Book Direct vs. OTAs in Wyoming: Fees, Perks & When to Choose Each

TL;DR: Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) like Airbnb and VRBO charge 12–18% in fees. Booking direct at The Main Exchange eliminates those costs, gives you flexible support, and often unlocks better rates.

The Real Cost of OTA Fees

When you book through a platform, here's what happens:

• Guest service fee: 12–15% added to your total
• Host fee: 3–5% (often passed to you via higher rates)
• Total markup: 15–20% over direct pricing

Example: 3-Night Stay at The Onyx

Booking Method	Nightly Rate	Platform Fees	Total
Airbnb/VRBO	$395	$142 (12%)	$1,327
Direct	$375	$0	$1,125
Savings	—	—	$202

Key Takeaways: When to Book Direct

1. You save money —human No hidden fees, no service charges
2. Flexible support — Call, text, or email us directly (no ticket systems)
3. Custom requests — Early check-in, late checkout, special occasions
4. Transparent policies — Clear cancellation terms, no algorithm changes

When OTAs Make Sense

We're honest: platforms work well when:

• You're browsing multiple properties and want one-click comparison
• You need instant booking at 2 AM with zero human interaction
• Platform protections matter more than price

For most Sheridan stays, though, booking direct wins on cost, flexibility, and personal service.

How to Book Direct at The Main Exchange

1. Browse The Onyx to see photos, amenities, and availability
2. Check rates — transparent pricing, no surprises
3. Contact us via phone (307) 312-9656, email contact@wyostays.com, or contact form
4. Confirm — we handle the rest

Refund & Cancellation: OTA vs. Direct

Policy	OTAs	Direct Booking
Cancellation window	Varies by host, enforced by algorithm	Clear policy, human conversation
Refunds	Platform holds funds 3–7 days	Direct refund within 2–3 business days
Special circumstances	Submit ticket, wait for review	Talk to a real person

Bottom Line

OTAs serve a purpose: discovery, instant booking, and platform-backed trust. But for Wyoming lodging—especially boutique stays like The Onyx—booking direct saves you money, gives you flexible support, and builds a real relationship with your host.

Ready to book? Start here or reach out with questions.