Looking to score the best hotel deals without the hassle? With a few innovative strategies, Hotels.com unlocks hidden discounts, free nights, and exclusive perks. Whether planning a luxury escape or a quick getaway, these 13 insider hacks will help you save big, stack rewards, and book smarter every time. Ready to travel more and spend less? Let’s dive into these expert tips and transform your next hotel stay into a savvy, money-saving adventure!

In this post, you’ll learn:

  • How to maximize Hotels.com rewards and earn free nights.
  • Where to find promo codes and stack discounts for extra savings.
  • About the best way to track hotel prices and rebook at lower rates.
  • How to combine cashback apps, gift cards, and credit card rewards.
  • Insider tips for unlocking secret prices and mobile-only deals.
  • How to leverage flexible dates and extended stays for deeper discounts.

1. Join the Hotels.com Rewards Program Immediately

Join the Hotels.com Rewards Program Immediately

The Hotels.com Rewards Program offers 1 free night for every 10 nights booked, with the free night’s value based on the average price of your stay.

Key Features of Hotels.com Rewards:

  • Silver and Gold Status: After 10 nights, you reach Silver status, unlocking perks like priority customer service. At 30 nights, you achieve Gold status, which includes free room upgrades.
  • Free Rewards Night Value: The free night’s value is the average of the 10 nights you’ve booked.

Maximizing the Rewards Program:

  • Strategic Booking: Try to book similarly priced stays to increase the value of your free night.
  • Using the Free Night: Apply it to premium properties for better savings.

Pro Tip: Use your free night on holidays, luxury stays, or weekends when hotel rates are highest to maximize value and enjoy premium experiences at no extra cost.

2. Use Coupon Codes to Slash Prices Further

Hotels.com regularly provides seasonal coupon codes that can reduce booking costs by 10-20%. Sign up for newsletters or check Dealhack’s coupon page to stay updated.

How to Get and Use Coupon Codes:

Coupon Code Best Practices:

  • Read Terms: Some codes exclude specific hotels or destinations.
  • Combine with Rewards: Apply codes along with rewards nights for double savings.

Pro Tip: Combine promo codes with cashback portals like Rakuten or TopCashback to stack discounts and maximize your savings on every booking.

3. Book During Secret Sale Events

Book During Secret Sale Events

Hotels.com offers secret prices exclusively to members, app users, and newsletter subscribers. To unlock these hidden deals, create an account or use the Hotels.com app.

How to Unlock Secret Prices:

  • Create an Account: Register on Hotels.com to unlock hidden rates and gain access to exclusive deals.
  • Use the App: Access mobile-only Secret Prices by booking through the Hotels.com app.
  • Newsletter Subscription: Secret sales are sometimes available only to newsletter subscribers.

Maximizing Secret Prices:

  • Combine with Rewards Nights: Use secret prices and rewards nights to reduce your final bill.
  • Use on Last-Minute Stays: Secret prices are often available for same-day bookings.

 Pro Tip: Set price alerts for secret deals on Hotels.com to stay notified and secure the best rates before they disappear.

4. Book Early – But Monitor Prices

Book early to guarantee better availability, especially during peak seasons. Monitor prices regularly to rebook if rates drop before your stay.

When to Book Early:

  • High Demand Seasons: Book 6-8 weeks before holidays or peak travel periods to secure availability and better rates.
  • Special Events: Hotels near event venues fill up quickly, so plan ahead to avoid missing out on the best options.

How to Monitor Prices After Booking:

  • Enable Free Cancellation: Choose hotels with free cancellation to rebook if prices drop, ensuring you always get the best rate.
  • Set Price Alerts: Use price alerts to monitor rate changes and rebook at a lower price when possible.

Pro Tip: Hotel prices often drop 48 hours before check-in, so use free cancellation to rebook at the lower rate and save.

5. Group & Meetings Discounts and Perks for Bulk Bookings

Group & Meetings: Unlock Discounts and Perks for Bulk Bookings

Hotels.com offers special discounts and tools for group stays and meetings, helping you save on multiple room bookings and event spaces.

How to Book and Save with Group & Meetings:

  • Use the Group Booking Tool: Compare hotel rates and get quotes for 10 or more rooms.
  • Corporate Discounts: Hotels.com provides special corporate rates for business meetings and events.
  • Event Spaces with Perks: Book hotels with conference rooms, catering, and A/V equipment for seamless events.

Group Booking Best Practices:

  • Flexible Policies: Many hotels offer free cancellations for group bookings, perfect for changing plans.
  • Monitor Prices: Book early and rebook if prices drop for the best deal.
  • Stack Corporate Discounts: Combine business rates with promo codes or rewards nights for extra savings.

Pro Tip: Use the Hotels.com mobile app to access last-minute group deals and unlock exclusive discounts on same-day bookings.

6. Activate Cash Back Through Reward Programs

Boost your savings by combining cashback apps with credit card rewards when booking on Hotels.com.

Top Cashback Apps to Use:

  • Rakuten: Earn up to 10% cashback on Hotels.com bookings when using Rakuten.
  • TopCashback: Take advantage of frequent bonuses on Hotels.com through TopCashback, especially during holiday sales.

Credit Card Rewards Programs:

  • Travel Rewards Cards: Use travel rewards cards to earn bonus points or cashback on your Hotels.com purchases.
  • Stacking Cashback: Maximize savings by combining app cashback with credit card points for additional rewards.

Pro Tip: Watch for limited-time cashback boosts on Hotels.com during significant holidays to maximize your savings.

7. Track Prices with Price Alerts

Track Prices with Price Alerts

Hotels.com allows users to set price alerts for selected hotels, ensuring you never miss a good deal.

How to Set Price Alerts:

  • Enable Alerts in the App: Use the app to track specific hotels and stay updated on real-time price changes.
  • Email Notifications: Receive email alerts whenever a price drops, so you never miss a chance to save.

Using Alerts Effectively:

  • Monitor Multiple Properties: Set alerts for multiple hotels to increase your chances of finding a good deal.
  • Combine with Free Cancellation: Book early with free cancellation, and rebook if the price drops.

Pro Tip: Set price alerts and use flexible date searches to find the best deals and maximize your savings.

8. Stack Discounts with Membership Programs and Cards

Hotels.com lets you stack discounts like promo codes, rewards nights, and cashback for extra savings on your bookings.

Programs That Offer Discounts:

  • AAA and Military Discounts: Certain hotels offer special rates for AAA members and military personnel, helping them save more.
  • Corporate Rates: Many companies provide exclusive employee travel discounts through Hotels.com, making business trips more affordable.

Credit Card Discounts:

  • Travel Cards: Use credit cards with travel rewards to earn extra points or cashback on Hotels.com bookings.
  • Limited-Time Offers: Take advantage of seasonal discounts offered by select cards when booking through Hotels.com during promotional periods.

Pro Tip: Pay with a credit card with no foreign transaction fees to avoid extra charges on international bookings.

9. Use Hotels.com Gift Cards for Extra Savings

Use Hotels.com Gift Cards for Extra Savings

Use discounted gift cards from third-party sites at checkout for extra savings. Combine them with promo codes to maximize discounts on Hotels.com.

Where to Find Gift Cards:

  • Third-Party Marketplaces: Purchase discounted gift cards from sites like Raise or Cardswap to save on Hotels.com bookings.
  • Holiday Promotions: Look for bonus gift cards offered by Hotels.com during holiday sales events for even more savings.

How to Use Gift Cards:

  • Combine with Promo Codes: Use both a gift card and a promo code at checkout to maximize your savings on Hotels.com
  • Apply to Taxes and Fees: Gift cards can also be applied to cover taxes and additional fees, reducing your overall booking cost.

Pro Tip: Purchase gift cards in bulk during holiday promotions to enjoy year-round savings on Hotels.com bookings.

10. Book Stays with Flexible Dates to Save More

Hotels.com’s flexible date search helps you find the best deals by shifting travel dates to avoid peak prices.

How to Use Flexible Dates:

  • Shift Travel by a Few Days: Book midweek stays to avoid weekend surcharges and enjoy lower rates.
  • Travel Off-Season: Plan your trips during non-holiday months to take advantage of cheaper hotel rates and fewer crowds.

Using the Calendar Grid:

  • Monthly View: Use the monthly grid tool on Hotels.com to identify the lowest prices across different dates quickly.
  • Combine with Price Alerts: Set price alerts to monitor fluctuations and rebook at lower rates for extra savings.

Pro Tip: Adjust your stay by 1-2 days to take advantage of off-peak rates and lower your booking costs.

11. Leverage Referral Programs for Bonus Rewards

Leverage Referral Programs for Bonus Rewards

Earn referral bonuses on Hotels.com by inviting friends to book through the platform, with rewards for you and your friend.

How Referral Programs Work:

  • Share Your Link: Invite friends through your Hotels.com account using your referral link to start earning rewards.
  • Earn Credits: Both you and your friend will receive booking credits that can be used toward future stays.

Maximizing Referral Bonuses:

  • Promote During Sales Events: Invite friends to take advantage of extra referral bonuses and maximize rewards during sales events.
  • Use Credits Strategically: Apply your earned credits to shorter stays to get the most value and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Pro Tip: Refer friends to Hotels.com during promotional periods to earn higher referral bonuses and maximize rewards.

12. Opt for Extended Stays to Unlock Weekly Discounts

Hotels.com provides discounts for stays of 7+ nights at select properties, making extended trips more affordable.

How to Book Extended Stays:

  • Search for Weekly Rates: Use Hotels.com’s extended stay filter to find discounted properties for stays of 7 nights or more.
  • Contact Hotels Directly: Contact hotels directly, as they may offer exclusive, unlisted discounts for longer stays.

When to Choose Extended Stays:

  • Business Travelers: Extended stays are perfect for work-related trips, offering convenience and potential discounts for professionals on the go.
  • Vacation Rentals: You can save more by booking apartments or suites, which provide extra space and amenities for longer stays.

Pro Tip: Opt for monthly stays to unlock even deeper discounts and maximize your savings on long-term bookings.

13. Take Advantage of Last-Minute Mobile Deals

Take Advantage of Last-Minute Mobile Deals

Hotels.com provides mobile-only discounts for same-day bookings, helping you save more on last-minute stays.

How to Use Last-Minute Deals:

  • Enable Mobile Notifications: Turn on notifications in the Hotels.com app to stay informed about flash sales and limited-time discounts instantly.
  • Use “Tonight’s Local Deals” Filter: Explore the “Tonight’s Local Deals” filter to find nearby hotels with last-minute discounts, perfect for spontaneous stays.

When to Use Last-Minute Deals:

  • Spontaneous Travel: Ideal for same-day or next-day trips, last-minute deals help you save while enjoying unexpected getaways.
  • High Vacancy Hotels: Hotels with excess availability frequently offer steep discounts to fill rooms quickly and boost occupancy.

Pro Tip: Make same-day bookings to take advantage of discounts that save you up to 50%.

Hotels.com Hacks: Smart Strategies to Save More and Earn Rewards

HackHow It SavesDescription
Join the Hotels.com Rewards ProgramEarn 1 free night for every 10 nights bookedJoin the program for free nights and perks like Silver and Gold status upgrades.
Use Coupon Codes10-20% off booking costsApply promo codes from newsletters or Dealhack’s coupon page for double savings.
Book During Secret Sale EventsUnlock exclusive, hidden ratesAccess secret prices through the app, registered account, or newsletter subscription.
Book Early, Monitor PricesBook early and rebook if prices dropSecure availability early, and rebook using free cancellation if prices drop later.
Activate Cash Back Through Rewards ProgramsUp to 10% cashback + credit card rewardsCombine apps like Rakuten with travel cards to maximize savings, especially during holiday sales.
Consider Booking PackagesBundle savings of up to 30% on flights and hotelsSave on international travel and family trips by booking flights + hotel packages.
Track Prices with AlertsRebook if prices drop; avoid paying moreSet alerts to get notified of price drops and rebook using free cancellation options.
Stack Discounts with MembershipsMilitary, AAA, and corporate discountsTo avoid extra fees, combine corporate, AAA, or military discounts with travel credit cards.
Use Gift Cards for Extra SavingsDiscounted gift cards cover costsBuy discounted gift cards during promotions to apply towards booking and taxes.
Book Stays with Flexible DatesAvoid peak rates with flexible bookingsUse the flexible date search tool to shift your stay and avoid peak pricing.
Leverage Referral ProgramsEarn booking credits with referralsInvite friends to Hotels.com, and both will receive booking credits.
Opt for Extended StaysWeekly rates reduce nightly costsBook extended stays to save more on business trips or vacation rentals.
Take Advantage of Last-Minute Mobile DealsMobile deals can save up to 50%Enable notifications and use the “Tonight’s Local Deals” filter for same-day discounts.

Conclusion

These 13 Hotels.com hacks will help you save more, earn rewards, and book smarter every time. Whether it’s a luxury vacation or a quick getaway, use these tips to unlock discounts, free nights, and secret prices. Stack promo codes, gift cards, and cashback offer to maximize your savings. Monitor prices and rebook with free cancellation if rates drop. Take advantage of group, corporate, and last-minute deals for even deeper discounts. Follow these strategies to travel better without breaking the bank!

Ready to implement these hacks? Visit Dealhack’s Hotels.com coupon page for the latest promo codes and save today!  Happy booking, and enjoy the savings.

FAQ

How does the Hotels.com Rewards Program work?

You earn 1 free night for every 10 nights booked, with the value of the free night based on the average cost of your stays.

Can I combine coupon codes with the Hotels.com rewards program?

Yes, you can stack promo codes with your rewards nights for double savings, but check the terms, as some restrictions may apply.

What are Hotels.com’s Secret Prices?

Secret Prices are exclusive discounts available only to members, app users, or newsletter subscribers.

Is it cheaper to book a hotel early or last minute on Hotels.com?

Booking early ensures availability, but prices sometimes drop 48 hours before check-in. If rates fall, use free cancellation to rebook.

Does Hotels.com offer cashback on bookings?

You can earn cashback through portals like Rakuten or TopCashback, especially during sales and holidays.

Can I use multiple discounts on the same booking?

You can stack membership discounts, gift cards, promo codes, and rewards for maximum savings.

Are gift cards available for Hotels.com?

You can buy discounted Hotels.com gift cards from third-party marketplaces and use them at checkout.

What is the best way to monitor hotel prices on Hotels.com?

Use the Hotels.com app to set price alerts and receive notifications about price drops for specific hotels.

Do extended stays qualify for discounts on Hotels.com?

Yes, many properties offer discounted weekly or monthly rates for extended stays.

How do I find the best last-minute deals on Hotels.com?

Use the Hotels.com app and enable notifications for “Tonight’s Local Deals” to access exclusive same-day discounts.