Introduction

Booking.com is a popular online booking platform that helps users find and reserve accommodations around the world. Founded in 1996, it has grown to become one of the world’s largest travel e-commerce companies, offering over 28 million listings, including hotels, apartments, hostels, and resorts in over 227 countries.

Pros and Cons

Booking.com offers a wide variety of accommodations at competitive prices, making it an ideal option for budget-conscious travelers. The platform is user-friendly and easy to navigate, and it also offers a range of filters to help users find the perfect accommodations. However, the platform has been criticized for its limited cancellation policies and hidden fees.

User Experience

Booking.com provides an efficient user experience, with an intuitive search bar and filters to help users easily find the ideal accommodations. Additionally, the platform features a user-friendly mobile app, providing users with the freedom to book accommodations on the go.

Pricing and Value for Money

While Booking.com offers great value for money with its competitive pricing and a variety of deals, the website has been criticized for its hidden fees and limited cancellation policies, which can be frustrating for users.

Alternatives

Some popular alternatives to Booking.com include Expedia, Airbnb, and Agoda, which also offer a wide range of affordable accommodations with flexible cancellation policies. However, Booking.com still reigns supreme when it comes to customer reach and breadth of inventory.

Customer Service

Booking.com offers customer support via phone, email, and live chat, providing assistance around the clock. The platform also features an extensive help center that addresses common questions and issues.

Product Quality and Selection

Booking.com offers a diverse range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts, making it a one-stop-shop for all types of travelers. The platform also features user reviews, helping users make informed decisions about their stay.

Website Usability

Booking.com features a clean and user-friendly design, making it easy to use and navigate. Additionally, the website features a robust search bar and filters that allow users to customize their search for accommodations.

Returns and Exchanges

Booking.com offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing users to cancel their reservation up until a few days before their check-in date. However, some accommodations may have more stringent cancellation policies, so it’s essential to read the terms and conditions carefully when booking.

Promotions and Discounts

Booking.com offers a range of promotions and discounts, including last-minute deals and early-bird discounts. Additionally, users can earn rewards through the Booking.com loyalty program, which offers discounts and other perks.

Reputation

Booking.com has a reputation as a reliable and trusted booking platform, thanks to its transparent and user-friendly approach to booking accommodations. Additionally, the platform is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, indicating a commitment to fair and ethical business practices.

Payment Options

Booking.com accepts a variety of payment options, including all major credit cards and PayPal, providing users with flexibility and convenience when booking.

Loyalty Programs

Booking.com offers a loyalty program, which allows users to earn rewards when they book accommodations on the platform. Rewards include discounts, free room upgrades, and other perks.

Customer Reviews

Booking.com features user reviews, helping users make informed decisions about their stay. The platform also encourages users to leave feedback after their stay, making it a valuable resource for future travelers.

Community Involvement

Booking.com is committed to responsible tourism and sustainability, partnering with organizations like the UNESCO World Heritage Center and the Rainforest Alliance to promote sustainable travel practices. The platform also encourages users to choose eco-friendly accommodations and offers a range of eco-friendly filters.

Shipping and Costs

Since Booking.com is an online booking platform, shipping is not applicable. Additionally, the costs associated with booking depend on the accommodation selected and any additional fees or taxes associated with the reservation. It’s important to read the terms and conditions carefully before booking to avoid any surprises.

Conclusion

Booking.com is a reliable and user-friendly booking platform, offering a wide range of accommodations at competitive prices. While there have been some criticisms of the platform’s limited cancellation policies and hidden fees, it remains one of the most popular and trusted travel booking sites. With a commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism, Booking.com also offers users the opportunity to make eco-friendly travel choices, making it a great option for conscious travelers.

Akshita Ajitsariya Senior Editor

I'm Akshita Ajitsariya, a Master's in English student from the University of Delhi, and I am skilled in proofreading, editing, writing, and research. My passion for books extends beyond just reading them,...

Booking Recent User Reviews

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Reviewer Name: Elaine

Review Submission Date: 2023-01-19

Review Title: Not worth 1 star
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Review Description: Not worth 1 star. So frustrating. Canno ask property a question as Booking.com do not forward. You can only call them if you have reservation number and pin. Absolutely rubbish. They seem to have monopoly on properties so you cannot do anything. Tge businesses or individuals will lose out because not being able to ask them something.

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Reviewer Name: Jan Wolf

Review Submission Date: 2023-01-19

Review Title: Refusal to give invoice
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Review Description: I booked I room in Lisbon and requested an Invoice, as soon as possible. The invoice never arrived, and repeated contacts with booking did not solve any problem, just made me loose time by asking the same booking details over and over, afterwards doing nothing. Work related travel with booking can really make you loose a lot of money, because there is no way you can guarantee an invoice.

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Reviewer Name: clare

Review Submission Date: 2023-01-19

Review Title: Horible
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Review Description: I canceled the reservation 15 minutes after booking.. and I never saw any money back...Ok, this company has NO consumer protection at all! For your safety NEVER pay for a reservation in front!You will never get your money back. Consumer service just doesn't care.

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Reviewer Name: Otman Elmasry

Review Submission Date: 2023-01-19

Review Title: Very bad experience
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Review Description: I am very disappointed. I had booked a flight through you (Booking) then my visa rejected, when I asked them to refund my money: no action has been taken. The support team is very terrible? very bad experience.

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Reviewer Name: Parul Mehta

Review Submission Date: 2023-01-19

Review Title: Do not book with booking.com
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Review Description: Very sad experience, the hotel I booked at Galveston island was literally crap the toilet seat was having holes on itSink was full with water and bathtub shower had no knobThe blanket which was given was burnt Even after I complained there was no action Please see the attached pictures and decid you should book with this website and hotel or not ?

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Reviewer Name: Jacinta Howard

Review Submission Date: 2023-01-18

Review Title: I’m disgusted
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Review Description: I’m disgusted. I booked and paid for an apartment, received the confirmation, and then paid for flights and transfers. I then received a rude message from the apartment saying my booking was cancelled. Numerous phone calls and promises for resolution later, and still nothing. I now have flights and a transfer I can’t use. I’m not surprised that the company has such dire reviews.

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Reviewer Name: PAT

Review Submission Date: 2023-01-18

Review Title: I had to cancel a booking due to…
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Review Description: I had to cancel a booking due to undergoing emergency surgery and having to follow up with a course of chemotherapy. I understand that if you cancel you are not entitled to a refund but I would have thought under the (unexpected) circumstances, some compassion may have been shown.I paid in full on my credit card so have taken the issue up with my CC provider.I cancelled the booking (for March 2023) on 27th December.My issue is that the property can/will be re-let and so the company get payment twice!, is this how they make a profit?

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Reviewer Name: Julie Robinson

Review Submission Date: 2023-01-18

Review Title: Will never use again
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Review Description: Will never use again . Reserved a room and they took £40 from me without me confirming I wanted it . They’d already said they wouldn’t take payment till booking was confirmed . Trying to resolve issue, you just talk on line to a robot called Mohamed via text . Disgusting Scammers !!

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Reviewer Name: RMC

Review Submission Date: 2023-01-18

Review Title: Hacked Account
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Review Description: Would give no stars. Since Dec 2022 I’ve received confirmation emails for 3 separate bookings . Not in my name. I have managed to speak with company each time. They have promised to get their fraud team to sort it and email me. Nothing at all. Have changed my password and deleted my account three times.Spoke with them yesterday about last issue. And today I have received yet another email from them. Exasperated.

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Reviewer Name: Dan

Review Submission Date: 2023-01-18

Review Title: Why all the negative reviews?
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Review Description: I don't understand all the negative reviews. I've used booking.com for years and stayed in dozens of hotels all over the world without any problems at all. Just don't book anywhere with less than 8.0 rating and use your common sense. Obviously the cheapest places with less than 8.0 rating will more likely have problems.
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