Pros and cons of booking a hotel through the conference website versus finding your own hotel I am going to an overseas conference this year. The conference organizer provided two hotels that we can book from. But after a round of Internet search, I found generally better prices at other hotels that are closer to the conference venue. 

Obviously, I do not want to book so far away from everyone else that I cannot join any activities. 

What are other pros and cons of booking a hotel through the conference or on your own that I may have missed?
When I attend conferences, I rarely use the "official" hotels.  Frequently there are better, closer, and less expensive alternatives nearby that are perfectly fine.  

The only reason to book at the conference-approved hotels is if your travel funding requires it as a condition for reimbursement.  Otherwise, save some money and book elsewhere so long as it's within walking distance.