The Best Hotel Booking Apps for Summer Travel

Hotel booking apps have transformed the way we secure accommodations, especially when last-minute plans threaten to derail your perfect getaway. Remember that frustrating experience of calling hotels one by one, only to hear “no vacancy” repeatedly? Those days are thankfully behind us. With the rise of travel apps and hotel apps, booking hotel rooms has never been easier.

As the summer travel season approaches, having the right hotel booking app at your fingertips can mean the difference between scoring that beachfront room or settling for a disappointing alternative. Furthermore, these apps often provide exclusive discounts and loyalty rewards you won’t find elsewhere.

Whether you’re planning months or making spontaneous weekend plans, this comprehensive guide breaks down the 13 best hotel booking apps for your 2025 US adventures. From last-minute deals on HotelTonight to reward-maximizing options on Hotels.com, we’ve tested each platform to help you find the perfect match for your travel style and budget. Let’s explore the best app to book hotels and find accommodation deals for your next trip.

Booking.com

With over 6.6 million listings across 220+ countries, Booking.com has been a veteran in the hotel reservation space since 1996. Operating in 43 languages, this platform has grown beyond traditional hotel bookings to become a comprehensive travel companion. The booking.com website and app offer a wide range of options, from hotels to apartments and bed and breakfasts.

Booking.com Key Features

Booking.com’s mobile app delivers a seamless experience with several standout capabilities:

• Complete trip booking (hotels, flights, cars, taxis) in one place
• 24/7 customer service in over 40 languages
• Direct messaging with properties through the app
• Mobile-exclusive discounts of 10% or more on select properties
• Paperless confirmation for reservations
• Travel Communities forums for local advice and experiences
• The platform’s Traveler Review Awards system analyzes over 360 million verified guest reviews to highlight exceptional properties, providing reliable guidance for your stay decisions.

Booking.com Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Extensive global reach with worldwide property options
• Robust free loyalty program with lifetime rewards
• No booking or credit card fees
• Free cancellation is available at most properties.
• Transparent pricing showing total costs upfront

Cons:

• Commission fees range from 10% to 25% for hosts
• All bookings are instant with no request option
• Limited insurance protection (only liability coverage, not property damage)
• Occasional customer service challenges during dispute resolution

Booking.com Pricing

Booking.com operates on a commission-based model for hosts, with a typical average commission of 15% per booking. These rates may vary based on:

• Property Location
• Accommodation type
• Cancellation policy
• Payment processing method

For travelers, the platform offers its Genius loyalty program with three progressive levels:

• Level 1 (create an account): 10% discounts on stays and rental cars
• Level 2 (5+ bookings in 2 years): 10-15% discounts plus free breakfasts at select properties
• Level 3 (15+ bookings in 2 years): 10-20% discounts, room upgrades, and priority support

Booking.com Best For

Booking.com particularly excels in:

• Summer travelers seeking diverse accommodation options
• Deal-hunters participating in events like Black Friday promotions
• Global explorers requiring multi-language support
• Frequent travelers who benefit from the Genius loyalty tiers
• Last-minute bookers needing reliable availability
• Travelers prefer verified review-based property selection

Expedia

Originally one of the pioneering dot-com travel companies, Expedia has evolved into a mobile-first platform focused on becoming an indispensable travel companion rather than just a booking site. The app leverages AI capabilities to deliver personalized experiences throughout your entire journey.

Expedia Key Features

Expedia’s app emphasizes comprehensive trip management with several standout capabilities:

• Real-time notifications providing flight gate changes, delays, and hotel check-in times
• Voice search integration allows hands-free booking through AI-powered voice recognition
• Price tracking that uses AI to predict optimal booking times and alerts you when prices drop
• Trip Matching integration with Instagram enables building and booking itineraries directly from social media
• Personalized recommendations tailored to your booking history and preferences
• Mobile check-in and digital boarding passes to streamline your travel experience

Additionally, the app features destination comparisons and flexible date search options to help you find the perfect accommodations.

Expedia Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Bundling discounts when booking multiple travel components together
• Flexible payment options through Affirm for monthly installments
• Comprehensive trip protection insurance options
• 24-hour free cancellation on most flight bookings
• One Key Rewards program for earning across multiple brands

Cons:

• Direct booking with hotels sometimes offers better amenities and rates.
• Navigating cancellation policies can be complicated.
• OneKeyCash rewards are less valuable than most airline/hotel points
• Some rates are only available on the hotels’ direct sites.

Expedia Pricing

Expedia offers deals of up to 70% off through its Deals and Last-Minute Deals pages. The One Key Rewards program allows members to earn OneKeyCash on bookings (2% on hotels, activities, and car rentals; 0.2% on flights). Higher tier members (Silver, Gold, Platinum) receive additional perks like 10-20% discounts, spa credits, and room upgrades.

Expedia Best For

Expedia works best for:

• Travelers seeking bundled savings on complete trips
• Deal-hunters looking for last-minute hotel discounts
• Frequent travelers across multiple brands (Expedia, Hotels.com, Vrbo)
• Those preferring comprehensive trip management in one app
• Social media users who find travel inspiration on platforms like Instagram
• Budget-conscious travelers needing flexible payment options

Hotels.com

Known for its straightforward “stay 10 nights, get one free” rewards structure, Hotels.com offers an intuitive booking experience through its highly-rated mobile app. The platform recently joined Expedia Group’s unified One Key rewards program, expanding benefits across multiple travel brands.

Hotels.com Key Features

The Hotels.com app delivers several distinctive capabilities:

• Smart Shopping comparison tool allowing side-by-side evaluation of up to five properties based on price, amenities, and ratings
• AI-powered room recommendations analyze over 40 factors related to your stay to suggest optimal accommodations.
• Price transparency clearly shows the costs of extras, such as breakfast, parking, and refundability.
• Trip Planner for organizing travel plans and sharing with friends and family
• Offline access to booking details, even without an internet connection
• Direct messaging with property owners through the app

Hotels.com Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Simple rewards system with an effective 10% rebate on bookings
• Member prices with savings up to 20% on over 100,000 hotels worldwide
• Free cancellation is available on most properties.
• Ability to compare hotel prices side-by-side in the app
• Flexible payment options (pay now or later at most hotels)

Cons:

• No earning hotel loyalty program points when booking through Hotels.com
• Elite status benefits from hotel chains are typically not honored
• Gift card payments require non-refundable bookings
• Occasional customer service challenges with refund processing

Hotels.com Pricing

Hotels.com has transitioned to the One Key rewards program, where members earn:

• 2% in OneKeyCash per dollar spent on eligible hotels, activities, and car rentals
• 0.2% on eligible flights
• Higher earning rates at VIP Access Properties for elite members

The platform offers three membership tiers:

• Blue (basic membership)
• Silver (after five trip elements within a year)
• Gold (after 15 trip elements)
• Platinum (after 30 trip elements)

Hotels.com Best For

Hotels.com works exceptionally well for:

• Travelers seeking straightforward rewards across various hotel brands
• Those who value price comparison capabilities
• Summer travelers looking for member-exclusive seasonal deals
• Vacationers prefer flexible cancellation policies
• Last-minute bookers needing mobile-friendly options
• Travelers wanting to earn rewards without committing to specific hotel chains

HotelTonight

Launched in 2011, HotelTonight pioneered the concept of same-day hotel bookings, connecting travelers with unsold rooms at discounted rates. Initially focused only on last-minute bookings, the platform has evolved to allow reservations up to 100 days in advance, though its sweet spot remains spontaneous travel.

HotelTonight Key Features

HotelTonight distinguishes itself through several unique capabilities:

• Daily Drop feature offers deeply discounted rates with a 15-minute booking window
• Quality over quantity approach with carefully curated hotel selections
• Distinctive hotel categorization system including Luxe, Hip, Solid, Basic, Charming, Crashpad, and High Roller
• Guest profiles allow booking on behalf of family, friends, or colleagues
• In-app chat support with visible wait times for customer assistance
• Geo-rate feature providing 10-20% lower rates based on your location

HotelTonight Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Significant discounts averaging 16% off published rates, sometimes reaching 50%
• Straightforward, user-friendly interface for quick bookings
• HT Perks loyalty program with no expiration of status
• Exclusive deals not available on other platforms
• 10% credit on bookings to use on Airbnb

Cons:

• Most bookings are non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-modifiable
• Limited room selection with no ability to choose specific room types
• Cannot specify the number of guests per room during booking
• Mixed customer service experiences, especially in resolving booking issues

HotelTonight Pricing

The app offers tiered benefits through its HT Perks loyalty program:

• Level 1: Everyone starts here with access to basic deals
• Level 2: Unlocked after spending $250, with special discounts
• Level 3: After spending $1,000, with additional exclusive discounts
• Levels 4+: Unlocked with each additional $1,000 spent
• Levels 5+: $30 credit with each level-up, plus extra discounts starting at Level 8

HotelTonight Best For

HotelTonight works best for:

• Spontaneous travelers needing same-day accommodations
• Budget-conscious summer travelers seeking significant discounts
• Last-minute business travelers requiring quick booking solutions
• Users are comfortable with non-refundable reservations
• Solo travelers or couples who don’t need specific room types
• Deal-hunters willing to make quick decisions for substantial savings

Hopper

Leveraging artificial intelligence to predict hotel pricing trends, Hopper stands out among hotel booking apps as a data-driven platform. The mobile-only application analyzes billions of price points daily to help travelers secure accommodations at optimal times.

Hopper Key Features

Hopper distinguishes itself through several AI-powered capabilities:

• Price prediction algorithm that forecasts rates up to a year in advance with 95% accuracy
• Price Freeze option allows users to lock in rates for a small deposit
• Push notifications alert users when prices drop for watched properties
• Carrot Cash rewards system for earning credits on future bookings
• Color-coded calendars visually display the cheapest travel dates
• Price Drop Guarantee that monitors booked rates and refunds differences

Hopper Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exclusive mobile-only discounts on select properties
• Potential savings averaging $50 on domestic travel
• Strong appeal to younger travelers (Gen Z and millennials make up over two-thirds of users)
• Intuitive, user-friendly interface with 4.8/5 stars on the Apple App Store
• Personalized hotel suggestions based on preferences

Cons:

• No desktop version is available; mobile-only platform
• Limited customer service options with no phone support
• Poor Trustpilot reviews (1.8/5 stars), suggesting service issues
• Refunds are typically issued as Carrot Cash rather than direct reimbursement
• Price Freeze fees are non-refundable if you decide not to book

Hopper Pricing

Hopper operates on a commission-based model, applying markups to bookings while offering exclusive discounts to its users. The app itself is free to download and use. Notable pricing features include:

• No upfront booking fees for users
• Price Freeze deposits that apply toward the final booking cost
• Carrot Cash rewards are valid for 12 months after earning
• Optional add-ons like instant travel refunds and flight change guarantees

Hopper Best For

Hopper works exceptionally well for:

• Price-sensitive travelers who value timing their bookings strategically
• Mobile-first users are comfortable with app-only interfaces
• Last-minute summer travel bookers seeking spontaneous deals
• Younger travelers (Gen Z and millennials) who prefer app-based booking
• Flexible travelers willing to book based on price predictions
• Hotel-seekers want AI-driven recommendations instead of endless scrolling

Priceline

Priceline’s Express Deals feature sets it apart from other hotel booking apps, offering savings of up to 60% by revealing the exact hotel name only after the booking is complete. This pioneering travel platform empowers users with powerful booking capabilities through its highly rated mobile application.

Priceline Key Features

Priceline’s app delivers several distinctive capabilities:

• Exclusive mobile-only discounts on hotels, flights, and rental cars are not available elsewhere
• Express Deals provide significant savings with the hotel name revealed after booking
• Trip Intelligence suite featuring AI-powered tools to streamline travel planning
• Penny AI travel assistant helps with destination recommendations and booking modifications
• Skip the Counter feature for rental cars, reducing wait times at select partners
• Offline access to reservation details, even without an internet connection

The app also includes personalized itinerary suggestions, along with dining and activity recommendations tailored to your stay.

Priceline Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Deep discounts averaging 10-60% off through Express Deals
• Free cancellation is available at most hotels and rental cars
• VIP loyalty program with immediate benefits upon signup
• Best price guarantee with a potential 200% difference refund
• Comprehensive travel options, including hotels, flights, cars, and packages

Cons:

• Occupancy is guaranteed for only two people per room, regardless of typical hotel allowances
• Restrictive cancellation policies, especially for deeply discounted rates
• Complex interface with numerous deal types across app and website
• Mixed customer service experiences according to reviews
• No hotel loyalty points are earned when booking through Priceline

Priceline Pricing

Priceline operates with a free-to-use model while offering tiered benefits through its VIP program:

• VIP membership is free to join, with immediate access to exclusive discounts
• Express Deals can save users up to 60% compared to standard rates
• Price match guarantee refunds up to 200% of the difference if you find a better price
• Tonight-Only Deals provide last-minute discounts accessible exclusively through the app
• Additional savings are available by stacking shopping portal rebates with VIP discounts

Priceline Best For

Priceline works exceptionally well for:

• Budget-conscious travelers are comfortable with booking hotels sight-unseen
• Last-minute summer travelers seeking significant discounts
• Road trippers utilizing the app’s “Road Deals” feature for accommodations along routes
• Flexible travelers not concerned with specific room types or amenities
• Deal hunters willing to navigate various discount options across platforms
• Mobile users prefer to book comprehensive travel plans in one application

Agoda

As a Singapore-based platform specializing in Asian markets, Agoda has expanded its reach to offer over 4.5 million accommodations worldwide. This Booking Holdings subsidiary operates in 38 languages with a focus on delivering exceptional value through exclusive deals and promotions.

Agoda Key Features

Agoda distinguishes itself through several specialized capabilities:

• Best Price Guarantee program that matches or beats lower prices found elsewhere within 24 hours of booking
• Agoda Cash rewards system applied toward future reservations
• Last-Minute Deals feature offering same-day booking discounts up to 15% off
• AgodaVIP Program provides exclusive benefits and enhanced deals for frequent users
• Multiple payment options, including credit cards, PayPal, and local payment methods
• Multilingual support with 24/7 customer service across 38 languages

The mobile app offers real-time price comparisons, high-resolution property photos, and access to over 35 million verified traveler reviews.

Agoda Pros and Cons

Pros:

• User-friendly interface with straightforward navigation
• Wide range of accommodation types, from tents to luxury hotels
• Competitive pricing is often lower than competitorscompetitors’
• Exclusive mobile app deals are not available on the website
• International deals offering up to 30% off select properties

Cons:

• Customer service responsiveness issues reported in reviews
• Users note booking errors and occasional inaccuracies
• Refund processing delays are mentioned in customer feedback
• Price estimates sometimes exclude taxes and service fees

Agoda Pricing

Agoda operates on a commission-based model, charging hosts approximately 15% of the booking value. For travelers, the platform offers:

• Regular promo codes with discounts up to $50 off qualifying stays
• Limited-time price drops up to 15% off select properties
• Special rates on international bookings with savings up to 30%
• There are no direct booking fees for travelers

Agoda Best For

Agoda works exceptionally well for:

• Budget-conscious travelers seeking significant discounts
• Summer vacationers exploring Asian destinations
• Last-minute bookers utilizing same-day deals
• International travelers requiring multilingual support
• Frequent users who benefit from the VIP program perks
• Travelers seeking diverse accommodation types beyond traditional hotels

Trivago

Unlike direct booking platforms, Trivago operates as a metasearch engine that compares accommodation prices across hundreds of booking sites simultaneously. This hotel comparison tool encompasses over 2.5 million properties across approximately 190 countries, providing travelers with a comprehensive view of available options.

Trivago Key Features

The Trivago app delivers several specialized capabilities:

• Instant comparison of millions of hotels from hundreds of booking sites in one search
• Interactive mapping allows exploration by location or points of interest
• Member prices and loyalty deals are available exclusively to registered users
• Price alerts notifying users when rates drop for favorite properties (app only)
• Comprehensive filtering options, including amenities, star ratings, and guest reviews
• Multiple sorting methods, including recommendations, ratings, price, and distance

The platform’s algorithm evaluates prices for qualifying offers, labeling the most attractive as “our lowest price” based on various factors.

Trivago Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Quick and intuitive interface for easy comparison
• Extensive hotel database with worldwide coverage
• Map-based search showing prices by location
• Free service with no booking fees
• Multiple filtering options for precise searching

Cons:

• No direct booking—redirects to partner sites for reservations.
• There is no rewards program, unlike some competitors.
• Some partner websites may be unstable or unreliable.
• Prices shown may exclude taxes and fees [
• Cannot manage bookings or cancel reservations through Trivago

Trivago Pricing

Trivago operates on a commission-based model, collecting fixed percentage fees from booking partners when users complete reservations. For travelers, the service is completely free to use.

Membership benefits include:

• Access to exclusive member-only deals
• Price drop notifications for favorited properties
• Priority customer support for registered users
• Cross-device synchronization of searches and preferences

Trivago Best For

Trivago works exceptionally well for:

• Price-conscious travelers want to compare rates across multiple platforms to find the best deals.
• Summer vacationers seeking the best deals in specific destinations
• Methodical planners who prefer seeing all available options
• Mobile users are benefiting from app-exclusive features, such as price alerts.
• Travelers who value location-based searching via interactive maps
• Indecisive bookers need to compare various properties side by side.

Kayak

Functioning as a metasearch engine rather than a direct booking platform, Kayak scans hundreds of travel websites simultaneously to help users find optimal hotel deals. This powerful search tool processes billions of queries annually, delivering comprehensive results without adding booking fees.

Kayak Key Features

Kayak offers several distinctive capabilities for hotel searches:

• Price Forecast technology that analyzes historical data to predict whether rates will rise or fall in the next 7 days
• Interactive mapping highlighting points of interest like nightlife, dining, and public transport around hotels
• Hacker Fares combines one-way bookings from different providers to create better deals.
• KAYAK.ai chat interface powered by OpenAI technology to search across 400+ providers with natural language queries
• Comprehensive filtering with 23 amenity options, including specific hotel styles and property types
• Price alerts that notify users when rates drop to particular properties or destinations

Kayak Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional search interface for complex travel needs
• Verified Customer reviews from millions of travelers.
• AI-powered recommendations with specific amenity filtering
• No hidden charges or booking fees
• Potential savings of up to 35% on hotels through comparison [
• Cons:
• You cannot book directly through Kayak in most cases.
• No loyalty program since it’s only a search engine
• Sponsored listings appear first in search results.
• May not qualify for hotel elite status benefits or points
• Credit card travel category bonuses might not apply.

Kayak Pricing

As a search engine, Kayak is entirely free for travelers to use. The platform earns revenue through:

• Commission from booking partners when users complete reservations
• Sponsored search results placement
• Data shows November has historically offered the lowest hotel prices for domestic stays.

Kayak Best For

Kayak proves ideal for:

• Price-sensitive summer travelers seeking comprehensive comparisons
• Detail-oriented planners who value specific amenity filtering
• Flexible travelers utilizing price prediction technology
• Those willing to book through various platforms to secure the best deals
• Undecided travelers exploring destinations through map-based searching

Trip.com

Initially founded in China as Ctrip in 1999, Trip.com has evolved into a global travel platform offering over 1.7 million hotels across more than 230 countries and regions. The platform emphasizes comprehensive travel services alongside competitive pricing, attracting international travelers with its extensive offerings.

Trip.com Key Features

Trip.com delivers several standout capabilities through its mobile application:

• Innovative search tool allowing users to filter hotels by location, price, star rating, and amenities across millions of properties
• Trip Coins reward system provides approximately 5% back on purchases for future bookings.
• 24/7 multilingual support with English-speaking agents available within 30 seconds
• Comprehensive booking options, including flights, hotels, trains, car rentals, and attractions on one platform
• Multiple payment methods supporting credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay
• Offline access to reservation details without an Internet connection

Trip.com Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent platform for booking travel to China, particularly train tickets
• Often, it offers lower prices on airline tickets compared to competitors.
• Easy-to-contact customer service via in-app chat
• Earn Trip Coins (around 5% of purchase price) on all bookings.
• Higher TrustPilot ratings (3.9/5 stars) than many competitors

Cons:

• Mixed customer service experiences, particularly with refund processing
• Overseas support can lead to language and communication challenges
• Polarizing user interface that some users find confusing
• Some users report unexpected fees and pricing discrepancies
• Refund policies can be restrictive compared to direct bookings

Trip.com Pricing

Trip.com operates on a commission-based model while offering competitive rates:

• Hotel prices range from as low as $8 to $736 per night
• There are no direct booking fees for travelers
• Special promotions, including international deals with up to 30% savings
• Trip Coins loyalty program offering approximately 5% back on bookings
• Membership tiers provide additional benefits like airport lounge access

Trip.com Best For

Trip.com works exceptionally well for:

• International travelers, particularly those visiting China and Asia
• Budget-conscious summer travelers seeking competitive rates
• Users who value earning rewards on diverse travel bookings
• Mobile-first travelers prefer comprehensive app capabilities
• Travelers needing multilingual customer support options
• Deal-hunters comparing prices across multiple booking platforms

Travelocity

Founded in 1996, Travelocity operates under the Expedia Group umbrella, offering comprehensive travel services through its user-friendly mobile application. The platform’s gnome mascot has become synonymous with its “Wander Wisely” approach to travel planning.

Travelocity Key Features

The Travelocity app delivers several notable capabilities:

• Last-minute hotel bookings with free cancellation options on most properties
• Pay-now or pay-later flexibility for hotel reservations
• Real-time flight alerts providing gate changes and status updates
• Direct messaging with hotels through the app interface