The Hidden Cost of OTA Platforms
Booking.com, Airbnb, and Expedia have made travel planning convenient. But that convenience comes at a price—one that's often invisible to travelers but very real.
What Most Travelers Don't Know
OTA platforms charge property owners 15-25% commission on every booking. This cost is either passed to you through higher prices, or it limits what hosts can offer in terms of service and flexibility.
Direct vs OTA: The Honest Comparison
| What You Get | Book Direct | OTA Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Save 15-25% | Full price + service fees |
| Communication | Direct WhatsApp with host | Through platform messaging |
| Check-in flexibility | Negotiate directly | Fixed times |
| Special requests | Easy to arrange | Limited options |
| Local recommendations | Personal insider tips | Generic tourist info |
| Problem resolution | Immediate, personal | Support tickets |
| Cancellation policy | Often more flexible | Platform rules apply |
What You Get When You Book Direct
Direct Booking Benefits
- Save 15-25% on your entire stay
- WhatsApp contact with Nathan
- Flexible check-in/check-out times
- Free early check-in when available
- Personal restaurant recommendations
- Help booking tours & transfers
- 24/7 AI concierge access
- Best rate guarantee
What OTAs Can't Provide
- Direct relationship with host
- Real-time communication
- Custom arrival arrangements
- Local insider knowledge
- Flexible date changes
- Personal welcome
- Post-booking concierge
- Return guest recognition
Real Example: 5-Night Stay
BOHO apartment in July: Booking.com price around €1,200. Direct price on cohenhouse.it: approximately €950. That's €250 saved—enough for a private wine tour of Mount Etna or a boat trip to the Blue Grotto.
Is Direct Booking Safe?
This is the most common concern, and it's completely valid. Here's how we ensure your booking is secure:
- Secure payment: We use SiteMinder's booking engine with SSL encryption and trusted payment processors
- Instant confirmation: You receive immediate email confirmation with all booking details
- Verified property: We're listed on Google Business with 120+ verified reviews
- Real contact: You can reach Nathan directly via WhatsApp before booking to verify
- Legal business: Cohen Smart House is a registered Italian accommodation business
How to Book in 3 Steps
1. Visit cohenhouse.it/book/ and select your dates
2. Choose your apartment and complete secure payment
3. Receive instant confirmation + personal WhatsApp welcome
Questions & Answers
Common Questions
Is the direct price really lower than Booking.com?
Yes. We don't pay 15-25% commission to OTAs, so we pass those savings directly to you. Compare our prices with the same dates on any platform—you'll see the difference.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) through our secure booking system powered by SiteMinder. Bank transfers are also available for longer stays.
Can I cancel or modify my direct booking?
Yes. Our cancellation policy is often more flexible than OTA bookings. Contact us directly via WhatsApp to discuss any changes—we're always happy to help.
How do I know my booking is confirmed?
You receive an instant email confirmation with all booking details. Within 24 hours, Nathan will also send you a personal WhatsApp message to welcome you and answer any questions.
What if I have questions before booking?
Contact us anytime via WhatsApp at +39 347 887 9992 or use our AI concierge at cohenhouse.it/ask/. We typically respond within minutes during the day.
Ready to Save 25%?
Book direct and get the best price, personal service, and genuine local expertise.