Summer is just around the corner and you’re probably already thinking about your summer vacation. Or maybe you’re already planning late for a Fall Break getaway! Whatever trip you are planning for, online hotel booking sites can find the best hotel deals. They provide a large range of pricing to help you arrange the perfect vacation in your budget. People often ask me, “What’s the best hotel booking site?” Well, there really are several good travel booking sites. I will give you the low down on the different options so you can pick the right one for you and your needs. Using the best hotel booking site to plan your trip can save you a lot of cash. That’s money that you can use for another adventure! Plus, you can rack up some great rewards from booking sites for hotels.
Best Hotel Booking Sites And Benefits Of Each
Hotel bookings can be pricey. That is why you need to find the best deals and best prices through comparison shopping. Looking for the best hotel booking site with rewards? Wondering which hotel booking site has the best rewards? Here is the full scoop on each hotel booking site so you can pick the site with the best rewards for you.
Whether you are looking for cheap hotels with free breakfast or a better deal at a luxury resort, these hotel search engines can find exactly what you need. They are the best way to get lower prices. One of the things I love most about the third-party sites is the star rating system so you can compare the search results based on customer reviews. Frequent travelers will love the rewards programs.
1. Booking.com
This may not be the most beautiful website, but it’s very user-friendly and comes with a low-price guarantee. If you find a lower advertised price for the same dates and room type that is available to the public (no member or special rate pricing), the site will refund the difference up to 24 hours before you check-in. The offer needs to be available for online booking and rooms must be available at the time you request the refund so they can confirm it. This may be one of the best options if getting the lowest price is important to you.
In addition to guaranteeing the lowest rate, you can book B&B’s and vacation homes through this site. Just check the “filtering” options on the left side of the page for “property type” to select a different property. So this saves you from having to check those sites for the best deals in addition to hotel sites!
Booking.com’s loyalty program is called Genius and you can get travel rewards. Examples of rewards include a free room upgrade or a 10-15% discount on hotels and more.
2. Hotels.com
While you can’t book car rentals and vacation packages through this site, you can book both your hotel and airfare in one place. And usually, booking both together provides even more of a discount. That can be a great way to get a good deal on your next business trip
This site has two extra perks you might like. First, Hotels.com offers a rewards program. When you stay 10 nights, you get 1 night free! The value of your free night is the average of the 10 nights you stayed. And you can redeem your free night anytime, no blackout dates or restrictions. I really love this kind of straight forward reward program so I have to say that I that this just may be the best hotel booking site for me.
Second, they offer “secret prices” to members. They advertise that these prices can be as much as 50% off, but in reality, most are a 5-10% discount. But that’s still a discount, and it’s off an already discounted rate.
3. Expedia
The Expedia hotel booking site also offers their own rewards program. It’s free to join and you can earn points that you can then use to book additional travel on Expedia. You will earn 2 Expedia points for every $1 you spend on hotel stays.
If you’re a member of a hotel’s loyalty program, you won’t be able to earn loyalty points by booking through Expedia, but you can earn credit card points by paying with a reward credit card. And, Expedia offers a low-price guarantee up to 24 hours before your stay.
4. Orbitz
The Orbitz booking site offers their own rewards system as well, with each Orbuck equating to $1 in travel. The only catch is that Orbucks are earned on prepaid hotel stays only and they can only be redeemed for hotel stays.
Something to note with their reward system – You’ll earn 3% Orbucks for booking hotels on your desktop or laptop, but 5% for booking through their app.
Wherever your next trip is, these are the best hotel booking sites to get the best deal for your dollar and find just the type of hotel you are looking for. One more tip is that after you have used your favorite of the hotels comparison sites above, be sure to check the actual hotel’s site as well.
5. The Hotel’s Official Site
If you’re in the habit of checking only hotel comparison sites, you may be missing the best deal. Never book your hotel until you’ve checked the hotel’s own website to see if they are offering any benefits for booking directly. Hotel websites may be offering a great deal on their own site that they’re not sharing with comparison sites.
Furthermore, many hotels offer package deals that include more than just your room. A package that includes a meal in the hotel restaurant, tickets for excursions, or spa appointments may be the better way to go.
Many hotels offer a loyalty program and if you’re a member of their hotel loyalty program, you can earn rewards and discounted rates. Here are four Hotel Loyalty Programs that offer free nights: Marriott Bonvoy, IHG Rewards Club, World of Hyatt, and Hilton Honor.
Conclusion On Booking Hotel Sites
Don’t forget, whichever metasearch engine you use, you can check boxes to help them find the most perfect fit for you. For example, options may include near city center, five-star hotels, independent hotels, or property type. Also, always read the fine print to avoid extra fees. All of these choices for the best hotel app for rewards are also available in desktop format so you can use mobile or laptop as you like.
I check one of the best hotel booking sites above and then I double check for a better rate directly with the hotel. Then I am ready to book. If you travel frequently, you may also like to use a hotel rewards credit card on your booking. Once you are booked, you can start thinking about packing and preparing for your vacation!
I hope this article helps you find the best value and get exclusive discounts! What has been your favorite vacation spot so far? Which of these online booking sites do you use and why? Let me know of social media @familyfocublog!
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Dine Flores says
Thanks for this information on the best hotel rewards program. Travel would surely be a lot easier with these tips on how to use best online hotel booking options. I look forward to a fun and fulfilling travel vacation once I get my hotel booked.