When you are researching your holiday rental booking, we understand that it’s hard to know where to start! Well-known international booking sites (online travel agencies or ‘OTAs’) make things seem easy, and you may have used them for other holidays elsewhere, so they offer a familiar option.
It can seem like a leap of faith to leave these platforms and seek out independent companies, but there are lots of benefits to booking direct. On the occasion of #bookdirect 2025 day, we thought we’d take the opportunity to give you an idea of some of the advantages.
Usually, you’ll find the same properties on OTA websites as you would by going directly to the owner or property manager. So, you might ask, why bother? Well, by booking direct, you’ll benefit from intimate knowledge of the destination you’ve chosen, and invaluable local experience, and a more personalised service.
Debunking Common Myths About OTAs
Myth: OTAs Offer the Best Prices
Reality: It’s a common misconception that OTAs provide the lowest prices. In truth, a significant portion of your payment (often 17%-20% or more) goes to the OTA as a commission, which can lead to higher costs for travellers. Booking directly with the property owner or manager can often result in better rates, as these commissions are eliminated.
Myth: OTAs Ensure Quality and Authenticity
Reality: Many travellers believe that booking through OTAs guarantees quality and that the listed properties have been verified. However, OTAs do not inspect properties for quality or even verify their existence. They rely on guest reviews to assess quality, which means subpar experiences can still occur.
Myth: OTAs Prioritise Experienced Hosts
Reality: Some assume that OTAs highlight the most experienced and highest-rated hosts. In reality, OTAs often promote new listings to encourage new hosts to use their platform, which can push more established hosts further down the search results.
Why #bookdirect for your holiday rental?
Speak to our local Chamonix experts to find the accommodation which is best suited to you and benefit from our local expertise before you commit to booking.
Want to know specific details? Whether it’s a toaster for your breakfast or how far away the bus stop is, our team knows every one of our properties and Chamonix like the back of our hands.
Got a special request? Whether you’re bringing a pet or need a property suited to someone with special needs, we are happy to help and reassure you.
We offer local insights—know what’s on during your stay, the best restaurants to try, and get in touch with our hand-picked partners for exclusive activity deals in Chamonix.
Exclusive discounts—we’ve built relationships in Chamonix to offer our guests great savings on ski passes, ski hire, and more.
Better pricing—OTAs don’t price match on self-catered chalets and apartments like they do on hotels, so the best price will always be when you book direct, with no extra fees or commission added.
Exclusive guest loyalty programme—when you book direct with Chamonix All Year, you benefit from our rewards programme straight away, from your first stay.
Added value—we work hard to ensure you get the most out of your stay in Chamonix, with useful tips in our blog, website, and social media pages.
Convenience with our Chamonix Resort Shop—a one-stop shop where you can book all the essentials for your holiday, including lift passes, airport transfers, and more.
When It Might Be Beneficial to Use an OTA
We understand that OTAs can have their place in the booking process. Here are some ways they can be useful:
- Exploring a range of options—OTAs aggregate listings from different locations, making them a helpful tool for early-stage research.
- Reading a variety of reviews—OTAs compile reviews from numerous guests, providing a broad perspective on different properties.
- Using OTAs for research, then booking direct—many savvy travellers browse OTAs to compare properties, check reviews, and then book directly to get the best deal and personalised service.
Get involved in #bookdirect 2025
Independent holiday companies like ourselves are spreading the word on social media in February – join in the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, X or LinkedIn. If you’ve booked direct before, you know it can be more personal, so we’d love it if you could share our messages to help your friends benefit from the advantages too.
Planning a trip to Chamonix?
Chat to our team or leave us a message via our chat box in the corner of your screen—we’d love to help you find your dream Chamonix holiday accommodation.
