Top 8 Hotel Booking Apps Every Traveler Needs to Download

We all wish we had ample time to find and book the ideal hotel, but that’s not always feasible.

Luckily, mobile apps offer a fast and easy way to research and secure your next hotel stay, especially when you're on the go. If your travel plans change or you need a room at the last minute, these apps can be a lifesaver. They often provide access to exclusive deals or benefits, like keyless entry, in-app requests, quick checkouts, and folio reviews.

Before you start planning your next adventure, be sure to download these hotel booking apps to research, book, and manage your reservations on the move.

Hotels.com

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This app enables users to book hotels, as well as view and modify existing reservations. You can also check your rewards status and activity through the app (earn a free night for every 10 completed reservations).

While booking reward nights on the website comes with a $5 fee, this charge is waived for reward bookings made through the app.

The app features several money-saving options like "Deals for Tonight," which provides exclusive discounts for last-minute bookings in your chosen area. Additionally, keep an eye out for "Your Secret Price" on select hotel listings within the app, offering specially negotiated rates that can save you up to 40% when you use the app, enroll in Hotels.com Rewards, or subscribe to their emails.

Get it for free on iTunes or Google Play.

Marriott Bonvoy

The Marriott Bonvoy app is user-friendly, making it easy to book a last-minute stay at Marriott using cash or points. Just open the app, tap "Book," and start your search. If you have a Marriott Bonvoy account, all your details, including saved payment methods, will be readily available to streamline your booking.

Within the app, you can easily adjust reservations, check your balance, track elite qualifying nights, and view free night certificates. Clicking on a booked trip allows you to quickly access all the amenities offered by the property, along with suggested activities and excursions.

The app conveniently displays current promotions and the dates when your points will expire. If you notice any missing reservations, the "Find a Reservation" tool can assist you. With mobile check-in, users can inform the hotel of their arrival time and receive alerts when their room is ready. The mobile key feature allows for keyless entry (when available).

At numerous hotels, guests can also use the app to interact with the front desk and request services like late checkout, additional towels, or a dental kit.

Get it for free on iTunes or Google Play

HotelTonight

The HotelTonight app has always been a favorite among TPG staff due to its user-friendly design for spontaneous trips. It allows you to snag fantastic deals at various hotels for same-day bookings (or up to 100 days in advance in some locations). The biggest savings typically come from last-minute reservations as hotels aim to fill their vacant rooms. If you're in a bind for a late-night booking, some hotels on the app allow reservations until 2 a.m.

Hotel rooms are organized into categories like basic, luxe, hip, solid, charming, and high-roller, giving you a sense of each property's style. The app strives to offer the best last-minute rates, making it easy to select a hotel thanks to accessible reviews and photos. Don't miss out on the Daily Drop feature, where you can swipe to reveal a personalized deal with a special price valid for just 15 minutes after it's unlocked.

HT Perks is the app's loyalty program structured in tiers. You can level up like in a video game by reaching certain spending milestones within the app. Progress is also made by achieving various "milestones" (such as booking in five different states), which grants you access to lower rates and credits for future bookings. Plus, your status never expires, so you can only ascend, never descend.

Get it for free on iTunes or Google Play.

Hilton Honors

The Hilton app features a unique "choose your room" option that sets it apart from other hotel booking apps. When checking into select properties through the app, you can view a hotel layout map and select your preferred room. This is particularly useful if you have preferences for a higher floor, proximity to the elevator, or a specific ocean view. Additionally, you can sometimes order your preferred pillow type or request snacks and beverages (for an extra fee) before your arrival. The one-tap checkout also simplifies your departure. Along with these perks, you can book and manage your stays, as well as check your points and elite status within the app.

One of our favorite features at TPG is the app's digital key, which lets guests bypass the front desk and head directly to their chosen room. The app also allows guests to order Lyfts to the hotel or control the TV, lighting, and temperature in their room.

Get it for free on iTunes or Google Play.

Booking.com

Booking.com ranks among the top platforms for booking hotels and vacation rentals, and its mobile app is equally effective. With access to an extensive inventory of 28 million properties worldwide, you can view all your past, current, and upcoming trips offline. The app also provides hotel addresses in the local language, which is incredibly handy for communicating with taxi drivers in foreign countries. Its wide selection makes it perfect for finding accommodations in less-traveled areas. The user-friendly interface clearly outlines what's included in your booking, helping you steer clear of unexpected resort fees, and indicates whether cancellations are allowed without penalty. Prepaying often leads to lower rates.

The app features numerous reviews for most properties, allowing you to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option. The Genius loyalty program offers members discounts at various locations worldwide, along with perks like complimentary welcome drinks, free airport transport, and late checkouts. You can view your Genius status and benefits in the app's profile section.

Get it for free on iTunes or Google Play.

IHG One Rewards

Following a complete overhaul of its rewards program, IHG also revamped its app to align with the changes made for the 11 million users who signed up at launch.

In the updated app, travelers can effortlessly search for and book accommodations across IHG's brands, including Kimpton, Holiday Inn, InterContinental, and Six Senses. Users can either discover new hotels or utilize the Quick Book feature to secure a room at their preferred location.

Members can monitor their account status to see how many points they've accumulated, which can be redeemed for bookings. They can also track their progress through the program’s tiers and check how close they are to earning a Milestone Reward. Additionally, the app includes modern features like digital check-in and checkout, the option to enroll in special promotions, and the ability to view points earned from previous stays.

Get it for free on iTunes or Google Play.

World of Hyatt

With the World of Hyatt app, travelers can book over 900 Hyatt hotels and manage their existing reservations. One standout feature is the ability to request room amenities directly through the app. TPG reporter Zach Griff has utilized this feature during past stays, stating, "Both requests were fulfilled shortly after submission. The app allows you to track your requests, so you never have to wonder if a phone agent understood you correctly."

The app includes Hyatt Mobile Entry, a keyless access option available at select properties, allowing you to check in via the app and bypass the lobby. Guests can also connect to Chromecast at certain hotels or relax using the integrated Headspace feature for meditation after a long day of travel.

You can effortlessly monitor your points progress and elite status within the app, along with the benefits associated with your status. The app allows you to set specific room preferences, such as requesting a high-floor or accessible room, or even upgrade your accommodation. Additionally, it simplifies contacting Hyatt with options to call the member service line, view local numbers, or message the Hyatt Concierge via Twitter or Facebook.

Download for free on iTunes or Google Play.

Expedia

For those seeking significant discounts on hotel bookings, the Expedia app is a must-have. It features exclusive deals that aren't available on the website, including discounts of up to 40% and an app-only Expedia Rewards rate of 2 points for every dollar spent.

The app's account section keeps you updated on your rewards activity and shows how close you are to achieving elite status. When booking, you can easily apply your Expedia Rewards points with just a swipe of your finger.

In addition to booking over 500,000 properties, you can also arrange flights, car rentals, tours, and vacation packages directly from your mobile device. When you reserve hotels, the app clearly outlines payment terms, indicating whether you can book now and pay later or if you can cancel by a certain date. It also provides a map of the hotel’s location along with key details such as amenities and photos.

Your reservations are accessible offline, and all hotel addresses are presented in the local language for a smoother arrival experience.

Download for free on iTunes or Google Play.