Best Hotel Booking Loyalty Programmes
Choosing the right hotel booking platform can make or break your trip. Beyond just finding the best price, the experience itself—whether it's luxury upgrades, unique amenities, or loyalty rewards—can really elevate your stay. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly options or splashing out on a luxury getaway, understanding the differences between these platforms will help you get the most out of your next trip.
In this guide, we’re comparing four popular hotel booking platforms: Booking.com, Mr & Mrs Smith, Expedia, and Trip. We’ll focus on their loyalty programs, unique perks, and what sets them apart from one another. As Roote’s favourite, we’ll kick things off with Booking.com, but each platform offers something different. Let’s dive in!
1. Booking.com: Roote’s Favourite for Flexibility and Rewards
Booking.com is our top pick for its wide range of accommodations, flexible booking options, and its fantastic Genius loyalty program. Whether you're booking a budget hostel or a 5-star hotel, Booking.com is our go-to for its variety, user-friendly interface, and exclusive perks.
Why You’ll Love It:
Genius Loyalty Program: Booking.com’s Genius program rewards frequent users with discounts, free breakfasts, room upgrades, and even early check-in/late check-out options. The more you book, the better the rewards, with discounts up to 15% off select bookings and other premium perks.
Massive Selection: With millions of properties listed worldwide, Booking.com offers everything from basic budget options to luxury stays, making it ideal for all types of travellers.
Free Cancellations: Many properties offer free cancellation, providing flexibility in case your plans change.
Roote’s Top Tip: Sign up for Genius as soon as possible to unlock exclusive discounts and perks, even if you’re just starting out as a traveller!
A Heads-Up: Booking.com’s booking fees, while often low, can add up on some properties, so always double-check the total price.
2. Mr & Mrs Smith: The Luxury Option with Exclusive Add-Ons
If you're seeking something extra special, Mr & Mrs Smith is your luxury hotel booking site. Known for curating the best boutique and luxury hotels worldwide, Mr & Mrs Smith goes beyond just booking your stay—they add exclusive touches that make your experience unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love It:
Luxury & Boutique Stays: Mr & Mrs Smith is all about unique and luxurious experiences, with a handpicked selection of boutique hotels, from chic city stays to idyllic countryside escapes. Their collection features some of the most stylish and exclusive hotels around the globe.
Exclusive Add-Ons: When booking through Mr & Mrs Smith, you’ll often find complimentary perks such as free champagne, spa treatments, welcome gifts, and upgrades. These thoughtful touches make each stay feel extra special and are often only available when booking directly through the site.
Smith Extras: Members get access to special perks, including exclusive deals and priority booking for some of the most sought-after luxury hotels.
Roote’s Top Tip: For extra luxury, consider booking one of their Smith & Kids hotels if you’re travelling with children. These properties are specifically designed with families in mind, offering babysitting services and kid-friendly activities.
A Heads-Up: While the luxury experience is top-notch, Mr & Mrs Smith is more suited for those willing to splurge, as it tends to focus on higher-end accommodations.
3. Expedia: The Trusted All-Rounder with Plenty of Options
Expedia is one of the largest and most established online travel agencies, offering everything from hotel bookings to flights, car rentals, and even activities. It’s a go-to for travellers seeking flexibility, variety, and competitive pricing, whether you’re booking a last-minute getaway or planning ahead for a luxury escape.
Why You’ll Love It:
Wide Selection of Hotels: Expedia offers a massive range of properties, from budget motels to luxury resorts. Whether you’re looking for a cosy city stay or an all-inclusive beach resort, you’ll find a great selection.
Expedia Rewards: Expedia’s loyalty program lets you earn points on every booking, including flights, car rentals, and activities, which can be redeemed for discounts on future trips. The more you book, the more points you earn, making it ideal for frequent travellers.
Bundle & Save: One of Expedia’s key features is the ability to bundle your bookings—hotel, flight, and car rental. Bundling often leads to extra savings, making it a great option for those looking to book an entire trip in one place.
Roote’s Top Tip: Sign up for Expedia Rewards to start earning points towards future bookings. If you’re booking multiple aspects of your trip (like flights and hotels), bundling them together can offer significant savings!
A Heads-Up: While Expedia offers great deals, some properties may not be eligible for free cancellations or have limited perks compared to platforms like Mr & Mrs Smith or Booking.com, which may offer additional upgrades or inclusions.
4. Trip: The Newcomer Offering Competitive Prices
Trip is a newer player in the travel industry but has quickly made a name for itself with its competitive pricing and strong loyalty offerings. Trip partners with platforms like Expedia and Booking.com to provide a wide range of accommodation options, with the added benefit of its Trip Rewards program.
Why You’ll Love It:
Competitive Pricing: Trip often offers lower prices than many competitors, which is perfect for budget-conscious travellers looking for value.
Trip Rewards: Earn points on every booking, which can be redeemed for discounts or free nights. The more you book, the more you save, making it an attractive option for frequent travellers.
Diverse Range of Hotels: Thanks to partnerships with major hotel booking sites, Trip offers a wide variety of properties, from affordable options to high-end hotels.
Roote’s Top Tip: If you’re booking for a longer stay or extended trip, check Trip for last-minute deals or discounted rates for multiple-night bookings.
A Heads-Up: Trip doesn’t always offer the same level of luxury or boutique stays as Mr & Mrs Smith, but it provides solid value for those looking for budget-friendly options.
So, Which Hotel Booking Site Should You Choose?
When it comes to booking your next hotel stay, each of these platforms offers something unique:
Booking.com: Best for flexibility, loyalty perks, and an extensive selection of hotels. It’s ideal for both budget and luxury travellers, with the added benefit of its Genius rewards program.
Mr & Mrs Smith: The go-to for luxury and boutique stays. If you're after a high-end experience with exclusive perks like champagne and spa treatments, this platform is for you.
Expedia: The best all-rounder for a wide variety of properties and a solid rewards program. It's perfect for bundling your entire trip—hotel, flight, and car rental—into one easy booking.
Trip: Perfect for budget-conscious travellers looking for competitive pricing and a simple loyalty program. It’s also great for those needing last-minute deals and extended stay discounts.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Whether you’re booking a budget-friendly getaway or indulging in a luxurious, pampering stay, these platforms offer something for every traveller