in many different ways and if we don't know that points are a priority, we aren't able to optimize the booking for points earning.
Is it better to book directly with the hotel or Expedia?
Between those two options, booking directly with the hotel is usually better. Third-party sites like Expedia don’t consistently offer lower prices and often come with limitations around cancellations, flexibility, and customer service. When you book direct, you maintain a clearer line of communication with the hotel and avoid being routed through a third-party call center if issues arise.
What’s the advantage of booking a hotel with a travel agent/advisor?
Booking a hotel with a travel advisor often provides access to preferred partner amenities such as daily breakfast, hotel credits, potential upgrades, and priority for early check-in or late checkout when available. Advisors typically book the same rate you see online, but add value through partnerships and personalized support. In addition, you have someone advocating for you before and during your stay if plans shift or problems arise.
Do travel agents / advisors mark up prices?
Travel advisors do not mark up hotel rates or quote higher prices than what you find online. In most cases, they book the same publicly available rate — and sometimes access additional value through hotel partnerships. Advisors are typically compensated by the hotel through commission, not by increasing the price you pay.
Whitney Shindelar
Undiscovered Sunsets was a long time in the making, even if I myself didn’t realize it. During my time at the University of Northern Iowa, I studied abroad in New Zealand. Upon graduating, I bought a one-way ticket to France, lived with a French family and studied with classmates from Turkey, China, Russia, Germany, Italy, and everywhere in between. In 2010 I began teaching English as a foreign language. This job quickly took me to China, where English teachers were in high demand and within three years, I began working in a 5-star hotel, speaking Mandarin throughout most of my day. In total, I lived abroad for 7 years.
I consider Undiscovered Sunsets to be the perfect mélange of my personal experience traveling the world and my professional experience working in the hospitality industry.
I look forward to designing your next adventure!
