Online travel agency

Reviewed November 2026

Booking.com: what to know before you buy

Booking.com is one of the world's largest online travel sites, part of Booking Holdings. It is best known for hotel and accommodation bookings, from hotels to apartments and guesthouses, and also offers flights, car rentals, taxis and attractions in many markets. It suits travellers who want lots of choice in one place. Read each property's cancellation and payment terms before booking.

Travel & FlightsWorldwide

What you can buy

  • Hotels and accommodation
  • Apartments and holiday homes
  • Flights
  • Car rentals and airport taxis
  • Attractions and tours

Best for

  • Travellers comparing many stays in one place
  • Flexible planners who value free cancellation
  • Frequent travellers who can use loyalty perks

Ways to save at Booking.com

General money-saving moves that apply to this brand. Availability changes, so confirm on the brand's site.

  1. 1

    Use the Genius loyalty program

    Booking.com's Genius program gives signed-in members discounts and perks at participating properties.

  2. 2

    Filter for free cancellation

    Booking a free-cancellation rate early lets you rebook if a better price appears later.

  3. 3

    Compare refundable and non-refundable rates

    Non-refundable rates are often cheaper, but only choose them if your plans are fixed.

  4. 4

    Check app-only deals

    Some deals are shown only in the app. Compare before you book.

Check before you pay

The small print most worth reading for this brand.

  • Cancellation deadline and payment timing
  • Total price including taxes and local fees
  • Property location and recent guest reviews
  • Whether you pay now or at the property

Pros and considerations

What's good

  • Huge choice of accommodation worldwide
  • Many free-cancellation options
  • Loyalty perks for frequent users

Worth knowing

  • Terms vary by property
  • Extra fees may be charged at the property
  • Non-refundable rates are hard to change

Alternatives to Booking.com

Similar brands with their own BuySmart guides.

  • Trip.com

    Online travel agency

    A global booking site for flights, hotels, trains and travel extras

    WorldwideFeatured

  • lastminute.com

    Online travel agency

    Online travel agency for holidays, flights and hotels, mainly in the UK and Europe

    Worldwide

  • loveholidays

    Package holiday site

    UK-focused package holidays combining flights and hotels in one booking

    Worldwide

  • Cleartrip

    Online travel agency

    An Indian travel booking site for flights, hotels and more, owned by Flipkart

    Worldwide

Compare Booking.com

  • vs

    Booking.com vs Trip.com

    Booking.com is best known for accommodation, from hotels to apartments, and also offers flights, car hire and attractions. Trip.com covers a similar mix, with particular strength in flights and trains in some regions. Both are large, established platforms.

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Booking.com FAQ

What is Booking.com Genius?

Genius is Booking.com's loyalty program, offering discounts and perks at participating properties for signed-in members.

Can I cancel my booking for free?

Only if you chose a free-cancellation rate and cancel before its deadline. Check your confirmation for details.

Do I pay Booking.com or the hotel?

It depends on the booking. Some are paid upfront, others at the property. Your booking page shows which.

Does Booking.com sell flights?

Booking.com offers flights in many markets. Check availability in your country.

Ready to check Booking.com?

Confirm the current price, renewal terms and refund policy on the brand's own site before you pay.

Visit Booking.comMore travel brands

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