Why Metadesk’s Pay-Per-Stay Model Protects Hotels in a CPA-Only Metasearch World | Metadesk

The metasearch landscape continues to evolve. On September 1, 2025, trivago shifted all campaigns to a CPA-only (Cost-Per-Acquisition) bidding model, introducing a global minimum NET CPA of 10%. For many hoteliers, that means sudden adjustments, less flexibility, and a scramble to meet new requirements. But if you’re on Metadesk’s Pay-Per-Stay model, you don’t have to worry.

Here’s why this approach isn’t just important—it’s a smarter, safer way to manage your metasearch investment.

The Problem with CPA-Only Hotel Metasearch Model

On the surface, CPA bidding looks appealing: you only pay when a booking occurs. But there’s a catch—CPA doesn’t account for cancellations or no-shows. That means hotels still end up paying for revenue they never actually realize.

With trivago’s new rules, hoteliers also lose:

• Flexibility: All campaigns are locked into CPA, whether it fits your strategy or not.
  
  
• Control: A global 10% minimum NET CPA reduces your ability to manage margins.
  
  
• Efficiency: You may still pay for bookings that don’t turn into stays.
  
  

Why Pay-Per-Stay Matters for Hotel Metasearch

Pay-Per-Stay takes performance marketing a step further by aligning costs with actual, consumed revenue. Instead of paying for every booking, you only pay when the guest checks in and completes their stay.

This protects your budget and ensures your spend is tied directly to real business impact.

In short: Pay-Per-Stay eliminates wasted spend, smooths out the risks of cancellations, and gives hoteliers confidence that their investment is working as hard as possible.

Why Pay-Per-Stay with Metadesk Is Different

Not all Pay-Per-Stay models are created equal. Here’s why using Metadesk’s Pay-Per-Stay model gives you an edge:

✅ End-to-End Transparency – Our upgraded portal shows exactly how your campaigns are performing, from impressions through to actual stays.

✅ Direct Connection to ROI – You don’t just see bookings; you see revenue earned from completed stays, so you know every dollar spent drives true value.

✅ Smarter Insights Built In – Features like Funnel Analysis, Parity Monitoring, and Roll-Up Reporting give you more control over campaign optimization—something a CPA-only environment can’t match.

✅ Fewer Surprises, More Trust – With reconciliation tools that tie campaign performance directly to guest stays, you’ll never be blindsided by wasted spend.

The Bottom Line

While other providers are adjusting to trivago’s CPA-only model and its mandatory 10% minimum, Metadesk clients are already ahead.

With Metadesk’s Pay-Per-Stay model, you:

• Avoid wasted spend.
  
  
• Protect your ROI against cancellations and no-shows.
  
  
• Gain better visibility into true campaign performance.
  
  
• Enjoy peace of mind knowing your marketing dollars are directly tied to real revenue.
  
  

👉 In an evolving metasearch landscape, Pay-Per-Stay with Metadesk isn’t just a safer option—it’s the smarter way to win. Contact us now to learn more.