Hotels.com is an online travel agency (OTA) focused primarily on hotel and accommodation bookings. While you can find vacation rentals, apartments, and boutique hotels on the platform, its core strength remains in offering a broad selection of traditional hotel options—from budget stays to luxury resorts.
Owned by Expedia Group, Hotels.com leverages access to a massive inventory while offering a standalone user experience and rewards program.
Key Features That Set Hotels.com Apart
1. Rewarding Loyalty Program
Hotels.com Rewards is one of the simplest in the industry:
Stay 10 nights, get 1 free (the free night’s value is based on your average spend)
No complicated tiers or confusing points
Rewards can be applied toward most future bookings
In 2025, they’ve even introduced “Reward Boosts” for select properties that give you double-night credit or better redemption rates.
2. Wide Global Inventory
With properties in 200+ countries, you’ll find:
Hotels
Hostels
Motels
Guesthouses
Vacation rentals
Luxury resorts
3. Simple, Transparent Pricing
Hotels.com excels at showing the total price upfront, including taxes and fees—helping you avoid the sticker shock at checkout.
4. Member-Only Discounts
By signing in, you unlock Member Prices—discounts of up to 15% on select hotels. These deals are clearly marked and sometimes exclusive to mobile users.
5. Free Cancellation on Many Properties
A large number of listings offer flexible cancellation, making Hotels.com a reliable option for planners with changing schedules.
Is Hotels.com Good for Finding Deals?
Yes—especially for repeat users.
While you may not always find the absolute lowest price, the rewards program makes it more appealing in the long run, especially if you book frequently.
When you combine Member Prices + reward nights + occasional flash sales, Hotels.com becomes a smart choice for both budget and mid-range travelers.
Traveler Type | Why It’s a Fit |
---|
Frequent Travelers | Simple rewards make return visits worthwhile |
Solo Travelers | Reliable filtering, strong mobile UX |
Families | Easy to find child-friendly hotels and amenities |
Budget Shoppers | Member-only deals and visible total pricing |
Casual Travelers | Clean UI, trusted brand, consistent experience |
Pros
Stay 10 nights, get 1 free (great for frequent travelers)
Transparent pricing—what you see is what you pay
Large inventory of hotel brands and independents
Excellent mobile app experience
Member prices available year-round
Cons
No rewards program for flights or bundled trips
Free night doesn't include taxes and fees
Occasional listings may have outdated images or limited details
Hotels.com vs Other Booking Platforms
Platform | Best For | Hotels.com Edge |
---|
Booking.com | Flexibility and rental variety | Simpler rewards, more transparent pricing |
Expedia | Flight + hotel bundles | More focused on hotel-only deals |
Agoda | Asia travel deals | More intuitive UI, global consistency |
Airbnb | Unique stays and homes | Easier for short hotel stays |
Trivago | Price comparison | Direct booking with rewards and perks |
Mobile App Experience
Hotels.com’s mobile app offers:
Mobile-only deals
One-tap rebooking
Saved trips and bookings in offline mode
Apple Wallet and Google Wallet support for confirmations
Hotel info (check-in times, amenities, cancellation policy)
It’s one of the highest-rated hotel booking apps, especially useful for last-minute travelers or frequent stayers.
Final Verdict: Is Hotels.com Worth It in 2025?
Yes—especially if you book hotels frequently.
Hotels.com combines a clean user experience with a generous and easy-to-understand loyalty program. It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable, easy to use, and perfect for travelers who prefer hotels over vacation rentals.
If you’re not interested in tracking complex reward tiers or bundling trips, Hotels.com offers simplicity, value, and consistency.
Book Smart. Stay Rewarded.
Join millions of travelers who are earning free nights with every trip.
Book now on Hotels.com and start earning your next free stay today.
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