Travelers could save hundreds of dollars by booking their accommodation using their smartphone, rather than a computer.
Booking.com allows holidaymakers to book a hotel or apartment via their smartphones, either through the app or a browser tab. This will help them save money.
In fact, people who choose to stay at’mobile-only rates’ could save hundreds of pounds even on a short vacation.
Booking.com does not decide when and how discounts will be applied. It is the accommodation providers that do.
Booking.com customers could save up to 50% on their hotel stays by booking their trip via a mobile device
A spokesperson for Booking.com said that Booking.com knows that mobile is becoming more popular and in particular the app. The majority of bookings for room nights are made using these methods.
“Our accommodation partners are in total control of the rates that they list, and this includes when they offer discounts or other special deals to users accessing Booking.com via a mobile device.
The ‘mobile-only prices’ will only be visible on a smartphone with the rates applying to all of a providers rates and plans.
It seems Booking.com encourages its partners to offer such deals, with its website telling providers: ‘By activating a mobile rate at your property, you can tap into this valuable and expanding traveller segment.
You can offer a special discount of 10% or more for mobile users. Once you’ve done that, a special badge will be displayed next to your property on your property page and in search results.
“This can increase your visibility and can improve the conversion rate of mobile bookers.
Booking.com added that over half its reservations were made via a mobile device which could explain why hotels and apartments would be happy to offer such large discounts on smartphones.
It is not the only website that offers mobile-only bookings.
Expedia revealed it is common for hotels to offer ‘mobile exclusive deals’ or other special offers to Expedia consumers.
These deals can be very useful for accommodation providers because they can help to sell last-minute hotel rooms.
Although not all booking websites offer mobile only discounts they do offer reward schemes
A spokesperson stated that hotel prices can change from one search to the next based on many factors, including changes in price and availability, rates and promotions at hotels, special deals or promotional offers, currency exchange rate and many other variables.
“If the person searching was logged into or identified as a member of either platform, they may also be able to see special member-only offers, which is a common practice across online marketplaces.
This is a great way to manage your hotel’s room inventory, especially if you have last-minute rooms to rent.
These deals will likely be higher up in the hotel order on a smartphone because the hotel is offering a more compelling offer to travellers who book via mobile. Mobile devices can be smartphones or tablets in this instance.
Hotels.com and Trivago did not respond to requests for comment at the time of publication.
What other benefits do booking sites offer?
Apart from the’mobile-only pricing’, Booking.comGenius is also a loyalty program.
There are two levels, including Genius Level One. This gives customers lifetime access to Genius Level 1 discount at participating properties and a 10% discount on their stay before taxes and other charges.
Genius Level Two is for those who have completed five stays within two years to get lifetime access to travel rewards at participating properties.
These offers are available for mobile-only bookings. They work in conjunction with Genius Discounts, which gives frequent bookers different discounts on accommodation.
Booking.com claimed that it was their accommodation partners that decide the amount of the discount
Expedia also offers more money off for those who are Expedia Members.
Customers who sign up to or log into their Expedia Rewards account can receive instant savings of 10 percent or more on select hotels every time they see a yellow Member price tag. They also get points for eligible bookings.
The more points a member accumulates, the more perks they will get such as free Wi Fi and spa credits.
It claims its members save an average of £35 per booking with their points.
In the meantime Hotels.com gives its members one night free stay for every ten nights they purchase through the site.
Secret Prices on certain properties can also be used to save you money. They could be upgraded to Silver or Gold members for customers who are more frequent.
After booking 10 nights, a customer will become a Silver member. Gold status will be earned after booking 30 nights.
Silver members should receive free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, airport transfers and spa vouchers where you see the gift box icon at selected properties as well as a price guarantee where if you see a better price on exactly the same day, Hotels.com will match it and refund you the difference.
They should also be given Hassle-Free Travel Guarantee so if you have to change your travel plans, the firm will minimise hotel charges and cancellation fees.
Hotels.com Rewards Gold members receive all the above plus a complimentary upgraded room, early check in and late checkout.
Trivago While they don’t offer any specific discounts, they do offer deals for customers on their desktop, smartphone and mobile apps.