Expedia vs Hotels.com: Which Online Travel Agency is Right for You?

This article explores the differences between using Expedia.com vs Hotels.com. If you’re planning a trip and looking to book your hotel online, you may be wondering which site to use. Let’s compare these two popular options Expedia and Hotels.com.

While the same parent company owns both sites, there are some key differences to consider when deciding which one to use.

One of the main differences between Expedia and Hotels.com is their focus. Expedia offers a wide range of travel services, including flights, car rentals, vacation packages, and hotels. On the other hand, Hotels.com is primarily focused on hotels, with a loyalty program that allows you to earn free nights after booking a certain number of stays.

Depending on what you’re looking for, one site may better fit your needs than the other.

Overview of Expedia and Hotels.com

If you’re planning a trip, you might be wondering which online travel agency to use: Expedia or Hotels.com.

Both sites are owned by Expedia Group, a leading travel company that offers a wide range of services, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. Here’s what you need to know about each site:

Expedia

Expedia is one of the largest online travel agencies in the world, offering customers a wide range of travel services. Expedia allows you to book flights, hotels, car rentals, vacation packages, cruises, and activities.

The site also offers a loyalty program called Expedia Rewards, which allows you to earn points on your bookings that you can use to save money on future bookings.

One of the benefits of using Expedia is that it offers a price match guarantee. Expedia will refund the difference if you find a lower price for the same flight, hotel, rental car, or activity within 24 hours of booking.

Additionally, the site offers a Best Price Guarantee on hotel bookings. If you find a lower price on another site, Expedia will refund the difference and give you a $50 travel coupon.

Hotels.com

Hotels.com is a site that specializes in hotel bookings. With Hotels.com, you can book hotels, vacation rentals, and resorts. The site also offers a loyalty program called Hotels.com Rewards, which allows you to earn a free night’s stay for every 10 nights you book through the site.

One of the benefits of using Hotels.com is that it offers a wide range of hotels, from budget to luxury. The site also offers a price match guarantee, which means that if you find a lower price for the same hotel within 24 hours of booking, Hotels.com will refund the difference.

Additionally, the site offers a Best Price Guarantee on hotel bookings, which means that if you find a lower price on another site, Hotels.com will refund the difference.

Overall, both Expedia and Hotels.com are reputable online travel agencies that offer a wide range of travel services to customers. When deciding which site to use, consider your specific travel needs and budget, as well as the benefits offered by each site’s loyalty program.

Booking Accommodations

When it comes to booking accommodations, both Expedia and Hotels.com offer a wide range of options to choose from. You can search for hotels, motels, resorts, apartments, and more on both platforms.

One advantage of using Hotels.com is their pay-later option. This allows you to book a room without paying upfront, which can be helpful if you’re not sure about your plans or need to wait until payday to make the reservation. However, keep in mind that some hotels may require a deposit or credit card information to hold the room.

On the other hand, Expedia offers a more extensive selection of room types. You can filter your search results by room amenities, such as free breakfast, air conditioning, or a balcony. This can be especially useful if you have specific accommodation requirements or preferences.

When booking through either platform, make sure to read the cancellation policy carefully. Some hotels may offer free cancellation up to a certain date, while others may charge a fee or not allow cancellations at all.

If you’re a member of a loyalty program, such as Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy, you may be able to earn points or rewards for your hotel bookings. Both Expedia and Hotels.com offer their own rewards programs as well, which can earn you discounts or free nights after a certain number of bookings.

Finally, if you’re comparing prices between Expedia and Hotels.com, keep in mind that they are both owned by the same parent company, so prices may be similar. However, it’s always a good idea to check both sites to see if one is offering a better deal or promotion.

Additional Services

Both Expedia and Hotels.com offer additional services beyond hotel bookings. Here’s what you can expect from each platform:

Expedia

Expedia offers a wide range of travel services, including flights, car rentals, cruises, activities, and vacation packages. You can easily search for and book these services directly from the Expedia website or mobile app.

One of the standout features of Expedia is its bundling options. You can save money by bundling your hotel, flight, and car rental bookings together. Plus, Expedia offers a price match guarantee, so you can be sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

*Expert Tip: I always check Expedia for packages and bundled pricing before I book a trip. I use it to compare against all other sources to see where I can get the best deals.

If you’re a frequent traveler, you may want to consider signing up for Expedia Rewards. This loyalty program offers members exclusive discounts and perks, such as free room upgrades and late checkout. You can earn points by booking travel through Expedia or by using the Expedia credit card.

Hotels.com

While Hotels.com specializes in hotel bookings, it also offers some additional travel services. You can book flights, car rentals, and activities through the Hotels.com website or mobile app.

One of the unique features of Hotels.com is its rewards program. For every 10 nights you book through the platform, you’ll earn one free night. There are no blackout dates, and you can redeem your free night at any time. Plus, Hotels.com offers a price match guarantee, so you can be confident that you’re getting the best deal.

Overall, both Expedia and Hotels.com offer a variety of additional travel services that can make your trip planning easier and more affordable. Consider your specific travel needs and preferences when deciding which platform to use.

Rewards Programs

When it comes to booking travel, rewards programs can be a great way to save money and earn perks. Both Expedia and Hotels.com offer rewards programs, but there are some differences between the two.

Expedia Rewards is a loyalty program that allows you to earn points on flights, hotels, vacation rentals, car rentals, cruises, and activities. You’ll earn one point for every dollar spent on hotels, cars, packages, and things to do, and one point for every five dollars spent on flights.

Expedia Rewards points can be redeemed for hotel stays, flights, car rentals, and activities. Additionally, Expedia Rewards members can access exclusive member pricing discounts.

Hotels.com Rewards is a similar program that allows you to earn free nights when you book hotels through the website or app. For every ten nights booked, you’ll earn one free night.

The value of the free night is the average nightly rate of the ten nights you booked. Hotels.com Rewards also offers secret prices that are only available to members.

Both programs have their pros and cons. Expedia Rewards is more comprehensive, allowing you to earn points on a wide variety of travel purchases, while Hotels.com Rewards is more straightforward, offering a free night after ten bookings.

Expedia Rewards may be the better option if you’re a frequent traveler who uses Expedia for flights, car rentals, and activities in addition to hotels. If you primarily book hotels and want a simple rewards program, Hotels.com Rewards may be the way to go.

**Expedia and Hotels have merged their Rewards program into what is known as One Key. You can learn more about it here.

Pricing and Deals

When it comes to pricing and deals, both Expedia and Hotels.com offer competitive rates and special deals to their customers.

Hotels.com provides a “Price Guarantee” that promises to match a lower price found on another website and give you a refund for the difference.

Additionally, Hotels.com offers a rewards program that allows you to earn a free night’s stay for every ten nights booked. This program is open to anyone and does not require a membership fee.

On the other hand, Expedia offers a “Best Price Guarantee” that promises to match a lower price found on another website and give you a refund for the difference, plus a $50 travel coupon.

Expedia also has a rewards program called “Expedia Rewards” that allows you to earn points for booking travel and redeem them for discounts on future bookings.

Both Expedia and Hotels.com offer special deals and discounts on their websites. You can find these deals by browsing their websites’ “Deals” section. Expedia also offers a “Daily Deals” section that features new deals every day.

It’s important to note that pricing and deals can vary depending on the destination, time of year, and availability. It’s always a good idea to compare prices on both websites before booking to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Booking Platforms

Regarding booking platforms, Expedia and Hotels.com offer desktop and mobile options, including apps and mobile browsers. This means you can easily book your travel accommodations from your computer or on-the-go from your phone or tablet.

Both platforms also offer a wide range of options for booking flights, hotels, and rental cars. However, it’s important to note that Expedia tends to focus more on bundling packages together, while Hotels.com is primarily focused on hotel bookings.

If you’re looking for a user-friendly experience, both platforms offer easy-to-use interfaces that allow you to search for accommodations based on your preferences. You can filter your search results by price, location, amenities, and more.

One key difference between the two platforms is that Hotels.com offers a loyalty program where you can earn free nights after booking a certain number of stays. On the other hand, Expedia offers a rewards program where you can earn points redeemed for travel discounts.

Whether you prefer to use a desktop or mobile device, or if you’re looking for a platform that offers a loyalty program, both Expedia and Hotels.com offer reliable options for booking your travel accommodations online.

Cancellation Policies

When it comes to canceling a booking, both Expedia and Hotels.com offer flexible policies, but there are some key differences to keep in mind.

Refundable vs Non-Refundable

When booking with either Expedia or Hotels.com, you will have the option to choose between refundable and non-refundable rates. Refundable rates are typically more expensive but offer the flexibility to cancel or change your reservation without penalty. Non-refundable rates, on the other hand, are cheaper but usually come with strict cancellation policies and fees.

Free Cancellation

Expedia and Hotels.com offer free cancellation on some bookings, but the terms and conditions vary.

For example, some hotels may offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before check-in, while others may require you to cancel several days in advance.

Be sure to check the cancellation policy for each booking carefully before making your reservation.

Cancellation Fees

Cancellation fees can be a major concern when canceling a booking, especially if you have a non-refundable rate. Expedia and Hotels.com both have cancellation fees that vary depending on the hotel and the type of rate you booked.

In some cases, the cancellation fee may be equal to the cost of the entire reservation. To avoid cancellation fees, be sure to cancel your reservation within the specified time frame outlined in the booking confirmation.

Cancellation Policy

Expedia and Hotels.com have detailed cancellation policies designed to protect both the customer and the hotel. These policies outline the terms and conditions for canceling a reservation, including any fees that may apply.

It’s important to read the cancellation policy carefully before making your reservation so that you understand your rights and responsibilities.

Expedia and Hotels.com offer flexible cancellation policies, but the terms and conditions can vary depending on the hotel and the rate you booked.

To avoid cancellation fees and ensure that you have the flexibility to change or cancel your reservation, be sure to choose a refundable rate and read the cancellation policy carefully before making your reservation.

Customer Service and Reputation

When it comes to customer service, both Expedia and Hotels.com offer 24/7 support via phone and email. However, according to Forbes, Hotels.com has a slightly higher customer service rating than Expedia.

Southwest Airlines ranks first in customer service for airlines, but Hotels.com is the highest-ranking travel agency on the list, coming in at number five. This may indicate that Hotels.com is more responsive to customer needs and complaints.

In terms of reputation, both Expedia and Hotels.com have been around for over 20 years and are well-established in the travel industry.

According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), Expedia has had a consistently high customer satisfaction score since 2002, with a score of 80 in 2022. Hotels.com also has a high customer satisfaction score, with a rating of 82% according to 9Travel.net.

When it comes to hotel reviews, both Expedia and Hotels.com allow customers to leave reviews and ratings for hotels they have stayed at.

These reviews can be helpful in determining the quality of a hotel before booking. However, it is important to note that some reviews may be biased or fake, so it is important to read a variety of reviews and take them with a grain of salt.

Overall, both Expedia and Hotels.com have good customer service and a solid reputation in the travel industry. When booking a hotel, it is important to research and read reviews to ensure that you get the best deal and the highest quality accommodations.

Extra Charges and Fees

When booking a hotel room through Expedia or Hotels.com, it’s important to remember that extra charges and fees may not be included in the initial price. Here are some of the most common fees that you may encounter:

Valet Parking Fees

Many hotels offer valet parking services for guests, but this convenience comes at a cost. Valet parking fees can range from $20 to $50 per day, depending on the hotel and location. Some hotels may offer self-parking options that are less expensive, so be sure to compare the prices before making a decision.

Wi-Fi Fees

While many hotels offer free Wi-Fi to guests, some may charge a daily fee for access to the internet. These fees can range from $5 to $20 per day, so be sure to check if Wi-Fi is included in the room rate before booking.

Pet Fees

If you’re traveling with a furry friend, some hotels may charge an additional fee for pets. Depending on the hotel and pet policy, this fee can range from $25 to $100 per stay. Be sure to check with the hotel before booking to see if they allow pets and the associated fees.

Parking Fees

In addition to valet parking fees, some hotels may charge for parking in their on-site lots. These fees range from $10 to $30 per day, so be sure to factor this into your budget if you drive to the hotel.

Deposit

Some hotels may require a deposit when you check in, which is typically refunded when you check out. This deposit can range from $50 to $200, depending on the hotel and length of stay.

Credit Card Fees

Finally, some hotels may charge a fee for using a credit card to pay for your room. This fee can range from 2% to 5% of the total cost, so be sure to check if there are any additional fees for using a credit card.

Overall, it’s important to read the fine print and be aware of any extra charges and fees that may be associated with your hotel stay. By researching and comparing prices, you can ensure you get the best deal possible.

Accessibility and Facilities

When it comes to accessibility and facilities, both Expedia and Hotels.com are committed to making travel accessible for all. Expedia has an Accessibility Technology Team that works to design and test improvements to make their website as inclusive as possible.

Hotels.com and Expedia.com have also reached a settlement to improve access to their reservation services for disabled travelers.

As part of the settlement, the companies will gather information about hotels’ accessibility features and incorporate that information into their websites so that travelers can search for hotels with rooms that offer the particular accommodations they need.

If you are looking for wheelchair-friendly accommodations, both Expedia and Hotels.com offer filters allowing you to search for hotels with wheelchair-accessible entrances, public facilities, and guestrooms.

Expedia also has a section on their website dedicated to accessible travel, where you can find information on accessible destinations, transportation, and accommodations.

Regarding public facilities, both Expedia and Hotels.com offer filters that allow you to search for hotels with specific amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, and restaurants.

However, it is important to note that not all hotels have the same facilities, so it is always a good idea to check with the hotel directly to see what amenities are available.

Overall, both Expedia and Hotels.com are committed to making travel accessible for all. Whether you are looking for wheelchair-friendly accommodations or specific public facilities, both websites offer filters that allow you to search for the accommodations that meet your needs.

Travel Destinations

When it comes to choosing a destination for your next vacation, both Expedia and Hotels.com offer a wide range of options. Whether you’re looking to stay close to home or venture to the other side of the world, both platforms have you covered.

If you’re looking for a beach vacation, both Expedia and Hotels.com have plenty of options. With Expedia, you can find great deals on beachfront hotels in popular destinations like Hawaii, the Caribbean, and Mexico. Hotels.com also has a great selection of beach hotels, with options ranging from budget-friendly to luxury.

Expedia and Hotels.com can help you find the perfect destination if you’re looking to explore Europe. Expedia offers a wide range of European vacation packages, including city breaks, beach vacations, and ski trips.

Hotels.com also has a great selection of European hotels, with options in popular destinations like Paris, London, and Rome.

For those looking to explore North America, both Expedia and Hotels.com have plenty of options. Expedia offers a wide range of vacation packages to destinations like Las Vegas, New York City, and Orlando.

Hotels.com also has a great selection of North American hotels, with options in popular destinations like Los Angeles, New York City, and Chicago.

If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, both Expedia and Hotels.com have plenty of options for unique destinations.

Expedia offers a great selection of vacation packages to destinations like Bali, Thailand, and Australia. Hotels.com also has a great selection of hotels in Asian markets, with options in popular destinations like Tokyo, Bangkok, and Hong Kong.

No matter where you want to go, Expedia and Hotels.com have a wide range of options. So whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an exciting city break, both platforms can help you find the perfect destination for your next trip.

Safety and Health Measures

Regarding ensuring guests’ safety and health during their travels, both Expedia and Hotels.com take the matter very seriously. Here are some of the measures that these travel websites have implemented to keep their guests safe and healthy:

COVID-19 Measures

Expedia and Hotels.com have taken steps to address the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and help guests feel safe during their travels.

They have implemented policies to ensure that hotels and other accommodations are following proper health and safety guidelines, such as providing hand sanitizer stations, enforcing social distancing, and requiring staff to wear masks.

Cleaning and Sanitation Practices

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses, both Expedia and Hotels.com have implemented enhanced cleaning and sanitation practices.

Hotels and other accommodations listed on these websites are required to follow strict cleaning protocols, such as using disinfectants to clean high-touch surfaces and providing fresh linens and towels for each guest.

Safety and Security

Expedia and Hotels.com take the safety and security of their guests very seriously. They provide information on their websites to help guests make informed decisions about their travel plans, such as providing information on crime rates and safety tips for different destinations.

Additionally, both websites offer customer support to help guests in case of emergencies or other safety concerns.

Health and Wellness

Both Expedia and Hotels.com recognize the importance of health and wellness during travel. They offer a variety of resources and information to help guests stay healthy and fit while on the road, such as providing information on local gyms, yoga studios, and other fitness facilities.

Additionally, both websites offer information on healthy eating options and other wellness-related activities.

Overall, both Expedia and Hotels.com are committed to ensuring the safety and health of their guests during their travels.

By implementing strict cleaning and sanitation practices, providing information on safety and security, and offering resources for health and wellness, these travel websites are making it easier for guests to enjoy their travels with peace of mind.

Payment Methods

Regarding payment methods, both Expedia and Hotels.com offer various options to make it easy for you to pay for your travel bookings.

Credit Card

Both Expedia and Hotels.com accept major credit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. This is a convenient option for many travelers who prefer to pay with their credit card for the rewards and benefits that come with it.

PayPal

If you prefer to use PayPal, you’ll be happy to know that both Expedia and Hotels.com accept this payment method. This is a great option for those who don’t want to use their credit card or prefer the added security of PayPal.

Other Payment Methods

In addition to credit cards and PayPal, both Expedia and Hotels.com offer a variety of other payment methods depending on your location. These can include bank transfers, Alipay, and more. However, it’s important to note that not all payment methods are available in all countries.

Regarding payment methods, both Expedia and Hotels.com offer various options to make it easy for you to pay for your travel bookings. Whether you prefer to use your credit card, PayPal, or another payment method, you can rest assured that both Expedia and Hotels.com have you covered.

Comparing Expedia and Hotels.com

When it comes to online travel agencies, Expedia and Hotels.com are two of the biggest names in the business. Both offer a wide range of services, including hotel bookings, flights, car rentals, and vacation packages. But how do these two sites compare to each other? Let’s take a closer look.

Services Offered

One of the main differences between Expedia and Hotels.com is the range of services they offer. Expedia.com is a more developed platform than Hotels.com, offering a wider range of travel services, including flights, car rentals, cruises, and activities. In contrast, Hotels.com is focused solely on hotel bookings.

Pricing

When it comes to pricing, both Expedia and Hotels.com offer competitive rates for hotel bookings. However, it’s worth noting that pricing can vary depending on the location and time of year.

Our tests found that Hotels.com is slightly more expensive than Expedia, but both sites can offer significantly cheaper prices in the US and Canada.

User Experience

Expedia and Hotels.com offer user-friendly interfaces that make searching for and booking travel services easy.

However, some users have reported that Expedia’s site can be slower to load than Hotels.com.

Some users have complained about Expedia’s customer service, while others have praised Hotels.com’s customer support.

Rewards Programs

Expedia and Hotels.com offer rewards programs allowing users to earn points for every booking they make. These points can be redeemed for discounts on future bookings. However, Expedia’s rewards program offers more flexibility, as points can be used for a wider range of travel services.

Comparison

In summary, Expedia and Hotels.com offer various travel services at competitive prices. However, Expedia’s platform is more developed and offers a wider range of services, while Hotels.com is focused solely on hotel bookings.

Pricing can vary depending on the location and time of year, and both sites offer user-friendly interfaces. Finally, both sites offer rewards programs, but Expedia’s program offers more flexibility.

Ultimately, the choice between Expedia and Hotels.com comes down to personal preference and the specific travel services you require.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the differences between Expedia and Hotels.com?

Expedia and Hotels.com are both owned by the same parent company, Expedia Group. However, they have some differences in terms of their focus and offerings. Expedia offers a broader range of travel services, including flights, car rentals, and vacation packages, while Hotels.com focuses mainly on hotel bookings.

Which site offers better deals on hotels, Expedia or Hotels.com?

Both Expedia and Hotels.com offer competitive prices on hotel bookings, and the prices may vary depending on the location, time of year, and availability. It’s always a good idea to compare prices on both sites to find the best deal for your specific needs.

Is it safe to book a hotel through Expedia or Hotels.com?

Yes, it is generally safe to book a hotel through Expedia or Hotels.com. Both sites have secure payment systems and protect your personal and financial information. However, it’s always a good idea to read reviews of the hotel and check its ratings before booking.

How do Expedia and Hotels.com compare in terms of customer service?

Both Expedia and Hotels.com have customer service teams available to assist you with any issues or questions you may have. However, some users have reported that their experiences with customer service on these sites have been mixed. It’s always a good idea to read reviews of the sites’ customer service before booking.

Can I earn rewards or loyalty points by booking through Expedia or Hotels.com?

Yes, both Expedia and Hotels.com offer rewards and loyalty programs for frequent users. Expedia has its own rewards program, Expedia Rewards, while Hotels.com offers a program called Hotels.com Rewards. These programs allow you to earn points for each booking, which can be redeemed for discounts or free stays in the future.

Do Expedia and Hotels.com have similar cancellation policies?

Both Expedia and Hotels.com have similar cancellation policies, which may vary depending on the hotel and rate you book. Generally, you can cancel or modify your reservation for free up to a certain date, but you may be charged a fee if you cancel after that date. It’s always a good idea to read the cancellation policy carefully before booking.