The OFT looked into the issue after concerns InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) – which owns Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Crowne Plaza – had struck deals with the two online travel agents which restricted their ability to discount rates for room-only bookings at its hotels (see our Cheap Hotels guide for tips on cutting costs).

Now IHG says it will ensure all the online travel agents it works with can offer discounts on room-only prices

IHG, Expedia and Booking.com will be able to offer you discounts on room-only rates, so long as you sign up to their membership scheme and make one undiscounted booking first.