notitur.com August 24, 2026

Distribution

Disparity

Disparity happens when the same hotel shows different prices across channels for the same dates. It usually comes from OTA discounts or wholesalers reselling below rate. It confuses the guest and erodes trust in booking direct.

Example A guest sees the same room 15 euros cheaper on a metasearch site than on the hotel's own website.

Related terms

Distribution

Rate parity

Rate parity is the commitment to offer the same public price across all channels. Many OTAs require it by...

 Distribution

Metasearch

A metasearch engine compares prices for the same hotel across several channels at once and sends the user to...

 Distribution

OTA

An online travel agency is a channel that sells accommodation and travel online in exchange for a commission....

 Distribution

Agency model

In the agency model, the guest pays at the hotel and the hotel later settles the commission with the OTA. The...

FAQ

What is disparity in hotels?
Disparity is a price difference for the same hotel room and dates across different sales channels. For instance, a room listed at 150 euros on the hotel's own website may appear at 120 euros on an OTA. It usually happens when OTAs or wholesalers apply unauthorized discounts or resell inventory below the hotel's direct price.
How does disparity work in practice?
Disparity occurs when a wholesaler or OTA adds an extra discount on top of the rate the hotel provided, or resells bulk-contracted rooms at a lower price. For example, if a hotel gives a 15% commission to an OTA and that OTA then offers a further 10% discount to attract bookings, the result is disparity.
Why does disparity matter for hotel management?
Disparity undermines guest trust in direct bookings and often forces hotels to match lower rates, reducing profit margins. It also damages brand value when customers realize they could have paid less elsewhere. Hotels manage this by using restricted rate plans and conducting regular parity audits.

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