Booking accommodation wasn’t a thing “back in the days”—we never knew where we would be sleeping unless we were already on an overnight bus. Typically, we would either pick a place recommended by our Lonely Planet guidebook (paper version, obviously), follow signs or hotel touts at the bus station (a reliable option in small towns), or just walk around and hope for the best.

In New Zealand and in Australia, we gathered hostel tips using free TNT backpackers magazines, Hostelling International and BBH World travellers Accommodation booklets or just bulletin boards. In Central and South America, we would just show up—”do you have a room for two?” and “is there hot water?” are the first two questions I learned to ask in Spanish and Portuguese.

Sure, the process could be time-consuming and we weren’t guaranteed to find a suitable option—I remember sleeping in a park in Guanajuato, Mexico… But on the plus side, we could check out the place (“Can we see the room?” another sentence I master in several languages) and discuss rates in person.

“Walk-ins” started to get tricky around 2009 because suddenly, everybody was booking online. Wi-Fi was more widespread, and laptops and smartphones were becoming travel buddies.

In just a few years, we went from walk-ins and cash payments to third-party hotel booking websites, mostly with Expedia, Airbnb, and Booking.com. I know, all of them have questionable business practices but you’ll probably end up using them at one point or another for the reasons outlined below.

These tips are based on our experience booking dozens of apartments and hotel rooms in Europe (France and United Kingdom), China, South-East Asia (Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand), North America, Central America and South America. Mileage may vary, especially in other parts of the world.

Why you will probably end up booking through third-party websites

First, it’s usually cheaper. Let’s face it, third-party websites advertise and deliver unbeatable rates.

Second, it’s convenient. These platforms offer a one-stop solution to compare accommodation options all over the world, including places with unfamiliar hotel chains—or no hotel chains at all.

Third, you may not be able to book your hotel directly because a shockingly high number of websites fail to keep international travellers in mind. Mandatory fields are sometimes not designed for foreign IDs or phone numbers (looking at you, Brazil, and CPF field!).

Finally, well-known third-party booking websites like Airbnb, Expedia or Booking.com do provide some peace of mind. They are legit and online transactions are secure. The Thai hotel or the cute Honduran B&B you’ve just found may not meet the same standards.

Can’t I just get hotel info and call directly for a price match?

Many Americans travellers report it works, especially if you stay loyal to big hotel chains and become a member.

Based on my own experience outside the US, it’s almost impossible. Occasionally, you’ll get a subsequent deal from the hotel. Last summer, in Paris, I received a special offer email after our first stay and I booked our second stay directly with the hotel, the rate was better than on Booking.com. We were also able to extend our stay for the same Expedia or Booking rate a few times in hotels around the world.

But most of the time, if you call the hotel and ask for the Expedia or Booking rate, you will be told to book through Expedia or Booking—and they don’t mind if you’re using the lobby WiFi to do just that. Go figure.

Will I get terrible service and the shitty room no one wants?

Honestly, I’ve never noticed any difference as a guest between booking directly and booking through third-party websites. The only caveat would be if you have special requests (honeymoon trip, accessibility requirements, etc.). In this case, it’s probably better to deal with the hotel directly to make sure they are handled properly.

Keep in mind that booking through third-party websites is pretty common—it’s not like hotel staff keeps uncomfortable beds and cold showers just for Expedia or Booking.com guests.

What if something goes wrong?

Let’s be honest—don’t expect good customer service, you’re mostly on your own. Basically, suck it up or try to fix the issue with the hotel or host.

Expedia’s customer service is useless. It’s impossible to reach anyone and no one gives a damn anyway. Once in Toronto, the hotel had plumbing issues (as in, no water). Guests who booked directly were refunded but the rest of us who had booked through Expedia had to deal with Expedia (and never got any refund). We reported a bed bug issue in Montreal… no way to get a refund because again, it’s impossible to talk to a human.

Airbnb is easier to deal with. Expect back-and-forth emails, but I was able to solve the only two issues I’ve had over the years. They basically act as a mediator so don’t expect to get compensation and all, it’s damage control (i.e. maybe some money back).

Booking.com is very inconsistent. A few years ago, we were able to call them and solve issues, then calling customer service became very frustrating because of language barriers problems.

Any tips?

Expedia is pretty good to book hotel rooms instantly in big cities but much less reliable for apartments. Always sort by price, not by “recommended.” Reviews are fairly trustworthy—as usual, skip the ones where disgruntled customers complain about the weather and focus on consistent issues (i.e. noisy, spotty WiFi signal, etc.)

Airbnb is great if you need specific amenities (washer, kitchen, etc.) and if you’re looking for a more personable experience. However, keep in mind that experiences won’t be as standardized as with big hotel chains. Reviews can be sugar-coated since hosts and guests review each other. Don’t forget that in some cases, you must send a request to book and wait for the host to accept it—search by “instant book” option if you need a place quick.

Booking seems to be more popular in Europe than in the Americas. I hate their annoying habit to show properties that are already booked in search results; plus you can’t get receipts and most of the time, you have to pay when you check in.

Always save your Expedia or Booking.com email confirmation. You might have to show it if your reservation can’t be found.

Remember that you’re Expedia or Booking.com customer, don’t blame hotel staff for third-party mistakes.

Any experience, good or back, with third-party booking websites?