When it comes to booking travel accommodations online, Hotels.com and Expedia are two major players. But does any corporate connection exist between them?
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick rundown: Yes, Hotels.com and Expedia are owned by the same parent company, Expedia Group.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explain the ownership structure between these major booking sites. We’ll look at how they operate as sister brands under Expedia Group, outlining both their shared resources and unique offerings.
Hotels.com and Expedia Ownership
Understanding the corporate relationship between Hotels.com and Expedia requires delving into the history of the Expedia Group and its current corporate structure.
History of Expedia Group
The Expedia Group was founded in 1996 as a division of Microsoft, and it quickly became one of the leading online travel companies in the world. In 2001, Expedia was spun off as a separate company and went public. Since then, Expedia has grown through various acquisitions and partnerships, solidifying its position in the travel industry.
In 2001, the company that owned Hotels.com, USA Networks Inc (later renamed InterActiveCorp or IAC), acquired a controlling interest in Expedia. At this point, Hotels.com and Expedia were separate companies under the same parent company (IAC).
In 2005, IAC spun off Expedia as a separate public company, Expedia, Inc. However, Hotels.com remained under IAC’s ownership. In the same year, Expedia, Inc. acquired various travel businesses from IAC, including Hotels.com. So, Hotels.com officially became part of Expedia, Inc. at this point.
Current Corporate Structure
Today, Hotels.com is a subsidiary of Expedia Group, which is now a multinational online travel company. Expedia Group operates several well-known brands in addition to Hotels.com, including Expedia.com, Travelocity, Orbitz, and Vrbo.
These brands cater to different segments of the travel market, providing customers with a variety of options to book flights, hotels, vacation rentals, and other travel services.
While Hotels.com operates as a separate brand, it benefits from the resources and expertise of Expedia Group. This allows Hotels.com to provide customers with a user-friendly platform, extensive inventory, competitive pricing, and access to Expedia Group’s global network of travel partners.
It’s important to note that while Hotels.com and Expedia Group are connected through their corporate ownership, they operate as distinct entities. Each brand has its own website and booking platform, offering unique features and deals. However, customers can often find similar hotel options and prices on both websites, as they share the same inventory.
If you’re interested in learning more about Hotels.com and Expedia Group, you can visit their respective websites: Hotels.com and Expedia.com.
Shared Infrastructure and Technology
Hotels.com and Expedia are both part of the Expedia Group, a leading online travel company. As such, they share infrastructure and technology to some extent, allowing them to offer a seamless experience to their customers.
Platform Architecture
Hotels.com and Expedia utilize a similar platform architecture, which enables them to efficiently manage and display a wide range of hotel options to their users.
This architecture includes a robust database that stores information about hotels, availability, and pricing. Additionally, both platforms have sophisticated search algorithms that help users find the most relevant options based on their preferences and requirements.
The shared platform architecture also allows Hotels.com and Expedia to offer a consistent user interface and booking process. This means that customers can expect a similar experience when using either platform, with easy-to-use search filters, detailed hotel descriptions, and secure payment options.
Customer Service Resources
Another aspect of the shared infrastructure between Hotels.com and Expedia is their customer service resources. Both companies have dedicated customer support teams that assist travelers with their bookings, answer questions, and resolve any issues that may arise during the booking process or stay.
By sharing customer service resources, Hotels.com and Expedia can provide 24/7 support to their customers, ensuring that they receive assistance whenever they need it. This includes support through phone, email, and live chat channels, allowing customers to choose the method that suits them best.
Furthermore, the shared customer service resources enable Hotels.com and Expedia to leverage their combined expertise and knowledge to deliver exceptional customer service. Whether it’s helping a customer find the perfect hotel or resolving a post-booking concern, the dedicated support teams are equipped to handle a wide range of situations.
It is important to note that while Hotels.com and Expedia share infrastructure and technology, each platform has its own unique features and offerings. Therefore, customers may find slight differences in hotel options, pricing, and additional services between the two platforms.
Differentiators Between the Brands
Loyalty Programs
When it comes to loyalty programs, both Hotels.com and Expedia offer their own unique benefits to customers.
Hotels.com has a loyalty program called “Hotels.com Rewards” which allows customers to earn one free night for every 10 nights booked through their platform. This program is known for its simplicity and flexibility, as there are no restrictions on when or where customers can redeem their free nights.
On the other hand, Expedia offers a loyalty program called “Expedia Rewards” which allows customers to earn points on their bookings. These points can then be redeemed for discounts on future bookings.
While both loyalty programs have their own advantages, it ultimately depends on the preferences and travel habits of the individual customer. Some may prefer the simplicity of Hotels.com Rewards, while others may prefer the potential discounts offered by Expedia Rewards. Regardless of the choice, both programs aim to reward customer loyalty and provide added value to their users.
Site Features and Offerings
Hotels.com and Expedia have their own unique site features and offerings that set them apart from each other.
Hotels.com is known for its user-friendly interface and extensive search filters, making it easy for users to find the perfect accommodations for their needs. The website also offers a wide range of accommodation options, including hotels, vacation rentals, and even boutique properties.
Expedia, on the other hand, is known for its comprehensive travel offerings. In addition to hotels, Expedia also allows users to book flights, rental cars, cruises, and vacation packages all in one place. This makes it a convenient option for travelers who prefer to book their entire trip in one go.
Both websites also offer customer reviews and ratings, allowing users to make more informed decisions when choosing their accommodations. Additionally, they both have mobile apps available for download, making it even easier for users to book and manage their travel plans on the go.
Conclusion
While Hotels.com and Expedia operate as distinct brands, they are both fully owned subsidiaries under Expedia Group.
This corporate connection allows them to share key infrastructure while still maintaining separate identities and travel booking experiences for customers.
