Advertiser disclosure
Advertisers are not responsible for the content of this site, including any editorial or review that may be published on it. For complete and up-to-date information about any product featured, please visit their website. We maintain business relationships with certain partners mentioned in our communication tools. While we may receive compensation if you sign up for a product or service through our affiliate links, our reviews and content are based on an objective assessment. Value estimates are established by Milesopedia and are not provided, endorsed, or verified by the issuing financial institutions. †*Terms and conditions apply.
The rest of this article traces the launch of One Key in 2023 and how it works, which is still relevant in the United States.
Historical note (July 2023): The transition to One Key began in the United States. The global rollout has since retreated (see the box at the beginning of the article): in Canada, the Hotels.com Rewards “collect 10 nights, get 1 reward night” program has remained in effect.
To combine the rewards programs of its Hotels.com, Expedia, and Vrbo sites, Expedia Group is launching a new program: One Key. The transition to the new program began on July 6, 2023, in the United States and will affect approximately 145 million members worldwide.
Those using Vrbo will be very happy to learn that they can now earn rewards on their bookings. As for Expedia points, they will be converted into OneKeyCash dollars.
In 2023, this change was expected to lead to the disappearance of the much-loved Hotels.com Rewards. In Canada, this program was ultimately retained.
Program officials say:
Hotels.com Rewards was easy to understand. For each night booked and stayed via Hotels.com, a stamp was given. After 10 stamps (or 10 nights), the 11th night was free.
The One Key status works by “trip element“. This includes:
One Key will have 4 loyalty tiers, valid for all bookings on Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo:
For 2023, Hotels.com Rewards status will be the same in the new One Key status.
Upon the official launch of the One Key program, existing stamps in Hotels.com accounts will be converted to OneKeyCash at 10% of their value toward the new One Key account. If you had a reward night, its value will be transferred to OneKeyCash.
Then, the Blue member will accumulate :
A Silver member will accumulate :
A Gold member will accumulate :
And a Platinum member will accumulate :
To redeem One Key Cash, there is no waiting. Whether a member has $1 or $100 in One Key Cash, they can cash it in at any time to reduce the cost of their reservation.
Although the One Key program will bring together three major popular sites, this is unfortunate for Hotels.com members. High-status people can expect to earn back a little, thanks to their discount on certain hotels.
Furthermore, it appears that the Price Guarantee Plus benefit will no longer be available.
Nevertheless, the 2% to 6% return from the new One Key program is a far cry from the 10% value obtained with Hotels.com.
2026 Perspective: This shift primarily affected the United States, where One Key remains. In Canada, Hotels.com Rewards (collect 10 nights, get 1 reward night, representing about 10% value) stayed in place.
From now on, it might be better to book directly with the hotel or accommodation you want. You’ll earn membership status and benefits that can better serve you, like at Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton or IHG hotels.
Savings are this way:
You can change your preferences or unsubscribe at any time by clicking one of the links available at the bottom of each newsletter.
If you are already subscribed and would like to unsubscribe, you can click the link at the bottom of one of our emails.
