> OTA's are fine for price discovery but you often get a better deal (and better service) from the hotel/brand directly. The front desk knows you booked via an OTA instead of the hotel directly.
I know anecdotes aren't data, but I've had the opposite experience.
Front Desk: "Hey, I see you booked with Expedia. You know if you booked directly with us, you'd get a better rate!"
Me: "Oh really? Thanks! Can I book tomorrow night at the same rate as tonight?"
Front Desk: "No, sorry, tomorrow night's rate is twice as the rate you have from Expedia."
Me: "Ok, I guess I'll book at Expedia for tomorrow night as well, since they have the same rate that's half of what you're offering me."
I've had this happen so many times!