RateMatch: Intelligent Price Matching That Converts More Direct Bookings

In an industry where 94% of travelers compare hotel prices across multiple platforms before booking, every second counts. If a guest finds a better rate elsewhere, they’ll likely leave — and may never return. That’s why RateParity built RateMatch: a powerful price-matching solution that helps hotels capture bookings before they’re lost.

With RateMatch, your hotel website becomes a competitive force — showing the best available rate when it matters most.

What Is RateMatch?

RateMatch is an intelligent tool that helps hotels convert more direct bookings by responding to OTA price discrepancies in real time.
Two flexible options are available depending on your setup:

1. On-Demand Rate Match (primary focus)
2. A guest clicks the “Match My Price” button after spotting a cheaper rate on an OTA.
3. They fill in a quick form with their stay details and the OTA link.
4. RateParity verifies the OTA rate in real time.
5. If the rate falls within your hotel’s predefined discount rules, a voucher is automatically applied in the booking engine.
6. The guest sees the matched price instantly and books directly on your site.

1. Real-Time Rate Match (advanced option)
2. Works automatically during each availability search.
3. OTA prices are checked in the background.
4. If a lower rate is detected (within your thresholds), the system adjusts the direct price dynamically before displaying results.
   
5. Requires two separate rate plans but ensures completely seamless automation.

Key Benefits of Rate Match

Boost Direct Bookings
Guests stay on your site and see your offer updated to match OTA prices — without needing to leave.

Real-Time Price Matching (On-Demand)
Triggered by guest input, OTA rates are verified instantly and matched via a voucher system.

Confidence-Driven Conversions
Guests see transparent comparisons and know your site offers the best deal, reinforcing trust.

Lower Acquisition Costs
Capture the booking directly and avoid OTA commissions by converting intent on your own platform.

How It Works (On-Demand Rate Match)

1. Step 1: Guest finds a lower price on an OTA
   While browsing, a traveler notices your room is cheaper on Booking.com or another OTA.
   
2. Step 2: They use RateMatch on your site
   Instead of leaving, they click “Match My Price” or simply run a search on your booking engine.
   
3. Step 3: The system verifies the OTA rate
   RateMatch instantly checks the OTA’s price in real time.
   
4. Step 4: Your direct site responds
   If the OTA price is within your defined pricing thresholds, RateMatch adjusts the direct rate automatically — either by applying a voucher (on-demand) or dynamically lowering the displayed price (real-time).

   If the OTA price falls outside your pricing strategy, no match is shown, ensuring you stay in control.
   

5. Step 5: Guest books directly with you
   The traveler sees the matched rate, trusts your site, and completes the reservation without leaving your booking engine.
   

Why RateMatch Stands Out

Unlike tools that rely on slow refund promises or post-booking claim processes, RateMatch gives the guest real-time price validation and a seamless path to book. While a short form is involved in version 1, it’s optimized for ease and conversion.

Both versions integrate directly with WebHotelier, PrimalRes, and other supported engines — using your defined branding and pricing logic.

Connection to RateParity:
RateParity’s Super Widget and Quotelier proposals enable seamless upsell—integrating extras into direct bookings and offering customized packages, increasing ticket value.

Core Features at a Glance

• Real-Time OTA Price Checks (On-Demand or Per Search)
• Smart Discount Threshold Controls
• Customizable CTAs (e.g., “Match My Price”) 
• Visual Price Comparison (e.g., “Member €54 | Booking.com €70”) 
• Fixed or % Discount Logic (via voucher or dynamic adjustment)
• Full Integration with Supported Booking Engines
• GDPR-Compliant, Mobile-Optimized, Multilingual
• Conversion & Voucher Tracking Dashboard