Large hotel chains as well as independent hotels are finding that price check widgets are driving direct bookings at their properties.

As a small hotel operator, here’s what you need to know about these widgets so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to use them at your hotel or B&B.

What is a price check widget?

A price check widget can be embedded into your small hotel’s website to provide guests with an immediate comparison of the current rates for booking directly as well as the rates for the same room at their hotel through your various online travel agencies (OTAs) and third-party agents.

TripTease’s one looks like this:

Triptease-Price-Check-Reknown-Travel-Marketing

(Image Source)

The widget works by displaying the current rates for booking directly as well as the live rates from other booking agents. The goal is for the direct rate to be lower than the rate being offered by OTAs, or to be at least the same price.

Ultimately, this encourages guests to book directly with the hotel and saves them time by preventing them from conducting further online searches.

What are the benefits of a price check widget?

The price check widget is designed to drive direct bookings because it gives guests an instant cost comparison, ideally proving that they can get the best rate for the room they desire by booking online through the hotel’s website.

In addition to increasing direct bookings, it allows hotel operators to earn more revenue per booking, as they will not have to pay the third-party commission rates that are required through an OTA partnership.

Guests also find that there are benefits to have a price check widget available. This makes it easier for them to conduct their research and make a final decision, and it also gives them more flexibility when it comes to completing their travel arrangements.

Whether or not you decide to use a price check widget is up to you. Ultimately, you’ll want to make sure that doing so won’t cause any tension between you or your OTA partners, so you might want to check with them first!

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By Dean Elphick

Dean is the Senior Content Marketing Specialist of Little Hotelier, the all-in-one software solution purpose-built to make the lives of small accommodation providers easier. Dean has made writing and creating content his passion for the entirety of his professional life, which includes more than six years at Little Hotelier. Through content, Dean aims to provide education, inspiration, assistance, and, ultimately, value for small accommodation businesses looking to improve the way they run their operations (and live their life).