Booking.com Review

By providing robust tools that greatly simplify user experience, customer favorite Booking.com offers easy access to one of the widest selections of both traditional hotels and harder-to-find lodging options.

The Good

One of the best in customer satisfaction

According to an independent study by J.D. Power and Associates in 2012, Booking.com scored the best in terms of overall customer satisfaction. They received above-average ratings in all categories -- the only company in the study to do so -- and customers particularly appreciated Booking.com's clean website layout and intuitive booking process. The wide variety of travel accommodations available and the detailed information about each property also left a good impression on those who visited the website. These may seem like relatively insignificant details, but they make a big difference in your overall experience.

Deals on all types of accommodations

In addition to hotels, Booking.com offers deals on a number of other places to stay, including resorts, vacation rentals, and hostels. Some of these lodging options can be found on a few other travel sites, but certain types of accommodations like bed and breakfasts and homestays are a little harder to come by on most major travel booking websites. If you're interested in one of these alternative travel accommodations, definitely explore what Booking.com has to offer because you won't be able to find a selection like this elsewhere.

Thematic search functionality

Booking.com enables you to search for travel accommodations by theme, some of which are based on locations or amenities like beach and spa hotels, while others are tailored to specific groups of travelers like family and business hotels. If you fit into one of these categories, this is a good place to start your search. Additional search criteria, including specific dates and hotel ratings, can be added to speed up the process of finding the perfect place to stay.

Account available on any device

Your Booking.com account is accessible from your computer, tablet, and smartphone, which facilitates the booking process considerably. For example, say you're in the middle of looking at hotels online when you have to run out the door. Sign in to your account on your mobile app and click on recent searches. Since everything is synced, you can quickly return to what you were looking at without having to re-enter your search criteria. Credit card information is also stored across all devices so you can make a reservation quickly.

Powerful mobile capabilities

Booking.com's app has garnered some of the highest reviews of any mobile app in the industry, earning over a 4.5 out of 5 stars from customers. Available on Android, Apple, and Windows phones, the app gives you access to all of the same search tools found on the company's website. If you're looking for a last-minute hotel, Booking.com's mobile app shows you what's available in your area with just a few clicks. Once you've made your reservation, the app even provides a map from where you are to the location using the GPS in your phone. Signing into your account from the app makes the booking process move even faster and all of your searches and payment information are automatically synced with your phone for future use.

Secret deals for members

Booking.com's newsletters contain Secret Deals, which are half-price hotels and other travel accommodations available for a short time. These emails can be customized by selecting your favorite travel destinations. Booking.com keeps an eye out for any deals that apply and alerts you right away, so you can finally book that dream vacation at a price that fits within your budget. These newsletters are free to subscribe to and you can unsubscribe at any time, but they're definitely worth a look if you want insider information on the best hotel deals available.

The Bad

List prices don't include tax