Exploring the unknowns of hotel bookings via group-purchase platforms. Are the deals truly cost-effective? Considerations and potential downsides.
Common Misunderstandings:
'Imaginary Discounts': The significant price reductions of 30-80% showcased in deals are often just price manipulations rather than genuine discounts.

Group-purchase platforms typically offer a singular room type, opting for the least expensive option to appear more budget-friendly. In contrast, online hotel booking services provide a diverse array of room types and pricing, along with regular promotions.
Group purchases limit you to one type of hotel room. However, online booking sites reveal various room types and numerous hotels with similar pricing or quality levels within the same area.
Group-buying hotel room prices can sometimes match those on direct booking websites, yet services like Mytour offer additional benefits to keep customers coming back, such as immediate discounts, gifts, points accumulation, and lucky draws.
The cost incurred on group-buy platforms may not be the final price. Seasonal peaks could lead to extra charges for weekend or holiday stays.
Purchasing a voucher through group-buying isn't the last step; you'll need to contact the hotel to book again, with some requiring a reservation be made well in advance (1 week to 10 days).
Benefits of Online Hotel Booking Services:
Quietly superior, online hotel booking websites always offer promotions for all room types, not inferior to group-buy sites. Being an official partner of hotels, these websites typically offer lower prices than direct hotel rates. Notably, Mytour provides ample offers for loyal customers, corporate clients, or large group purchases, including discount programs, corporate discounts, special hotel deals for groups, lucky draw events, seasonal, and event-based promotions.
Reputable hotels honor wholesale agreements with agencies (like Mytour), offering them better rates than those given to individual or walk-in guests. Thus, booking through a major agency often results in better pricing.
Booking through group-buy platforms may result in less dedicated support in case of issues, unlike the personalized customer service offered by online hotel booking sites.
As an individual booking through a group-buy site, you might be the least prioritized by hotels due to the commissions paid to these platforms, risking a 'no room available' response during peak seasons. Conversely, established online booking platforms like Mytour are often prioritized due to their long-term and reputable partnership with hotels.
Booking Tips for Group-Buy Platforms:
- Before committing to a group-buy booking, review what services are included and excluded, and compare prices and services with those on direct booking websites. Directly inquire with hotels about the price for your intended stay and deal conditions before deciding. Thoroughly read the group-buy site's terms, especially regarding service conditions, validity periods, and extra charges. Contact the hotel directly to confirm your check-in date and ensure your booking is secure.
***
Source: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourDecember 31, 2013