In this article (6)
In short
- Platforms take a commission that ends up in the price: booking direct, the same apartment costs less.
- Airbnb is great for discovering a place and reading reviews; the official site is best once you've decided.
- Only book direct on official sites with secure payment, never by bank transfer to strangers.
You’ve found the right apartment on Airbnb. Then you notice it has an official website too, with the same sofa, the same photos and a lower price. Where should you book? Here’s how it works, without the jargon.
Why the same apartment costs less on the website
Airbnb, Booking and other platforms do a useful job: they help you find the place, collect reviews and handle payment. In return they take a commission on every booking, sometimes paid by the guest, sometimes by the host, often by both.
Either way, that commission ends up in the price. On the official site there isn’t one, so the host can offer you the same stay for less.
The differences in practice
| Airbnb / Booking | Official website | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Includes commissions | No platform commission |
| Reviews | Visible and verified | The platform reviews still apply |
| Contact with the host | Platform chat | Direct, WhatsApp too |
| Special requests (parking, times) | Messages and waiting | Quick confirmation |
| Help if something goes wrong | The platform | The host directly |
When Airbnb or Booking make sense
- While you’re still searching: comparing many options in one place is handy.
- When you don’t know the property: reviews give you confidence.
- When you collect perks like Booking’s Genius levels.
Using them to discover a place is perfectly fine. But once you’ve decided, check whether there’s an official website.
When booking direct is worth it
- You’ve chosen the apartment and trust the reviews.
- You have specific requests: parking, a pet, a late arrival, separate beds, an invoice.
- You’re staying several nights: the saving grows with every night.
- You come to Milan often: direct contact makes the next trip easier.
How to book direct safely
- Check it’s the official site: same name, same photos, contact details that match the platform listing.
- Pay only through secure systems: a credit card on a protected payment page.
- Be wary of anyone asking for bank transfers to private accounts or payment outside the site.
- Read the cancellation policy in the summary before confirming.
How it works at Teodorico Apartments Milano
Our apartment at Viale Teodorico 7 is on Airbnb (4.97) and Booking.com (9.2), but you can also book it on our website:
- see availability and the total price in real time;
- pay online securely through Lodgify;
- no platform commissions;
- talk directly with Jakub, the host, on WhatsApp about parking, times and requests.
Same apartment, same reviews, same host. Just a cleaner price.
Frequently asked questions
Is booking on the official website safe?
Yes, as long as it's the property's official site and payment goes through a secure system. At Teodorico Apartments Milano we use Lodgify, a professional booking platform.
Do the Airbnb reviews still count if I book direct?
Yes, it's the same apartment and the same host. We're rated 4.97 on Airbnb and 9.2 on Booking.com.
Can I cancel if I book direct?
Yes, under the cancellation policy shown in the summary before you confirm.
