The best third-party hotel booking site depends on your specific needs, such as pricing, user experience, rewards programs, and cancellation policies. Below are some popular and highly-rated options:
1. Booking.com
- Why It’s Great: Offers a wide variety of accommodations, including hotels, apartments, and unique stays. It provides flexible cancellation options and no booking fees.
- Best For: Wide range of options and deals.
2. Expedia
- Why It’s Great: Known for bundling discounts when you book flights, hotels, and car rentals together. Rewards members can earn points for future savings.
- Best For: Package deals and loyalty rewards.
3. Hotels.com
- Why It’s Great: Their rewards program allows you to earn one free night after booking 10 nights.
- Best For: Frequent travelers who want to earn free stays.
4. Kayak
- Why It’s Great: A meta-search engine that compares prices across multiple booking platforms, helping you find the cheapest deal.
- Best For: Price comparison.
5. Priceline
- Why It’s Great: Offers “Express Deals” and “Name Your Own Price” features for discounted rates.
- Best For: Last-minute deals and hidden bargains.
6. Agoda
- Why It’s Great: Popular in Asia, offering great deals on hotels and unique stays, especially for international travelers.
- Best For: Asian destinations and competitive pricing.
7. Hotwire
- Why It’s Great: Offers “Hot Rate” deals where you can book at a significant discount without knowing the hotel’s name until after booking.
- Best For: Budget travelers seeking mystery deals.
Key Tips:
- Check the Fine Print: Pay attention to cancellation policies and hidden fees.
- Compare Prices: Even with third-party sites, it’s worth checking the hotel’s direct website for price matching or perks like free upgrades.
- Use Rewards Programs: If you travel frequently, choose a site with a robust loyalty program.
For general use, Booking.com is widely regarded as the best for flexibility and ease, but sites like Priceline and Hotwire are excellent for finding deep discounts.
