What Is Hotel Metasearch
Definition
Hotel metasearch engines are platforms that compare, in one place, the prices of the same hotel across different channels, such as OTAs and the official website. Well-known examples include Google Hotels, Trivago, Kayak, and TripAdvisor. Unlike an OTA, a metasearch site does not process the booking: it redirects the user to the chosen channel to complete the purchase there.
The pricing model is usually cost-per-click (CPC) or a commission on the confirmed booking. For hotels they are a strategic showcase, because they let you display your direct rate next to the OTA rates and recover the guest who would otherwise book through a pricier intermediary.
Industry benchmark
Illustrative comparison between metasearch and an OTA from the hotel's perspective.
| Metasearch (redirects to your site) | Cost: 8%-15% (CPC or commission) |
| OTA (processes the booking) | Commission: 15%-25% |
Best practices
- Connect your booking engine to the main metasearch engines so your direct rate appears next to the OTAs.
- Stay price competitive: your direct rate should match or beat the intermediaries' rates.
- Optimize your Google Hotels listing and profile with photos, reviews, and up-to-date data to improve conversion.
- Track return per click and adjust bids so acquisition cost stays below an OTA commission.
How WeSpeak helps with Hotel Metasearch
When a guest reaches your website from a metasearch engine, every second counts. WeSpeak instantly answers questions about rates, services, or availability and guides them all the way to a direct booking, keeping them from comparing again and ending up on an OTA. That way you make the most of the traffic you pay for and turn metasearch visibility into commission-free revenue.
Learn more: AI assistant for direct bookings
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