Our Top 5 OTA Picks
These are the platforms we recommend for standard and boutique hotels in India. Your 5th OTA depends on the international traveler profile your location attracts.
Who This Guide is For
This guide covers two property types that share a similar distribution strategy:
- Standard Hotels (Budget to Luxury): Traditional 1-star to 5-star properties with standard room categories, front desk, and structured operations
- Boutique Hotels: Smaller, design-led properties (typically 10-50 rooms) with unique character, personalized service, and a distinct identity
Both property types serve a mix of domestic and international travelers, need broad OTA distribution, and benefit from the same core platforms.
1. MakeMyTrip / Goibibo
Why It's Essential
MakeMyTrip (which also owns Goibibo) is the undisputed leader in Indian domestic hotel bookings. Listing on one automatically makes you visible on both platforms.
- Market share: ~60% of online hotel bookings in India
- Commission: 15-25% (varies by city and property category)
- Payment: Guest pays MakeMyTrip, weekly settlement to hotel
- Best for: All hotel types, especially domestic travelers
Tips for Hotels
- Participate in MMT Select or Goibibo Top Rated programs for higher visibility
- Use "Sell Tonight" deals for last-minute inventory
- Keep your extranet content updated — fresh photos boost conversion by 20-30%
Tips for Boutique Hotels
- Highlight your unique selling points in the property description
- Upload lifestyle photos, not just room shots — show the experience
- Use the "Boutique" or "Heritage" tags in your property type settings
2. Booking.com
Why It's Essential
Booking.com is the global leader with 28+ million listings worldwide. It's the #1 platform for international guests traveling to India. Read our Booking.com listing guide for pay-at-hotel and no-show tips.
- Global reach: Travelers from 200+ countries
- Commission: 15-20%
- Payment: Guest can pay at hotel (pay-at-property) or online
- Best for: International guests, boutique hotels especially
Why Boutique Hotels Excel Here
Booking.com has a strong "boutique hotel" search filter that international travelers use. Properties with unique design and character naturally rank well in this segment. Their Genius loyalty program also drives repeat bookings.
3. Agoda
Why It Matters
Agoda (part of Booking Holdings, same parent as Booking.com) is the go-to platform for travelers from Southeast Asia, China, Japan, and Korea.
- Strength: Asia-Pacific traveler market
- Commission: 15-22%
- Payment: Guest pays Agoda, monthly settlement
- Best for: Hotels in tourist destinations visited by Asian travelers (Goa, Rajasthan, Kerala, Delhi)
When to Prioritize Agoda
- Your city has direct flights from Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Tokyo
- You see Asian travelers in your area but aren't capturing them
- You're in a leisure destination popular with international tourists
4. Cleartrip
Why It Matters
Cleartrip, now owned by Flipkart, is growing rapidly in India's hotel booking space. Its integration with Flipkart's massive user base gives it unique reach.
- Strength: Growing domestic platform with Flipkart integration
- Commission: 15-20%
- Payment: Guest pays Cleartrip, weekly settlement
- Best for: Domestic leisure and increasingly corporate
Why Include Cleartrip
- Flipkart users get hotel deals, bringing a new customer segment
- Lower competition than MakeMyTrip (fewer hotels = better visibility for you)
- Growing corporate travel segment with SuperCoins integration
5. International Pick (Choose Based on Your Market)
Your 5th OTA should match the international traveler profile in your location:
| If Your Guests Come From | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| USA, UK, Europe | Expedia | Dominant in Western markets, strong corporate network |
| China | Ctrip (Trip.com) | Largest Chinese OTA, essential for Chinese travelers |
| Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam) | Traveloka | Leading Southeast Asian OTA, 40M+ users |
| Mostly domestic guests | EaseMyTrip | Budget-friendly Indian OTA, zero convenience fees attract price-sensitive travelers |
Commission Comparison
| OTA | Commission | Payment Model | Settlement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MakeMyTrip / Goibibo | 15-25% | OTA collects | Weekly (7-14 days) |
| Booking.com | 15-20% | Pay at property or online | Monthly invoice |
| Agoda | 15-22% | OTA collects | Monthly |
| Cleartrip | 15-20% | OTA collects | Weekly |
| Expedia | 15-25% | OTA collects or at property | Monthly |
Setting Up: What You Need
- Property photos: Minimum 20 high-quality images (rooms, lobby, exterior, dining, amenities)
- Room categories: Define your room types with accurate descriptions and max occupancy
- Rate plans: Set up EP, CP, MAP as needed (see our Rate Plans guide)
- Cancellation policy: Define free cancellation, non-refundable, and partial refund options
- Channel Manager: Use a channel manager to sync rates across all OTAs automatically
Boutique Hotel Specific Strategy
Boutique hotels have a unique advantage on OTAs — they stand out from cookie-cutter chain properties. Maximize this:
- Tell your story: Why does your property exist? What makes it special? OTA descriptions that tell a story convert better
- Curate your photos: Show the design details, local art, unique spaces — not just standard room angles
- Price for value: Boutique travelers pay more for experience. Don't compete on price with budget hotels
- Respond to every review: Boutique guests care deeply about personal touch — your review responses prove it
- Leverage Airbnb: Many boutique hotels also list on Airbnb as a "Boutique Hotel" to capture experience-seeking travelers