FREE TOOL · HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATION
Cost calculator: direct bookings vs. intermediaries
Compare intermediary fees for a group of bookings with the costs of handling those same bookings directly. The starting figures are a fictional example: replace them with your own figures.
For independent hotels, cabins and apartment hotels: estimate booking platform commissions and evaluate a direct channel without assuming every booking can move.
Guide to booking engines, PMS and channel managers · Services for accommodation
Enter your figures
Amounts in ARS. Calculations run in your browser: we don't store or transmit these values.
Check the values: they must be valid, and potential direct bookings cannot exceed the total.
ILLUSTRATIVE RESULT
Comparison in ARS
- Intermediary commissions for these bookings
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- Direct channel costs for these bookings
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- Annual difference if assumptions hold for 12 months
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This isn't a sales forecast, profit projection or guaranteed savings. It excludes cancellations, taxes, different rates and acquisition costs you haven't entered. Intermediaries can also generate additional demand: shifting bookings to your own channel isn't guaranteed.
Review my direct channel ↗How it's calculated and when it's useful
OTA cost: bookings that could shift × average value × commission. Direct cost: the same volume × the direct variable cost, plus the monthly fixed cost entered. The difference is OTA cost minus direct cost; it may be negative.
If you receive bookings from Booking.com, Expedia, Despegar or Airbnb, use the effective costs for your property: platform commissions and payment terms vary by contract, property type or service. This tool doesn't compare official rates or assume equivalence.
- Compare the same group of bookings: don't assign bookings to the direct channel that you can't yet obtain.
- Use actual contracted commissions and costs, including payments, maintenance and acquisition.
- Repeat with conservative, base and optimistic scenarios by varying direct booking numbers.
- Don't stop using a PMS or channel manager without reviewing availability, synchronization and operational risks.
Continue with the direct booking guide for hotels or explore the ClickDialog implementation for accommodation.
FAQs about commissions and direct bookings
How much does an OTA such as Booking.com charge?
There is no one-size-fits-all commission. Booking.com states applicable commissions when you list a property and invoices according to the contract. Check your agreement or extranet for the actual percentage. The initial 15% in the calculator is only a fictional example, not an official rate or verified average.
What variable costs does an independent booking engine have?
Depending on the provider, there may be transaction fees, payment processing, per-booking charges or acquisition costs. Separate these from monthly booking engine, website and tool fees. Don't count a fixed cost twice.
How do I calculate customer acquisition cost (CAC) for a hotel's direct channel?
For a defined period, divide acquisition spending attributable to the direct channel by the new customers acquired from that investment. For cost per booking, divide the acquisition spending by the bookings attributable to it. CAC per customer and cost per booking are different metrics.
Does the calculator work for cabins, inns and apartment hotels?
Yes, as long as you compare the same bookings and enter your property's actual costs. Test conservative scenarios and different months: occupancy, seasonality, cancellations and rates can significantly change profitability.