The OTA commission
Booking.com charges hotels and serviced apartments 15-22% commission. That cost gets passed straight to you — either as a higher nightly rate, or as cuts to the service (thinner sheets, fewer amenities, smaller portions at breakfast). You pay either way.
Booking direct saves both parties
When you book Trade Nest Stays direct (or any property direct), the partner keeps 85% more of the revenue. Some of that gets passed back to you in the form of a 10% direct-booking discount. The host wins, you win, Booking.com loses — the arrangement most people would prefer.
Where OTAs still help
Holidays where you've never heard of any of the brands. Discovery. Reviews you'd otherwise have to dig for. For known categories (serviced contractor accommodation in the UK), direct booking is almost always better.