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Who Owns Hotels.com? Delving into the Brand’s Ownership and Its Parent Company’s Influence

Are you planning your next vacation and wondering who owns Hotels.com? Look no further!

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Expedia Group owns Hotels.com.

In this article, we’ll explore the history of Hotels.com, the role of Expedia Group in the company, and what this means for travelers like you.

The History of Hotels.com

Hotels.com is a popular online booking platform that provides travelers with a wide range of hotel options around the world. The platform has a vast database of hotels that can be accessed by travelers from any part of the world. The history of Hotels.com can be traced back to the early 1990s when the internet was in its early stages of development.

Founding of Hotels.com

Hotels.com was founded in 1991 by David Litman and Robert Diener. The founders were looking for a way to make it easier for travelers to find and book hotels in unfamiliar destinations. They realized that the internet could make this possible and decided to create a platform that would allow travelers to search, compare, and book hotels online.

Growth and Expansion

Hotels.com experienced rapid growth and expansion in the early 2000s, thanks to the increasing popularity of online booking platforms. The platform was able to attract a large number of users who were looking for a more convenient way to book hotels. The company continued to innovate, adding new features and functionalities to the platform, such as user reviews and ratings, and mobile applications.

Acquisition by Expedia Group

In 2001, Hotels.com was acquired by Expedia Group, one of the largest online travel companies in the world. The acquisition enabled Hotels.com to expand its reach and offer more services to its users. Expedia Group also provided the platform with the resources it needed to continue to innovate and improve its services. Today, Hotels.com is one of the most popular online booking platforms in the world, with millions of users and a vast database of hotels.

Expedia Group and Hotels.com

When it comes to online travel booking, Expedia Group is a well-known name. It is a global travel technology company that operates multiple online travel brands, including Hotels.com.

Founded in 1996, Expedia Group has grown to become one of the world’s leading online travel companies with operations in over 70 countries.

How Does Expedia Group Own and Operate Hotels.com?

Expedia Group acquired Hotels.com in 2001 for $1.1 billion. Since then, Hotels.com has become one of the leading online travel booking websites, providing travelers with access to over 500,000 properties worldwide.

Hotels.com operates as a subsidiary of Expedia Group, which means that it benefits from the resources and expertise of the wider company. However, it also operates as an independent brand, with its own website and mobile app, offering customers a unique user experience.

What Does This Mean for Travelers?

Hotels.com is owned by Expedia Group, one of the world’s leading travel companies. This means that customers of Hotels.com have access to a wide range of accommodations around the world, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly options. The platform offers over 500,000 properties in more than 200 countries and territories.

One of the greatest benefits for travelers who use Hotels.com is competitive pricing. The website offers some of the best rates available and also provides price match guarantee. If you find a lower rate for the same property on another website, Hotels.com will match it and even refund the difference. Keep in mind that this policy has some restrictions and limitations, so it’s important to read the terms and conditions before making a booking.

Another advantage for frequent travelers is the loyalty program offered by Hotels.com. Members can earn rewards such as free nights, upgrades, and exclusive discounts. The program is based on a simple concept: for every ten nights booked through Hotels.com, the customer gets one night free. The free night can be redeemed at any participating property, with no blackout dates. Additionally, members get access to secret prices, which are lower rates that are only available to loyalty program members.

It is worth mentioning that Expedia Group also owns other popular travel brands, such as Expedia.com, Travelocity, Orbitz, and Vrbo. While these websites have some overlapping features and services, each one has its own strengths and weaknesses. For example, Expedia.com has a strong focus on package deals, while Vrbo is a great choice for vacation rentals.

Hotels.com Expedia.com Travelocity Orbitz Vrbo
Over 500,000 properties worldwide Package deals Customer support by phone, email, and chat Price match guarantee Vacation rentals
Simple loyalty program based on nights booked Great for booking flights Mobile app with exclusive deals Member discounts and rewards Family-friendly accommodations
Competitive pricing and secret prices for members Wide range of properties and destinations Price alerts and flexible cancellation policies 24/7 customer support Unique properties and experiences

Remember to always compare prices and features across different websites before making a booking. Unfortunately, there are also some scams and fraudulent websites that pretend to be legitimate travel companies. Always double-check the website’s URL, read reviews from other customers, and use secure payment methods.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, Expedia Group is the proud owner of Hotels.com, one of the world’s largest online travel booking companies.

As a traveler, this means you have access to a wide range of accommodations and competitive pricing, as well as loyalty programs and rewards through Expedia Group’s vast network of brands.

So next time you’re planning a trip, remember that Hotels.com is just one of the many options available to you through Expedia Group!

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