Originally Posted by
richarddd
The rate being listed on the hotel's website.
I have been noticing more hotel promotions recently, such as 3 for 2, free breakfast, upgrade (guaranteed or subject to availability). It seems that sometimes TAs can do better, sometimes not. There's also contacting hotels directly and asking for benefits, although that might work better if you're a returning guest.
Using a TA can be simpler. Simplicity can be valuable in itself..
Sometimes it is more, often it is less (but again, seldom the best), but I have not noticed it being the same. YMMV. FoundersCard, Noble Travel and other similar programs offer a fixed discount from the rate that you're paying Travel Agents though. Usually, that is around 30% but sometimes it is much more (even 60% during peak travel times).
Using a TA can be simpler (though you will need a patient TA if you make speculative bookings and change travel plans often, as I do) and, if the rates are the same, I am happy to book through them. However, I am also happy to book for myself when the difference in rate is so large (again, 30%-60%). The commission from TAs is coming from somewhere and IME it's usually just being baked into the rate.
TL;DR I will never book with a TA when the rates for my hotels are cheaper elsewhere. As luxury hotels experiment with cutting out travel agents and providing discounts directly to consumers, I have found that hotel rates are frequently cheaper elsewhere. YMMV.