Why Book Direct with The Ship Inn? Save Money and Support Local Folkestone Businesses

Searching for Folkestone accommodation and tempted to click that Booking.com link?

Before you do, here’s why booking direct with The Ship Inn saves you money while

supporting an independent local business that’s served the community for 25 years.

The Hidden Cost of Booking Platforms

How Booking(dot)com Fees Work

Online travel agencies (OTAs) like Booking(dot)com charge accommodation providers

commission fees of 15-25% per booking. For a small independent pub like The Ship Inn,

That’s a significant chunk of revenue that could be reinvested in:

• Maintaining and upgrading guest rooms

• Supporting local staff wages

• Sourcing quality local ingredients

• Keeping prices competitive for guests

Who Really Pays These Fees?

Ultimately, you do. Many accommodations increase their OTA prices to cover

commission costs, meaning the “convenience” of booking through third-party sites

often costs guests more.

Benefits of Booking Direct with The Ship Inn

1. Better Prices and Exclusive Deals

When you book direct accommodation with us, you get:

• Lower room rates – No commission means better prices

• Exclusive packages – Room and dining bundles are only available directly

• Flexible pricing – We can offer last-minute deals and special rates

• No hidden fees – What you see is what you pay

2. Direct Communication with Us

Booking platforms create barriers between guests and hosts. Direct booking means:

• Speak directly to our team about your needs

• Special requests handled personally (harbour view rooms, etc.)

• Quick answers to questions about Folkestone and local attractions

• Flexibility with check-in times and arrangements

3. Better Cancellation Terms

OTA cancellation policies can be rigid. When you book accommodation directly, we can:

• Offer more flexible cancellation terms

• Work with you if plans change unexpectedly

• Provide personal service rather than automated responses

• Build a relationship for future visits

4. Supporting Independent Folkestone Business

The Ship Inn isn’t a chain or corporate hotel. We’re an independent pub that’s been part of Folkestone harbour for 25 years.

Your direct booking:

• Keeps money in the local economy

• Supports local jobs and suppliers

• Helps us maintain our renovated rooms to high standards

• Allows us to continue serving the community year-round

The Ship Inn, Folkestone - Small Independent Pub Accommodation

Why Independent Accommodation Matters

The Struggle for Small Businesses - Independent hotels and pubs face challenges corporate chains don’t:

• High OTA commission fees are eating into slim profit margins

• Seasonal trade fluctuations (Folkestone harbour sees 50-70% less footfall in winter)

• Fixed costs like utilities (£700-£1,200/month) regardless of bookings

• Competition from chain hotels with bigger marketing budgets

When you book direct with independent accommodation, you help level the playing field

What Makes The Ship Inn Different

We’re not just accommodation – we’re part of Folkestone’s fabric:

• 25 years serving locals and visitors

• Recently renovated rooms with excellent guest reviews

• Award-winning fish and chips locals choose over tourist spots

• Real harbour views and genuine coastal atmosphere

How to Book Direct with The Ship Inn

Easy Direct Booking Options. Skip the OTA and book directly through:

Phone – Call us directly to check availability and discuss your needs

Email – Send us your dates and any special requests

In Person – Pop in for a drink and book while you’re here

Website – Book through our direct booking system (no commission fees)

Our Direct Booking Promise

When you book accommodation directly at The Ship Inn, you get:

✓ Best available rates – Match or beat OTA prices

✓ Room and meal packages – Exclusive direct booking deals

✓ Personal service – Speak to our team, not a call centre

✓ Flexible arrangements – We work with your schedule

✓ Local knowledge – Insider tips on Folkestone’s best spots

Why Our Direct Bookers Return

Guests who book direct accommodation with us consistently tell us:

• “Better price than Booking.com and the team were so helpful”

• “They arranged a harbour view room when I called directly.”

• “Much easier to communicate directly about our late arrival.”

The Impact of Your Booking Choice

Where Your Money Goes:

Booking through OTA (e.g., £100/night): - £15-25 goes to Booking.com commission -

£75-85 goes to The Ship Inn

Booking direct (e.g., £90/night): - £0 to commission - £90 goes to The Ship Inn - You

save £10, we gain £15

That extra revenue helps us:

- Maintain our renovated guest rooms

- Pay fair wages to local staff

- Source quality ingredients for our kitchen

- Keep The Ship Inn thriving year-round

Supporting Folkestone’s Independent Scene

Folkestone Harbour has transformed through independent businesses, not chains. When you book direct with local accommodation, you support:

• The Creative Quarter’s independent cafes and galleries

• Local suppliers and producers

• Community events and har

bour regeneration

• Authentic coastal character over corporate homogenisation

The Ship Inn, Folkestone, offering amazing harbour views

Book Your Folkestone Stay Direct

Ready to get a better deal while supporting an independent Folkestone business? Book

direct with The Ship Inn for:

✓ Lower prices than booking platforms

✓ Exclusive room and dining packages

✓ Personal service from our local team

✓ Flexible booking terms

✓ Harbour views and renovated comfort

✓ 25 years of trusted hospitality

Planning your Folkestone coastal break? Skip the middleman, save money, and support

the local business that’s been serving the best fish and chips in town for 25 years. Book

direct with The Ship Inn today.