The Best Websites for Booking Hotels (Hint: It Depends on What You Want)

By Raizel Albano
Some of the biggest names in online hotel bookings.
Some of the biggest names in online hotel bookings.  Hotelflightsdeals.

There are hundreds of online hotel booking engines to choose from and there are slight-to-huge differences when sites are placed side-by-side. A hotel may be more affordable on Site A compared to Sites B and C, or a website may have more options than others. When choosing a booking website though, what weighs out is the prospective traveler's motivation for booking, and his/her travel preferences.

Nomadic Matt, author of the bestseller "How to Travel the World on $50 a Day," once did an experiment comparing six hotel booking websites. He finds, "Hotels have a variety of rates: prepaid, flexible, corporate, discounted, and more. And while rates go up and down based on demand, they don't (luckily) swing as widely as airline prices. They are a bit more static." This finding is good news for travelers who would want to start with a levelled ground when comparing a listing on different websites.

Which sites are best for booking hotels? Here is a quick guide:

Preference 1: "I want a budget hotel"

The best website for budget hotel listings is Trivago.com. The site is constantly updated with special offers and deals, and by default shows the cheapest hotels on top. The only caveat is a buyer would have to read the listing carefully, as some listings end up being affordable because the room offered has no window, no breakfast, or no free parking.

Preference 2: "I have to book the last minute"

The best websites for rushed bookings are LateRooms.com and LastMinute.com. Both sites offer many listings within the same budget and amenities range for those bookings that have to be decided on quickly. Booking on these sites are also more straightforward and minus the page clutter, as they are designed for the 'rushed' traveler.

Preference 3: "I have a flexible budget and I want to check out my options"

Hotels.com offers the widest variety of listings, ranging from one-star to five-star hotels. This site is built for the traveler who wants to take his/her time in choosing a hotel, as the filters offered are generous as well. Filters include TripAdvisor reviews, hotel amenities, budget range, location, and distance from popular sites. Hotel searches can also be filtered using holiday options, such as for family, outdoors, food trips, long drives, and shopping among others.

Choosing the best hotel booking website all boils down to one's personal preference for hotel stays. Nomadic Matt adds that while third-party booking sites offer better deals than booking directly with hotels, these sites can't let a traveler earn hotel points. On the same note, travelers can earn points on these sites' own point systems, albeit with less rewards. 

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo