Many people wonder if booking.com is really safe to use. It’s been around since 1996. Since then, it’s become a top choice for travelers. It’s part of Booking Holdings from booking.com, a big group that owns other trusted travel sites too. Because it’s well-known around the world, many travelers feel safe when using Booking.com and found is booking.com legit.
But, it’s normal to hear good and bad stories about any big company. People’s experiences can vary a lot. This article looks into the real truth about Booking.com legit. We’ll see if it truly is a reliable site for booking your trips from booking.com.
Key Takeaways
- Booking.com has established itself as a leading OTA with a global presence since 1996.
- The platform operates in over 220 countries and 40 languages, offering around 2.7 million properties1.
- However, recent security issues, including scams and phishing attempts, have raised concerns2.
- Diversified customer feedback highlights both commendable and problematic experiences1.
- Despite some criticisms, Booking.com remains a widely adopted platform among travelers globally1.
Overview of Booking.com
Founded in 1996, Booking.com quickly became a big name in travel. It’s known for its reliable service and global network.
History and Growth
It all started in the Netherlands as a small company. Now, it’s a key part of Booking Holdings Inc. This change came from smart moves in growing and offering more to users. Today, it lists around 2.7 million places to stay like hotels and homes.
Global Reach and Availability
Booking.com stands out with spots in over 220 countries. It speaks over 40 languages too. This shows it’s a trusted choice for folks everywhere. Users can easily find the right place with its smart search features and recommendations based on their likes3. These tools make every trip-planning experience better3.
Customer Experiences with Booking.com
People’s views on Booking.com vary widely. Some are very happy with it, but others have big complaints. This diversity gives us a clear picture of what Booking.com does well and what it doesn’t.
Positive Feedback
Many users enjoy using Booking.com. They like how easy it is to book and the great customer service. Hotels and other stays are rated from okay at 7.3 points to superb at 9 points4. Guests can rate parts of their stay separately, like location and staff friendliness. From this helps everyone know what to expect5.
Negative Reviews
There are also many negative reviews. Over 57,000 of them rated their experience as “Bad,” with most being just 1 star6. Some had to wait a long time on the phone. Others mentioned losing a lot of money on unpaid airline fees6. People often talk about how tough it is to get clear answers from customer service6.
Common Complaints
Hidden fees and misleading details are often brought up. One person was upset to find their “basement” room in London was not as it seemed6. Some question if recent reviews are shown fairly, particularly in Malta and Iceland5. The scores for some places vary a lot. For example, one place scored just 5.4 points4.
Reports of scams and rumors add to the negative image. Despite its wide use, these experiences point to where Booking.com should do better.
Trustworthiness of Booking.com
Booking.com is looked at closely because many users share their experiences online. Some talk about great service, while others warn about the site’s trustworthiness. This mix of feedback makes it hard to judge Booking.com for sure.
Company Reputation
Since its start in 1996, Booking.com has been a major name in travel online. However, its image has been dinged by a lot of complaints. A huge 57,595 issues have been reported, leading to a very low rating of 1.26. Even with this bad news, the company says it’s working hard to stay safe and reliable7.
User Ratings on Various Platforms
Trustpilot ratings show a wide view of Booking.com’s work. A big 74% gave the site a 1-star rating6. Only 17% got 5 stars, while 4% felt it was okay with 4 stars, and 2% were just neutral with 3 stars6. Besides, there were scams to worry about. Some say they got emails asking for bank details, leading to money loss7.
So, the key question is about Booking.com’s trustworthiness. The site works hard to secure data and fight fraud8. But the worry over phishing scams keeps raising flags about its honesty7. With this info in mind, deciding to use their service is something each person has to think over carefully.
Booking.com Reviews from Customers
People’s opinions on Booking.com are mixed. About 17% are very happy and give it 5 stars6. But, 74% of users are extremely dissatisfied, showing in their 1-star ratings6.
Accommodations like the Viceroy in Chicago get great scores, averaging 9 out of 104. The Vue B&B in Seward, Alaska, does well too with an 8.64. But, places like the Extended Stay America in Los Angeles only score 5.4, suggesting not everyone is happy4.
Booking.com stopped anonymous reviews to improve truth and trust9. This move aims to fight fake reviews and make feedback more trustworthy9.
Even with these changes, 57,595 reviews are still marked “Bad”6. The review process is detailed, sending review requests 48 hours after check-out. Guests then have 3 months to give feedback9.
Booking.com is known for its large listing and ease of use. But it gets heat for poor customer support and payment handling. Checking each place’s review carefully is key before you book.
Booking.com Safety Measures
Booking.com puts a lot of effort into keeping users safe. They use many tools to protect your information and prevent scams.
Data Security
Booking.com recommends turning on 2-factor authentication to keep your booking data secure. It means you’ll need a special code from your phone to log in10. With this, it’s harder for others to get into your account11. Also, when you book, make sure to use real email and credit card info to verify who you are11.
Phishing and Scams
However, there have been cases of scams and leaks on Booking.com, making some users wary. To stay safe, watch out for payment requests that don’t match the property’s rules. Avoid sending your credit card info over email or the phone10. Instead, use Booking.com’s message system for talking to hosts. It makes communication safer10.
Refund Policies
Getting refunds can sometimes be a hassle on Booking.com. Users have reported problems, pointing out areas that need work. The site is working on making refunds clear and quick to maintain trust1011.
Booking.com’s Competitive Edge
Booking.com stands out with lots of choices, offering 1.8 million places in 220 countries12. This shows its top spot in the market, especially in Europe. There, it reigns with over 60% of the market in countries like France, Italy, and Spain12.
Even faced with the pandemic, Booking.com grew stronger. It did this with more online sales and extra ways to pay13. Their new efforts, like the Preferred Plus program, mean more people see their places and book them. These moves help secure Booking.com’s top slot13.
Though sites like Expedia and Agoda lead elsewhere, Booking.com shines in Europe and is spreading elsewhere. Genius rates make it easier for more people to find their places. This technology raises Booking.com’s value anywhere in the world13.
Booking.com is smart to work closely with Booking Holdings. This joint work keeps them strong and helps solve problems. Their focus on keeping customers happy with hotel support makes them a tough competitor13.
Criticisms and Controversies
Booking.com has faced lots of criticism. Users often complain about the customer service. They say it’s slow and often sides with hotels, not guests. This means guests might not get their side heard in disputes. Also, guests can’t leave reviews if hotels change where they’re staying14.
Customer Service Issues
The UK’s CMA looked into Booking.com’s tactics. It found that the site can pressure people into booking with false urgency – like saying there are few rooms left or the price is dropped. This can make users feel tricked and upset, especially when their issues aren’t taken seriously15.
Customers also feel let down when they complain. Their concerns sometimes are not addressed well. This leaves them unhappy with Booking.com’s service.
Hidden Costs and Fees
One big issue is the mystery extra costs. Customers might find these out after booking and have to pay more than expected. This has caused much uproar about Booking.com’s openness16.
But it’s not just customers. Hotels also deal with surprise charges, like hidden VAT. This was so frustrating for Aldemar, a luxury hotel chain, that it stopped working with Booking.com in 201916.
Handling of Complaints
Booking.com also struggles with complaints. The CMA looked into this and found problems. By June, they warned many websites to up their game. They wanted better rules to protect customers15.
Customers might not get refunds easily. This makes them trust Booking.com less and more upset. The whole situation can be stressful for everyone involved.
Is Booking.com Reliable for Hotel Bookings?
Assessing booking.com hotel booking reliability, we see mixed experiences. In 2021, some got rooms at Radisson Blu for 10 EUR each17. Soon, Booking.com hiked prices over 10 times and threatened to cancel bookings unless customers paid more17. Many people had to quickly find other places to stay because of this17. This shows serious issues with hotel reservation authenticity.
Adding to trust issues, Booking.com shows some hotels with a 9.0 rating, making them seem reliable18. But, these ratings are questioned due to tactics like saying rooms are almost gone and showing that others are viewing them too18. These actions create doubt about the platform’s hotel booking trust.
Furthermore, people told of bad times with Booking.com’s support services when facing deceitful listings18. This lowers the platform’s reliability feeling. Also, about 15% of Booking.com’s reviews might be fake, which is another large concern for trusting customers’ opinions18.
| Company | Reservation Guarantee | Additional Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Marriott | Ultimate Reservation Guarantee | Alternative accommodations and inconvenience compensation17 |
| Hyatt | Free night at a comparable hotel | Transportation to the alternative hotel17 |
Compared to industry leaders like Marriott and Hyatt, Booking.com seems less reliable. Marriott promises the “Ultimate Reservation Guarantee,” and Hyatt offers similar strong support for their bookings. This doesn’t align well with the shaky experiences some face with Booking.com17.
Is Booking.com Safe for Flight Bookings?
People wonder if it’s safe to book flights on Booking.com. It’s because they added flights to their services. Now, you can also find hotels, attractions, rental cars, and cruises there19. The goal is to be a one-stop-shop for your travel needs.
Yet, some worry about safety. Issues like incorrect bookings and trouble talking to airlines don’t help. Many have faced these problems when trying to fix their bookings with support. With scams on the rise, customers need to be cautious. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found 363 scams on Booking.com in 202320.
Before trusting Booking.com for flights, check out its safety rules. To stay safe, they recommend being careful about messages that seem off, knowing the payment rules, and keeping your credit card info private20. Also, following Booking.com’s terms and updating your user details can make your bookings more reliable19.
“Booking.com requires accepting terms that have binding arbitration, which is standard to lower legal risks”19.
So, Booking.com wants to be a trustworthy place to book flights. Yet, with more scams and booking mistakes, you need to be extra careful. Following their safety tips is key.
Booking.com vs Competitors
When looking at Booking.com versus competitors, you see that every site has its own perks. They meet different needs for travelers. This means the best choice depends on what you’re looking for.
Booking.com vs Airbnb
Booking.com versus Airbnb shows a clear difference. Booking.com has many types of places to stay across 220 countries. This is more than what Airbnb offers in most cases.
Airbnb, on the other hand, shines with its unique spots and local touches. Travelers who want more than just a place to sleep often prefer Airbnb. But, Booking.com had over 1.2 billion room nights in Europe in 2019 through OTAs, showing its huge variety21.
Booking.com vs Hotels.com
When you compare Booking.com versus Hotels.com, Hotels.com has a great loyalty program. It’s called “Hotels.com Rewards” and it’s very popular. Still, Booking.com stands out with its many options and good prices. The pandemic underlined the importance of online platforms. OTAs helped generate 53 million more hotel nights in Europe during that time21.
The option to book online through sites like Booking.com has kept hotel prices lower. Without platforms like these, staying in a European hotel would cost around €10 more each night. This highlights the value of Booking.com and similar services.
Booking.com does get some complaints about customer service. Recent studies show that booking directly might be slightly better than using third-party sites. Also, these sites can take a big chunk, up to 40%, on commission. This can be hard on smaller hotels22.
Even with its size, Booking.com faces challenges. Yet, it and its rivals like Airbnb and Hotels.com all bring something unique. Together, they shape the way we travel online.
| Platform | Main Strengths | Main Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Booking.com | Extensive inventory, competitive pricing, global scale | Potential high commissions, customer service issues |
| Airbnb | Unique, personalized experiences, diverse property types | Less focus on traditional hotels, potential service inconsistencies |
| Hotels.com | Rewards program (Hotels.com Rewards), strong customer loyalty | Less diverse property types compared to Booking.com |
Real User Feedback on Booking.com
User feedback on Booking.com ranges from very happy to quite upset. People love how easy it is to book on the site. More than 28 million places are listed, almost everywhere in the world23. This makes it easy for people to find a place to stay. Over 1.5 million rooms are booked every day, showing it’s a trusted service23. Plus, it can be used in 43 languages, so it’s great for anyone around the world23.
But, some users are not so positive. They worry about the truth in the reviews. About 15% of them may not be real, which makes some people doubt the site14. Also, there are complaints about false information when booking or poor property descriptions. This happened at the Aero Look Hotel in India, where a guest had a tough time leaving a true review14.
People have also criticized how Booking.com uses sales tactics. For example, the website might say, “Only X rooms left” to push you to book. Or they say, “34 other people have looked at this property.” Some feel these are misleading tricks14. They have found better customer service with other sites like Expedia. This made some guests switch from Booking.com14.
While Booking.com struggles with some issues, it does try to be fair. For example, you usually need to stay at a place to leave a review, which aims to keep reviews real14. It is also known for trying to offer the best prices since it started in 2005. This has made it a top choice for finding a place to stay23.
“My experiences with Booking.com have ranged from seamless reservations to frustrating booking errors that weren’t resolved satisfactorily.”
Booking.com is praised for being easy to use and popular, but it’s not perfect. Some users don’t like how customer complaints are handled or that refunds can be unclear14. The company’s fraud department sometimes can’t give full reasons due to the law. This mixed feedback shows that the site has good and bad points14.
Overall, experiences with Booking.com can be good or bad. There are great things and some issues too. The stories people share about using the site show both the good and the challenging parts.
Conclusion
Booking.com has changed the game for travelers looking for places to stay. It gives people a wide variety of places to choose from, such as campgrounds and fancy hotels24. This site started in 1996 and has been a favorite among folks who like to plan their own trips since May 201025. It doesn’t just handle where you’ll sleep. It also helps find flights and lets you rent cars2524. But, some problems, like bad customer service and surprise fees, have hurt its image. It faces challenges in being seen as reliable3.
This platform stands out because of its easy-to-use map and search tools, making it better than others like Expedia and Hotels.com24. Even so, Booking.com needs to work on being more honest and offering better service. Some guests are not happy, which shows in their reviews. What travelers say can help improve future experiences. This highlights the need for good service for all guests25.
The site’s mixed reviews call for a careful thought in using Booking.com. Its huge selection is great, but words from real users warn about possible problems24. So, travelers should carefully consider the perks and possible pitfalls. This way, they can make a smart decision about using Booking.com in their plans24.
FAQ
Is Booking.com a legitimate and trustworthy platform?
How extensive is Booking.com’s global reach and service availability?
What are some common positive experiences shared by Booking.com users?
What are frequent complaints and negative reviews about Booking.com?
How does Booking.com score in terms of user ratings and industry reputation?
What safety measures does Booking.com implement to protect users?
How does Booking.com compare to competitors like Airbnb and Hotels.com?
What do real user reviews reveal about Booking.com’s service quality?
Are there any significant criticisms or controversies associated with Booking.com?
Is Booking.com reliable for hotel bookings?
Is Booking.com safe for booking flights?
What are the advantages of using Booking.com over other travel booking websites?
Source Links
- https://www.ratepunk.com/blog/post/is-booking-com-legit-and-reliable
- https://www.makeuseof.com/what-is-booking-dot-com-scam/
- https://www.booking.com/content/how_we_work.html
- https://www.booking.com/reviews.html
- https://www.booking.com/reviews_guidelines.html
- https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.booking.com
- https://www.theguardian.com/money/2023/oct/23/bookingcom-customers-targeted-by-scam-confirmation-emails
- https://www.booking.com/content/privacy.html
- https://partner.booking.com/en-us/help/guest-reviews/general/guest-review-process-and-conditions
- https://www.booking.com/trust-and-safety/travellers.html
- https://www.booking.com/trust-and-safety/partners.html
- https://www.mightytravels.com/2024/01/the-battle-of-the-hotel-booking-giants-expedia-vs-booking-com-vs-agoda/
- https://www.phocuswire.com/how-booking-gained-market-share-mirai-opinion
- https://www.5losttogether.com/why-i-now-avoid-booking.com/
- https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-49740143
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Booking.com
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/travel-rewards/can-you-trust-booking-com-to-honor-your-reservation/
- https://www.5losttogether.com/why-i-now-avoid-booking-com/
- https://www.booking.com/content/terms.html
- https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-31/booking-com-scams-surge-phishing-australians-thousands-dollars/103390292
- https://partner.booking.com/en-us/click-magazine/trends-insights/how-customer-confidence-and-competitive-prices-boost-bookings
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/tips/booking-direct-travel-websites-flights-hotels/
- https://lesboutiquehotels.com/booking-com-reviews
- https://ninaoutandabout.ca/is-booking-com-legit/
- https://www.world-of-waterfalls.com/booking-com-review/
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