How do I know if a hotel website is the real official site?

Check that the domain matches the hotel brand name, look for HTTPS on the booking page, verify the contact details match what other sources show, and compare the site design with the hotel's social media presence. Be cautious of paid search ads that look like official sites but are actually OTA resellers.

Why does it matter which site I book the hotel through?

The official site may offer member rates, loyalty points, direct perks or a best-rate guarantee. OTAs may offer better cancellation or rewards. The booking route can affect total price, flexibility and support, so it is worth finding and comparing the official route before paying.

What are clone sites and how do I spot them?

Clone sites copy the look of legitimate hotel websites to trick travellers into paying for fake or overpriced bookings. Warning signs include domain names that are slightly misspelled, requests for payment by bank transfer, no clear cancellation policy and contact details that do not match official sources.

Can JustBooking help me find the official hotel site?

Yes. Paste the hotel you have already found and JustBooking will look for the legitimate booking routes it can identify, which may include the official site alongside OTA options. Always verify the site yourself before entering payment details.

How to find a hotel's official website before booking

When you have found a hotel on an OTA or travel site, it is worth locating the official hotel website before paying. The direct route may offer member rates, loyalty points or perks that are not available through third-party platforms - but you need to verify the site is genuine first.

Quick answer

Search the hotel name plus "official site" or go to the hotel brand's main domain directly. Check the URL carefully and look for HTTPS on the booking page. Compare the direct rate and perks against the OTA before deciding where to book.

Why find the official site?

Hotel chains and independent hotels often offer benefits that are only available when you book directly through their own site. These may include member or loyalty rates, points accrual toward status, complimentary breakfast, room upgrade eligibility, late checkout, flexible payment or direct communication before arrival.

These benefits may not be available if you book through an OTA, even if the price looks the same. Finding the official site lets you compare the full picture before deciding.

How to find it

For chain hotels, go directly to the brand's main domain - for example, the Marriott, Hilton or IHG website - and search for the specific property. For independent hotels, search the exact hotel name plus "official site", "book direct" or "reservations". The hotel may also have a link in its Google Business profile.

Be cautious with paid search results. Some ads appearing above the hotel's own listing are actually OTAs or resellers styled to look like the official site. Click through and check the domain before entering any details.

How to verify the official hotel site

Check the domain matches the hotel brand name exactly
Look for HTTPS and a padlock icon on the booking and payment pages
Confirm contact details match what other sources show for the hotel
Check the site design is consistent with the hotel's social media and Google listing
Look for a loyalty programme login or member rate option
Avoid sites that ask for payment by bank transfer or cryptocurrency
Compare the direct rate and perks against the OTA rate before committing
If unsure, call the hotel directly to confirm the booking URL

Warning signs of clone and scam sites

Clone hotel sites copy the appearance of legitimate booking pages to capture payments for non-existent or overpriced bookings. Warning signs include slightly misspelled domains, very low prices that seem too good to be true, requests to pay by bank transfer or gift card, missing or unclear cancellation policies and contact details that cannot be verified elsewhere.

If anything feels off, do not proceed. Use JustBooking to find verified routes or call the hotel to confirm the correct booking address.

Frequently asked questions

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