Ocean City Hotels
Booking Directly Is The Way to Go in Ocean City, Maryland
By Katie RuskeyJuly 16, 20243 min read
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Better Customer Service
Booking directly through a hotel rather than third-party websites offers several advantages that can enhance your overall experience. Direct bookings often come with better customer service and flexibility in terms of room preferences and special requests. Hotels can also offer exclusive perks such as complimentary upgrades, free Wi-Fi, or access to loyalty programs, which may not be available through third-party platforms.Lower Prices
Another perk of booking directly can oftentimes result in lower prices. Many hotels guarantee the lowest available rate on their own websites, matching or even beating prices found elsewhere. This transparency eliminates concerns about hidden fees or misleading information that can sometimes accompany third-party bookings.Easy Communication
Additionally, direct bookings can simplify communication and troubleshooting. If changes or cancellations are necessary, dealing directly with the hotel tends to be more straightforward and responsive compared to going through intermediaries.What Hotels in Ocean City Are Saying
We reached out to several Ocean City hotels in the area to find out why booking directly though the hotel was the most cost effective option for vacationers. Here’s what some of them had to say:Residence Inn (300 Seabay Lane):
“Booking directly is skewed by the satisfaction of customer service with a hotel representative that is specifically representing your property or brand. A salesperson from Booking.com, for instance, is not going to know your property's services and amenities first-hand, like one would if you are booking directly. Though the deals may seem more attractive, think of "why" you are getting a discount and decide if it is worth it. The process to cancel or modify a reservation can be both taxing and time-consuming.”
Hyatt Place (1 16th Street):
The Hyatt Place sits at 16th street and the boardwalk.
“By booking direct, guests can automatically join our World of Hyatt loyalty program, World of Hyatt Loyalty Program recently rated "Best Hotel Rewards Program" by Nerdwallet 2024's Best-Of Awards: Travel Rewards (nerdwallet.com) It's easy, free, guests can earn more, redeem more and achieve more. Other discounts such as Government, Military, AAA & Senior are also available.
Park Place (208 Baltimore Avenue):
Beach view of the Park Place Hotel in Ocean City, MD
“Our hotels offer several perks for booking directly with us. We participate in the vacation rewards program in Ocean City, which gives each guest up to 6 vouchers for a variety of local restaurants and attractions. Some of the vouchers include $10 off a menu item, a free round of golf, or casino credits. We also offer a welcome gift (beach bag, waters, koozies) and a complimentary late check out. We encourage guests to give us a call when rate shopping, as we will always beat any price they see online through 3rd party sites. Sites like booking.com and Expedia charge a hefty commission, so we are happy to discount the rate the guest would pay through them. It's a win-win, the guest gets a cheaper rate, and we save by not paying commission costs.”
Booking Direct is the Way to Go
While third-party websites offer convenience and comparison tools, booking directly with a hotel often provides better service, potential cost savings, and a more personalized experience overall. For a whole list of hotels in Ocean City click here. Happy vacationing!About Katie Ruskey
Katie Ruskey is a local author, splitting her time between Baltimore and Ocean City. Her debut fiction novel, Marlin Week, was released in August 2022 based on three captains that fish in the infamous White Marlin Open. Her first children's book, The A B Seas of Ocean City, Maryland takes young readers on a tour of OC. For more information on how to purchase her books, visit her website www.kruskeyauthor.com or follow her on IG/FB at Katherine Ruskey Author.
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