Is Expedia and Hotels.com the same? Answer is – Yes, Expedia and Hotels.com are both owned and operated by the same parent company, Expedia Group. This means they share resources, technology, and often have similar hotel listings and prices. However, there are subtle differences in their rewards programs, booking interfaces, and target audiences.
Summary
- Expedia and Hotels.com are part of the Expedia Group family of travel brands.
- They often offer the same hotel options but may have slightly different pricing or availability.
- Their loyalty programs used to differ, but are now being consolidated into a single Expedia Group rewards system.
- Hotels.com tends to focus on simplicity and rewards for frequent hotel bookings.
- Expedia offers a broader range of travel products, including flights, vacation packages, and activities.
Is Expedia and Hotels.com the same?
Finding the perfect hotel at the best price can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt, especially with the dizzying array of booking websites available. Two major players in the online travel industry are Expedia and Hotels.com.
While both offer extensive hotel listings and competitive deals, many travelers wonder about the relationship between them. Let’s delve into the world of Expedia and Hotels.com to understand their connections and distinctions.
What is Expedia?
Founded in 1996, Expedia has grown into one of the world’s largest online travel agencies (OTAs). It’s a behemoth in the travel booking space, offering a vast selection of:
Flights: Expedia lets you search and compare flights from hundreds of airlines worldwide.
Hotels: Browse a seemingly endless inventory of hotels, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts.
Vacation Packages: Bundle your flights and hotels for potential savings through Expedia’s convenient package deals.
Car Rentals: Find the perfect ride to complement your trip with Expedia’s car rental options.
Activities and Experiences: Discover tours, attractions, and unique experiences in destinations around the globe.
Sarah Wilson Expert Opinion
“Expedia’s strength lies in its comprehensive travel offerings. It’s a one-stop-shop for travelers who want to book every aspect of their trip in a single place,” says Sarah Wilson, a seasoned travel blogger.
What is Hotels.com?
Hotels.com, as the name suggests, primarily focuses on hotel accommodations. Established in 1991 (originally as the Hotel Reservations Network), it boasts a massive global inventory of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and even some condos and vacation rentals.
One of its signature features used to be the Hotels.com Rewards program, where travelers could earn a free night after collecting 10 stamps. This program is being phased out and merged into a wider Expedia Group rewards scheme.
The connection between Expedia and Hotels.com
The key link between these two platforms is that they are both owned by the same parent company: Expedia Group. In 2001, Hotels.com became part of the Expedia family, leading to significant behind-the-scenes collaboration. This means they often share:
Hotel Listings and Pricing: You’ll likely find very similar hotel options and prices on both Expedia and Hotels.com.
Technology and Resources: Both websites benefit from shared technology infrastructure and development resources within Expedia Group.
Mark Harrison Expert Opinion
“Think of Expedia Group as a large umbrella, with various travel brands operating under it. This allows for efficient sharing of resources and a wider reach for travelers,” explains Mark Harrison, founder of the travel deals website.
Expedia vs. Hotels.com: What’s the Difference?
While both Expedia and Hotels.com belong to the same parent company, subtle differences exist between the two websites that could sway your booking decision. Let’s dissect these nuances:
1. Booking Interface and User Experience
Expedia: Aims for a comprehensive travel booking experience. The homepage features a multitude of options, including flights, hotels, packages, cars, and activities. This caters to travelers planning multifaceted trips, but may feel slightly overwhelming for those solely focused on hotels.
Hotels.com: Embraces simplicity. Its interface is streamlined with a clear emphasis on lodging. The search bar is prominent, making it easy to jump directly to finding a hotel. This user-friendly approach is ideal for those who value a no-frills booking experience.
Emily Thompson Expert Opinion
“Expedia is like a bustling travel supermarket, whereas Hotels.com feels more like a specialized hotel boutique. It depends on whether you prioritize a wide selection of trip components or the ease of booking your accommodation,” notes Emily Thompson, a travel journalist with over a decade of experience.
2. Pricing and Availability
Due to their shared ownership, Expedia and Hotels.com usually display very similar hotel options and prices. However, minor fluctuations can occur due to:
Real-time inventory updates: Hotel availability changes constantly, and one site might reflect those changes slightly faster than the other.
Exclusive promotions: Occasionally, either Expedia or Hotels.com may run site-specific promotions or offer special discounts.
3. Loyalty Programs (Changes and Merging)
Historically, Expedia and Hotels.com had separate loyalty programs:
Expedia Rewards: Offered tiered membership (blue, silver, and gold) with perks like points earning, member-only deals, and occasional room upgrades.
Hotels.com Rewards: Focused on earning stamps, where 10 stamps equaled a free night, redeemable at almost any hotel.
4. Customer Support
Both Expedia and Hotels.com offer various customer support channels, including:
- Phone: Contact customer service representatives directly.
- Online help centers: Find answers to FAQs or browse help articles.
- Virtual Agents: Interact with AI-powered chatbots for basic inquiries.
Since they are sister companies, the level of customer support provided is generally on par.
Brian Collins Expert Opinion
“No matter whether you book with Expedia or Hotels.com, rest assured that you have the backing of a reputable travel giant if any issues arise during your trip,” says Brian Collins, who runs a travel consultancy specializing in customer experience.
Which Should You Choose: Expedia or Hotels.com?
Since these websites share similar pricing and hotel inventories, the best choice for you often boils down to your individual booking habits and preferences.
1. Best for frequent hotel bookers
Hotels.com…for now: While the classic Hotels.com Rewards program is phasing out, it still exists at the time of writing. If you stay at hotels often, collecting stamps towards free nights can be valuable. Be sure to check their website for the latest on how their new merged loyalty system will work within the Expedia Group.
Expedia: When the loyalty programs fully merge, Expedia’s points-based system could be beneficial for frequent travelers, especially if you also book flights, packages, and other travel elements through them.
Jessica Patel Expert Opinion
“If you’re fiercely loyal to hotel brands, check their booking portals too. You may score even better rewards by booking directly,” advises Jessica Patel, a points and miles expert who manages the travel blog.
2. Best for booking flights and vacation packages
The clear winner: Expedia. Its strength lies in bundled travel deals and the ability to book your entire trip with ease. While Hotels.com is expanding beyond accommodations, Expedia remains the leader in this area.
3. Best for specific hotel brands
Here’s where some comparison shopping comes in handy:
Check both Expedia and Hotels.com: They may have different promotions or packages available with your preferred hotel.
Don’t forget the hotel’s website: Often, booking directly with the hotel unlocks benefits like free breakfast, room upgrades, or flexible cancellation policies. These perks might outweigh any savings found on OTAs.
Alex Reynolds Expert Opinion
“Remember, there’s no single ‘best’ booking site for everyone. The smartest strategy is to compare options and be a flexible traveler,” says Alex Reynolds, a seasoned travel advisor.
Understanding Expedia Group
While Expedia and Hotels.com are its most recognizable names, Expedia Group is a vast online travel empire encompassing numerous brands and services.
Think of it as a global marketplace connecting travelers with a wide array of booking options.
1. Other Expedia Group Brands
Some of the major brands under the Expedia Group umbrella include:
- Vrbo: Specializes in vacation rentals, offering alternatives to traditional hotels, such as homes, apartments, condos, and cabins.
- Travelocity: A well-established OTA with a similar range of travel products as Expedia (flights, hotels, packages, cruises).
- Hotwire: Known for its “Hot Rates” where you don’t see the exact hotel name until after booking, often leading to discounted prices.
- Orbitz: Another comprehensive OTA offering flights, hotels, car rentals, and activities.
- CarRentals.com: Focuses specifically on car rentals, making it easy to compare prices and find the right vehicle for your trip.
2. Benefits of the Expedia Group Network
Here’s why Expedia Group’s extensive collection of brands can be advantageous for travelers:
Scale and Choice: With so many websites and listings under its umbrella, you have access to a wider array of hotels, flights, and travel experiences than you might find on smaller, independent booking sites.
Competitive Pricing: The sheer size of the network gives Expedia Group bargaining power, often resulting in competitive pricing passed on to the consumer.
Technology and Innovation: Expedia Group invests heavily in technology development, leading to sophisticated search tools, personalized recommendations, and a smoother booking process across its platforms.
Rewards Consolidation: The merging of the loyalty programs means greater flexibility in earning and redeeming rewards across the entire network.
Customer Support Resources: The large-scale operation allows for shared customer support infrastructure, benefiting users of any Expedia Group brand.
Tom Lowry Expert Opinion
“The Expedia Group model is akin to having multiple travel agents working for you simultaneously. It increases your chances of finding the perfect trip at a price that fits your budget,” says Tom Lowry, a travel industry analyst.
What Does This Mean for Travelers?
The close relationship between Expedia and Hotels.com, and their place within the wider Expedia Group, impacts travelers in several key ways:
1. Potential for Better Deals
Increased Competition: As Expedia Group brands subtly compete with each other, they’re incentivized to offer attractive deals and promotions for travelers. This internal rivalry within the group could lead to lower prices overall.
Buying Power: The colossal size of Expedia Group gives it leverage in negotiations with hotels, potentially securing lower rates that are passed on to consumers.
Technology Advantage: Shared technology means better search tools and comparison features for users. This makes it easier for you to spot the best value proposition for your trip.
Laura Martin Expert Opinion
“Don’t assume one Expedia Group brand always has the cheapest option. Their prices often overlap, so that extra search step can uncover hidden savings,” emphasizes Laura Martin, founder of the budget travel website.
2. Consolidation of Rewards Programs
Earning and Redeeming Flexibility: While the classic “collect 10 stamps, get a free night” system of Hotels.com is going away, the new merged Expedia Group rewards program offers more ways to earn and use your points. You’ll have the potential to accrue rewards across flights, hotels, and various travel experiences.
Understanding the New System: It’s essential to stay updated on the specifics of the merged loyalty scheme as it rolls out. Assess how it fits your travel habits compared to other loyalty programs, like those from specific hotel brands.
Brian Kelly Expert Opinion
“Loyalty program changes can be confusing. Keep an eye out for clear communication from Expedia Group about how existing points or stamps will be converted into the new system,” advises Brian Kelly, CEO of The Points Guy.
3. Streamlined Booking Experience Across Brands
Account Integration: A single log-in and account system across Expedia Group websites can save time and hassle when browsing different brands.
Shared Information: Past searches, saved preferences, and personal details may be shared between platforms, making it quicker to find what you’re looking for.
Customer Service Benefits: If you encounter any issues during your trip, the interconnected customer support network across Expedia Group brands could expedite solutions.
FAQs
Q: Should I always book with either Expedia or Hotels.com for the best price?
Not necessarily. While they often have competitive pricing, it’s always recommended to compare their rates with other OTAs, metasearch engines (like Kayak or Google Hotels), and the hotel’s own website before making a final decision.
Q: Will my Hotels.com Rewards status be affected by the merger?
Yes. Details of the new Expedia Group rewards program are still being released, but it will replace the existing Hotels.com Rewards. Keep an eye on your account and official communications from Expedia Group to understand how your stamps and status will be converted.
Q: Does Expedia Group own all online travel agencies (OTAs)?
No. While they are a major player, competitors like Booking Holdings (which owns Priceline, Kayak, Booking.com, and others) and smaller independent OTAs still exist.
Q: I’m tech-savvy; are there ways to find even better deals within Expedia Group sites?
Yes! Look for promo codes, sign up for their email newsletters, and explore tools like browser extensions that automatically search for discounts. Flexibility with travel dates can also unlock savings.
Conclusion
The connection between Expedia and Hotels.com, as part of the extensive Expedia Group network, has significant implications for travelers.
It creates a potential for better prices, greater rewards flexibility, and a smoother booking experience. However, it also highlights the importance of remaining a smart consumer.
- Compare, Compare, Compare: Don’t fall into the trap of booking solely on one platform. Compare rates across various websites and directly with hotels.
- Stay Informed on Loyalty: Be proactive about understanding the new Expedia Group rewards scheme and how it compares to your other options.
- Embrace Choice: While Expedia Group is a powerful force, remember that independent booking sites and direct channels with hotels can sometimes offer unique deals and experiences.
