Planning a trip to Las Vegas can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially when it comes to finding hotel accommodations.
With the plethora of booking options available, you may be wondering whether it’s best to book directly with hotels in Vegas or go through an online travel agency or third-party site.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Booking directly with hotels in Las Vegas typically gives you the best rates, perks, and flexibility for your stay.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of booking directly with Las Vegas hotels versus using third-party sites.
You’ll learn about potential savings, free amenities, loyalty programs, and more to help you decide the best booking method for your upcoming Vegas vacation.
Potential Price and Availability Advantages
When it comes to booking hotels in Las Vegas, there are several potential advantages to booking directly with the hotel. These advantages can include better prices, availability, and additional perks that may not be available when booking through third-party websites.
Best Rate Guarantees
Many hotels in Las Vegas offer best rate guarantees when booking directly with them. This means that if you find a lower rate for the same room on another website, the hotel will match that price or even offer a lower rate.
This guarantee ensures that you are getting the best possible price for your stay. It’s always a good idea to check the hotel’s website for any current promotions or special offers that may not be available through other booking platforms.
Last Minute Deals
Booking directly with hotels in Las Vegas can also give you access to exclusive last minute deals. Hotels often have unsold rooms that they would rather fill than leave empty.
By checking the hotel’s website directly, you may find discounted rates for those last-minute bookings. This can be a great way to snag a deal and save some money on your Las Vegas accommodations.
Room Upgrades and Offers
Another advantage of booking directly with hotels in Las Vegas is the potential for room upgrades and special offers. Hotels often have loyalty programs or special promotions for their direct bookers. These perks can include room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, spa credits, or even show tickets.
By booking directly, you have a better chance of taking advantage of these offers and enhancing your overall Las Vegas experience.
It’s important to note that while booking directly with hotels can have its advantages, it’s always a good idea to compare prices and availability across multiple platforms.
Some third-party websites may offer package deals or discounts that could still save you money. However, by considering the potential advantages of booking directly, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs and budget.
Loyalty Programs and Free Perks
When it comes to booking directly with hotels in Las Vegas, one of the major advantages is the opportunity to take advantage of loyalty programs and enjoy a range of free perks. These loyalty programs are designed to reward frequent guests and offer a variety of benefits.
Earning points and status
By booking directly with hotels in Las Vegas, guests can earn points for each stay, which can be redeemed for future hotel stays, upgrades, or other rewards.
Additionally, booking directly can help guests achieve higher status within the loyalty program, which often comes with additional perks such as complimentary breakfast, access to exclusive lounges, and priority check-in and check-out.
For example, popular hotel chains like MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment offer loyalty programs that allow guests to earn points not just for hotel stays, but also for dining, entertainment, and shopping within their properties. These points can then be used for discounted or even free hotel stays, show tickets, and more.
Complimentary amenities
When booking directly with hotels in Las Vegas, guests can also enjoy a range of complimentary amenities that are often not available when booking through third-party websites.
These amenities can include free Wi-Fi, access to fitness centers and pools, complimentary parking, and even resort credits to be used towards dining or spa services.
It’s important to note that these complimentary amenities are often exclusive to guests who book directly with the hotel. By booking through third-party websites, guests may miss out on these additional perks and have to pay extra for amenities that are included for free when booking directly.
VIP treatment
Another advantage of booking directly with hotels in Las Vegas is the opportunity to receive VIP treatment. Hotels often prioritize their direct bookers, providing them with special treatment and personalized service. This can include room upgrades, welcome amenities, and even special access to events or shows.
By booking directly, guests can also have direct communication with the hotel staff, allowing them to make special requests or inquire about specific preferences.
This level of personalized service is often not available when booking through third-party websites.
Cancellation Policies and Flexibility
One of the key factors to consider when deciding whether to book directly with hotels in Las Vegas is the cancellation policy and flexibility offered.
More lenient cancellation
Booking directly with hotels often provides more lenient cancellation policies compared to third-party booking platforms.
Many hotels allow guests to cancel their reservation without any penalty up to a certain number of days before the scheduled check-in date. This flexibility can be beneficial, especially if your travel plans are uncertain or subject to change.
Date and room type changes
When booking directly with hotels, guests may have more flexibility to make changes to their reservation, such as modifying the dates of their stay or switching to a different room type.
This can be particularly useful if you need to adjust your travel dates or prefer a different type of accommodation. Third-party booking platforms may have more restrictions or additional fees for making such changes.
Dealing directly with the hotel
By booking directly with hotels in Las Vegas, guests have the advantage of dealing directly with the hotel staff. This can be beneficial in case you have any special requests or specific requirements for your stay.
Hotel staff are often more knowledgeable about their property and can provide personalized assistance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Additionally, direct communication with the hotel allows for a better understanding of their policies, amenities, and any current promotions or discounts that may not be available through third-party platforms.
It’s important to note that cancellation policies and flexibility can vary from hotel to hotel, so it’s always recommended to review the specific terms and conditions before making a booking.
For more information on cancellation policies and flexibility, you can visit websites such as Booking.com or Hotels.com which provide detailed information on individual hotel policies and reviews from previous guests.
When Third-Party Sites May Work Better
While booking directly with hotels in Las Vegas can have its advantages, there are certain situations where using third-party sites can be more beneficial.
Here are a few scenarios where booking through these platforms might work better:
Bundled flight and hotel deals
If you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas and need both a hotel and flight, third-party sites often offer bundled deals that can save you money. These sites have partnerships with various airlines and hotels, allowing them to offer discounted rates when you book both together.
This can be a great option if you’re looking to save some extra cash and don’t want to spend time searching for separate flights and accommodations.
Group travel
When traveling with a large group, it can be challenging to coordinate everyone’s bookings and ensure that everyone gets a room in the same hotel. Third-party sites often have options for group bookings, making it easier to reserve multiple rooms in the same hotel.
Additionally, these sites may offer special group rates or discounts, saving you money on your overall accommodation expenses.
Comparing multiple hotels easily
Las Vegas is known for its wide range of hotel options, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly accommodations. If you’re unsure about which hotel to choose, third-party sites can be helpful in comparing multiple hotels easily.
These platforms provide detailed information, photos, and guest reviews for each hotel, allowing you to make an informed decision. Instead of visiting individual hotel websites, you can conveniently browse through different options and find the best fit for your preferences and budget.
It’s important to note that while third-party sites can be convenient, it’s still a good idea to check the official hotel websites directly. Sometimes, hotels may offer exclusive deals or promotions that are not available on third-party sites.
Therefore, it’s worth doing some research and comparing prices on both platforms to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal.
Tips for Booking Directly with Las Vegas Hotels
Compare loyalty programs
When booking directly with Las Vegas hotels, it’s important to compare their loyalty programs. Many hotels offer rewards and perks for frequent guests, such as room upgrades, discounted rates, free hotel stays, and exclusive access to amenities.
By signing up for these loyalty programs, you can take advantage of these benefits and make your stay even more enjoyable. Some popular hotel loyalty programs in Las Vegas include MGM Rewards by MGM Resorts and Caesars Rewards by Caesars Entertainment.
Sign up for email promotions
Another tip for booking directly with Las Vegas hotels is to sign up for their email promotions. Hotels often send out exclusive deals and discounts to their email subscribers, giving you the opportunity to save money on your stay.
These promotions can include discounted room rates, complimentary meals or drinks, or even free show tickets. Keep an eye on your inbox for these special offers and take advantage of them to enhance your Las Vegas experience.
Book early for the best selection
Booking directly with hotels in Las Vegas allows you to secure your preferred dates and room type. By booking early, you have a better chance of getting the exact accommodations you desire, whether it’s a luxurious suite or a room with a view of the famous Las Vegas Strip.
Additionally, booking early can often result in better rates, as hotels may offer discounts for early bird reservations. Don’t wait until the last minute to book your stay – plan ahead and secure the best selection for your Las Vegas trip.
Ask about unpublished deals
Hotels in Las Vegas sometimes have unpublished deals that are not available on third-party booking websites. These deals can include discounted rates, complimentary upgrades, or added amenities. When booking directly with hotels, don’t hesitate to call or email their reservation department and inquire about any unpublished deals.
You might be pleasantly surprised by the exclusive offers you can get by booking directly with the hotel. Remember, it never hurts to ask!
Conclusion
While both booking directly with hotels and using third-party sites have their advantages in Las Vegas, generally speaking, booking direct unlocks the best rates, perks, flexibility and service.
By researching hotels’ loyalty programs, promotions, and policies, signing up for email offers, and speaking with staff, you can score exclusive deals and customized packages for your ideal Vegas getaway.
For simplicity and ease of price comparison across multiple properties, third-party sites may better suit some travelers’ needs.
Ultimately, evaluate your priorities and travel style to decide if booking directly with hotels in Las Vegas or leveraging third-party sites is the better choice to maximize value and experience for your next Sin City vacation.
