Why Booking Direct is Best

Navigating the Unexpected
I consider myself a seasoned traveler. Having visited more than 20 countries and stayed in all types of accommodations—from budget-friendly to ultra-luxurious—I thought I’d seen it all. But even with this experience, I recently made a rookie mistake. I booked my room through a popular travel website instead of booking directly with the hotel.
 
At first, everything seemed to go smoothly. I got a decent price on my reservation, and I thought I had everything sorted. But when I needed to change my travel dates due to a family emergency, things quickly unraveled. The website’s system for changing dates was clunky, and the process came loaded with additional fees. What should have been a simple adjustment turned into a frustrating and costly ordeal.
 
What I Learned – Booking Direct is Best
Looking back, I should have booked directly with the hotel. Booking directly offers a host of benefits that just aren’t available when you go through an outside website.
 
Here’s why calling the hotel directly or reserving through their website is the smart choice:
 
Superior Customer Service
Hotels take pride in delivering exceptional service no matter how you book. However, when you book directly, it’s easier for your specific needs to be handled properly. Requests like connecting rooms, extra pillows, or a quieter location away from the elevator are communicated straight to the hotel. Outside websites can miss these details, but booking direct gives the hotel the opportunity to personalize your stay and make it even better.
 
But the real advantage of booking directly is the element of “surprise and delight.” Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or attending a key meeting, letting the hotel know in advance gives them the opportunity to make your experience unforgettable. Think upgrades to a bigger room, a thoughtful handwritten note, or insider tips about events and activities that align with your interests. These personalized touches can turn a trip from good to great—something that’s hard for an outside booking platform to replicate. By booking direct, you’re inviting the hotel to create an experience tailored just for you.
 
Loyalty Programs
Direct booking also makes it easy to sign up for hotel loyalty programs, which offer fantastic benefits like points toward free stays and free slot play, as well as tier-matching, gaming and dining credits, and more! Plus, you’ll be the first to know about special offers and promotions, available only for members.
 
What I’ll Do Moving Forward
From now on, I’m booking direct. It’s a no-brainer with the added perks, superior service and enhanced flexibility.
 
A great choice for booking direct is the All-New SAHARA Las Vegas. By booking directly with SAHARA, you’ll get the best rates and enjoy the benefits of their exceptional loyalty program, Infinity Rewards. Located on the iconic Las Vegas Strip, SAHARA features award-winning dining, luxurious accommodations, world-class amenities, and premier service.
 
So, the next time you’re planning a trip, skip the middleman and book directly with your hotel. It’s easier, more rewarding and ultimately delivers a better travel experience. You’ll thank yourself later!