Why We Encourage Guests to Book Direct (From a Holiday Let Owner’s Perspective)

After years of running a countryside retreat, one thing has become very clear… how guests choose to book has changed dramatically.

We still appear on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, but more and more of our guests now choose to book directly with us instead.

Not because we ask them to — but because once they understand how it works, it simply makes more sense.

This page explains why.

Check Availability & Book Direct

Interior English Oak Lodge | Airbnb Holiday Home with Hot Tub

It usually comes down to one simple thing: value

When guests book through a large platform, a commission fee is taken from the booking — often around 15–25%.

That fee has to come from somewhere, so it’s either:

- Added into the nightly price, or

- Paid indirectly through higher platform costs

When guests book directly with us, that middle layer disappears.

There’s no algorithm, no marketplace fee, and no added platform cost.

Just a straightforward booking between guest and owner.

You’re speaking to the people who actually run the property

One of the biggest differences guests notice when booking direct is communication.

Instead of going through a third-party system, you’re speaking directly to us — the people who;

- Run the retreat day-to-day

- Know every lodge, cottage, and detail on site

- Manage all the guest experience personally

That makes a real difference, especially when guests have questions or specific needs.

Messages don’t get filtered through a platform. There’s no “support ticket system.” It’s just a direct conversation.

Couples Romantic Lodge with Hot Tub | Airbnb holiday lodge

We can give you much better, more honest guidance

No listing platform can fully capture the detail of a place like this.

When guests book direct, we can properly explain things like:

- Which lodge suits couples vs families

- Which spaces are best for dogs or larger groups

- What the layout actually feels like (not just what the photos show)

- The best times of year to visit depending on what you want from your stay

We can also share local recommendations that aren’t generic or scraped from a guidebook — real places we actually send our own guests to.

That level of detail simply doesn’t come through on a third-party listing.

View our accommodation options

Trust builds differently when you deal directly with the owner

Something we’ve noticed over time is that guests who book direct often return.

Not just because of price — but because there’s a relationship built from the start.

They know:

- Who they’re speaking to

- What to expect

- That the information they’ve been given is accurate

Over time, that creates trust on both sides.

We now have many repeat guests who always come direct. It’s become their preferred way to book.

Amanda & Adam- contact us for Hot Tub & Dog Friendly Stays

The experience feels simpler and more personal

Third-party platforms are designed to manage millions of listings. They are efficient — but not personal.

Booking direct feels different.

It’s;

- Clearer

- Quicker

- Less restrictive

- More human

From first enquiry to arrival, everything is handled in one place, by one team — us.

Exclusive direct guest benefits (Perks Worth Packing For)

We also offer a direct guest programme called Perks Worth Packing For, created specifically for guests who book directly with us.

It’s designed to add a little extra value to your first stay and keep guests informed about what’s happening here at the retreat.

By signing up, you’ll receive:

- Early updates on last-minute availability

- Email access to special offers and seasonal stays

- A unique welcome code to unlock £59 of perks on your first direct booking

It’s simple to join, and many of our guests use it when planning their first stay with us directly.

A small thank you for booking without the middleman — and a better way to stay connected for future visits.

Perks worth Packing For

Why more guests are switching to direct bookings

Across the holiday rental industry, there is a noticeable shift happening.

Guests are becoming more aware of:

- Platform service fees

- Lack of direct communication

- Inconsistent listing details

- The difference between booking through a system vs booking with a host

At the same time, booking direct has become much easier than it used to be.

For many guests, it quickly becomes their preferred way to book.

From our perspective as hosts

We also prefer direct bookings — not because of the cost savings alone, but because of the experience it allows us to create.

It means we can:

- Communicate properly before arrival

- Offer a more tailored stay

- Be more flexible where possible

- Focus entirely on the guest experience

And ultimately, it keeps everything clearer and more transparent for everyone involved.

Dog Friendly Accommodation | near London

In summary

Booking direct with us means:

- No platform commission fees included in your price

- Direct communication with the owners

- More detailed and honest property knowledge

- A more personal, flexible experience

- Stronger trust and transparency

- Exclusive Perksworth guest benefits

Most importantly, it creates a direct connection between guest and host — which is how we believe holidays should feel.

See our Direct Prices & Availability

If you are comparing booking options

We still appear on third-party platforms, but many guests now use them only to discover us — then come directly for the actual booking.

Once guests experience both, they usually don’t go back.

Feel free to explore our holiday homes, all with their own private Hot Tub, below…