Searching for the perfect place to stay can often feel overwhelming, especially when you’re on a tight budget. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of search platforms designed specifically to simplify this task for you. But with a sea of options available, how do you navigate the multitude of choices to find the most reliable one? In reality, the best site for you will depend on your personal preferences and travel goals.
To help you navigate this crowded landscape, we’ve compiled a list of 10 travel websites for comparing prices and booking your dream accommodations. But first an introduction…
Not all sites are the same
When you start your search for places to stay for your next getaway, you’ll find a plethora of travel sites available to simplify this often daunting task. However, it’s crucial to understand that not all these platforms function the same way. Specifically, there’s a key difference between price comparison or metasearch sites, commonly known as aggregators, and online travel agencies (OTAs).
Metasearch sites or aggregators simply show you a list of accommodation options and prices from various sources, including OTAs and sometimes even directly from hotels. These platforms offer a panoramic view of your options, but they don’t actually handle the reservation process. Instead, once you’ve made your selection, you’ll typically be redirected to an OTA or hotel’s website to complete the booking.
OTAs, on the other hand, act as full-service intermediaries between you and your chosen accommodation. Not only do they list properties, but they also facilitate the booking and payment process through their own platform. That’s why, if any issues arise during your stay—such as needing to cancel your reservation or request a refund—the hotel will direct you to handle the matter with the OTA, as they are responsible for your booking.
After this brief intro, here is our list of the top 10 travel sites for finding great deals on accommodation, neatly categorized into two main types: travel search engines or aggregators and online travel agencies (OTAs).
Travel Search Engines
1. Google Hotel Search
As part of its travel services, Google not only lets you search for flights but also for hotels and vacation rentals. Similar to Google Flights’ world map feature, which displays prices per destination, the hotel search function shows the location and prices of accommodations based on your preferences. Results can be customized using various filters such as price, property type, guest rating, amenities, and brands. Unfortunately, there is no option to select booking providers, so the lowest prices shown may sometimes come from sites you’ve never heard before. Accommodations cannot be booked directly on Google; instead, you will be redirected to the provider’s site when you click on an offer. Be sure to review the “View more options from…” section to explore all available offers, as the top results are often sponsored (paid ads).
2. Kayak
One of the most well-known travel search engines, Kayak has numerous tools to assist budget travelers in finding a great deal on lodging. In addition to its website, Kayak offers special mobile rates available exclusively on their award-winning app. Results can be customized using various filters and a price slider, allowing you to define your budget. Other features include price alerts, member-only rates, and a travel itinerary organizer called Trips. Note that as a search engine, Kayak doesn’t handle bookings directly; it displays the best prices available across different platforms.
3. HotelsCombined
This search site aggregates results from a variety of travel websites to present the best options based on your preferences. You can choose to view either the nightly price or the total stay price, which includes taxes and fees—a smarter choice to know your actual expenditure. HotelsCombined offers a “Best price guarantee,” pledging to refund the difference if you find a better deal elsewhere post-booking. Their interface is easy to use, with numerous filters for customizing your search. You can even select your preferred booking providers, filtering out less trustworthy or unfamiliar options.
4. CozyCozy
This accommodation search engine is a recent addition to the plethora of platforms promising the best deals on places to stay. What sets CozyCozy apart is its wide range of accommodation types, from traditional hotels and vacation rentals to unique options like tree houses and boats. The site’s interface is visually engaging, with each listing showing an image along with key details such as price, reviews, and location. This snapshot layout helps you quickly discern your preferred accommodation type without having to click through each listing, saving you time and effort.
5. Tripadvisor
This popular platform offers comprehensive information about various travel aspects, including user reviews on accommodations. When it comes to lodging, Tripadvisor operates as a metasearch engine, displaying a list of prices provided by its partner sites. Accommodations boasting consistently good reviews may display the “Travelers’ Choice” seal, a badge of quality that comes in two types: the green seal for properties ranked in the top 10%, and the gold seal for those considered the “best of the best,” or ranked in the top 1%. To find places with good reviews and that fit your budget, try using the price slider and then sort the results by “traveler ranked.”
Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)
6. Booking.com
With a very straightforward name, Booking.com has become the go-to site for many travelers. In addition to its low-price guarantee and its Genius Loyalty Program, Booking.com partners with various airlines to offer special rates and even the opportunity to earn bonus miles. Examples of airline partners include TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Aegean, among others. This OTA boasts an extensive portfolio of accommodation types, such as hotels, apartments, hostels, resorts, cabins, and more unconventional options like boats and farms. There are also special rates for extended stays, exceeding 30 days. The site provides a user-friendly interface complete with abundant pictures and reviews, as well as various filters to tailor your search. Features like free cancellation, price match, and no booking or credit card fees are additional perks. Always make sure to read the fine print to understand any additional charges, such as local taxes or cleaning fees.
7. Agoda
Gaining traction for its consistently low prices and frequent discounts, Agoda often offers sales tailored to your search criteria. For instance, we once found an amazing “Night Owl Sale” deal for a room in Prague’s Old Town for just $35! Although it specializes in the Asia-Pacific region, Agoda has a global reach, as demonstrated by the Prague deal. The platform offers a “Spontaneous Savings” page filled with frequently updated coupons and deals. Becoming an AgodaVIP, the site’s loyalty program, entitles you to benefits such as a best-price guarantee and exclusive discounts.
8. Expedia
One of the industry giants, Expedia has been operating since 1996. It is part of the Expedia Group, which also owns other notable travel platforms like Hotels.com, Travelocity, and Vrbo. Its new loyalty program, OneKey, allows members to earn virtual “cash” that can be used across Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo platforms. To access all hotel deals, a free Expedia membership is required, offering additional savings like 10% off on hotels and up to 30% off when bundling a hotel with a flight. Please note that the prices shown initially do not include additional taxes and fees.
9. Hotwire
For the adventurous traveler, Hotwire has what it calls “Hot Rates,” where you can book accommodations at 4-star hotels for the price of a 2-star establishment. The catch? You’ll only find out the exact details of your hotel after you’ve completed the booking. The site also offers standard hotel options and price alerts. Be advised that bookings made at “Hot Rates” are final; no refunds or changes are allowed.
10. Hopper
Exclusively available as a mobile app, Hopper utilizes a color-coded map to display price trends for accommodations: green for the cheapest days, orange for average prices, and red for the most expensive. Its unique price prediction feature analyzes historical data to advise whether it’s a good time to book or better to wait. There’s an option to “freeze the price” for a nominal fee if you’re undecided. Be cautious, as Hopper automatically adds a “tip” to the total cost, which you’ll need to manually remove if you prefer not to pay it.
Additional Tips for Booking Accommodations Online
- Choose Reputable Companies: Stick to OTAs with a solid track record of customer service. This ensures that you’ll have reliable help should anything go awry.
- Read the Fine Print: Always go through the terms and conditions meticulously, particularly when booking non-refundable stays. This will help you understand your rights and obligations related to the booking.
- Payment Details: Check when your credit card will be charged—either at the time of booking or upon arrival at the hotel. Make sure you know which payment methods are accepted and familiarize yourself with the site’s refund policies.
- Check Reviews Across Multiple Platforms: While customer reviews are helpful, they can also be subjective. It’s a good idea to read reviews on multiple sites but use your own judgment when making the final decision to book.
- Identify Safe and Convenient Areas: Make a list of areas that are both safe and suit your budget. Use a map to locate nearby amenities like public transport, dining options, supermarkets, and attractions.
- Use Advanced Mapping Features: For a closer look at potential areas to stay, input the exact address into Google Maps. Utilize the Street View feature by dropping the little figure onto the street to get a real-world view of the surroundings. This can offer additional insights into the locale’s overall vibe and amenities.
In Summary
Effective use of travel search platforms and OTAs can not only save you money, but also give you peace of mind by ensuring that you choose the best accommodation based on your needs and preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first getaway, we hope this guide will help make it easier for you to book your ideal accommodation at a great price.
