Are you planning a trip but not sure what online travel agency to use? You’re in the right place!
We’ve used Booking.com for almost all of our family trips, from beach getaways to camping trips in Canada and across Europe, and we can confidently say that it’s a top-choice platform worth considering.
In this post, we’re breaking down everything there is to know about Booking.com. From its features and payment options to customer reviews and more––we’ll provide you with everything you need to help you decide what’s best for your next family trip.
Whether traveling solo, with friends, or with your entire family in tow, let’s jump into why you should choose the services offered by Booking.com!
Disclaimer: Just a heads up, this free article contains affiliate links. If you purchase after clicking one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support helps me continue to provide helpful and free content for you.
What is Booking.Com
Booking.com is a well-known and trusted online travel agency that offers comprehensive services for travelers looking to make their trips as convenient and enjoyable as possible.
From booking hotels, apartments, vacation homes, flights, restaurants, and transportation to assembling entire vacation packages, travelers can find whatever they need in over 91,000 locations across 224 countries around the world.
Founded by Geert-Jan Bruinsma in 1996 and later acquired by Priceline in 2005 and renamed Booking.com Limited., the company continues to provide customers with a comfortable and safe experience when booking travel arrangements.
Booking com: How Does it Work
Booking.com is a travel website that helps users book various travel services such as hotels, local attractions, activities, flights, and car rentals.
To use Booking.com, you must create an account on their website or log in if you already have one. This website will look through its large selection of more than 1.5 million hotels to find the best offers for your desired location and travel dates.
When looking for flights or rental cars, you can just easily narrow down your search results by location and travel dates. Once you find the perfect option, click it to view details and book directly through Booking.com’s website.
You can also check out and read reviews from previous customers, look at property photos, and get an idea of what amenities each hotel includes before choosing to help make the best decision.
Once you make your booking, you will receive an email with all the info for your trip.
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How to Book with booking.com
- To use it, first…you must enter your destination, check-in date, how many nights you’ll be staying, and how many guests and rooms you need.
👉 TIP: Book in advance: The earlier you book, the better the chances of finding lower prices and availability.
2. Use filters to narrow down your search for the perfect place. These filters let you choose things like price range, best location, amenities, and more. You can also sort your results by the price you prefer, ratings, review score, activities, cancellation policy, or the distance from your location. This makes it easy to find the perfect accommodation for your trip.
I always check additional filters like Breakfast included, family rooms (since I usually travel with kids), restaurant on site, and swimming pool because my kids love it.
👉 TIP: Check for special deals and discounts- From time to time, Booking.com offers special deals and discounts on accommodations, so it’s always worth checking for them before booking.
3. Browse through the list of available accommodations and, read their descriptions, check review scores and ratings to find the perfect fit for your travel needs.
👉 TIP: Pay special attention to the review scores, ensuring you choose at least 8 up to 10 review scores. Look at the hotel ratings as well, making sure it has a rating of 4 or 5 stars.
Once you find the accommodation you desire, click on it for more details.
5. Scroll down and select the room type and any other add-ons (e.g., breakfast, airport shuttle) you want to include in your booking. The prices will adjust accordingly.
👉 TIP: Review your booking details, including the total price and cancellation policy, before clicking on “Book now”.
6. Enter your personal and payment information to complete the reservation process. Depending on the accommodation’s policies, you may also have the option to pay later at the property.
7. After making your payment, you will receive a confirmation email with all the necessary details of your booking.
👉 TIP: Keep an eye on flash sales – Booking.com occasionally holds flash sales on select properties, offering significant discounts for a limited time only.
9. Achieve the Booking.com Genius Status– As a frequent traveler, I always make sure to book my accommodations through Booking.com. And being a Genius member has definitely been worth it.
Not only do I get a 10% discount on my bookings, but the added benefits, such as early check-in and late check-out, have come in handy during my travels. To become a Genius member, all you need to do is make 5 bookings within two years.
10. Save money by booking last-minute deals- Booking.com also offers last-minute deals for spontaneous travelers. These deals range from 10% to 70% off, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers or those with flexible travel plans.
Why is Booking.com a Great Accommodation Booking Site
As a travel blogger and a mom of two, I understand the struggles of finding the perfect accommodation for your trip. The high costs and hidden fees can be overwhelming, leaving you unsure if you’re making the right decision. That’s why I turned to Booking.com, and let me tell you, it has been a game-changer.
With over a million listings worldwide, you can easily find a suitable place for you and your family to stay that fits your budget and preferences.
We all know that one of the biggest challenges in booking accommodations is the high costs. However, Booking.com offers competitive prices and even has a “Price Match Guarantee.” feature. This means that if you find the same accommodation at a lower price on another website, Booking.com will adjust its price just to meet the other website’s price. This has saved me so much money on my travels!
Another issue I often encountered was hidden fees and conditions when booking accommodations. But with Booking.com, all fees and conditions are clearly stated before you make your reservation. There are no surprises upon arrival, making the whole booking process stress-free.
Booking.com also has a review system where previous guests can leave feedback on their stay. This is extremely helpful in making decisions, as you can see honest reviews from people who have actually stayed at the property. I have found this to be an invaluable tool in choosing my accommodations.
With my overall experience with years of using this platform. Booking.com has made my travel planning much easier and hassle-free. So, next time you’re planning a trip, give Booking.com a try and see for yourself why it’s one of the top choices for every traveler worldwide.
🌟 Ready for Your Next Adventure? 🌟
Book with Booking.com Now!
Booking.com Review: The Pros of Renting a Car with Them
Ease of Booking
Booking.com is a user-friendly website that makes booking travel services a breeze. Their mobile app is also handy for making last-minute changes or bookings while on the go. Additionally, their confirmation emails are sent quickly and contain all the necessary details for your trip, making it easy to keep track of your reservation- super convenient!
Lots of filters to Find the Perfect Hotel
When booking a hotel, I like being able to customize my search based on what I need. That’s why I love Booking.com – they make it easier for me to filter accommodation options by price, location, amenities, and more. This is very helpful in finding exactly what you need and want that is within your budget.
They also have a great map view feature, which is especially helpful also when you’re booking in unfamiliar places. It shows you all the available options on a map so you can compare prices and amenities much more easily.
Great Cancellation Policy (some are up to 2 days cancellation)
Another thing I love about it..is its great cancellation policy. They offer various options, some of which allow you to cancel bookings up to 2 days before your check-in date with no extra charge. This gives me peace of mind, knowing that if anything unexpected comes up, I have the option to change my plans without losing any money.
How do I Cancel on Booking.com
If you need to cancel a booking through Booking.com, follow these simple steps.
- First, locate the confirmation email you received after booking and click the “Cancel Booking” button. This will redirect you to a page with your booking details.
- Scroll down and give reasons why you want to cancel your bookings, and now click the blue “Cancel Entire Booking” button at the bottom of the page and click it to confirm to cancel your reservation. And you’ll receive a confirmation email.
Note: Cancellation policies vary for each hotel, so always read the terms and conditions before booking. Generally, you can cancel without any charge up to 2-3 days before your check-in date. However, if you cancel the day before, the hotel may charge a fee to your credit card.
Transparent Pricing
Unlike other booking sites, Booking.com has no hidden fees or charges that pop up at checkout. This allows us to plan and budget our trip without any surprises accurately. Additionally, they offer a variety of family budget-friendly options, making it easier for families like ours to find affordable accommodations. This has been a huge help for us when planning our trips to California.
Loyalty Program for Lower Price (Genius Loyalty Program)
Booking.com also offers a loyalty program called “Genius” that rewards frequent users with lower prices and additional perks. These include a 10% discount on bookings, the option for early check-in and late check-out (2 hours before and after regular times), and airport shuttle service.
We have taken advantage of this program and seen significant savings on our trips. It’s worth signing up for if you use Booking.com frequently. So, these are some of the genius benefits of Booking.com’s loyalty program.
🌟 Ready for Your Next Adventure? 🌟
Book with Booking.com Now!
Booking.com Review: The Cons of Using Booking.com
Can be more expensive than booking direct
When booking through Booking.com, it’s important to remember that Booking.com may charge more than if you were to book directly with the hotel. This is because Booking.com charges a commission fee for their services, which adds up to the price of the hotel’s room rate.
To make sure you get the best deal, I’d suggest doing some research and comparing prices before booking. You may also find some exclusive discounts or promotions on the hotel’s website if you book directly, so be sure to check that out, too!
Poor Customer Service
While we have had mostly positive experiences with Booking.com, it’s important to mention that their customer service may not always be the best. The main way to contact their support team is through email, which can sometimes lead to delayed responses or unsatisfactory resolution of issues.
Some Reviews are Fake
It’s always helpful to read reviews from other travelers before booking a hotel or vacation rental, but you need to be aware that not all reviews on Booking.com are true. Some may be biased or even fake and could mislead you when making a booking decision.
So, it’s important to take these reviews with a grain of salt and do some additional research before making your choice. Don’t rely solely on these reviews – consider other factors like cost, location, and amenities as well.
Misleading Listings
While using Booking.com, it’s important to be aware that some listings may not accurately reflect the actual price or amenities of a hotel or flight. This can lead to unexpected costs and frustrations during your trip.
To avoid this, it’s always a good idea to compare prices and reviews on other sites like Expedia and Yelp before making a final booking decision. So, make sure you do your research and check prices to get the best deals.
🌟 Ready for Your Next Adventure? 🌟
Book with Booking.com Now!
Our Own Experience Using Booking.Com
As a travel blogger, I am constantly planning trips for my family, and using Booking.com has made the process so much easier. Not only do they offer a wide range of accommodations, but also other travel-related services such as car rentals, flights, attractions, and activities.
I have had nothing but positive experiences using Booking.com. The website is user-friendly and makes it easy to compare prices and features of different accommodations. I also appreciate the reviews from previous guests, as it helps me make informed decisions.
One instance that really stood out to me was when I had a flight delay and needed to find last-minute accommodation for my family. I researched and found a great hotel at a discounted price within minutes. It saved us from a stressful situation.
I also love that Booking.com offers a loyalty program where you can earn rewards for your bookings. As someone who travels frequently, it’s nice to be rewarded for using the platform.
Booking.com has been nothing short of fantastic. It has become my go-to website for all my travel needs, and I highly recommend it.
Alternatives to Booking.com
Expedia vs. Bookingcom
Expedia and Booking.com are two of the most popular websites travelers usually use to compare before making a reservation. Expedia is a well-known travel booking platform that offers a wide range of accommodations, flights, car rentals, tours, and vacation packages.
Like Booking.com, it also has a loyalty program where users can earn points or benefits for future bookings. It’s a convenient one-stop shop for all your travel needs.
We used Expedia to find the perfect flights and hotel for our family during our trip to Las Vegas. We could easily filter through different options based on price range, location, and amenities. It’s easy to use and offers a 24-hour cancellation policy.
However, Booking.com has the best cancellation policies than Expedia, depending on the hotel’s preference. Some hotels even offer an excellent cancellation policy up to two days before check-in! This gave us flexibility in case our plans changed at the last minute.
Expedia and Booking.com are legit and reliable options for booking your next trip. However, they do have slight differences in terms of their focus and offerings. Expedia is best if you need a one-stop shop for all your travel needs, while Booking.com is an excellent choice if you are primarily looking for hotel options.
Booking.com vs. Hotels.com
Another popular alternative to Booking.com is Hotels.com. Hotels.com is an online travel agency for booking hotel accommodations. The website offers access to over 325,000 hotels in more than 19,000 destinations around the world. While both platforms offer hotel reservations, there are some key differences between them.
Booking.com offers various services, making it a great choice if you need flights, car hire, and more, whereas Hotels.com is a better option for hotel reservations. Hotels.com also offers a rewards program that can benefit those who travel frequently or in large groups.
We decided to use Hotels.com for our family reunion because of the ease of booking multiple rooms in one reservation – something we could not do with Booking.com.
Booking.com vs. Tripadvisor
TripAdvisor is one of the most popular travel websites and one of the best alternatives to Booking.com, which offers a wealth of information for travelers planning their trips. As the world’s largest travel website, it has over a billion reviews and contributions from other travelers about various accommodations, attractions, restaurants, and more.
During our recent family trip to New Zealand, we found TripAdvisor to be extremely helpful in finding the best accommodations and activities based on the recommendations and experiences of other travelers.
What sets TripAdvisor apart is its community-focused approach, allowing users to interact with each other and share their travel insights. However, one downside is that TripAdvisor does not have a loyalty program like Booking.com’s rewards system.
However, in my experience, both platforms are user-friendly and offer customer support for any inquiries or issues that may arise during your trip.
Using Booking.com and TripAdvisor is beneficial for trip planning, as each offers unique features to help you find the best accommodations and activities. Why not try both and see which one suits you best?
Booking.com vs. Agoda
One of the alternatives I have used for my hotel bookings is Agoda, a popular online travel agency that focuses on Asia and has expanded globally. It is now part of the same parent company as Booking.com.
They offer various accommodation options, such as vacation rentals and guesthouses. Unlike other booking platforms, Agoda focuses more on offering discounts and deals, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers.
What I appreciate about Agoda is its “Best Price Guarantee” and loyalty program called “AgodaCash,” which offers rewards for frequent bookings. During our family trip to Spain, we used Agoda to book our hotel and were able to save money with their discounts. For example, we found a hotel for $100 per night on Agoda, while the same room was listed at $120 per night on Booking.com.
However, one downside is that Agoda only shows the nightly rate instead of the total price for your entire stay, as Booking.com does. Both platforms have user-friendly interfaces with interactive map views, but Booking.com has better features for sorting and filtering than Agoda does. This makes it easier to find the perfect place to stay.
🌟 Ready for Your Next Adventure? 🌟
Book with Booking.com Now!
FAQs: Is Booking.com Legit?
How safe is Booking.com
Booking.com is one of the world’s biggest and most established online travel websites, and people have been using it for many years. It takes security and safety seriously, with various measures to protect customers’ privacy and financial information.
Is Booking.com a good site
Booking.com is a good website for booking hotels, flights, and car rentals. It offers helpful search tools to help you find the best deals and excellent customer service. It is easy to use and has a good reputation for reliability.
How to write a review on Booking.com (as a customer)
To write a review on Booking.com after your stay, wait for an email invitation from Booking.com or log into your account to access the review form. Rate aspects like cleanliness, comfort, and staff, and write a detailed text review, focusing on positives and negatives. Be honest, objective, and respectful. After submitting, your review will be processed and published on the property’s page, helping future guests and the accommodation provider.
Final Thoughts: Is Booking.Com Legit?
Booking.com is a wonderful online resource for the traveling family. It offers trustworthy features and a secure platform for booking hotel reservations, flights, and car rentals. With 24/7 customer support and an easy-to-use website, it provides a great resource for budget travelers.
The overall experience we had with Booking.com has left us convinced that there is no better way to book our trips in the future. We highly recommend giving Booking.com a try if you still need to – you won’t be disappointed!
So, whether you’re looking to take a relaxing vacation or need a place to lay your head overnight, don’t forget about Booking.com when it comes time to make those travel arrangements – the answer is YES, booking through this service is legit!
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✍️ Meet Emilie, the founder of Love Life Abroad ✍️
Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She’s a born wanderer. From an early age, she wanted to be on the move. Whether searching for a condo in California (at age 16) or flying to Ireland to see musician Damien Rice, she’s always looked for any excuse to pack a bag and explore. Now, she has two boys, who are planning epic road trips and adventures as much as possible. Emilie helps families with young children to plan unique road trips and outdoor adventures because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids?
Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.