Picking the right travel booking site can make all the difference when planning a trip. Two of the most popular choices are Hotels.com and Expedia. It offers a wide range of services, but when comparing Hotels.com vs Expedia, which reigns supreme in 2024? With the first hosting over a million properties and the second offering solutions in 70+ countries, your choice can significantly impact your travel experience.
They all promise the best deals, a vast selection of rooms, and handy tools to help you find the perfect spot. Their bold claims often need to be revised in reality.
Below is a detailed comparison of each site to help you make an informed decision.
Let’s get started!
What is Hotels.com?
Hotels.com is a well-established online travel agency specializing in hotel accommodations. It offers an extensive selection of hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals worldwide, catering to various budgets and preferences. With over 325,000 properties listed in more than 200 countries, Hotels.com provides diverse options for travelers. The platform attracts millions of users annually, boasting over 25 million monthly visitors.
It has a customer satisfaction rate of 85%, reflecting its commitment to quality service. The site’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive filters make finding the perfect stay a breeze. Whether you’re planning a luxury getaway or a budget-friendly trip, Hotels.com has you covered. If you want to know more about it, read our complete Hotels.com review.
💡Related – 12 Best Apps for Finding Cheap Flights and Accommodations
How Does Hotels.com Work
Hotels.com allows users to search for and book hotel accommodations through its website or mobile app, iOS and Android devices. Users can filter search results by location, price, star rating, amenities, and guest reviews to find the perfect stay. The platform also provides detailed information about each property, including photos, descriptions, and policies.
They offer a price match guarantee, ensuring users get the best deal. The site also supports flexible booking options, allowing users to book now and pay later or choose refundable rates. It integrates with Google Maps for added convenience, making viewing the property’s location and nearby attractions easy. The platform features user reviews and ratings to help travelers make informed decisions.
Benefits of Hotels.com
It offers a range of advantages that make it a popular choice among travelers. In comparing Hotels.com vs Expedia, Hotels.com stands out by combining an extensive selection of properties with user-friendly features and competitive pricing. With strong customer support and a dependable rewards program, it caters to various travel needs and preferences.
Here are some key benefits –
- Extensive Selection – They offer various accommodations, from budget hotels to luxury resorts, ensuring something for every traveler. Hotels.com lists over 500,000 properties in more than 200 countries and territories.
- Price Match Guarantee – If you find a lower price elsewhere, Hotels.com will match it. This guarantee ensures that 95% of users stay at the best possible price.
- Free Nights – With the Hotels.com Rewards program, you can earn a free night for every ten nights booked. Over 10 million users have earned free nights through this program, saving an average of $120 per night.
- User-Friendly Interface – The site is easy to navigate, with clear filters and detailed property information. 90% of users rate the interface as intuitive,’ making finding and booking accommodations simple.
💁♀ Also read – Top 9 Hotel Booking Apps and Websites That Work Best Anytime
Pricing and Fees of Hotels.com
Hotels.com offers competitive pricing with frequent promotions and discounts. The site skips booking fees, but some properties clearly state additional costs, such as resort fees or taxes, during the booking process. These fees can vary based on the type of accommodation and location. Understanding these costs upfront helps travelers budget more effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.
Here is an overview of accommodation types –
| Accommodation Type | Location | Low Season Price | High Season Price | Additional Fees |
| Budget Hotel | Orlando, FL | $75 per night | $120 per night | $10 service fee |
| Mid-Range Hotel | New York City, NY | $150 per night | $250 per night | $15 service fee |
| Luxury Resort | Maldives | $300 per night | $500 per night | $20 resort fee |
| Bed and Breakfast | Napa Valley, CA | $100 per night | $180 per night | $5 booking fee |
| Vacation Rental (Condo) | Paris, France | $90 per night | $200 per night | $30 cleaning fee |
It is a clear overview of the pricing and fees associated with using Hotels.com, ensuring transparency and helping travelers make informed decisions.
For the most accurate and latest fees, you can visit Hotels.com.
What is Expedia?
Expedia is a comprehensive online travel agency offering various travel services, including flights, hotels, car rentals, vacation packages, and activities. It is known for its all-in-one booking convenience and extensive travel options. Expedia serves millions of customers annually and has over 200 travel booking sites in more than 70 countries. The platform features over 1 million properties and partners with over 500 airlines.
Its loyalty program, Expedia Rewards, has over 40 million members, providing significant value to frequent travelers. The site also boasts a 90% customer satisfaction rate, reflecting its commitment to quality service. Its mobile app, iOS and Android, has been downloaded over 50 million times, enhancing its accessibility and convenience. You can also read the complete Expedia travel review for more details.
How Does Expedia Work
Expedia allows users to search and book travel services through its website. The platform enables users to bundle services like flights and hotels into vacation packages for additional savings, often resulting in better overall rates. It also provides detailed information and reviews for each property and service, allowing travelers to make informed choices. Users can access 24/7 customer support for assistance with their bookings, ensuring help is always available.
The platform also offers a flexible cancellation policy on many bookings, providing peace of mind for travelers needing to adjust their plans. Users can also set price alerts for specific flights or hotels. It ensures they get the best possible rates when they book, which can lead to significant savings. The platform frequently updates its offerings to include the latest trends and popular destinations in travel.
Benefits of Expedia
It offers many benefits that enhance the overall travel planning experience. When comparing Hotels.com vs Expedia, many savvy travelers prefer Expedia for its comprehensive services, bundled savings, and intense loyalty program. Both platforms cater to diverse travel needs while consistently maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
Here are some key benefits –
- Comprehensive Services – They offer more than hotel bookings, including flights, car rentals, vacation packages, and activities. It has over 1 million properties and partnerships with over 500 airlines.
- Bundled Savings – Save up to 30% by booking flights, hotels, and other services.
- Expedia Rewards – It is a loyalty program with over 40 million members. Earn points on bookings, redeemable for discounts on future travel.
- Wide Network – With numerous airlines, the biggest hotel chains, and car rental companies, travelers have a comprehensive range of choices for planning their trips. They operate in over 70 countries and have over 200 travel booking sites.
- High Customer Satisfaction – Boasts a 90% customer satisfaction rate, reflecting quality service.
Pricing and Fees of Expedia
Understanding the pricing and fees associated with Expedia is essential for making informed travel decisions. The platform offers various services, including hotel bookings, flights, car rentals, vacation packages, and activities, each with its pricing structure and potential fees. This overview will help travelers navigate the costs involved, ensuring they get the best value for their money while planning their trips.
Here is an overview of service types –
| Service Type | Description | Example Pricing | Fees |
| Hotel Bookings | Pricing fluctuates based on location, star rating, and season. | Starting at $75/night | Possible service fees may apply. |
| Flight Bookings | Costs depend on the airline, route, and time of booking. | Round trips begin at $150 | Potential booking fees for select flights. |
| Car Rentals | Rates differ by rental company and vehicle type. | Daily rates from $30 | Additional charges for insurance or upgrades. |
| Vacation Packages | Combined pricing for flights and hotels. | Packages available from $500 | Discounts are available for bundled bookings. |
| Activities & Tours | Pricing varies based on activity type and location. | Activities starting at $20 | Service fees may apply for certain bookings. |
| Expedia Rewards | Points earned on bookings can be redeemed for discounts. | Earn 1 point for every $1 spent | There are no fees for joining the loyalty program. |
Note – Prices and fees are examples and may vary based on specific bookings and promotions. Always check the Expedia site for the most accurate and current pricing information.
When considering Hotels.com vs Expedia, evaluating pricing and fees is crucial to determine which platform offers the best overall deal for your travel needs.
Loyalty Program of Hotels.com vs Expedia
When maximizing your travel experience, loyalty programs can play a crucial role. It offers unique loyalty programs catering to different types of travelers. These programs provide opportunities to earn rewards, discounts, and exclusive benefits, enhancing the overall value of your bookings.
Understanding their differences can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your travel habits.
Here’s a detailed comparison of their loyalty programs, specifically focusing on Hotels.com vs Expedia, to help you decide which one might benefit you.
Hotels.com Loyalty Program
Its rewards program is designed for simplicity and ease of use, making it an attractive option for frequent guests.
- Structure – Earn one free night for every ten nights booked.
- Redemption – You can use the free night at any participating hotel, and its value depends on the average price of the ten nights you booked.
- Expiration – Free nights only expire if account activity is within 12 months.
- Eligibility – All bookings made through the Hotels.com website, including discounted rates, enable every stay to contribute to earning free nights.
Recommended read – Hotels.com Rewards Review – Is It as Rewarding as It Seems?
Expedia Loyalty Program
Its rewards program offers a more complex but versatile approach to earning and redeeming points.
- Structure – More complex; earn credit card points on hotels, flights, car rentals, and vacation packages.
- Redemption – You can use points to get discounts on future bookings, applying them toward part of a booking or accessing exclusive offers.
- Expiration – Points may expire without account activity within 18 months.
- Tiered Membership – Different tiers (blue, silver, gold, platinum) offer increased earning rates and additional perks for loyal users.
Here is a complete overview of Expedia tiered membership types –
| Tier | Trip Elements | Savings | Rewards | Perks |
| Blue | 0-4 | Enjoy discounts of 10%+ on 100,000+ hotels | Earn OneKeyCash on eligible bookings | Enjoy free flight price tracking |
| Silver | 14-May | Receive 15%+ off on 10,000+ hotels | Receive OneKeyCash; 50% more at VIP Access | Get priority support and extra perks at VIP Access |
| Gold | 15-29 | Take advantage of 20%+ savings on 10,000+ hotels | Accumulate OneKeyCash; 2x at VIP Access | The access room upgrades; Price Drop Protection |
| Platinum | 30+ | Access 20%+ discounts on 10,000+ hotels | Gain OneKeyCash; 3x at VIP Access | Benefit from VIP support, room upgrades, Price Drop Protection |
Comparison of Hotels.com vs Expedia Models
Regarding booking travel accommodations, both offer different models catering to travel preferences. Understanding the distinctions between these two platforms can help you make an informed choice based on your needs. Hotels.com focuses primarily on hotel bookings with a straightforward rewards program.
At the same time, Expedia provides a more comprehensive approach that includes flights, car rentals, and vacation packages alongside hotel reservations.
Here is a comparison of Hotels.com vs Expedia for a better understanding –
| Feature | Hotels.com | Expedia |
| Booking Focus | Primarily hotels and accommodations | Hotels, flights, car rentals, and packages |
| Reward Program | Earn one free night for every ten nights booked | Earn points on all bookings; tiered membership |
| Discounts | Save 10%+ with Member Prices | Save 10-20% with member prices and package deals |
| Average Night Price | $100 (varies by location and season) | $110 (varies by location and season) |
| Cancellation Policies | Typically flexible; varies by property | Varies by property; often flexible |
| User Experience | Simple and user-friendly interface | Comprehensive interface with more options |
| Loyalty Program | Hotels.com Rewards | Expedia Rewards with tiered benefits |
| Number of Properties | Over 500,000 hotels worldwide | Over 700,000 hotels, plus flights and cars |
| Mobile App Availability | Yes, with exclusive mobile deals | Yes, it offers a wide range of features |
| Customer Support | 24/7 customer support via chat and phone | 24/7 customer support via chat and phone |
| Price Guarantee | Best Price Guarantee | Best Price Guarantee |
| Additional Fees | No booking fees for most listings | May charge service fees for certain bookings |
| User Ratings | User reviews available on listings | User reviews and expert ratings are available |
This example highlights the critical differences between the models Hotels.com vs Expedia. It allows travelers to assess which platform aligns better with their travel habits and preferences.
Which is Supreme – Hotels.com vs Expedia?
Determining which travel site reigns supreme ultimately depends on your specific travel needs. However, if you’re looking for a comprehensive travel planning platform that offers flights, car rentals, and activities, Expedia is likely the way to go. Consider the value of loyalty programs Hotels.com rewards you with free nights.
Expedia offers points across various services. In the Hotels.com vs Expedia discussion, your decision should reflect your travel preferences, whether you’re focused on hotel bookings or desire a broader array of travel options. Assessing discounts, user experience, and customer support will guide you in selecting the platform that fits your journey.
Consider each platform’s flexibility and unique benefits to ensure it aligns with your specific travel needs and goals.
Bottom Line
Choosing Hotels.com vs Expedia will depend on your specific needs and priorities. If finding the perfect place to stay and racking up rewards are your top priorities, go with Hotels.com. If you want to book everything simultaneously, Expedia is the way to get flights, hotels, car rentals, and work! The best site for you depends on what kind of trip you’re taking. Either way, you’ll be in good hands with both platforms.
They both make planning a snap so you can focus on the fun part of the trip!
As a frequent traveler, you’ve likely visited many countries and stayed in various hotels.
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