Is Hotels.com Legit? The Truth Revealed
If you’ve ever booked a hotel online, chances are you’ve come across Hotels.com. With its catchy name and easy-to-use platform, Hotels.com has become a go-to source for many travelers seeking accommodation.
But with so many scams and fake websites out there, it’s natural to wonder: is Hotels.com legit? After all, you don’t want to book a hotel room only to find out it doesn’t exist.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Yes, Hotels.com is a legitimate website where you can book hotel rooms.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Hotels.com and answer some of the most common questions people have about the site. We’ll also provide some tips for using Hotels.com safely and getting the most out of your bookings.
What is Hotels.com?
Hotels.com is an online booking platform that allows travelers to search and book accommodations such as hotels, motels, resorts, and vacation rentals. The website provides a user-friendly interface, allowing users to filter their search results based on their preferences such as price range, location, and amenities. Hotels.com is owned and operated by Expedia Group, a well-known American travel technology company that operates multiple travel brands.
History of Hotels.com
Hotels.com was founded in 1991 by David Litman and Robert Diener as the Hotel Reservations Network (HRN). At that time, the company offered a toll-free phone number for customers to book their accommodations. In 2001, HRN launched its website, which allowed customers to book their accommodations online. In 2002, the company changed its name to Hotels.com.
Hotels.com has grown rapidly over the years and has become one of the largest online travel booking platforms in the world. In 2017, the website featured over 325,000 hotels in approximately 19,000 locations worldwide. The company also offers a loyalty program called Hotels.com Rewards, which allows customers to earn free nights after booking a certain number of nights on the website.
How Hotels.com Works
Using Hotels.com is simple. Users can start by entering their destination, check-in and check-out dates, and the number of guests. The website will then display a list of available accommodations based on the user’s preferences. Users can further refine their search by selecting filters such as price range, star rating, and amenities.
When a user finds an accommodation they like, they can click on the listing to view more details such as photos, room types, and cancellation policies. If the user decides to book the accommodation, they can do so directly on the website by entering their personal and payment information.
Hotels.com offers competitive pricing and often runs promotions and discounts for its users. The website also provides customer support through phone and email, as well as a help center with frequently asked questions and travel guides.
Is Hotels.com Legit?
Hotels.com is one of the most popular online travel booking websites, but many people wonder if it is a legitimate company. In this article, we will examine some key factors to determine whether Hotels.com is a trustworthy and reliable website for booking travel accommodations.
Legal Information
Hotels.com is a registered trademark of Hotels.com LP, which is a subsidiary of Expedia Group. Expedia Group is a publicly traded company on NASDAQ and is one of the world’s largest online travel companies. The company is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, and has operations in more than 60 countries.
Hotels.com is also accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has an A+ rating. The BBB is a non-profit organization that evaluates businesses based on their trustworthiness and customer satisfaction. This accreditation gives customers confidence that Hotels.com is a legitimate business.
Customer Reviews
One of the best ways to determine whether a company is legit is to read customer reviews. Hotels.com has millions of reviews from verified guests who have stayed at the properties listed on the website. According to Trustpilot, a popular review platform, Hotels.com has an “Excellent” rating with a score of 4.5 out of 5 based on over 13,000 reviews.
While there are some negative reviews, the majority of guests have had positive experiences with Hotels.com. Many customers praise the website for its user-friendly interface, competitive prices, and excellent customer service. Additionally, Hotels.com offers a rewards program, which gives customers one free night for every ten nights booked through the website.
Trustworthiness
Hotels.com takes customer safety and security seriously. The website uses industry-standard encryption technology to protect customers’ personal and financial information. Additionally, Hotels.com has a 24/7 customer service team that can assist customers with any issues or concerns.
Hotels.com is also transparent about its pricing and policies. The website clearly displays all fees and taxes associated with each booking, and customers can easily cancel or modify their reservations if necessary.
How to Use Hotels.com Safely
If you are planning your next vacation and are considering using Hotels.com to book your accommodations, you may be wondering if the website is legitimate and safe to use. While there are some potential risks involved with booking through any third-party travel site, there are also steps you can take to protect yourself and make sure your booking experience is a positive one.
Check the Fine Print
Before you book a hotel through Hotels.com, make sure you read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions of your reservation. This includes cancellation policies, payment requirements, and any other important details. You should also check the hotel’s policies directly, as they may differ from what is listed on the website.
Read Reviews
One of the best ways to determine if a hotel is legitimate and worth booking through Hotels.com is to read reviews from previous guests. Hotels.com provides customer reviews and ratings for each property, which can give you an idea of the hotel’s cleanliness, amenities, and overall quality. You can also check other review websites like TripAdvisor for additional feedback.
Use Secure Payment Methods
When booking through Hotels.com, make sure you use a secure payment method, such as a credit card or PayPal. Avoid using debit cards or wiring money, as these methods can be more difficult to dispute if there is a problem with your reservation. Hotels.com also offers its own rewards program, which can provide additional security and benefits for frequent travelers.
Contact Customer Service
If you have any doubts or questions about your reservation, don’t hesitate to contact Hotels.com’s customer service team. They can assist you with any issues or concerns you may have, including cancellations, refunds, or changes to your reservation. You can also contact the hotel directly if you have any specific questions or requests.
Be Wary of Deals That Seem Too Good to be True
While Hotels.com offers some great deals and discounts on hotel bookings, be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Scammers may create fake listings or offer fake deals to trick travelers into sending them money or personal information. Always double-check the details of a deal before booking, and be skeptical of any offers that seem too good to be true.
How to Get the Most Out of Hotels.com
Hotels.com is a well-known online booking website that offers a wide range of hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals for travelers. But how can you make the most out of your booking experience on Hotels.com? Here are some tips:
Sign Up for Rewards
One of the best ways to get the most out of Hotels.com is by signing up for their rewards program. With each night you book through the website, you can earn one stamp. Collect 10 stamps and you’ll get a free night’s stay. Additionally, Hotels.com offers members exclusive deals and lower prices on select hotels.
Use Coupons and Promo Codes
Another way to save money on Hotels.com is by using coupons and promo codes. You can find these codes on coupon websites, social media, or through the Hotels.com newsletter. These codes can give you discounts on your booking, free nights, or other perks. Just make sure to read the terms and conditions and check the expiration dates before using them.
Search for Deals
Hotels.com has a dedicated deals page that lets you search for hotels with discounted rates. Additionally, you can filter your search results by price or by review score to find the best deals that fit your budget and preferences. Don’t forget to check out the “Secret Prices” feature, which offers lower rates on select hotels to members who are signed in.
Book in Advance
If you’re planning a trip in advance, it’s best to book your hotel through Hotels.com as early as possible. Not only will you have more options to choose from, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of early bird rates and other promotions that Hotels.com offers for advance bookings.
Leave Reviews
Finally, another way to get the most out of Hotels.com is by leaving reviews after your stay. Not only will this help other travelers make informed decisions, but Hotels.com also rewards reviewers with additional rewards points that can be used towards future bookings. Plus, hotels and resorts appreciate positive reviews and may offer special perks or discounts for guests who leave them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hotels.com is a legitimate website where you can book hotel rooms. It’s been around for over 20 years and has a solid reputation in the travel industry.
However, as with any online transaction, it’s important to use caution and take steps to protect yourself. By following the tips we’ve outlined in this article, you can use Hotels.com safely and get the most out of your bookings.
So go ahead and book that dream vacation – with Hotels.com, you can do it with confidence.
