***Update: The Hotels.com Rewards program for the United States ended on July 05, 2023. As of July 06, 2023, the Hotels.com, Expedia and VRBO programs have been entirely replaced by the One Key program for Americans. See the article on the new One Key loyalty program. ***

Hotels.com belongs to the Expedia Group, one of the world’s largest online travel companies. Expedia Group owns and operates several travel brands, including Expedia, Vrbo, Orbitz, Travelocity, Hotwire, and many others.

The Hotels.com website is aimed primarily at occasional travellers:

• don’t earn enough nights to get a status with a hotel program like Marriott Bonvoy
• want to book the hotels of their choice
• are interested in collecting rewards
• switch between Airbnb rentals and hotels

There are now many sites for booking hotel nights other than Hotels.com. Here are the main ones:

• Booking.com: like Hotels.com, this Dutch platform offers a very wide range of accommodations at all price points. It offers low prices and a policy of refunding the difference to customers who find a lower rate elsewhere. Customers can get even more discounts and services by joining Booking.com’s Genius program.
• Expedia: this American site offers hotel reservations, flights, car rentals, and vacation packages. So it’s all in one. It belongs to the same Hotels.com group and, therefore, offers similar services. Its rewards program is called Expedia Rewards, and earns points for every booking.
• Agoda: this Asian platform offers hotels, apartments and resorts at competitive prices. Its service is responsive, and like its competitors, the platform offers unbeatable prices and refunds the difference if a lower rate is found elsewhere. The Agoda VIP loyalty program offers exclusive discounts and benefits to regular members.
• Trip.com: this more recent platform is also Asian but more complete in its services: accommodation, flights, trains, car rentals. Members can accumulate credits that can be exchanged for discounts on future bookings.

We could name many more. Take a good look at the extra services on offer before booking your accommodation or trip.

When you search on Hotels.com, you’ll find accommodation in a variety of categories and price ranges:

• Hotels: worldwide hotel chains, from 1- and 2-star budget hotels to 3- and 4-star mid-range and 5-star luxury hotels;
• Youth hostels at very affordable prices;
• Vacation properties such as apartments, cabins, bungalows or villas for short-term rental;
• Bed & Breakfast for more intimate, romantic stays;
• Resorts where everything is included;
• Unusual accommodations for out-of-the-ordinary experiences.

The value of your reward night is equivalent to the average cost of your 10 paid nights (excluding fees and taxes).

For example:

So you can stay in any types of hotels, from a hostel to a 5-star hotel: in the end, your reward night will have a 10% value of your ten nights.

It’s easy to use your Hotels.com Rewards nights. You can apply them as a deduction on eligible establishments. To find them, filter your search by selecting:

• “Exchanging reward nights”,
• “Pay online”,
• “Apply a voucher or use a reward night.”

However, the only condition is that the cost of the night you are about to book is greater than or equal to the value of your free night.

If the cost is lower, you can apply your free night but the difference will be lost. If it’s higher, you pay the difference.

In addition, the reward night does not cover taxes and other fees the establishment charges during your reward night.

Finally, the value of several free nights cannot be used to cover the cost of one expensive night.

The Hotels.com Rewards program has three status levels:

Here is the summary of the benefits offered according to your Hotels.com Rewards status:

Hotels.com Rewards Silver and Gold Members have VIP Access advantage. In fact, participating establishments have a VIP icon.

VIP Access properties have been highly rated for excellent service. You will benefit from free Wi-Fi as well as, in some establishments:

• free breakfast
• spa vouchers
• complimentary room upgrade (Gold member)

Hotels.com Rewards members are eligible for Hotels.com Price Guarantee Plus.

If you find a lower price for the same hotel room booked with Hotels.com, submit a claim up to 24 hours prior to the start date of your stay. Then Hotels.com will refund the difference.

You can combine Hotels.com into one. You can collect a stamp, bringing you closer to your free night, even if you pay with a Hotels.com gift card.

In addition, Hotels.com gift cards can be obtained through promotions from certain rewards programs (such as RBC Rewards).

Alternatively, you can find gift cards on Rakuten.ca or at many places such as grocery stores, drugstores, convenience stores or gas stations.

If you have a card that earns you extra grocery discounts, Hotels.com gift cards are available at many IGAs. Similarly, with the American Express Cobalt^MD Card, you can earn 5 points per dollar when you buy a Hotels.com gift card in a grocery store.

With this trick, it’s a great way to earn more rewards points with your credit card .

Hotels.com is recognized by all rewards programs offering travel points as a travel agency. You will be able to use your points to save on your reservations made on the site.

For example with:

• American Express Membership Rewards
• Scene+
• HSBC Rewards

By logging in and registering with Hotels.com, you can accumulate stamps in your account. Follow these simple steps:

• Open the site at www.hotels.com
• You can access the login page by clicking on the “Login” or “Connect” button at the top right of the home page.
• Enter your login details by entering your e-mail address and password in the appropriate fields. If you have used another connection method, such as Google or Facebook, click on the corresponding icon and follow the instructions to connect via these services.
• Click on the “Login” button

Hotels.com also has an application. You can download it on the platform of your choice and benefit from a 10% discount on your reservations via the app.

Hotels.com Rewards program is straightforward. This program is for occasional travellers who do not necessarily book in a branded-hotel or who wish to be free to choose the hotel they want.

And of course, enrolling in the Hotels.com Rewards program is free.

Finally, in our opinion, the best credit card to use for Hotels.com is the American Express Cobalt^® Card:

• More points for your grocery store purchases (such as the purchase of Hotels.com gift cards)
• 2 points per dollar for your travel purchases (including on Hotels.com)
• You can apply your travel points to Hotels.com bookings
• Reliable travel insurance
• No minimum income required