In the hospitality industry, Booking.com has become almost synonymous with online reservations. While OTA platforms (Online Travel Agencies) can certainly help fill rooms, relying on them as your primary sales channel is a risky strategy.
If you want to secure higher profitability, stronger brand recognition, and more direct bookings, your hotel’s website must always come first.
Full Control vs. Dependency
On your website, you decide:
- how to present your brand
- which offers and packages to highlight
- how to create an online experience that reflects your property
On Booking.com, you are one of many. Your visibility depends on algorithms, and your profitability depends on their commission model. Owning a website means owning your sales process.
Booking.com Commissions Reduce Your Profit
Booking.com and similar platforms typically charge between 15% and 20% commission per reservation.
For a small or mid-sized hotel, this can amount to tens of thousands of euros annually – resources that could otherwise be reinvested in marketing, staff training, or facility upgrades.
For a small or mid-sized hotel, this can amount to tens of thousands of euros annually – resources that could otherwise be reinvested in marketing, staff training, or facility upgrades.
Every direct booking through your website equals 100% revenue retention.
Direct Guests Become Loyal Guests
Guests who book directly on your website are:
- more likely to trust your brand
- open to personalized offers and communication
- more likely to return, because they connect their experience with your hotel, not an OTA platform
Direct bookings are not only more profitable but also create a foundation for long-term loyalty.
SEO and Digital Visibility
Your website is the cornerstone of your hotel’s SEO strategy.
When travelers search on Google for terms like “hotel in Dalmatia” or “resort with pool in Croatia”, a well-optimized site ensures you are found directly – bypassing OTA commissions.
When travelers search on Google for terms like “hotel in Dalmatia” or “resort with pool in Croatia”, a well-optimized site ensures you are found directly – bypassing OTA commissions.
In addition, publishing valuable content (guides, local tips, blogs) improves visibility, positions your property as an authority, and drives organic traffic.
OTA as Support, Website as the Foundation
OTA platforms are not the enemy. They are useful for exposure and filling last-minute availability.
However, your long-term growth depends on shifting the balance toward direct bookings. Your website should be the foundation, while Booking.com serves only as a support channel.
However, your long-term growth depends on shifting the balance toward direct bookings. Your website should be the foundation, while Booking.com serves only as a support channel.
Conclusion
Booking.com can bring you visibility.
But only your website can bring you profitability, loyalty, and long-term value.
But only your website can bring you profitability, loyalty, and long-term value.
At Mosoric, we design modern, high-performing hotel websites built to maximize direct bookings, enhance brand identity, and improve guest experience.
👉 Ready to grow your direct reservations? Get in touch with us
and discover how your website can become your most powerful sales channel.
and discover how your website can become your most powerful sales channel.