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Talked to a hostel owner in Portugal who changed my mind about booking dorms online
I was dead set on always booking dorms through big booking sites for the reviews and convenience. But this guy at a hostel in Lisbon told me he offers a 40% discount if you book direct through their website because they skip the commission fees. He showed me their Instagram page where they post last-minute openings for 12 euros a night, way cheaper than what I saw on the apps. Has anyone else snagged better deals by going direct with hostels or smaller hotels?
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morgan.rose1d ago
Stayed at a place in Barcelona called Yeah Hostel last year and got a 15 euro bed when booking sites had it at 25. The trick is to call or message them on WhatsApp directly, most of these smaller places are more than happy to cut a deal. Instagram stories are gold for last minute stuff, I follow like 10 hostels now just for that. Plus you avoid the random booking site fees that somehow double the price at checkout. My rule now is check the big sites for reviews and location, then go find their actual website or social media to book. The owners usually appreciate it too and sometimes throw in a free drink or something.
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karen3611d ago
Oh totally, that's such a smart move @morgan.rose! I've been burned by those booking site fees too, feels so good to find a direct deal and get a free drink out of it.
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riley_wood841d ago
That part about Instagram stories being gold for last minute deals is something I've been meaning to try. @karen361, how long did it take you to find those hostels on social media without it being a massive time suck? The big sites are annoying with fees but at least they have everything in one place. I'd be worried about missing red flags in reviews if I just skip straight to booking direct. Did you ever run into a place that looked fine on instagram but was actually a mess in person?
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