When it comes to booking a hotel stay, there are countless options available online. Two of the most popular and well-known websites for booking hotels are Hotels.com and Expedia.com. Both offer a wide range of hotels at competitive prices, making it difficult to determine which one is the better choice.
The History of Hotels.com and Expedia.com
In order to understand the differences between these two websites, it's important to first look at their history and how they came to be.
Hotels.com
was founded in 1991 as Hotel Reservations Network (HRN) and was one of the first companies to offer online hotel bookings. In 2001, HRN was acquired by Expedia Inc., but continued to operate as a separate website.Expedia.com, on the other hand, was founded in 1996 as a division of Microsoft. It quickly became one of the leading online travel agencies, offering not only hotel bookings but also flights, car rentals, and vacation packages. In 2005, Expedia Inc. spun off Hotels.com as a separate company.
Booking Process and User Experience
One of the most important factors when choosing a hotel booking website is the ease of use and overall user experience. Both Hotels.com and Expedia.com have user-friendly interfaces that allow customers to easily search for and book hotels.
Hotels.com has a simple and straightforward layout, with a search bar on the homepage where users can enter their destination, dates, and number of guests. The results page displays a list of available hotels, along with their prices and ratings. Users can also filter their search results by price, star rating, and amenities.
Expedia.com has a similar layout, but also offers the option to book flights, car rentals, and vacation packages. The search results page displays a map view of the available hotels, making it easier for users to see the location of each hotel. Users can also filter their search results by price, star rating, and hotel chain.
Pricing and Deals
When it comes to pricing, both Hotels.com and Expedia.com offer competitive rates for hotels. However, there are some differences in the deals and promotions they offer.
Hotels.com has a rewards program called Hotels.com Rewards, where customers can earn one free night for every 10 nights booked through the website. They also offer daily deals and last-minute deals for even more savings.
Expedia.com has a similar rewards program called Expedia Rewards, where customers can earn points for booking hotels, flights, and vacation packages. They also offer daily deals and last-minute deals, as well as exclusive discounts for members.
Customer Service and Support
In the event that something goes wrong with your booking or you have any questions or concerns, it's important to have reliable customer service and support. Both Hotels.com and Expedia.com have customer service available 24/7 via phone or email.
Hotels.com also has a live chat feature on their website for immediate assistance. They also have a mobile app that allows users to manage their bookings on-the-go.
Expedia.com has a customer service guarantee, where they will refund the difference if a customer finds a lower price for the same hotel on another website within 24 hours of booking. They also have a mobile app for easy booking and managing of reservations.
The Verdict
So, which website is the better choice for booking your next hotel stay? The truth is, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs. Both Hotels.com and Expedia.com offer a wide range of hotels at competitive prices, user-friendly interfaces, and reliable customer service.
If you're looking for a simple and straightforward booking process, Hotels.com may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you're interested in booking flights, car rentals, or vacation packages along with your hotel stay, Expedia.com may be the better option.
Whichever website you choose, be sure to take advantage of their rewards programs and daily deals for even more savings on your next hotel stay.
