Nah often third party hotel rooms are cheaper. I've literally been in a hotel lobby, asked about the rate, only to see that it's about 20% cheaper on Hotels.com, ask the front desk person why they can't match, only to then use the app to book right in front of the clerk and then get my room.
The backend system lots of hotels uses will sell rooms at what is essentially the market rate, based on occupancy, demand, etc..., whereas the posted room rate is more stable, for better or worse (better if the hotel is close to full, worse if it's empty).
If you stay at the sane hotel brand often, the loyalty points make up the difference.
If Hilton isn’t running a special - and they are always running a special - if you have the Hilton Aspire credit card, you get 34 points per dollar worth usually around 20% in all. But often higher.
We will be staying at a hotel in Manuel Antonio n
Costa Rica next month that would cost $4700 for 400K points.
The backend system lots of hotels uses will sell rooms at what is essentially the market rate, based on occupancy, demand, etc..., whereas the posted room rate is more stable, for better or worse (better if the hotel is close to full, worse if it's empty).