Staycity to beat OTAs with direct booking campaign

The company, which operates in eight European cities, hopes to build better links with its customers through its 'Book direct for a better deal' campaign. 

Guests making bookings directly through the Staycity website will be guaranteed the lowest rate available, be eligible for complimentary early check-in and late check-out, offered flexible cancellation and the chance to win a stay for free. 

“It’s important to us that we build a direct relationship with our customers and that we can pass on special offers and discounted rates more quickly and easily,” said Staycity CEO Tom Walsh.

"That’s difficult to do through a third-party booking agent, so we’re urging our guests to book their stay through our own website to benefit from these offers and the price guarantee.”

Many hotels and other accommodation providers increasingly find themselves competing with OTAs with​ bookings with some, like Staycity coming up with innovative schemes and offers to encourage direct bookings.

Staycity Birmingham​

News of the campaign comes as Staycity prepares to open its second aparthotel in Birmingham. 

The 170-apartment Staycity Birmingham Newhall Square will open on 5 February and will include a lounge area serving breakfast, snacks, tea and coffee. 

The first Staycity in Birmingham opened in 2006 at the Arcadian Centre and has experienced average occupancy of more than 90 per cent over the past 10 years, said Walsh. 

“Birmingham has been one of our best-performing sites, with strong demand from leisure and corporate bookings. We are confident Newhall Square will be just as popular," he said.