[dalyons]

This is a common online trope, but has almost never been true for me when I’ve checked. (US domestic ~4 star hotels) Direct is more or at least equal to the aggregator prices.

[diggan]

Ah, never traveled to the US, my experience is from Europe, South America and Asia, could explain the difference :)

[dalyons]

probably. I think the US aggregators force the hotels to not undercut them, via contract. probably a different setup elsewhere.