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 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 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
Negotiated-rate platforms like Resapass offer rates negotiated with their partner hotels, often below the public price.
For the same hotel, same day, same room:
- Public Booking price: €180
With Resapass there is no subscription and no membership fee: you only pay for your booking.