Finding accommodation is always a challenge when planning a trip due to differences in price, location, and reviews. Moreover, in recent years, numerous platforms for booking accommodations have emerged. At LOCK & enjoy! we’re here to help with a straightforward guide to the best websites for booking accommodations that we’ve prepared.
What are the best websites for booking accommodations?
At first glance, it might seem that all accommodation platforms and websites are similar, but there are significant differences that can make your choice the right one.
Booking
Booking is the market leader and is well-known both nationally and internationally.
It offers a wide range of hotels, apartments, campings, country houses, hostels, lodges, villas, etc., and almost anywhere in the world. However, if the city you’re looking for does not appear, it is due to international sanctions on that country, such as Cuba or North Korea.
Additionally, it has countless filters to help you find the perfect accommodation tailored to all your needs and preferences.
We recommend that you carefully read the booking conditions before making a reservation. Potential issues you might encounter include:
- Deposit required for booking a house or apartment.
- Very limited check-in and check-out times, with possible surcharges for off-schedule services.
- Payment of municipal taxes in some cities, which subsequently increase the initially displayed price.
- Pay close attention to payment dates and the possibility of early cancellation, as these vary by accommodation.
It’s also worth noting that Booking offers other services such as arranging airport transfers to city centres or car rental services.
Trivago
Founded in 2005 in Germany, Trivago has also become a reference company for accommodations.
It’s important to highlight that it is not a travel agency, but rather a price comparison site that redirects users to the relevant websites to make their bookings.
It has a very simple interface with custom filters for price, category, location, and ratings from previous guests. However, sometimes the price filter is not up-to-date, so the cost shown at the time of booking may differ.
Lastly, it has an extensive database with thousands of hotels worldwide, making it very easy to plan any trip, both nationally and internationally. However, it is not the best option if you’re looking for alternative accommodations to hotels, as its offerings are very limited compared to other platforms.
Airbnb
Airbnb has also become a leading platform alongside Booking. It is preferred by travellers and tourists looking for an entire house or a room.
However, the accommodation offered on this website is quite expensive and does not allow you to see the exact address of the property, only the area where it is located.
On the positive side, you can interact directly with the owners to resolve doubts or make suggestions. On the downside, a series of management fees are added to the final booking cost, significantly increasing the total expense.
If you book a house or an apartment, after check-out you can leave your bags in any of the LOCK & enjoy! lockers we have in the following cities:
- Seville.
- Madrid.
- Valencia.
- Paris.
- Malaga.
- Las Palmas.
- Palma de Mallorca.
- Benidorm.
- San Sebastián.
Additionally, through our website, you can book numerous activities at a good price in these cities.
Atrápalo
Atrápalo is also well-known for finding accommodations but primarily within Europe and Latin America.
It not only focuses on accommodations but also offers a wide range of services, including ticket purchases for shows, restaurants, or local experiences. We recommend visiting the website frequently for discounts and promotions on its products, as well as on flights.
However, many users have reported that customer service is very limited, especially when issues arise with bookings (cancellations, time changes, etc.). Cancellation policies are very strict for certain services and often do not match those offered by the service providers.
Last Minute
This platform is considered one of the best for booking hotels or any other type of accommodation at the best price. It is ideal for travellers who make reservations at the last minute, as the company’s policy is to offer last-minute discounts on all its services (flights, hotels, etc.).
It also offers combined flight and accommodation packages, to which other activities can be added. This option makes booking and organizing the trip very convenient.
We advise you to carefully review the final price, as taxes or other additional charges are not always included. Additionally, although it is an international platform, users outside Europe tend to have fewer options.
Have you decided on one yet? You can also read our guide for making budget-friendly trips.
Sevilla