It’s September. The sun has set on another busy summer season, and the hard work has (hopefully) paid off with plenty of bookings. 

But then, ouch! That commission bill from the OTAs lands in your inbox. 

And suddenly you’re asking: “Did I really just give away 15% of my peak season earnings?“ 

The truth? Probably, yes. 

How Much Is That Commission Really Costing You? 

Let’s do a quick exercise: 

• Add up all your OTA commission bills from this year. 

• Now take 10% of that figure. 

• Double it. 

That’s 20% of your revenue. Imagine paying yourself that instead. 

What could you do with the cash? Maybe take a well-deserved holiday? Perhaps your rooms are due an upgrade? What about investing back into your property to attract more direct bookings? 

It’s not a fantasy – it’s possible. Let’s show you how. 

Cut OTA Commissions with Proven Strategies from freetobook  

The good news is OTA costs don’t have to be this painful. With over 25 years in the industry, we’ve worked with thousands of properties and millions of bookings. We’ve seen first-hand how to cut commission bills by 20% (or even more!) while keeping occupancy rates strong.  

Here’s how freetobook customers are cutting commissions by up to 20% or more, without sacrificing occupancy: 

1. Close the door (sometimes) 

High season dates sell themselves. Why pay OTAs 15%+ commission when you can nudge guests to book directly instead? 

💡 Close out the OTAs right at the start of the booking season (in January) for your high summer dates.

2.  Make Direct Booking the Easy Choice

Use perks like free cancellation or free breakfast exclusive for direct bookers. Small changes like this push guests to choose your website over an OTA listing. 

3. Get Google on Your Side 

Appear at the top of free booking links with Google Zero and pair it with a better direct rate, for even more exposure and direct bookings, use Google Hotel Ads. Guests love an easy win! 

4. Ditch the Hidden Cuts 

Switch to a commission-free booking engine like freetobook, so every penny of booking revenue stays with you. 

5. Focus on What Works 

Not all OTAs are equal; some generate bookings, others just cost you. Cut underperforming channels, double down on the ones that deliver and shift more focus to your direct booking site. 

Let’s Cut to the Chase 

Your OTA bill doesn’t need to be the biggest number on your balance sheet. With the right strategies in place, you can shrink it, keep more of your revenue, and still fill your rooms.  

Why work for OTAs when you can make them work for you? 

Ready to reduce your commission bill and boost direct bookings? 

Not yet using freetobook?👉 See how we can help make that September commission bill sting a little less