Why Booking Direct Saves You Money on Dubai Holiday Homes
You’ve seen it: the same Dubai Marina apartment shows up on Airbnb for one price, then on the host’s direct site for less. What changed? Not the property, just the platform.
In 2025, Airbnb now shows the total price right away, so guests can see all the fees in the search results. The service charges, cleaning fees, and other extra costs that used to be hidden are now easy to see. This change makes booking directly not just appealing but often the better, cheaper, and safer choice for travelers.
Let’s break down how booking directly saves guests money, improves their stay, and benefits property owners, too.
OTA Fees vs. Direct Savings
On Airbnb or Booking.com:
→ Guests pay a nightly rate, a cleaning fee, and a service fee to the website (usually 12 to 18 percent).
→ Owners pay a commission (15 to 20 percent).
→ Guests pay nightly rate + cleaning fee only.
→ No platform service fee.
→ OPS offers a flat 10% discount for direct bookings.
Example:
A Downtown 2-bedroom at AED 1,000 per night for 5 nights:
→ OTA price: ~AED 5,900 (with fees).
→ Direct price: AED 4,950.
By booking directly, you almost get a whole night for free compared to using an online travel agency.
Why Guests Should Care
1. Better Value
When you use OTAs, you pay more because it is easier to find and book. When you book directly, you get the same place without paying extra.
2. Priority Service
Guests who book directly often get to check in early, check out late, or change their plans more easily. At OPS, direct guests are treated as important customers, not just numbers. Book your next holiday home now.
3. Transparent Pricing
No surprise service fees at checkout. With OPS, what you see on the site is what you pay.
4. Exclusive Perks
Booking directly can give you special extras that OTAs cannot, like welcome gifts, free rides from the airport, or discounts for coming back. OPS gives returning guests discounts and better rooms.
Why Owners Should Care
1. Higher Net Revenue
Every time someone books through an OTA, 15–20% goes to fees. When guests book directly, owners get to keep more of the money.
2. Stronger Guest Relationships
When guests book directly, owners and managers can talk to them more easily, which helps guests come back again. OTAs make this harder.
3. Control Over Policies
OTAs set their own rules for cancellations and refunds. With direct bookings, owners can make their own rules that work best for them.
4. Lower Acquisition Cost
When a guest books directly, it is easier and cheaper to get them to book again. Owners do not have to pay extra fees for repeat direct bookings.
The Mobile Imperative
Here’s a trend few are talking about: mobile conversions.
Skift data shows most people find places on their phones, but fewer actually book because many websites are not set up for quick and easy booking.
Guests leave if the checkout takes too long.
OPS fixed this by making oneperfectstay.com easier to use:
→ 3-step checkout (property → dates/guests → pay).
→ Same prices as other travel sites, plus a 10% discount.
→ A design made for phones to fit how guests really shop.
The result: more people book directly, and the company relies less on Airbnb and Booking.com.
OPS Direct Advantage
Booking direct through OPS isn’t just cheaper—it’s better:
→ Flat 10% discount on every stay.
→ Faster help for guests who book directly.
→ Extra perks and options you can’t find on other booking sites.
→ Book with peace of mind through a trusted company in Dubai.
For guests: less cost, more value.
For owners: more profit and better connections with guests.
FAQs
Is booking direct really cheaper than Airbnb?
Yes. Now that Airbnb shows the full price with all fees, booking directly is usually 10 to 15 percent cheaper. OPS always gives you 10 percent off.
Do owners benefit from direct bookings?
Absolutely. Owners do not have to pay extra fees to travel websites, keep more of the money, and often get guests who return.
What perks come with OPS direct bookings?
You get help faster, more flexible rules, and often can check in early, check out late, or get special extras.
Can I trust direct booking sites?
With licensed operators like OPS, yes. Always book direct via the company’s official website, not unverified links.
Final Thoughts
Dubai’s holiday home market is changing. As websites show prices more clearly, guests are starting to realize what owners already know: online travel agencies are just middlemen, not magic makers.
Booking direct means:
→ For guests: lower prices, better service, and exclusive perks.
→ For owners: more money, guests who come back, and greater control.
At OPS, we’ve built our direct channel to benefit both sides. When you book at oneperfectstay.com, you get more than a stay; you get value, trust, and a seamless Dubai experience.