They provide direct links to hotels in bad condition (8)

I believe the answer is:

hotlines

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'they provide direct links' is the definition.
I don't know anything about this answer so I can't judge whether it can be defined by this definition.

'hotels in bad condition' is the wordplay.
'hotels in' anagrams to 'HOTLINES'.
Though, I am unsure how the anagram is indicated.

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for hotlines that I've seen is " Direct telephone links for use in an emergency".)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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