Hotels.com Affiliate Program: In-Depth Review, Pros, and Cons

The Hotels.com Affiliate Program offers content creators and marketers an opportunity to earn commissions by promoting a platform that features over 325,000 hotels in approximately 19,000 locations across 85 websites in 34 languages.

In 2022, Hotels.com reported an estimated annual revenue of $11.6 million, reflecting its significant presence in the online travel industry. Affiliates can earn up to 6% commission on sales, with a 30-day cookie duration and monthly payouts via bank transfer or PayPal.

With tools like Creator Hero, a creator storefront platform tailored for creators, showcasing brands like Hotels.com alongside other recommended products becomes easier, allowing you to share trusted options your followers love.

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What Is The Hotels.com Affiliate Program?

The Hotels.com Affiliate Program allows content creators, bloggers, and marketers to earn commissions by promoting Hotels.com through affiliate links. 

Affiliates receive up to 6% commission on completed bookings, with a 30-day cookie duration, ensuring they get credit for sales made within that timeframe. 

This program is ideal for travel influencers and website owners looking to monetize their content by recommending hotels and accommodations worldwide.

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What Do You Get As A Hotels.com Affiliate Partner?‍

As a Hotels.com affiliate partner, you get:

• Commission Rate: Earn 3.2% for conventional lodging and vacation rentals (1.2% for car rentals)
• Long Cookie Duration: Enjoy a 30-day cookie duration, allowing you to earn credit for purchases made within that period.
• Marketing Tools: Access to a wide range of promotional tools, including banners, deep links, and widgets.
• International Impact: Global reach, with over 325,000 hotels in 19,000 locations across multiple languages.
• Monthly Payouts: You can receive them via bank transfer or PayPal.
• Receive Dedicated Support: The affiliate support offered by hotels.com will help you to optimize earnings and troubleshoot issues.

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What Are The Benefits Of The Hotels.com Affiliate Program?‍

The Hotels.com Affiliate Program offers more than just commissions—it provides valuable tools and support to help affiliates maximize their earnings. Here are some additional perks you can enjoy as a partner:

Exclusive Deals & Discounts

Affiliates can promote special offers and discounts, making their recommendations more attractive to potential customers. This helps boost conversions and enhances user trust.

Seamless Integration

With a variety of promotional tools like deep links, widgets, and banners, integrating Hotels.com into your website or content is easy and efficient. These tools ensure a smooth user experience and higher engagement.

Strong Brand Recognition

Hotels.com is a well-known and trusted travel platform, increasing the likelihood of users booking through your links. Partnering with a reputable brand enhances credibility and conversion rates.

Regular Performance Reports

Affiliates receive detailed insights into clicks, conversions, and earnings, allowing them to optimize their strategies. Access to data-driven analytics helps refine marketing efforts for better results.

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How To Become A Hotels.com Affiliate Partner

Joining the Hotels.com Affiliate Program is a simple process that allows you to start earning commissions quickly. Follow these steps to become a partner:

Step 1: Sign Up on the Affiliate Platform

Visit the Hotels.com affiliate program page in the FlexOffers Network at https://flexoffers.com/affiliate-programs/hotels-com-affiliate-program/ and apply..

Step 2: Complete Your Application

Fill out your details, including your website or social media profile, and explain how you plan to promote Hotels.com. Approval usually takes a few days.

Step 3: Get Your Unique Affiliate Links

Once approved, you’ll receive access to custom tracking links, banners, and promotional tools.

Step 4: Start Promoting Hotels.com

Share your affiliate links on your blog, website, or social media. You can use deep links to direct users to specific hotels or destinations.

Step 5: Earn Commissions on Bookings

When users click your links and book a stay, you earn a commission. Payments are typically sent monthly via PayPal or bank transfer.

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Best Options To Sign Up For The Hotels.com Affiliate Program

You can sign up for the Hotels.com Affiliate Program through FlexOffers, a well-known affiliate marketing network.

• Commission Rate: Earn 3.2% for conventional lodging and vacation rentals (1.2% for car rentals).
• Cookie Duration: 30 days, ensuring you earn credit for purchases made within that period.
• Available Countries: The program has a global reach, making it accessible to affiliates worldwide.
• Sign-Up URL: https://www.flexoffers.com/affiliate-programs/hotels-com-affiliate-program/
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What Are The Requirements Of Becoming A Hotels.com Affiliate Partner?‍

To become a Hotels.com affiliate partner, you must meet the following requirements:

• Have a Website, Blog, or Social Media Presence: You need a platform where you can promote Hotels.com, such as a blog, website, or active social media account.
• Sign Up Through an Affiliate Network: Apply via FlexOffers or other partner networks that host the Hotels.com affiliate program.
• Comply with Affiliate Marketing Policies: Follow Hotels.com’s terms, including ethical promotion practices and no misleading advertising.
• Target Relevant Audiences: Your content should be travel-related or have an audience interested in booking accommodations.
• Maintain Active Promotion: Regularly share your affiliate links to drive traffic and conversions.

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Hotels.com Affiliate Program Vs Other Brands‍

Hotels.com vs Booking.com

• Commission Rate: Hotels.com offers up to 6% commission on completed bookings, while Booking.com operates on a tiered structure ranging from 25% to 40% of Booking.com's commission (which is typically around 15%-25% of the booking value). While Booking.com’s affiliate program offers a potentially higher percentage, the exact earnings depend on factors like booking volume and partner level.
• Cookie Duration: Hotels.com provides a 30-day cookie duration, meaning affiliates can earn commissions on bookings made within 30 days of a click. Booking.com, on the other hand, has a one-session cookie window, which means affiliates only earn commissions if the user books immediately after clicking the link. Hotels.com offers a significant advantage with its longer tracking period.
• Unique Feature: Hotels.com is known for its Rewards Program, which allows customers to earn free nights, increasing customer retention and potential rebookings through affiliate links. Booking.com, however, has a larger inventory of properties, including hotels, vacation rentals, and alternative accommodations, giving affiliates a broader range of options to promote.

Hotels.com vs Expedia

• Commission Rate: Hotels.com and Expedia are both part of the Expedia Group, but their affiliate programs differ. Hotels.com offers up to 6% commission, while Expedia provides 2% to 6%, depending on the type of booking (hotels, vacation rentals, car rentals, etc.). While both programs offer similar rates, Hotels.com often has more promotions that boost conversion rates.
• Cookie Duration: Both Hotels.com and Expedia have a 30-day cookie duration, giving affiliates a month-long window to earn commissions on referred bookings.
• Unique Feature: Hotels.com focuses heavily on hotel bookings and has a strong loyalty program that incentivizes repeat customers, making it easier for affiliates to drive return bookings. Expedia, on the other hand, offers a wider range of travel services, including flights, cruises, and vacation packages, making it a more versatile choice for travel-focused affiliates.

Hotels.com vs Agoda

• Commission Rate: Hotels.com offers a flat 6% commission, while Agoda’s affiliate program has a tiered commission structure, ranging from 4% to 7% based on performance. Agoda’s higher tiers can be beneficial for high-performing affiliates, but beginners may find Hotels.com’s straightforward structure easier to work with.
• Cookie Duration: Hotels.com provides a 30-day cookie duration, while Agoda’s cookie lasts only one session—meaning if a user doesn’t book immediately, the affiliate won’t earn a commission. Hotels.com again has the edge with its longer tracking period.
• Unique Feature: Agoda specializes in discounted hotel deals, which can attract budget-conscious travelers. Hotels.com, on the other hand, provides customer loyalty benefits with its rewards program, helping affiliates drive repeat business.

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What Are The Drawbacks Of Hotels.com' Program Compared To Similar Programs? ‍

While the Hotels.com affiliate program has several benefits, there are some downsides compared to competitors:

1. Lower Commission Rate: Hotels.com offers up to 6% commission, whereas Booking.com, Agoda, and some other programs provide higher tiered rates (up to 7% or more for high performers).

2. Limited Travel Services: Unlike Expedia or Booking.com, Hotels.com focuses only on accommodations. Other programs allow affiliates to earn from flights, car rentals, and vacation packages, increasing earning potential.

3. Smaller Property Selection: While Hotels.com has an extensive inventory, Booking.com and Expedia offer a wider variety of hotels, vacation rentals, and alternative stays like hostels and guesthouses.

4. Fewer Customization Tools: Some competitors offer more advanced affiliate tools, such as interactive maps, APIs, and dynamic widgets for better conversion tracking.

5. Not Available on All Networks: Hotels.com is primarily available through FlexOffers, whereas programs like Expedia and Booking.com have more affiliate network options, making it easier for affiliates to integrate.

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Final Takeaways On The Hotels.com Affiliate Program

The Hotels.com Affiliate Program is a solid option for content creators and travel marketers looking to earn commissions from hotel bookings. Its 30-day cookie duration, global reach, and integration with FlexOffers make it a reliable choice. 

However, its lower commission rates, limited travel services, and fewer customization tools may make other programs like Booking.com or Expedia more attractive for affiliates seeking higher earnings and broader offerings. Ultimately, the best program depends on your niche, audience, and monetization strategy.

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