The February holidays are approaching and you want to spend a few days on the shores of Lake Lucerne? Remember to take a look at the hotel’s website before booking: two nights at the Hotel Rössli in Weggis (LU) costs 279 francs there. For the same room on Booking, you have to pay 429 francs, an increase of 150 francs.
Since December 1, 2022, hoteliers have the right to offer cheaper rates on their own site than on online booking platforms. (read box). The message seems to have been well received: out of 70 hotels, 52 cost less when booking directly.
In total, the RTS compared the prices of 287 rooms spread throughout Switzerland, between one and four stars, in independent hotels or in groups, and for different types of stays.
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Good deal in St-Sulpice
On the good side, there are five establishments whose variation with Booking is at least 20%. This is the case of the Attica Residences in St-Sulpice (VD) which displays prices 29% cheaper on its site. This represents about 140 francs difference for a two-night stay for two adults.
According to its director Laura Boscacci, its website reflects “the fair price” of the rooms. She adds that “it is the Booking prices that must be adapted and adjusted accordingly: they include their commission and included services”, such as loyalty reductions. However, it is difficult for him to do without the American giant, “a necessary evil” which brings visibility and legitimacy.
The differences are not always so spectacular. Direct booking rates are on average 7% cheaper than on Booking. This is equivalent for example for the Hotel du Pigne in Arolla (VS) to a difference of 15 francs per night, or 195 francs on its website instead of 210 francs.
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Also higher bills
Six hotels show a higher bill for direct booking than on Booking. Surprising if we know that the American company receives a commission on each room sold, which is between 12% and 25%, according to Marie Forestier, member of the committee of the umbrella organization HotellerieSuisse. So how can an establishment offer higher prices for direct sales?
At the Modern Times Hotel in Vevey, a double room costs up to 55 francs more per night when booked directly. For its director Cyril Dederding, the reduced prices offered on booking platforms help attract more customers during the low season. However, he qualifies: “I think we are at least four months a year cheaper on our site.”
With some market players, there is no advantage on either side. Take the example of the hotel chain Accor, parent company of Ibis, Mercure and Mövenpick, which generally displays identical prices between its reservation service and Booking. Contacted by the RTS, Accor does not comment on the existence of a contractual agreement with the American platform, but argues that the homogeneous prices offer a gain in transparency.
There is therefore no infallible rule for finding the rare pearl at the best price. Comparing platforms is the best way to get the best price.
Cyrille Gay-Crosier and Tybalt Felix
TV Subject: Delphine Gianora