Hotels.com Review (2025): Rewards, Pros, Cons & Best Ways to Save

December 2, 2025 Buyers Guide

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Hotels.com is one of the best-known hotel booking platforms in the world. Backed by the Expedia Group, it offers access to thousands of properties—from simple budget stays to luxury resorts, apartments, and unique boutique hotels.

But in 2025, with so many competitors and direct-booking options, is Hotels.com still worth using? In this in-depth review, we’ll break down how the platform works, who it’s best for, its rewards program, key strengths, and important drawbacks—plus practical tips to help you get the best value on every stay.

What Is Hotels.com?

Hotels.com is an online booking platform that allows travelers to search, compare, and reserve:

Hotels and resorts
Apartments and vacation rentals
Bed & breakfasts and boutique stays
Some hostels and alternative accommodations

The platform is part of the Expedia Group, which also operates brands like Expedia, Vrbo, and others. That connection gives Hotels.com access to a large global inventory and competitive pricing in many destinations.

You can use Hotels.com via:

Its website on desktop or mobile
The mobile app (iOS and Android), which often includes app-exclusive deals and notifications

Who Is Hotels.com Best For?

Hotels.com works particularly well for:

Leisure travelers who want an easy way to compare options in a city or region
Frequent hotel guests who can benefit from loyalty rewards and member-only prices
Families and small groups looking for apartments or suite-style rooms
Travelers who value flexible cancellation and like to change plans if needed
Deal-hunters who are willing to compare dates and options to save money

If you always stay with a specific hotel chain and focus on that brand’s own loyalty program, direct booking may sometimes be better. But for most travelers who mix chains, independents, and vacation rentals, Hotels.com is a very useful central hub.

How Hotels.com Works

Using Hotels.com is straightforward:

Search
Enter your destination, travel dates, and number of guests/rooms. You can search by city, neighborhood, landmark, or even nearby attractions.
Filter & Sort
Once the results load, you can narrow them down with filters such as:
- Price range
- Star rating
- Guest rating
- Property type (hotel, apartment, etc.)
- Free breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking, pool, pet-friendly, and more
Sorting options typically include price (low–high), guest rating, distance from a specific point, or top picks.
Review Property Details
Each listing includes:
- Photos and a detailed description
- Room types and amenities
- Guest reviews and rating
- Location map
- Policies (check-in/out, deposits, house rules, etc.)
Choose a Rate
Many hotels offer multiple rate types on the same room—e.g., refundable vs. non-refundable, with or without breakfast. Prices can differ significantly, so it’s important to read each rate’s conditions.
Book & Pay
Once you select a room, you’ll see a price breakdown including taxes and fees. In many markets you can:
- Pay online at the time of booking, or
- Pay at the property (subject to hotel availability and conditions)
Manage Your Booking
Through your account or the app you can:
- View and modify reservations (when allowed)
- See your past stays
- Access support and property contact details

Hotels.com Rewards & Member Benefits

One of the main reasons travelers choose Hotels.com is the loyalty and rewards benefits it offers through the Expedia Group ecosystem.

While the specific structure can evolve over time, the core idea remains:

You earn rewards when you book eligible stays.
Those rewards can later be used to discount future bookings.
Members often see special prices that aren’t visible to non-logged-in users.

Typical benefits may include:

Member-only pricing on selected properties
Reward points or credits for each night or dollar spent
The ability to redeem rewards across multiple brands in the Expedia Group ecosystem (depending on your region and program rules)
Occasional bonus promotions, such as extra points or discounts for booking via the app or within certain dates

Because loyalty program terms can change, it’s always a good idea to:

Check the current rewards page on Hotels.com or your account dashboard
Confirm how points are earned and redeemed in your country
Pay attention to expiration rules for unused rewards

For frequent travelers who are not loyal to a single hotel chain, these platform-wide rewards can add up quickly and sometimes beat traditional chain-specific programs.

Pricing, Fees & Value

Hotels.com generally offers competitive pricing, especially when:

You’re flexible with dates
You compare different room types at the same property
You log in to see member-only deals

Key pricing points to keep in mind:

Taxes & fees: Always look at the final price on the checkout page. In some destinations, local taxes or resort fees are added later and may be due at the property.
Currency: You can view prices in multiple currencies, but final charges may depend on your card issuer and exchange rates.
Refundable vs. non-refundable rates: Non-refundable reservations are usually cheaper, but you’ll lose your money if you cancel. Refundable options provide flexibility at a higher price.

From a value perspective, Hotels.com is strongest when you:

Combine good base rates
Stack member discounts or rewards
Use flexible dates to avoid peak pricing

User Experience: Website & App

The overall user experience is one of Hotels.com’s strengths.

Pros of the interface:

Clean, familiar layout with powerful filters
Map view to see where each hotel is located
Clear rating summary and review breakdown
Mobile app that makes managing bookings easy on the go

Potential downsides:

On busy destinations, the sheer number of options can feel overwhelming
Some properties have limited or inconsistent photo quality
Important details (like resort fees) may appear closer to checkout, so you need to read carefully

Overall, for most users, searching, comparing, and booking is intuitive once you understand the filters and rate types.

Strengths of Hotels.com

Here are the main advantages of using Hotels.com in 2025:

Huge Global Inventory
From major cities to secondary destinations, you’ll usually find plenty of options across price levels and styles.
Platform-Wide Rewards
The ability to earn and redeem rewards across multiple stays and sometimes across brands is a major plus for frequent travelers.
Member-Only Deals
Logged-in users often see lower prices or special offers that aren’t available publicly.
Flexible Cancellation Options
Many properties offer free cancellation up to a specific date, especially for standard or flexible rates.
Solid Mobile App
The app makes it easy to access bookings, maps, and customer support while traveling.
Transparent Guest Reviews
The rating system and written reviews help you better understand the pros and cons of each property before you book.

Drawbacks & Things to Watch Out For

No platform is perfect, and Hotels.com has some important limitations:

Service Variation by Property
Hotels.com is a marketplace. The actual experience depends heavily on the specific hotel or host, not just the platform.
Resort Fees & Local Charges
In some regions, additional fees are charged at the property (resort fees, city taxes, parking, etc.). If you don’t read the details, the final cost can be higher than expected.
Customer Service Is a Middle Layer
If something goes wrong, you may need to coordinate between Hotels.com and the hotel. Response quality can vary depending on the situation and time of day.
Non-Refundable Rates Are Strict
The cheapest options often have very restrictive cancellation policies. Saving money can cost you flexibility.
Loyalty Program Changes Over Time
Rewards structures have evolved in recent years. If you rely heavily on the program, it’s wise to monitor updates and terms.

Tips to Get the Best Value with Hotels.com

If you decide to use Hotels.com regularly, these strategies can help you maximize value:

Always Log In Before Searching
Member pricing and reward-eligible stays often only appear when you’re logged into your account.
Compare Flexible vs. Non-Refundable
Only choose a non-refundable rate if your plans are solid. For complex trips or long stays, flexible cancellation is usually worth the extra cost.
Check Location Carefully
Use the map view and read the neighborhood description. A cheap hotel far from public transport can end up costing more in time and money.
Read the Most Recent Reviews
Filter by newest reviews to see current service quality. Hotels can change management or standards over time.
Watch for Extra Fees
Scroll down to the “fees,” “policies,” or “know before you go” sections to see if there are resort charges, parking costs, or deposits.
Use the App for On-the-Go Changes
The app makes it easier to contact support, see check-in instructions, and manage last-minute adjustments.
Combine Rewards with Sales
If there’s a seasonal sale or promotion, stacking it with rewards or member pricing can lead to significant savings.

Is Hotels.com Safe and Legit?

Yes. Hotels.com is a legitimate, well-established platform backed by the Expedia Group, a major global travel company. Payments are processed using secure methods, and the platform has long-standing relationships with hotels and accommodation providers worldwide.

As with any booking site, your safest approach is to:

Use secure internet connections when entering payment details
Double-check email confirmations and reservation details
Keep a copy of your confirmation available offline when you travel

Final Verdict: Is Hotels.com Worth Using in 2025?

For most travelers, Hotels.com remains a strong, reliable option for booking hotels and other types of accommodation in 2025.

It stands out for:

A large global inventory
Platform-wide rewards and member deals
Flexible cancellation options and a user-friendly interface

However, it’s not perfect. You still need to read the fine print, understand cancellation policies, and watch for extra fees at the property. And as with any marketplace, the quality of your stay will depend heavily on the specific hotel you choose.

If you’re a traveler who likes to:

Compare multiple accommodation types
Earn rewards across different stays and destinations
Book through a trusted brand within the Expedia Group

…then Hotels.com is absolutely worth keeping in your toolkit—especially when combined with smart research and flexible travel planning.