Booking Discounts: 7 Ways to Get the Best Price (and the Alternative Few Know About)
Promo code, Genius, booking window, bank partner programmes… all the techniques to reduce the price on Booking.com, and the one that beats them all.
1. Check for the Genius badge
If you're at least Level 1, look for the blue "Genius" badge on hotel listings: the discount (5 to 20%) is automatic.
2. Look for an active promo code
Beware of deal websites that show dozens of expired ones.
3. Activate "Mobile-only" offers
Booking sometimes applies an additional 10% discount on the mobile app.
4. Book 6 to 8 weeks in advance
This is statistically the cheapest window in most European cities.
5. Free cancellation + re-booking if the price drops
Book a cancellable rate. If the price drops, cancel and re-book.
6. Compare with the hotel's direct website
A chain guarantees the best price on its own website, and you earn loyalty points.
7. Activate bank partnerships
Some banks offer cashback on Booking reservations.
The alternative few people know about
Hotel clubs like Resapass access the negotiated net rate by the hotel, typically 20 to 35% below the public price.
For the same hotel, same day, same room:
- Public Booking price: €180
- Booking Genius Level 2: €153 (-15%)
- Resapass: €124 (-31%)
Resapass membership costs €99 per year. Just one booking is usually enough to make it worthwhile.