Expedia Group: New One Key loyalty program and devaluation of the Hotels.com program

UPDATE July 7, 2023: the transition to the new program has begun for U.S. customers, but we do not yet know the date of transition to the new program in Canada.

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 around 145 million members worldwide.

People using Vrbo will be very happy to know that they will now be able to earn rewards on their reservations. Expedia points will be converted into OneKeyCash dollars.

Unfortunately, this will result in the devaluation of the much loved Hotels.com Rewards.

Program officials say:

You no longer have to wait 10 nights to redeem rewards. One Key gives you the ability to use your rewards as you earn them, on your own schedule, for a range of travel options, including flights and car rentals.

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 night in a hotel, on a cruise and in a rental house
• A flight
• An activity (guided tour, theme park ticket, etc.)
• A ticket for ground transportation (airport, transfers, etc.)
• And one day of car rental

One Key will have 4 loyalty levels, 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.

At the official launch of the One Key program, existing stamps in the Hotels.com account will be transferred to One Key Cash at 10% of their value to the new One Key account. If you had a free night, its value will be transferred to One Key Cash.

Then, the Blue member will accumulate :

• 2% for each eligible dollar spent on accommodation, car rental, activities, packages and cruises
• 0.2% for each eligible dollar spent on airline reservations

A Silver member will accumulate :

• 3% for every eligible dollar spent on VIP Access accommodations only

A Gold member will accumulate :

• 4% for every eligible dollar spent on VIP Access accommodations only

And a Platinum member will accumulate :

• 6% for every eligible dollar spent on VIP Access accommodations only

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 3 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.

In addition, it appears that there will no longer be the benefit of the Price Guarantee Plus.

Nevertheless, the 2% to 6% return of the new One Key program is far from the 10% return achieved with Hotels.com.

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.