Assalamualaikum everyone, peace and blessings be upon you, and welcome to Halal Travel World! Here, we travel the world, explore different cultures, savor diverse foods, and indulge in all the good and fun stuff. This is booking.com review blog, I’m going to share my favorite platform for booking accommodation and explain why I love it. Don’t worry, I got you covered! I’ll be guiding you step-by-step on how to use the platform, from searching for the perfect accommodation to booking your trip, and pointing out some of the most useful features the platform has to offer.
Why Booking.com is My Go-To Platform
I use other sites and apps as well, but Booking.com is my favorite and my go-to platform. I want to disclose that, as of today, I have no commercial relationship with any of the platforms mentioned in this video, and none of them have sponsored this content, so you can trust that my opinion is completely unbiased. When I travel, I mainly compare top travel apps Booking.com, Airbnb, and Hotels.com. Occasionally, I also check Kayak and Tripadvisor, as I often use Tripadvisor for initial research and reviews. I also buy my air tickets through Kayak, which has worked well for me in the past.
How to Use Booking.com
Navigating Booking.com
Booking.com is a leading online platform for booking accommodation. It offers a wide variety of options for hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, and more. From budget-friendly options to luxury accommodations, the platform offers something for every traveler. The platform allows users to filter their search results by price, location, amenities, and more, making it simple to find the perfect accommodation that fits their specific needs and budget.
Understanding the Booking.com Interface
Homepage Navigation
When you first visit the Booking.com homepage, you’ll notice a search bar prominently displayed. Here, you can enter your destination, travel dates, and the number of guests. Below the search bar, there are options to explore different types of accommodations like hotels, apartments, and vacation rentals. The homepage also features popular destinations, travel deals, and travel inspiration sections to help you plan your trip.
Search Filters and Options
Once you’ve entered your search criteria, you’ll be taken to a results page where you can refine your search using various filters. These filters include price range, star rating, guest rating, property type, amenities, and more. You can sort the results by price, distance, popularity, and guest reviews to find the perfect accommodation that meets your needs.
Viewing Accommodation Details
Clicking on a property will bring you to its detailed page. Here, you’ll find comprehensive information about the accommodation, including high-quality photos, a detailed description, amenities, guest reviews, and a location map. This page also displays availability, room types, and prices, allowing you to compare different options before making a decision.
Tips for Finding the Best Deals on Booking.com
Utilizing the Mobile-Only Price Feature
One unique feature of Booking.com is the mobile-only price discounts. These are special rates available only when booking through the Booking.com mobile app. By downloading the app and searching for accommodations, you can take advantage of these exclusive deals and save money on your bookings.
Taking Advantage of Last-Minute Deals
Booking.com often offers last-minute deals for travelers looking to book accommodations on short notice. These deals can be found on the homepage or by filtering your search results for last-minute offers. These discounts can be substantial, making it an excellent option for spontaneous travelers or those with flexible travel plans.
How to Use the Rewards Program
Booking.com has a loyalty program called Genius, which offers additional discounts and perks to frequent users. To join, you simply need to create a free account and make a certain number of bookings. As a Genius member, you’ll receive benefits like 10% off select properties, free room upgrades, and late check-out options. These rewards can make a significant difference in your overall travel experience.
Booking.com’s Customer Support
Booking.com provides extensive customer support to ensure a smooth booking experience.
Accessing 24/7 Customer Service
Booking.com offers 24/7 customer service to assist with any issues or questions you may have. You can reach their support team via phone, email, or live chat. The customer service section on their website also provides a comprehensive FAQ and help center, addressing common inquiries and providing solutions.
Common Issues and Solutions
Some common issues users may encounter include booking errors, payment problems, and cancellation requests. Booking.com’s customer service team is well-equipped to handle these problems efficiently. It’s recommended to contact them as soon as an issue arises to ensure a quick resolution.
Safety and Security on Booking.com
Safety and security are paramount when booking accommodations online.
Payment Security
Booking.com uses secure payment gateways to protect your financial information. They offer various payment options, including credit cards and PayPal, ensuring a secure transaction process. Additionally, Booking.com doesn’t charge hidden fees, and all costs are transparently displayed during the booking process.
Dealing with Cancellations and Changes
If you need to cancel or change your reservation, Booking.com makes it easy to do so through their website or app. Most properties offer free cancellation up to a certain date, which is clearly stated in the booking conditions. If you encounter any issues, their customer service team is available to assist and ensure your booking adjustments are handled smoothly.
Pros of Booking.com
- Wide Variety of Options: Booking.com offers a wide variety of options for accommodation, including hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, and more. This allows customers to find the perfect place to stay that fits their specific needs and budget.
- Detailed Information: Booking.com provides detailed information about each accommodation, including photos, reviews, and maps, so customers can make an informed decision about where to stay.
- Secure and Easy Booking Process: Booking.com allows customers to book directly through the site, making the process quick and convenient. Customers can also choose from a variety of payment options, including credit card and PayPal, ensuring a secure and hassle-free booking experience.
- Mobile App: Booking.com offers a mobile app available for both iOS and Android platforms, allowing customers to access the platform from anywhere, anytime, and make reservations or manage existing ones.
- 24/7 Customer Service: Booking.com offers 24/7 customer service, ensuring that customers can get help and assistance whenever they need it.
- Rewards Program: Booking.com offers a rewards program, where customers can earn rewards for booking through the platform.
- Best-Price Guarantee: Booking.com guarantees the best prices on accommodations.
Cons of Booking.com
- Extra Fees: Booking.com may charge extra fees for certain services, such as cancellation or changes to reservations.
- Limited Information: Some customers may find the information provided on Booking.com about the accommodation not enough to make a decision; some extra research might be required.
Comparing Platforms: Booking.com vs. Airbnb vs. Hotels.com
Each platform has its own pros and cons, and it really depends on your personal preferences and the type of trip you’re planning. For example, when I’m planning a family trip for more than five days, I prefer to use Airbnb. The reason being, Airbnb has many additional fees, like cleaning fees, that are the same whether you stay for one night or ten nights. However, I’ve found that Airbnb has limited properties in certain cities, and I don’t feel as comfortable staying in someone’s house when I’m traveling internationally. That’s just my personal preference.
There are so many scams around the world. Since I live in the USA, I’m more familiar with certain areas or parts of the country. Whereas, when I’m traveling internationally, I rather stay in a well-known, established property. Usually, these brands have properties all over the world, thus you can expect better service and more options.
In this case, I would use Booking.com or Hotels.com instead of Airbnb. Keep in mind that this is just my experience and you should do your own research to find the platform that works best for you.
Conclusion
When it comes to booking accommodation and planning travel, the perfect platform for you will depend on your individual needs and the type of trip you have in mind. Overall, I have tried many platforms in the past, but Booking.com just works best for me. If you’re looking for a wide selection and direct booking, Booking.com might be the best option. Thanks for watching! Asalamualaikum.
