Booking a hotel online can be confusing, especially with so many options. Hotels.com is one of the most popular travel agencies for finding deals and discounts on hotel rooms. This guide to Things To Know Before Booking On Hotels.com will help you save money and avoid common mistakes.

Keep reading if you want the best deal for your next trip.

Create and Use a Hotels. com Account

To get the most out of Hotels.com, set up your own account. This way, you can enjoy special prices and keep track of all your rewards.

Access Secret Prices and Exclusive Deals

Signing up for a Hotels.com account gives you access to secret prices and exclusive deals. These rates are often lower than those on other online travel agencies. A "Secret Price" badge can appear next to special offers, letting you save money by booking through hotels.com instead of booking directly with the hotel or using another travel agency.

You may find discounts up to 50% off on select accommodation options, especially for last-minute stays or during flash sales. “Hotels.com offers great deals that make it easy to save money by booking online,” says frequent traveler Lisa M.

Members also get early access to promotions and extra rewards every time they book a hotel stay using their email address linked with their Hotels.com account.

Track and Redeem Reward Nights

Hotels.com rewards customers for booking hotel stays through their site. For every 10 nights you book and complete, you earn one free night. The value of your free night matches the average price per night of those 10 booked stays, not including taxes or fees.

You can keep track of your progress right in your Hotels.com account dashboard. After I used my reward on a weekend trip, the savings felt worth it compared to booking direct with the property.

Redeem your free night directly during checkout by clicking the button that applies rewards to eligible bookings. Some hotels and vacation rentals may not accept this offer due to their own policy or restrictions from partner sites like Vrbo.

Always check if a specific hotel allows rewards before finalizing payment information. Earning extra discounts is possible if you combine reward nights with coupon codes too.

Next, compare prices and read guest reviews before deciding which room fits best for your next stay.

Compare Prices and Read Reviews

When you search for hotels, check different prices across various sites. Read guest reviews to gain insight into their experiences with the property.

Check Guest Reviews for Honest Feedback

Guest reviews on Hotels.com can reveal real details about each hotel property. Travelers often post comments about check-in times, actual room types, employee benefits like free breakfast, and issues with the booking process.

I once read a review that helped me avoid a noisy street-facing room by asking the hotel staff for an upgrade during check-in.

Sort the search results to show hotels with high ratings and positive guest feedback. Read the reviews closely to find out if guests had problems with cancellation policy terms or if they received discounts and allowances through rewards programs.

Many travelers also share tips on how easy it was to request a room change or book directly through the hotel after finding lower prices. Using these honest opinions can help you pick the best travel stay, ensure peace of mind, and spot any red flags before making your final decision on where to book rooms using Hotels.com or any other online booking site.

Use Price Matching to Secure the Best Rate

Price matching helps travelers get the best deals. If you find a lower price on another website, submit proof to Hotels.com. They often match that price. This process works for both direct bookings and third-party sites.

Using this feature saves money on your hotel stays. For instance, I booked a room at a popular chain last year and found it cheaper elsewhere. After contacting customer support with my findings, Hotels.com matched the price without hassle.

Take advantage of their price guarantee to make sure you're not overspending while booking your next getaway.

“Smart travelers always check prices across multiple platforms before confirming their stay.”

Understand Cancellation Policies

Understand cancellation policies before you book. Look closely at the refund options and deadlines for free cancellations to avoid unexpected fees later.

Verify Refundable Options Before Booking

Check the refund options before you book a room. Many hotels on Hotels.com offer refundable rates. This gives you flexibility if your plans change. Look for bookings labeled as "free cancellation.".

Costs can vary widely based on cancellation policies when comparing prices. Some hotels might charge fees for changes or cancellations; others won't. Always read the terms and conditions carefully to avoid surprises later, especially if you're using travel rewards or loyalty programs like Expedia's frequent-flyer program.

Verify these details directly with the hotel too, especially if you want to secure the best price possible without worrying about hidden fees later on.

Check Deadlines for Free Cancellations

After verifying refundable options, make sure to check for deadlines regarding free cancellations. Most hotels offer a set period for you to cancel without any fees. This range typically spans from 24 hours to a few days before your scheduled arrival.

Booking through hotels.com provides clear information about these deadlines. Read the policies carefully during your reservation process. Keep an eye on dates that apply specifically to each booking.

Knowing when you can cancel helps you avoid extra charges and gives peace of mind as travel approaches. Always take time to review cancellation terms while looking to book the best hotel for your needs.

Maximize Savings with Coupons and Rewards

Maximizing savings on hotels.com can significantly reduce your travel expenses. Using coupons and rewards allows travelers to get more value for their dollar spent on hotels.

• Search for coupons before booking. Many websites and apps offer promo codes that provide discounts on your reservation. This extra step can save you a fair amount on your hotel stay.

• Check the rewards program on hotels.com. This program lets you track and redeem reward nights after booking a set number of nights through the site. Earn free nights as you travel, which adds to the total savings.

• Use credit card offers wisely. Some credit cards provide cash back or points for hotel bookings made through sites like hotels.com. Leverage these benefits to increase your savings with every dollar spent on hotels.

• Subscribe to newsletters from hotels.com and hotel chains. Companies often share exclusive deals and coupon codes only with their subscribers. Signing up ensures you stay informed about promotions that can help lower costs.

• Combine promotions when possible. Utilize both coupon codes and rewards together for maximum savings during one booking process. Combining offers leads to significant discounts off your final price.

Understanding how to maximize savings with these strategies enhances your experience with hotels.com while revealing great deals for future travels. Next, learn how to understand cancellation policies effectively.

Conclusion

Booking on Hotels.com can be simple and stress-free. Use your account to find secret prices and exclusive deals. Always read guest reviews before making a decision. Understanding cancellation policies will save you time and money.

Take advantage of coupons to maximize your savings next time you plan a trip. Happy travels!

FAQs

1. Why should I use Hotels.com for booking instead of the hotel website?

Hotels.com helps you compare prices and find hotels in many places. It is a popular hotel booking site that shows different offers, but sometimes calling the hotel directly gives better deals.

2. Is it safe to book through OTAs or 3rd party sites like Hotels.com?

Booking on OTAs such as Hotels.com is usually safe; however, always check your reservation with the hotel within 24 hours to confirm they received your booking from the third-party system.

3. Can I get better pricing by contacting the hotel directly instead of using Hotels.com?

Sometimes, if you contact the property or call the front desk after searching on hotels dot com, you may find lower rates or extra benefits not listed on any other site.

4. What are important things to know before finalizing my reservation on Hotels.com?

Before you reserve, read all terms in detail and review cancellation rules. Make sure to check if special requests will be honored by speaking with staff at your chosen lodging.

5. Should I always book directly with a property rather than go through a third-party platform like Hotels.com?

If loyalty points or direct service matter most to you, booking directly can help avoid problems caused by going through another company’s system; still, using an online travel agency makes comparing great options easy when planning trips quickly.