SJ you miss the point -if the hotel has booked your trip for you and it was not a success you will get your money back-if you book direct no chance -added to the fact the hotel will make sure you get on a trip on the day that you want to go-this will not happen if you book direct as the tour comany can call you at 6.00pm and say sorry we do not have enough people so we are cfancelling your trip-commissions keep the rates down-the tour cos. want the hotel bookings-it is easier for them to operate