Are you starting to plan for your next vacation and don’t know just where to start? With so many travel websites and booking platforms out there, it’s hard to know where to go to browse for vacation rentals and which site to use for booking. Sites like VRBO, Airbnb and Homeaway reign supreme and are typically the first websites that will come up in your search. Consumers are more likely to book their travel with large well known companies like these due to their ever present ads and clever marketing. While most vacationers feel comfortable with these popular, credible, and easy to use sources, online travel agencies are ultimately not the best or most affordable way to book your vacation rental. Instead, booking direct offers vacationers a more personalized experience working directly with the knowledgeable rental staff and has several other benefits that many consumers aren’t even aware of.
WHY BOOK DIRECT?
We’ve all heard the phrase “book direct and save!” but have you ever stopped to think about what it means? Third party sites like Airbnb and VRBO are popular and convenient but they charge users for that convenience with a percentage “booking fee.” When you’re booking a luxury vacation you want every dollar to go towards your experience, like having a private chef prepare a meal, splurging on a once-in-a-lifetime outdoor excursion, or booking an ultra-relaxing spa day.
Book At A Better Rate
Online Travel Agencies charge hefty fees. In order for property owners and smaller rental management companies to list on OTA’s, they have to pay a commission and in turn raise their rental prices. There are also hidden fees that get added on during the checkout process that are not factored in to that original per night price that grabbed your attention. Some of those hidden fees can be attributed to the OTA’s marketing costs which the consumer is paying for in the end.
Get More
When you book direct, you have access to more properties, more availability and better pricing. Without those added fees of the online travel sites, property owners and management companies are able to be more competitive on pricing. Booking direct also allows you to book experiences, join rewards programs, get notifications for upcoming specials and new property announcements. Direct book websites will also have more location specific information like blogs and planning guides that are not available on OTA’s.
A Better Booking Experience
Traveling to a new place can be stressful. By booking direct you have access to someone who intimately knows the property and the surrounding areas. You have a direct line to the owner or property manager who can provide guidance to you on finding the right rental and what to know about the area you are visiting. Having an expert on the ground is a huge advantage for planning a successful trip.
Higher Standards
By booking direct there is no “middleman” so to speak, and for that reason you can rest assured that the team you are working with is the one that will be committed to ensuring that you have a 5-star vacation experience. Additionally, you can typically expect that the management team will have higher standards for the types of properties that are represented within their online portfolio.
The Luxury Simplified Retreats Experience
Luxury Simplified Retreats is dedicated to providing the ultimate experience for our guests. Our Concierge Team offers the highest level of service for the most discerning of clients. You can book direct on Luxury Simplified Retreats and also learn more about discovering Charleston and what to do when you are here. We’ve got a live chat and our team standing by to help you choose the perfect vacation rental and book the best Charleston experiences. We can give you the lay of the land and walk you through our properties to find the one that best suits your needs. Not sure if you need to bring a hair dryer or a beach chair? Rent a golf cart? Have a parking space? Is there a yard? Or perhaps you want to know how many blocks you are from the beach and what the best local restaurants are? Need a kid or pet friendly property? Have special needs or requirements? No problem. We can answer all of those questions and more! You’ll also be happy to know that you are talking to a local, not a remote customer service rep. Our retreats team knows Charleston, takes pride in our rentals, upholds the highest of standards and we can’t wait to help you plan your stay!
Kings Court is a romantic and contemporary short term rental vacation property located on Upper King Street, at the edge of Marion Square. Within short walking distance are top notch restaurants and shops including Halls Chophouse, Virginia’s on King, Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer, Historic William Aiken House, and more. Private parking is directly behind the building, so you can leave your car and walk everywhere in the heart of downtown Charleston.
