genius level 3 travel rewards

The complete guide to the Booking.com Genius loyalty program

I look to maximize every hotel stay with both the benefits I receive on-property and the hotel points I earn for my booking. Typically, that means booking directly with a large hotel chain on its website to ensure I earn elite status-qualifying nights, enjoy elite-status benefits and earn points. For those reasons, I haven't delved much into the Booking.com loyalty program called Genius.

That said, it does exist. While it might not be as rewarding as some of the other third-party booking sites, such as Hotels.com Rewards, it is an option. Here's everything you need to know about the program.

Booking.com Genius basics

Booking.com is an online accommodation booking platform with more than 28 million total accommodation listings. The site is available in 43 languages and has almost 200 support offices in 70 countries. It's not a hotel chain, and nor does it have its own properties. Instead, it just lists hotel properties that you can book, similar to Skyscanner or Google Flights for flights .

It also owns Priceline, Kayak, Agoda, RentalCars and OpenTable.

You won't receive your normal hotel program points or elite status nights when you book through a third party, so why choose Booking.com rather than booking directly through the hotel ?

If you complete any two stays booked through Booking.com within two years, you will earn Genius Level 1 for life. While this is a very low threshold to meet, and lifetime membership sounds awesome, the only benefit of Genius Level 1 is a 10% discount on select properties that are part of the Genius program. Booking.com promises that these properties that have joined the Genius program have a rating of at least 7.5/10, so you can expect a quality property.

Related: 17 of the best hotel gyms in the world

Where you see a Genius logo next to a property, you can claim the discount. I logged in to my Genius account to check how many select properties were included that 10% discount. On a sample search for properties in Westminster, London , only 14 of the 36 available included the Genius discount. I also performed the same search without logging into my Genius account and the prices for those 14 Genius properties were around 10% higher when not logged in, so this is a genuine discount where available.

If you complete five stays within two years you will move up to Genius Level 2, where you will receive:

• 10%-15% discount at select properties
• Free breakfast at select properties
• Free room upgrade at select properties

Though I don't use Booking.com much, my account says I'm Genius Level 2. I logged in to my account to perform a search to see just how many properties included these listed benefits. Using the Westminster, London search, of the 14 out of 36 with Genius benefits:

• All 14 properties offered at least a 10% discount
• Only two out of 14 offered the higher 15% discount
• None offered free breakfast
• Only 1 out of the 14 offered a free room upgrade

While only a small sample size, I would expect a 10% discount on some of the properties with Genius Level 2 with the very occasional room upgrade, 15% discount or free breakfast, though this will be rare and unexpected. I would not consider these to be regular benefits you can rely on receiving.

Related: How to avoid booking a bad hotel

There are only two levels of "status" with Genius: Genius Level 1 and Genius Level 2. Even if you use the program much more than five stays within two years, your benefits will be capped to the above at the Genius Level 2 tier.

When to use Booking.com

If you're going to stay regularly at large hotel chains like Hilton , Hyatt , Marriott and Radisson , then I believe it's still best to book directly with those properties and earn hotel elite status, benefits and points. It's best to use Booking.com when looking at remote destinations, if you want to book a boutique hotel or a unique property or you know you have a one-off stay at a chain you'll never (or almost never) utilize again. Also, if you're a "free agent" with no loyalty to any one particular hotel chain or program and will never stay enough to earn elite benefits with an individual hotel loyalty program, Booking.com can be a good way to receive some benefits (like that 10% discount) at lots of different, unaffiliated properties.

Remember, if you're looking to book a luxury property, it could be best to utilize a Virtuoso agent or Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts and compare the benefits you'll receive over any savings toward a future stay with Booking.com.

Bottom line

If you book enough of the big-box chain hotels to carry elite status and earn hotel points, Booking.com may not make sense for you. Remember that for bookings made with online travel agencies like Booking.com, in most cases, you won't earn hotel points or elite credit, and the properties don't have to honor your existing elite status (though some do anyway). I also find upgrades to be less generous and room assignment poor when booking through online travel agencies compared to booking direct.

I do like the very low thresholds to reach the two different Genius levels, though note that unlike with the Hotels.com Rewards program where you can receive your 10% discount on virtually all properties (via its 11th-night-free deal), the discounts as a Genius are only on a limited number of properties. Genius Level 2 additional benefits like room upgrades and free breakfasts are a bit misleading, as not every property actually offers them, so this should be looked at as an occasional perk.

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Booking.com adds a third-level of benefits to its loyalty program

Genius level 3 members can enjoy up to 20% off, get free room upgrade, priority customer support and more at participating properties.

Mumbai, Wednesday, May 11, 2022: Digital travel platform Booking.com is giving travellers from around the world, including India, the keys to unlock a new level of perks with the introduction of a third and higher tier to its Genius loyalty program, giving travellers even more value the more they use Booking.com.  

With recent research from Booking.com revealing price as one of the top priorities for 32% of Indian travellers* when planning a trip, the Level 3 expansion of Genius is the travel platform’s latest commitment to making it easier for everyone to experience the world. 

Designed to make every trip a better experience, Booking.com’s loyalty program is completely free, easily accessible and membership lasts a lifetime – travellers simply need to create an account to achieve Genius status for life. As Genius members unlock new levels, they get access to larger discounts and more travel rewards that never expire. 

Genius Level 3 members can enjoy up to 20% off.  Discounts are available to all Genius members at over 390,000 participating properties all around the world, whether it’s up to 15% available on Genius Level 2 or up to 10% on Genius Level 1, leaving travellers of all levels with sweet savings to put towards splurging on other parts of their travel experience.

And in addition to the free breakfasts and free room upgrades at participating properties for Genius Level 2 and Level 3 members, the newest tier promises members priority customer support with a live agent for those times when things don’t go to plan, answering the wishes of 68% of Indian travellers seeking real-time service support.

Genius tiers at a glance 

Genius members of all Levels can find their next deal by looking for the Genius label on participating properties. To find out more about Booking.com Genius, or receive a lifetime of travel perks, visit: https://www.booking.com/genius.html . 

Methodology

* Research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total 24,055 respondents across 31 countries and territories were polled (including 501 from Argentina, 1003 from Australia, 500 from Belgium, 1001 from Brazil, 500 from Canada, 1000 from China, 1007 from Colombia, 1001 from Croatia, 508 from Denmark, 1002 from France, 1000 from Germany, 1005 from Hong Kong, 1000 from India, 502 from Israel, 1003 from Italy, 1002 from Japan, 500 from Mexico, 501 from The Netherlands, 501 from New Zealand, 500 from Peru, 1000 from Russia, 1005 from Singapore, 1002 from South Korea, 1002 from Spain, 501 from Sweden, 501 from Switzerland, 504 from Taiwan, 500 from Thailand, 1000 from the UK, 1002 from the US and 501 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in August 2021.

Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com’s mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world whenever it’s safe to do so again. By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out of travel, Booking.com seamlessly connects millions of travellers with memorable experiences, a range of transportation options and incredible places to stay -from homes to hotels and much more. As one of the world’s largest travel marketplaces for both established brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes, Booking.com enables properties all over the world to reach a global audience and grow their businesses. Booking.com is available in 44 languages and offers more than 27 million total reported accommodation listings, including more than 6.3 million listings of homes, apartments and other unique places to stay. No matter where you want to go or what you want to do, Booking.com makes it easy and backs it all up with 24/7 customer support. 

4 simple tips to save more money on booking.com

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As many travelers can attest,  booking.com sets the standard for hotel booking websites. The interface is easy to use, the inventory is seemingly endless, the cancellation policies are generally liberal and the prices are consistently some of the best you’ll find on the internet. All of these awesome features make it our favorite place to book hotels.

You’ll find info below on sign up bonuses, booking.com Genius levels and behind the scenes tricks. Check out these simple booking.com tips to score killer deals every time.

Get cash back on every single reservation

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How does it work? First off, you’ll get a $30 bonus just for making your first purchase. Once you set up your account, just go to  Rakuten any time you want to book a hotel (or do almost any other online shopping) and click through. You’ll get a minimum of 2% back for  booking.com purchases, but there are often cash back bonuses that bring it up to 4% or even 6%.

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Be a booking Genius

Updated January 2022 to reflect the new Booking Genius Level 3!

A few years ago,  booking.com revealed their Genius program and we love it . Unlike so many hotel loyalty programs that can get very complicated or require serious loyalty, the booking Genius program is simple: make two bookings in two years, and you’re in for life!

No tracking points or watching the average value of your previous bookings – the Genius program is the best way to save on hotels in our opinion. Even if your first few reservations are $12 hostel beds or family-friendly apartments, they still count toward achieving  booking.com Genius status.

Once you reach Genius status, every time you go to book you’ll see the little yellow Genius icon next to participating properties (and there are tons of them) and get an automatic 10-20% off those hotels! We rarely find a cheaper deal on hotels these days, and some Genius properties offer extra perks like early check-in, late check-out and even free drinks or breakfast.

How many Genius levels are on Booking today? There are currently three Booking Genius levels. The basic benefit of Booking Genius level 1 is 10% off at select hotels (they need to have a minimum user rating of 7.5 to participate, so you’re only getting the good stuff). Once you get to Booking Genius level 2 by completing five stays in two years, those hotels can offer you up to 15% off and sometimes free breakfast. Now in 2022 frequent guests like us who stay 15 times in two years are rewarded with Booking.com Genius level 3; it includes the potential for savings of up to 20%, free breakfast room upgrades and priority support.

As with the level 1 status, all of the Genius levels on Booking are for the life of your account. I’m hoping that eventually they’ll introduce Booking Genius level 4 for frequent travelers like us! What Booking.com Genius level 4 benefits would you hope to see? For me it could include bonuses like free parking or waived resort fees since these would be for only the most loyal customers.

We have saved so much money over the years with the Booking.com Genius program benefits and I know we’ll save even more in the future. Here’s a quick summary:

• Stay 2 times
• Get up to 10% off future stays
• Stay 5 times
• Get up to 15% off future stays
• Free breakfast at some hotels
• Free upgrades at some hotels
• Stay 15 times
• Get up to 20% off future stays
• Priority support line

Booking Genius vs Hotels.com Rewards

The Hotels.com Rewards program does things a little differently than the Booking Genius program. As soon as you join, you’re eligible for “Secret Prices” up to 15% off the regular rate. For every 10 nights you stay through Hotels.com, you’ll earn one free night up to the average value of those nights (also known as “Hotels.com Stamps”).

However, it’s important to know that your stamps will expire if it’s been a year singe your last earning or redemption through the program. By contrast, once you achieve a particular Booking.com Genius status you’ll retain it for life.

If you stay more than 10 nights in a single member, you’ll get upgraded to Hotels.com Rewards Silver (and eventually Hotels.com Rewards Gold at 30+ stamps).

How do Booking.com Genius prices compare with Hotels.com Secret Prices? As a representative, I looked up the wonderful hotel we stayed in for fall break in Louisville . When I compared Booking.com with Hotels.com for the same dates, room, number or travelers and cancellation policy I found that Booking was almost 10% less . Note that both of those were (surprisingly) substantially cheaper than the same booking on Hilton’s own website.

Which one works best for you depends in part on your travel patterns. If you really do stay in hotels for many nights per year, the slightly higher pricing on Hotels.com might be worth it for you to get the free night. But if you stay at hotels less frequently (or sometimes book directly with the hotel) it may take too long to rack up those 10 stamps and then redeem them for a free night on your next trip.

Check your dates and the number of nights

If you’re flexible in your travel plans, check prices for surrounding dates and even for a different number of nights for the best hotel deals. While we usually think of hotels as having a set rate per night (sometimes more on weekends), we’ve found through booking.com that sometimes the extra cost to add a night or two brings down the nightly rate.

As an example, we were looking at a one-night stay in Jerusalem that would have cost $100; when we priced out a two-night stay, it was just $50 more!

And it makes complete sense. While most hotels send in the cleaning crew to tidy up daily, a full cleaning between guests is much more involved. They have to change all the linens, restock the toiletries and minibar, look for straggler items and more. Hotels would much rather have their guests stay for a few nights at a time and they price their rooms accordingly.

Book early, check often

One of the best features of  booking.com is that most properties offer free cancellation as long as you do it a day or two before your intended arrival. What does that mean for you?

Go ahead and book the room even if you aren’t positive about your dates! If you’ll be traveling to a popular destination over a school holiday, make sure to lock in your hotel before everything is booked up. Sometimes those early booking get the best deals…

… but sometimes they don’t. We’ve found prices slashed up to 50% for bookings within a day or two of travel on occasion. Of course this high-level procrastination works best if you’re road-tripping or otherwise extremely flexible.

But you can always make a cancellable reservation several months in advance through  booking.com and then change it without penalty a day or two before if you find a better rate – especially if you’ve achieved Genius status in the interim!

Score a sign up bonu s

Unfortunately Booking is no longer offering sign up bonuses. Hopefully they’ll bring it back soon!

If you’re new to booking.com , welcome to the savings! You have the easiest form of savings right at your fingertips: click here to make an account and start with $25 off your first reservation. No strings attached! You can use it for an apartment, a hotel or any other kind of reservation available on the website.

>>> Join the savings at  booking.com today!

Booking.com 4-step saving plan overview

Too much to read? Follow this simple plan to save money on hotels at  booking.com :

That’s it! Get started at  booking.com and  Rakute n today. Not ready yet? Pin this article for later and share it with your friends.

Booking.com FAQs

At present, there are three levels in Booking.com’s Genius program.

Yes! Booking.com level 3 began in late 2021 and offers up to 20% discounts.

The biggest benefit is the booking.com Genius discount, which is up to 20% for participating properties. In addition, some locations offer free breakfast or room upgrades.

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What to read next

5 thoughts on “4 simple tips to save more money on booking.com”.

I dont think I’ve ever used booking.com…. I like when you can reserve and change if prices drop. I wonder if ibotta has booking – I have been using that, although I hear good things about ebates of course!

How many minimum stays for apply to Genius level 3 and Genius level 4 ?

I think at the moment there are only two levels, but at the beginning there was just one. Hopefully they’ll slowly roll out more levels as the program picks up!

Or you can book direct with the hotel to get the best prices!!!! Usually works.

Thanks for stopping by! I always check both and book whichever one is the better deal (and has a flexible cancellation policy). Sometimes it’s the hotel’s website, but often I find phenomenal deals with booking thanks to my Genius discount. There are also plenty of smaller hotels and vacation rentals that don’t have their own websites so it’s always helpful to know how to get the best deals through an OTA.

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Genius is the most powerful marketing program for partners on Booking.com. By joining Genius, you’ll amplify your visibility to different groups of travelers who display attractive booking patterns and are less likely to be acquired on any other platform.

Through Genius, you’ll drive incremental growth and increase your revenue. You can do this with broad flexibility and control over how you participate in the program – by offering different levels of Genius discounts and varying Genius value-adds.

Join Genius

Boost your visibility

We highlight Genius properties with the Genius logo in search results and on the property page. On average, partners who join receive 70% more search result views from Genius travelers. What’s more, 30% of bookings at Genius properties are for non-Genius room types, meaning the visibility boost also benefits your undiscounted rooms.

Genius further boosts visibility through:

• Ranking boosts
• Search filters that allow travelers to see only Genius properties
• Marketing campaign investments from Booking.com (including individual global campaigns, year-round targeted marketing initiatives, and communications through email, social media, and PR)

After joining Genius, partners see on average:

increase in search result views

more bookings

more revenue

Stay in control

You can tailor Genius to your business goals, using traveler insights and other resources to optimize your Genius product offering. Monitor your performance and optimize for conversion using insights from the Genius Report . Use different discounts and value-adds to choose who you target and how , and protect your peak dates by pausing Genius for up to 30 days a year .

See your Genius report

If you’re not part of Genius, you’ll still see a monthly breakdown of Genius vs. non-Genius bookings with Genius bookings at zero.

Reach unique  audiences, 75% of genius bookings come directly from the booking.com platform, via our strategic partners or through our booking holdings sister brands., this means you’re reaching unique audiences you wouldn't otherwise be able to capture., target higher-value travelers.

Genius has three levels. Each offers progressively more travel rewards to travelers and more focused targeting to you. At higher levels, travelers are less likely to be acquired through other channels, giving you access to progressively more exclusive, higher-value audiences.

On average, Genius travelers:

• Spend 15% more when booking
• Book up to two times further in advance
• Leave 29% more reviews

Meet your Genius travelers

By joining Genius, you agree to offer Genius travelers 10% off your least expensive and most popular room type(s). You can choose to offer additional Genius incentives that help you target more exclusive audiences and meet your business needs.

Dynamic pricing

Genius Dynamic Pricing optimizes the way your discounts are offered, helping to further boost occupancy and increase revenue.

• Powered by machine learning technology: The discount you offer ​​adjusts based on your business needs, whether it’s switching the discount off during periods when we expect you to meet your occupancy targets or switching to more compelling discounts if occupancy goals aren’t being met.
• Peace of mind: Only offer discounts when needed to meet your occupancy target. You can apply blocked dates and opt out anytime.
• Finessed targeting: Similar to other discounting options, higher discounts will only be shown to smaller and more exclusive audiences.

Overview of Genius  discounts and value-adds  per level

Start your Genius journey today.

Visit the Extranet

Learn more about Genius

• Start offering free breakfast to Genius Level 1 and 2 travelers
• Learn how to use your Genius Report
• Watch an Elevate masterclass on the newly extended Genius

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Genius Rewards Program: Exclusive Benefits with Booking.com

Posted Date:

Embark on a Traveler’s Journey with Booking.com’s Genius Program

As a seasoned traveler navigating through a sea of options, one platform stands out—Booking.com! With an authentic voice, let me share my journey and discoveries with this tried, tested, and trusted booking aggregator.

The Genius Program: Elevating Your Booking.com Experience

Every adventure starts with a simple sign-up. Join Booking.com’s Genius Level 1, and instantly avail a 10% discount on stays and rental cars. The best part? It’s free!

Navigating the Levels

Progress through levels by indulging in what you love—travel! Just a total of five stays in two years unlocks Genius Level 2, bringing forth enhanced benefits like 10-15% discounts on stays, free breakfast, and room upgrades on select stays.

Moving up the ladder to Genius Level 3 requires 15 stays in two years. At this apex, relish up to 20% discounts, priority support, and free upgrades alongside other exclusive perks.

Insider Tips for Maximizing Your Booking.com Experience

The power of filters.

The side panel’s filter tabs are your secret weapon. Trim your search to minutes, not hours, by customizing your preferences—budget, amenities, guest count, and more.

Flexible Payment Options

Booking.com offers the flexibility to pay upfront, at the resort, or upon arrival, adding convenience and peace of mind to your travel plans.

Exclusive Offers and Tracking

Opt-in for email alerts to receive enticing offers, intensifying as you climb up the Genius levels. Keep track effortlessly with Booking.com’s accurate tracking system.

Diverse Accommodation Options with booking.com

Explore over 390,000 diverse properties worldwide, from homes, resorts, and villas to hostels and unique stays. Reviews for each option aid in informed decision-making.

Understanding booking.com Cancellation Policies

Pay attention to cancellation policies—Booking.com clearly outlines these, ensuring flexibility in case of unforeseen changes to your itinerary.

Beyond Accommodations

Discover Booking.com’s comprehensive offerings, including stays, flights, attractions, and airport taxis. Delve into their array of stay options, from holiday vacations to unique accommodations.

Maximize Savings, Maximize Adventures

With Booking.com’s streamlined platform and diverse offerings, your journey becomes not only seamless but also cost-effective. As part of Booking Holdings Inc., it forms a robust network catering to various travel-related needs.

Unlock the Door to Enhanced Travel

As you plan your next escapade, let Booking.com’s Genius program elevate your experience. With exclusive benefits, tailored results, and a vast array of accommodations, let your wanderlust thrive without breaking the bank.

Happy travels, and may your adventures be as limitless as your savings!

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The Booking Genius Program

• Post last modified: February 14, 2024

The Genius program by Booking.com gives you 10 to 20% extra discount on prices that other customers won’t get. If you reach Booking Genius Level 2, you will also qualify for complimentary breakfast and free room upgrades at selected locations. Read more and find out how the Genius reward system works below.

Disclosure: All listings are independently selected. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more ›

About Booking.com

Booking has been around for a long time. It was established in 1996 and is today offering more than 28 million listings located all over the world.

The properties on offer range from small, family-run bed and breakfasts to grand luxury resorts. In other words, you have an extremely wide selection of options to choose from when using Booking.

The Booking Genius Levels

The Genius reward program is offered to the most frequent bookers, and the rewards are better the more frequent of a booker you are. It contains three different Booking Genius Levels.

Booking Genius Level 1 members receive 10% discount off the best available rates at hotels that take part in the program. This is the basic level that new members can unlock instantly.

If you reach Genius Level 2, you will receive 15% off, complimentary breakfast and free room upgrades at selected properties. To be upgraded to Genius Level 2, you need to complete 5 stays within two years.

If you accomplish Genius Level 3, you will receive 20% off, complimentary breakfast and free upgrades at participating properties as well as priority support. To reach Genius Level 3, you need to complete 15 stays within two years.

So you will have to use Booking for a certain amount of stays within a two year window to be upgraded from the basic Genius Level 1. Simply reach 5 stays to unlock Genius Level 2 and 15 stays to be upgraded to the highest level, Booking Genius Level 3.

The Booking.com Genius Levels aren’t more complicated than that.

But pay attention to that it’s stays and not nights that you need to collect to be upgraded. Also notice that any type of stay will count. So you don’t have to book your stays with a particular hotel category to be upgraded to the next Genius Level.

Is there a Booking Genius Level 4 or even Genius Level 5 or 6?

Genius Level 3 is currently the highest level. Maybe more levels will be added to the existing three in the future. But as of now, Booking Genius Level 3 is the highest level in the reward system.

The Booking Genius hotels

For a property to make offers within the Booking Genius program, it needs an average guest review score of at least 7.5 out of 10. That is to ensure your Genius stays get as comfortable as possible.

However, you maybe have noticed that some hotels are Genius hotels but have lower guest score than 7.5. That is because exceptions are made from this rule if the average review score in an area is lower than 7.5 on average but the hotel in question is above average.

In other words, all Genius hotels are options that perform well. Either they have 7.5 or higher in guest score, or they have a better score than the average hotel.

Best price guarantee on Booking

If you find your reservation on another website with a lower rate, then contact Booking right away and they will match the price as long as a few requirements are fulfilled.

You don’t need to be a part of the Genius program to get the price match. It’s available from the first time you use Booking.

Booking Genius Rewards review

So are the Genius rewards by Booking a great option for you or not?

Right from signing up the Genius program gives you 10% discounts. That’s a good start.

It takes five stays to unlock Genius Level 2. From that point, you will receive 15% extra discount on your bookings.

If you shoot for the stars, you can bump that up to 20% off instead as you reach Booking Level 3. That’s just really, really great.

And the free breakfast and free room upgrades at selected locations for Genius Level 2 and Genius Level 3 members make this reward system even better.

It’s also positive that the reward system is so easy to understand. The number of stays you collect get you upgraded. So you avoid the hassle of converting your stays to points, which many other loyalty systems require.

Overall the Genius program is a great reward system. Especially to get 20% off but also to get free breakfast and room upgrades at various locations really makes a big difference.

Signup instructions

• Go to Booking.com and make sure to sign up or log in if you already are a member.
• Choose your stay and make your reservation while being logged in to your account.
• Collect stays and get upgraded to the Booking Genius Levels.
• Enjoy 10%-20% off, complimentary breakfast, free room upgrades and priority support.

Booking Genius Program FAQ

So far there are three Genius Levels. These are Genius Level 1, Genius Level 2 and Genius Level 3. This means that the highest Genius Level is Genius Level 3. There’s no Booking Genius Level 4 or higher.

The discount you get is 10% in Genius Level 1, 15% in Genius Level 2 and finally 20% in Genius Level 3. On top of that, you from Booking Genius Level 2 can receive free breakfast and room upgrades.

Yes, if you reach Genius Level 2, you have access to free breakfast and free room upgrades at selected locations.

Within two years, you need to collect 5 stays for Genius Level 2 and 15 stays for Genius Level 3. Pay attention to that it’s the amount of stays and not nights that you need to collect to be upgraded.

Currently Booking Genius Level 3 is the highest level. If you have reached the third Genius Level, you’re in the top bracket. But stay posted as another Genius Level could very well be added by Booking.com in the future.

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Genius faqs, what is my genius level and why do i have this level, why is my genius level lower than it was before, i have completed more than 5 bookings, why didn't i level up, why am i at a different genius level on my computer than i am on mobile, how do i unlock the next genius level, which bookings contribute to my progress in genius, how are my bookings counted, where can i use my genius discount, how are genius discounts and rewards applied, what rewards do i get at my level, how does the genius loyalty programme work, are there types of bookings that don't count towards my progress, find your next stay, stay in the know.

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Travel Booking Points Programs Guide

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While getting elite night credits through a specific hotel loyalty program like  Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors  can give you some perks if you’re a loyal guest at a certain hotel chain, collecting travel booking points through online travel agency (OTA) programs can be another way to get more benefits for your travel experience. 

I’m a big fan of collecting travel booking points through OTA as I like to experience different things when I travel. An advantage you can get from joining a travel booking rewards membership is that you have plenty of options to use your points to join any programs that your OTA offers on their platform. 

On top of that, some online travel agencies also offer rewards in the form of cashback in addition to travel booking points that you can take advantage of. So in this post, I’m going to write an ultimate guide to travel booking points programs and how to choose the best program for you as a traveler. 

So, what do you need to know about travel booking points programs? Here we go!

The Advantage of Collecting Points for Travel Booking

Travel booking through online travel agencies (OTA) such as  Expedia  or  Booking.com  is a convenient option for planning your travel for many reasons. The main reason people tend to choose OTA is the practicality of using the platform. 

After all, what’s more convenient than having a place where you can get almost every option available in the market when you travel to a new place? From booking a flight and making a hotel reservation, to renting a car for your travel, you can do almost everything you need for your travel on one platform. 

All things considered, many OTA also offers rewards points which you can start collecting for every travel booking you make through the platform. For avid travelers, collecting points through OTA definitely sounds easy and promising to fulfill their travel goals. 

So, what are the other perks of collecting points for travel booking through OTA?

You can get Discounts for any Travel Booking Through the Platform 

The easiest way to use your travel booking points through your membership program on your favorite OTA is by using your points to get discounts for any travel booking through the platform. 

Typically, you can redeem your points to deduct the total amount you need to pay whenever you make a travel booking through the platform. And that’s also the reason why this is my favorite way to spend my travel booking points. 

Not only is it easy to redeem the points, but you will also automatically get a discount for every transaction you make. It’s also one way to ensure you spend your travel booking points before expiring. 

You can get free Upgrades for Flights or Accommodations 

Did you know that some hotels and airlines allow you to convert your stay to points even though you book through an online travel agency too? 

The first time I booked an  Emirates  flight through  Traveloka , a Southeast Asian-based online travel agency, I thought it wasn’t possible to get miles with the booking. While I thought I could only get Traveloka points for it, it turned out I could also earn miles by signing in to my Emirates Skywards membership and connecting the PNR number to my account.

By doing so, I could get both points to my OTA rewards, as well as miles on the airline’s frequent flyer program. It’s a win-win because I can use both points and miles simultaneously to redeem rewards, whether to get free upgrades or even free flight awards for my next booking!

You can Use your Points Across Merchant Partners 

Another advantage of collecting travel booking points through OTA reward programs is that most online travel agencies also have various merchant partners where you can use your points across the platforms. 

Whether you want to redeem your points to get discounts on your favorite e-commerce website or book a travel activity with your OTA’s merchant partners so you can get a discount, you can use your travel booking points for that! 

It’s more practical for a frequent traveler, as most online travel agencies also provide various travel bookings through their platforms. That way, you can use your points for almost everything available there. Be it hiring a driver and renting a car in your favorite travel destination or booking a ticket to a theme park, you can do it all with your travel booking points!

How to Choose the Best Travel Booking Points Programs for You

Now that you know some benefits of using your travel booking points program to get more perks for your next travel, maybe it’s time to consider the best OTA rewards programs that you can choose to start collecting points. 

So, what are the important things to consider when choosing the best travel booking points programs for you? 

Choose the Program whose Rewards are Aligned with your Lifestyle 

I can’t stress enough that you need to choose the travel booking points programs that are aligned with your lifestyle. 

No matter which program you choose, you can only get the most rewards if you use the online travel agency more often. The more you spend on your favorite OTA, the more points you earn to maximize the rewards you can redeem for your next travel plan. 

I suggest weighing the pros and cons of using each online travel agency to find one that fits best for your needs. If you’re a digital nomad who travels the world frequently, Expedia Rewards may be the best program for you not only bec ause it offers some promising travel deals in the market, it also offers various travel services from hotel booking, flight, and even cruises. 

As for me, since I often travel regionally in Asia, joining travel booking points programs through collecting  Agoda PointsMAX  or  Klook credit  seems to make more sense as they offer various travel services and activities in the region. 

Choose the Program that Offers Various Travel Products and Activities to Redeem the Points  

The best way to maximize your travel booking points is by joining a program that offers various travel-related products to redeem the points. While collecting points through  Hotels.com Rewards  seem to have perks when booking accommodation through the platform, you won’t be able to use your points for anything other than hotels. 

Instead, I will recommend installing the Orbitz app and  joining Orbitz Rewards program  to start collecting rewards when booking various travel activities through the app. Not only does it give you the best deals for many travel packages, but you can also earn more Orbucks, the travel booking points you can get when you book using the Orbitz app. 

Choose the Program that Offers Various ways to Collect Points 

The more travel products they sell, the more transaction you can make to start collecting more points. That’s why I advocate choosing an online travel agency that sells various travel products if you want to join their rewards program. 

For instance,  Rocketmiles  allows you to choose whether to earn points or miles when you book a hotel through the platform. On top of that, you can also choose a gift card for your transaction on Rocketmiles instead.

Some online travel agencies give the best offer when you book any travel activities through their mobile apps. You can also take advantage of this to earn more points for every transaction. 

Some OTA mobile apps even create more ways for their loyalty members to earn more points through games and daily check-in, making it possible for you to get points without having to book anything through the platform, even when you’re not traveling!

The Best Travel Booking Points Programs

In this section, I’m going to share some of the best travel booking points programs that you can consider now that you know the advantages of collecting points through some OTA rewards programs. 

Considering some of the essential points when you join the travel booking points programs through online travel agencies, which one is the best program for you? 

Expedia Rewards

What was once a division of Microsoft, Expedia is currently one of the biggest travel agencies in the whole world, with many big travel brands like  Hotels.com  or  Trivago  being its subsidiaries. 

Unlike its other subsidiaries that are more niche-focused, Expedia offers travel products you can book through the platform while simultaneously collecting points through the Expedia Rewards program. From flights and accommodation to making a reservation for local activities in your travel destinations, you can start collecting points by booking them through Expedia via its website or mobile apps. 

You can sign up for Expedia Rewards for free and collect your travel booking points since your first transaction. One of the perks they offer for a new member is to get a 10% off on various hotels with Member-only prices. However, there’s a chance you can even get a discount of more than 10% off on some selected accommodations when you make your first booking with Expedia. You’ll gain the automatic Blue membership status to get the best prices when booking via Expedia. 

While you can only earn points in some eligible bookings with your Blue status, you can get double points if you make a booking through the Expedia app. It is the best way to maximize earning points through Expedia, and you can get more rewards once you upgrade your status to Silver and Gold membership.

After that, you can get up to 3 points for every $1 spent on each transaction, and you’ll be eligible for additional perks, including free upgrades and late checkout at the accommodation of your choice! 

• Expedia has extensive travel merchant partners, allowing you to book various types of travel products while collecting points you can use for your next travel plan. 
• You can use the points for various travel products, from flights and hotels to travel packages booked via Expedia. 
• You can earn miles when you book a flight through Expedia by adding your frequent flyer number when booking your flight ticket. 
• If you have a travel credit card like  American Airlines  or  Marriott credit card , any transaction made on Expedia will count as a travel purchase, allowing you to get points or miles for each dollar spent in the platform. 
• The perks you get as a member of Expedia Rewards will increase with your status upgrade, making it possible for you to earn more travel booking points with the eligibility to enjoy benefits like spa credits or even room upgrades at  Expedia’s VIP Access properties . 
• Expedia often offers last-minute travel deals with discounts that could be way cheaper than direct bookings with the airline or hotel.
• Monthly installments for any booking made through Expedia are available via  Affirm .  
• In terms of points value, loyalty members of a specific airline or hotel like  British Airways Avios  or  Marriott Bonvoy points  seem to be worth more than Expedia points. 

Booking.com Genius Loyalty Program

I’m currently holding Genius Level 3 on  Booking.com , but despite that, I’m not exactly a fan of this loyalty program for a few reasons. I think the main reason is that Booking.com Genius Loyalty Program only focuses on hotel booking, although the platform also offers other travel products like flight and travel packages. 

As a Genius Level 3 member, I am eligible for up to 20% off at over 390,000 participating properties in the portfolio of Booking.com. In addition to that, I can also enjoy additional perks like free breakfast, free upgrade, and priority support for every booking made through the platform. 

While it sounds beneficial for some, I personally think that some other online travel agency offers a better rate than Booking.com, even with the Genius Level 3 discount perks. 

Given the idea that Genius Level 3 is practically the highest status on the travel booking programs through Booking.com, I find other travel booking points programs offer more irresistible benefits. If you’re looking into getting more perks for accommodation, Hotels.com Rewards brings more advantages than Booking.com with its free night deal on the 11th stay!

But on top of everything, I still think online travel agencies that offer more travel products offer more advantages when you collect travel booking points through their loyalty program. 

• They offer the lifetime Genius level once you pass the threshold for the number of stays within a specific period. I’ve earned my Genius Level 3 lifetime status as I’ve completed 15 hotel stays within 2 years in the past couple of years, even though lately I prefer using some other online travel agency to book accommodation more often. 
• The perks for Genius Level 2 and 3 sound quite beneficial with free breakfast and room upgrades, making it worth the status if your biggest spend on your travel is for accommodation. 
• Booking.com customer service isn’t the best, so having a Genius Level 3 membership with priority support is quite an advantage when you book accommodation using the platform. 
• The only perk you get as a Genius loyalty member on Booking.com is a discount at some selected properties on certain dates. The irony is that you still can get a lower rate on the other platform, making it easier to pivot to another travel booking points program. 

Orbitz Rewards

Currently a subsidiary of Expedia, Orbitz was initially established in 1999 as the result of a partnership between several major airlines in the United States, including Delta,  American Airlines , and United. Despite being a part of the Expedia group, Orbitz Rewards remain separate from Expedia making it a good alternative to its parent company. 

While the redemption policy seems quite similar to Expedia Rewards, there are some distinct differences that you can apply with your Orbitz Rewards. Once you sign up for Orbitz Rewards membership, you will be eligible to start collecting travel booking points in the form of Orbucks, which will be worth $1 for each buck. 

Just like Expedia, Orbitz also offers various travel products and packages, allowing you to book accommodation, flights, and various travel experiences on the platform. The main difference between Orbitz Rewards and Expedia is that the travel booking points you earn through the platform are only redeemable for hotel booking. 

You can start collecting travel booking points through Orbitz on your first transaction on the platform, but you will get more benefits if you upgrade your membership status to Gold or Platinum. Although Orbitz rewards only focus on hotel redemptions, the perks you get if you’re a Platinum member can be a great advantage compared to its parent company. 

On top of room upgrades and late checkout, you will also be eligible for TSA PreCheck status application with a Platinum Orbitz Rewards membership. In addition to that, you can also get reimbursement for up to $50 Orbucks for other travel expenses, including extra checked-in baggage and seat upgrades for your flight!

• Orbitz Rewards program is a great option to consider if you’re an avid traveler around the United States, especially if your biggest travel expense is toward accommodation. 
• Orbitz is an LGBTQ-friendly travel app, making it easier to find the best accommodations with great reviews that are also LGBTQ-friendly when you travel!
• The unlimited promo codes can be combined with your Orbucks, making it easier to save more money for your travel. 
• You can earn more travel booking points on your Orbucks if you make the transaction via Orbitz app. 
• If you’re a frequent flyer for some airlines, you can still earn miles when you book flights via Orbitz by adding your loyalty membership number. 
• Orbitz offers many great travel packages, which can be super affordable compared to purchasing each travel product separately on the other platforms. 
• The travel booking point redemptions are only valid for hotel booking, even though you can earn Orbucks for various transactions via Orbitz. 
• The hotel booking via Orbitz won’t make you quality for hotel rewards if you’re a loyalty member of any hotel chain program like  World of Hyatt  or  Marriott Bonvoy . 

Agoda PointsMax

I previously mentioned that Agoda is my favorite hotel booking site as a  Hyatt alternative  due to its various ranges of accommodations that I can book through the platform. But other than that, the travel booking points that I can potentially earn on Agoda are also the reason why I use Agoda to book my accommodation whenever I travel. 

A subsidiary of Booking Holdings with its Booking.com, I’m quite sure that I prefer Agoda to its parent company for all the potential rewards I can get as a Platinum member. On top of the ability to earn AgodaCash, which can be redeemable to your card as a cashback after your booking is completed, you can also enjoy the perks of collecting travel booking points through the Agoda PointsMax program. 

Since 2016, you can earn miles on your favorite airline’s frequent flyer program for every booking made on Agoda. The good news is that Agoda has some airline partners where earning travel booking points on the platform is possible. As of now, you can connect your Agoda PointsMax with various frequent flyer programs, including Virgin Australia’s Velocity, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, and even United Mileage.

Compared to some other travel booking points programs, I find Agoda the most generous platform when it comes to the possibility of earning points with the best deal compared to some other online travel agencies. Not only can you book accommodation through Agoda, you can now also book flights, travel packages, and travel activities in your destination. 

On top of everything, you can start collecting airline miles once you connect to your frequent flyer program while simultaneously enjoying the perks of getting cashback from your transaction. 

• Agoda PointsMax is a great travel booking points program if you’re based in Asia-Pacific, as they have a great range of portfolios in the region. 
• You can earn airline miles in a good range of frequent flyer programs for every travel booking point you earn from completing transactions on Agoda. 
• AgodaCash program is also something that I like about using Agoda to collect travel booking points, as it allows me to earn cashback once it’s eligible to transfer back to my bank account. 
• Completing a booking through the Agoda app can give you more perks as they constantly give coupons that make it possible to save money for your hotel booking while getting rewards through points and cashback too! 
• As an Agoda VIP loyalty program member, you are eligible for up to 25% off on each hotel booking, which can be combined with a valid coupon on Agoda to get the best deal for your accommodation. 
• You can’t earn any hotel points when you make a booking through Agoda, so the perks may not sound as attractive if you’re a member of a hotel chain loyalty program like  Hilton Honors . 
• For AgodaCash, you need to manually transfer it to your account, so you will have to rely on yourself to get the cashback once it’s redeemable. 

Rocketmiles

Another subsidiary of Booking Holdings, Rocketmiles works a bit differently than its other Booking counterparts. While Booking.com only offers hotel discounts for its Genius loyalty members and Agoda makes it possible to connect your frequent flyer number to get miles when you book a hotel, Rocketmiles gives you the liberty to choose the best way to earn points, miles, or even get a gift card for every booking made through the platform. 

Rocketmiles can be a great choice if you’re a member of various loyalty programs and want to get the most of the benefits in just one platform. The good news is that Rocketmiles has partnered up with more than a dozen loyalty programs you can opt for through the platform. 

By booking through Rocketmiles, you can choose how you want to earn your travel booking points. While most of Rocketmiles’ merchant partners are airlines, you can also opt for various gift cards and points like Uber or Amazon.com Gift Card. As for the airline partners, you can earn points from various major airline loyalty programs, including American Airlines  AAdvantage, Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles , and  Southwest Rapid Rewards . 

• Rocketmiles is especially useful for those who want to collect various travel booking points on the same platform, as it has various loyalty program partnerships that may benefit you to start earning miles and points. 
• Rocketmiles is great if you prioritize earning points for miles instead of hotel points.
• You’re free to choose the best hotel with the maximum rewards to earn miles or points through the booking on Rocketmiles. 
• They have a great referral program, which you can join to earn extra passive income through your content and recommendation. 
• It’s worth collecting miles through hotel booking at Rocketmiles than purchasing points directly through your airline website. 
• You can earn up to 10,000 miles for each stay, making it easier to earn miles than having to fly a certain distance to collect travel booking points through the airline. 
• Limited hotel options compared to the other online travel agencies. 
• The hotel rate isn’t particularly the best. 
• You can earn elite hotel status through the Rocketmiles travel booking points program. 

Question: What is the best loyalty program for travel? 

Answer: The best loyalty program for travel can be subjective, depending on the type of rewards you’re looking for when you make a booking through the travel booking program. 

For those who often travel by airplane, it’s always worth joining an airline frequent flyer program as it will give you more perks toward your flight ticket than any others. Considering that many programs have various merchant partners, you can also benefit from using your miles across the platform. Same goes with the hotel loyalty program if you’re loyal to a specific chain like  IHG  or  Hyatt . 

However, if you’re not specifically interested in elite earnings through a specific travel holding, you can opt for a travel booking points program through various online travel agencies, which allow you to earn points when booking a travel package on their platforms. 

Question: What is the Biggest online travel agency? 

Answer: Booking.com and Expedia are two of the biggest online travel agencies in the market. Each one of them has various travel-related subsidiaries, some even have their own travel booking points programs that remain separated from their parent companies. 

Apart from Booking.com, Booking Holdings currently have various big names in the travel industry, including Agoda, Priceline, and Kayak. Meanwhile, Expedia is the parent company of various online travel agencies like Hotels.com, Trivago, and Vrbo. 

Question: How do you build travel booking points?

Answer: The more money you spend on travel booking, the more points you can earn for the loyalty program you’re a member of. Having a co-branded credit card like Hilton Credit Card  might be the easiest way to build travel booking points faster, as you will be eligible to earn points for every transaction made for travel products.  

However, there are also some other ways to build travel booking points, including joining various loyalty programs through hotels, airlines, or online travel agencies. 

Travel Booking Points Programs: Conclusion

For an avid traveler, joining a travel booking points program can be super beneficial as it allows me to earn rewards for every booking I make through the platform. It also gives more perks if you choose the best program where you will potentially use most of your money for your travel. 

The good news is that on top of the loyalty program held by specific travel brands through hotel chains and airlines, we can now also join a loyalty program through online travel agencies, which allows us to explore more ways to collect travel booking points and redeem them for our travel needs. 

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It's not too late to pack your bags and enjoy a last-minute spring break trip or plan an impromptu weekend getaway. To help get you out the door and on vacation,  Booking.com  is currently offering new travel deals that can save you 15% or more on hotel stays. Ready to go?

There’s more where this deal came from.  Sign up for Reviewed’s Perks and Rec newsletter and we’ll keep ‘em coming every Sunday through Friday.

The Getaway Deals  include select hotels booked between now and Friday, September 30 for stays between  Monday, April 4 through Friday, September 30 . You can choose from beachfront resorts to luxurious hotels in city centers across the U.S. and save big. Explore deals on stays in Houston , Savannah , New York City and beyond. Below, we picked out a few of our favorites.

► Premium gas:  Can you switch to regular gas to save on high gas prices?

►Mattress deals:  Sleep Week 2022 offers cozy savings on mattresses, bedding and pillows—here’s what to buy

To escape the cold weather, consider a trip to Las Vegas for a thrilling weekend away. You can get a deluxe studio at the Signature Suites by Voyargo Strip for $71 a night—a 50% savings from the usual $140 a night fee. This hotel is right in the heart of Las Vegas right on the famous strip. Nightly prices tend to increase in the busier summer months so the spring is the perfect time for a quick trip to Sin City.

You can opt for a discounted stay in a sunny destination at the Shelborne South Beach , located just a mile away from the bustle of Miami Beach. Typically, a king room will cost you over $409 a night but with the Getaway Deals, you can get a room with a king-sized bed and city view for $327 a night. If you have been itching for a beach vacation, you won't want to miss out on saving big on a hotel room here. 

For those looking for more ways to save in the coming weeks, Booking.com still has its  Early 2022 Deals going on now through Thursday, March 31 . You can save 15% or more on trips between now and the end of March. For example, you can stay at the Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach in Honolulu for as low as $229 per night. This is down from the typical price of $341 a night, saving you $112. 

Booking.com has hotel offers across the United States in major cities like Houston , Orlando , Las Vegas , Miami Beach and more. For international travel, Booking.com can hook you up with discounted rates at hotels in Cancun , Punta Cana or even romantic  Paris . Whether you're looking for excitement, adventure, family-friendly fun or just some R&R, there's a place you can go for less with this deal.

Save 15% or more on hotel stays from now through Friday, September 30  at Booking.com and find out everything you need to know below.

How do the Early 2022 Deals work on Booking.com ?

Find the hotel you want on Booking.com , select your preferred dates and number of guests and the discount will be automatically applied to the original price of the room before adding taxes and fees. The deals cannot be combined with other discounts except for Genius loyalty program discounts.

Does Booking.com offer rewards?

Yes! Booking.com has a Genius loyalty program, which provides free lifetime access to travel rewards. As you book more vacations through the site, you move up from Genius Level 1 to Genius Levels 2 and 3 statuses. 

At Genius Level 1, the starting phase for new members, you get a 10% discount on the price of your stay at participating hotels, before taxes and charges are applied. After completing five stays, you unlock Level 2, which includes 10 to 15% discounts, complimentary breakfast on select options with your stay and free room upgrades. After 15 stays over the span of two years, you reach Level 3. This level works with participating properties as well, and includes 10 to 20% discounts, complimentary breakfast, free room upgrades on select options and priority support for all bookings. This means you get direct access to a live agent at any time to discuss questions or changes to your booking. 

How do you identify a Genius program property partner?

To identify a property that applies to the Genius program, look for the blue Genius logo beside the star rating of the property in the listing. Once you click this, you'll see what the specific offers are available for that property based on Genius status. When you book a trip, that trip will count towards your progress to the next Genius level as well.

Is Booking.com reliable?

Booking.com is great if you're trying to find a vacation on a budget. We found that sites like Booking.com can be your best friend in these types of scenarios. According to the team at ChampionTraveler.com , Booking.com is one of the "most popular online travel sites with international availability." The resource calls it a "safe and reliable platform." 

How does Booking.com work?

The reason Booking.com can offer such good deals is that the website scans the internet to find the best hotel deals available and in some cases, allows you to compare pricing right from the site so you can ensure you're getting the best possible option. Book through the website and they will facilitate payment to the hotel (or airline, car rental company or attractions) or can set you up to pay directly. Depending on the hotel, you will have no pre-payment required and simply pay at the property or you will be sent a pre-payment in order to book.

How do I contact Booking.com ?

Have questions for the team before or after a booking? Scroll to the bottom of the Booking.com homepage and click the Contact Customer Service link on the far right. From there, you can sign in with an existing account or set one up using your email address or an existing Facebook or Google account. Then, chat live with a customer service agent who can help with any of your questions or concerns. You can also contact the company 24/7 by phone using either a local or international number. After booking, you can simply tap "get help with a booking," choose what you need help with and enter your booking confirmation details for assistance from a representative.

Note that there is also a comprehensive list of FAQs below the sign-in that might answer any of your most pressing general questions, including everything from Coronavirus-related support to payments, cancellations, property policies and more. 

How to cancel a Booking.com reservation?

If you change your mind and want to book a different property or destination, or you need to cancel the trip due to unforeseen circumstances, it's easy to do so. You can manage your bookings through your Booking.com account and use your booking reference number to simply select the stay and confirm cancellation. Some hotels may incur a cancellation fee, so be sure to check the fine print before booking and note how close to the booking you are permitted to cancel without penalty. The email confirmation you receive for your booking may also include a cancellation option you can use to begin the cancellation process if needed.

Does Booking.com charge a fee?

Booking.com charges a fee to its partners including airlines, hotels and resorts, but this does not translate to you when you are booking. You are being charged by the hotel, not Booking.com . They are simply a facilitator that takes a commission from the hotel based on their agreed upon fees with the partner. Bottom line is that you're still getting the best price with no added fees.

How does the Pay Later option on Booking.com work?

With the Pay Later option, you can book a trip and delay the payment by a week prior to your arrival date so you have time to save up funds or clear your credit card. When you book through Booking.com in participating locations and with participating properties, the website handles the payment and sends the money to the hotel using its virtual credit card or bank transfer method. The payment will be processed a day after you check in. 

To opt for the Pay later service, you need to provide your own credit card details versus Booking.com issuing a virtual credit card. The hotel will then directly charge or pre-authorize the purchase based on their individual reservation policy.

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Booking.com - genius level 3 prices higher than level 1??? - Holiday Travel Forum

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Booking.com - genius level 3 prices higher than level 1???

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Has anyone else had the experience that booking.com Genius level 3 prices can be higher than Genius level 1 prices? I've had this happen repeatedly over the last two weeks or so. I found out because I'm helping someone else organise a trip and they keep asking me what prices I get (they themselves are at level 1). With about 5 hotels so far, their price was quite a bit lower than mine - yes, for the same room type, with the same cancellation rules and of course the same dates.

Is this a clever way to lure customers into paying more than necessary?

18 replies to this topic

>>Is this a clever way to lure customers into paying more than necessary?<<

In the world of travel, I don't understand why people use the word "lure"? Nobody who does good research can get lured into anything and marketing is alive and well. Just like any other industry, like electronics or goods. But yes, always pays to do good research. In case you didn't see it, there was another similar post to yours just down the list. Not sure why you started a new thread. In fact, there are probably several more similar threads and posts here and in Bargain Travel forum (search for them).

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12334-k13779378-Booking_com_Genius_Level_3-Holiday_Travel.html

Yes - I did see that. But it wasn't about the fact that prices were the other way round from what was expected. It is about the dubious value of Genius Level 3 in general. Also, since the original post was deleted, I felt it was not really helpful to continue it.

And yes, I stick to "lure". If Booking.com deliberately increased prices for Genius Level 3 customers (in comparison to other levels) because they think customers would trust them sufficiently not to notice, then this would be a case of malicious luring. (I'm not claiming that they do - but I was wondering about it...)

Of course I do my research - that's why I noticed in the first place. ;-) But you haven't answered my question: is this something other people have noticed?

Who do you think sets the pricing? Because it's not BDC. BDC is an advertising and payment platform. The hotel is the business who calculates if and what the % off applies and what they advertise market to people who have this genius level or not. Maybe you should contact them and ask about their pricing and advertising strategies? And see if they will pricematch you to your friend's rates?

BTW, yes there are posts about this practice of inconsistent pricing. And I still disagree that this is BDC "luring" anyone.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12290-k13968740-Booking_com_loyalty_program_level_3_upgrade_question-Bargain_Travel.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g293921-i8432-k14166094-Weird_pricing_on_Booking_com-Vietnam.html

There are some posts here - https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12290-k8915234-o1660-Planning_on_using_Booking_com_Beware_the_cancellation_scam-Bargain_Travel.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12334-k12613962-Booking_com_anyone_managed_to_upgrade_their_Genius_level-Holiday_Travel.html

None of these links seem to take me anywhere helpful with regard to my original question - i.e. whether other people have experienced lower prices at lower genius levels. But I didn’t read more than 1000 posts in one of the threads to check in detail.

Anyway - let’s leave it as is, and also agree to disagree on the luring front! ;-)

Happy travels…

Hi Sebastian. If there is any luring being done it's by the hotels. As you probably know hotels don't have to participate in the Genius loyalty programme. If they do, they decide what rates they will offer.

Personally I have never been that impressed with any of the discounts I have seen, which is why I am not level 3 , just level 2. I see no reason to strive to get to the next rung. Especially if hotels are playing silly games with their pricing.

Bit late seeing this but i agree with you. Myself and my girlfriend have seperate booking.com accounts and she gets the same price for the same hotels, room type and even sometimes when breakfast is given as free for genius 3 customers she gets it free also just as part of the deal. I dont believe this is a hotel issue, I would think Booking.com are just tricking people into believing they are giving loyalty bonuses when they are not

It is a hotel issue, Sean, because it is hotels that decide whether to offer Genius 'discounts' or not and it's also hotels that set their own rates. If you owned a hotel would you want to hand over control of such an important part of your operation to a booking platform? I certainly wouldn't!

Do I think the Genius programme is any good? No I don't. I am level 2. I find it pretty poor and have zero interest in going higher. I agree with bk. It's all marketing. But I don't have to use BEC and I don't have to sign in to my account so I don't find it an issue.

So many things in this world are based on trying to convince people they are getting a good deal even if they aren't. This is no different.

Sorry Sean, believe what you like, but the hotels decide what prices they advertise and what discounts they give.

" There are over 390,000 participating properties worldwide. Only well-reviewed properties are eligible to join the Genius program and are required to offer at least one discounted option. These properties can also choose to offer other travel rewards, such as free breakfasts and room upgrades."

Starting discount for all levels is 10%. Some hotels may offer more for levels 2 (10-15%) and 3 (10 -20%), but they don't have to.

I was looking in the Internet if there was something related to this topic.

My wife has her Booking account with no Genius level; when she finds the right hotel/apartment to rent usually we check my Booking account that is Genius 3 to verify if I have a special discont and, ALL the time, I'd pay MORE with my Level 3 account. Last time 2 days ago for an hotel in Vipiteno: 290€ my wife's account, 318€ with my account. I'm obviously very disappointed with this Booking policy; I don't care if its an hotel relaed issue, my contact and reference in Booking and he decided to offer a Genius programm with special discounts....

Buona serata,

This post has been removed at the author's request.

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Booking.com Have Expanded Their Genius Loyalty Programme

As global industries scrabble to make changes that will better suit a post-pandemic world, Booking.com have recently updated their  loyalty programme, Genius , to include additional levels.

NB: This is an article from Net Affinity

At  annual partner summit, Click , the company discussed their vision for the future of Genius to ‘help its property partners gain even more visibility, increase bookings and grow their businesses in 2021 and beyond’.

The expansion of the Genius programme means more of an incentive for people to use Booking.com, and reap the additional benefits by doing so. Booking.com are positioning the expanded Genius programme as an optional choice partners can make based on their individual needs.

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As an independent hotelier, it’s important to be aware of Booking.com’s expanding loyalty programme. Why? Because it  may have a noticeable impact on your direct bookings .

What do I need to be aware of as an independent hotelier?

First of all, keep an eye on your  metasearch rate s. If you’re a Net Affinity client, and  you’re using metasearch  (eg Google Hotel Price Ads), chat to us if you have any concerns.

Secondly, make sure you are not signed up to any Genius programmes you’re unaware of! If you find that you are, and you wish not to be, you will be able to ‘opt out’ by sending Booking.com a message via your extranet inbox and  following these instructions.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with using OTAs like Booking.com as part of your overall revenue strategy. They have their place within the mix. However, as an independent hotelier, direct bookings should be your number 1 goal. This loyalty programme builds loyalty to Booking.com – not to the hotels taking part. It increases dependency on Booking.com. Your weapon is  your rate  – always make sure you are reserving and using the best rate for your own channels.

Why is it so important I grow my direct booking channel?

• It gives you the ability to control your marketing message
• It gives you more control over the experience your guest has, and your ongoing relationship with them
• You will have lower cancellation rates overall
• It provides an opportunity to secure new loyal customers

What can you do to entice guests to book direct with you?

• Incentivise guests to book by offering a small discount or  unique enhancements
• Emphasise what you have to offer – your property, your area as a destination, your surrounding local attractions
• Create an engaging booking experience that ensures your guest sticks with it through until the end. Part of this is making sure you have an  intelligent booking engine  that is built for mobile, optimised for conversion and easy to integrate with other software that will collectively create a seamless user experience

Here’s a breakdown of what the Genius loyalty programme offers its users.

Genius Level 1

Complete any two stays within two years to unlock Genius Level 1 benefits on select options

Genius travel rewards

10% base-rate discount on the price of your stay before taxes and charges are applied

Genius Level 2

Complete any five stays within two years to unlock Genius Level 2 benefits on select options

10%–15% base-rate discounts on the price of your stay before taxes and charges are applied

Free breakfast with your Genius stay

Free room upgrade

Genius Level 3

Complete any fifteen stays within two years to unlock Genius Level 3 benefits on select options

20% base-rate discounts on the price of your stay before taxes and charges are applied

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Booking.com's Genius Partner Program: Everything You Need to Know

Tobias Roelen-Blasberg

The Booking.com Genius Partner Program is one of the most lucrative ways to generate higher and continuous sales on Booking.com. While other partner programs are designed to attract new guests, the Genius program gives select hotels and properties a chance to connect with frequent travelers, thus opening the opportunity of gaining loyal customers. This blog will discuss how to make the most of Booking.com Genius program.

What is the Booking.com Genius Program?

Booking.com is one of the leading online booking platform among travelers, hotels, and online travel agencies. It was hailed as the most visited travel and tourism website in the world, with 511 million unique visits in the last quarter of 2022. Aside from its numerous advertisement efforts, the website doesn’t fall short of creating marketing campaigns to increase customer retention for its partners.

One of Booking.com’s most popular marketing campaigns is the Genius Partner Program, which is as alluring to guests as it is for partners. The program connects businesses to avid travelers who have reached a certain number of required stays. These “Genius” users are granted exclusive discounts and other travel rewards in exchange for their loyalty and support to Booking.com. Thus, it works like a hotel loyalty program to encourage more people to book Genius partners.

The discounts granted by the partners range from 10-20% of the regular booking rate. While these discounts are based on the Genius level of the users, businesses are also eligible to do special tagging, ranking boosts, and other marketing promos to maintain a competitive edge among other Genius partners.

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What are the benefits of the Genius Partner Program?

While the Genius program requires fixed discounts and perks from partners, it’s actually a highly lucrative way to generate more sales. Here are some of the benefits enjoyed by Genius partners:

Increased booking rates.

Genius users would always prefer Genius hotels compared to other hotel chains. Aside from the perks they’ll get, most users actually book accommodations just to reach their quota and get into the next Genius level. This gives Genius partners a boost in their booking rates.

Better visibility to relevant searches.

Booking.com gives better visibility to businesses that are in their partner programs. After all, their programs follow strict membership guidelines, ensuring they provide nothing less than an exceptional guest experience. So, suppose you’re still starting to fully optimize your listing and collecting more reviews to boost your ranking. In that case, the Genius program may significantly increase your visibility in relevant searches.

To learn more about optimizing your profile, read our complete article, Optimizing Your Booking.com Profile for Maximum Visibility .

Decreased cancellation rates.

Guest cancellation is Booking.com’s biggest problem. According to recent surveys, cancellations on Booking.com are 104% higher compared to direct channels and 31% higher compared to Expedia websites. While this is genuinely scathing to the website, it poses even more significant risks to partners.

Considering these figures, hotels must explore various solutions to mitigate revenue loss because of cancellations, such as the Genius program. Since users are granted the Genius membership based on their previous bookings and customer behavior, they are the least likely to cancel bookings.

Achieve customer loyalty.

Genius users are avid travelers. So, they’re the ones who are most likely to book properties in the future. Once you provide them with an excellent guest experience, they will definitely book your property again. For businesses, this isn’t just an opportunity to generate sales but also a great chance to upsell your services.

Opportunity to collect reviews.

Collecting guest reviews is one of the most crucial strategies to increase your visibility and conversion rates on Booking.com. Unfortunately, some guests don’t have the time and willingness to do this.

Genius users are considered experts on the website due to their booking history. For this reason, most of them are more than willing to post reviews about their accommodations, especially if they were granted the perks and privileges.

How does the Genius Partner Program work?

Booking.com applies the Genius rates to their partners’ least expensive or most popular listings. If they are the same, the discount will only apply to one of them. Furthermore, they set the required discounts in reference to the Genius Rewards Program of the users.

Here’s a quick guide to Booking.com’s Genius Loyalty Program:

Booking Genius Level 1

This entry-level membership is granted to users immediately after signing up. Users get 10% discounts on their accommodations after taxes and charges. Once completed, the user will get a lifetime membership without any further requirement to maintain Genius Level 1.

Booking Genius Level 2

Granted to users who have completed five stays within two years. It comes with a 15% discount, complimentary breakfast, and free room upgrades on Genius partners.

Booking Genius Level 3

Users must complete 15 stays within two years. Users are awarded a 20% discount, priority assistance, complimentary breakfast, and free room upgrade on select accommodations.

The free room upgrades are subject to the approval of the partners. However, it’s worth noting that most users expect these Genius benefits as they are stipulated on the website. Aside from this, the discount can also be stacked with other discounts, including the Early Booker Deal, Last Minute Deal, Basic Deal, Secret Deal, and Free Nights Deal.

How do you qualify for Genius on Booking.com?

As mentioned a while ago, the Genius Partner Program is free. No subscription fees, application payments, or commission rate increases. However, Booking.com ensures that they provide nothing less than the best accommodations for their loyal users, so they observe strict eligibility guidelines for their partners.

Here’s how you can get into the Genius Partner Program:

• Ensure your listings are open and bookable through the website.
• Collect at least three guest reviews.
• Maintain an average Review Score of 7.5. (Booking.com makes an exception for specific cities. As long as your Review Score is above average within your area, you will be considered for the program.)

If you meet these criteria and wish to enter the Genius Partner Program, proceed to the “Opportunities” tab on your Extranet dashboard and submit your application.

How can you remove your Genius discount?

While the Genius program requires a specific set of discounts, partners can block out related deals for up to 30 days each year. This allows brands to optimize their listings or modify price lists before re-activating Genius promos.

Here’s how to temporarily suspend your Genius discount:

• Log in to the Extranet.
• Click the Genius Partner Program under the Opportunities tab.
• Select Suspend Genius discount and choose dates when you want to block out the Genius promos.
• Click Suspend dates to confirm

You can choose 30 consecutive or non-consecutive dates. However, note that Genius users who booked their stay before you blocked out dates can still claim discounts.

How do I get out of Genius Program on Booking?

Booking.com also allows partners to opt out of the program whenever necessary. All you have to do is send Booking.com a message through your Extranet inbox requesting the removal of your Genius membership. Remember that it will take six months to rejoin the program.

What is the difference between Genius Partner Program and Booking Preferred Partner Program?

As of this writing, Booking.com has two major marketing campaigns for its partners, the Genius Partner Program and the Preferred Partner Program.

The Genius Partner Program is designed to boost customer retention of businesses by giving users additional benefits. Since it caters to frequent travelers, companies can connect with people with the highest likelihood of rebooking your property. So, if your business doesn’t have difficulty attracting new customers but finds it challenging to retain them, this program may be the answer. Most importantly, the Genius program is free of charge as long as your business meets the requirements.

According to the website, partners who join the Genius program see an increase of 70% in search result views, 45% in bookings, and 40% in revenue with the cost of the discount accounted for.

On the other hand, the Booking Preferred Partner Program is designed to help businesses attract new customers, as it automatically grants greater visibility in search results. Furthermore, if you get into the program, Booking.com will give a special ‘thumbs-up’ seal of approval on your property page, which increases your competitiveness among users.

Booking.com claims that businesses under the Preferred Partners Program receive up to 65% more page views and a 20% increase in booking rate. Despite this, it’s worth noting that this program isn’t free. In exchange for the increased visibility and the thumbs-up seal, Booking.com will charge higher commission rates for your listings.

Businesses don’t really have to choose between the two programs, as they can join them simultaneously. Both programs are designed to achieve different business goals, ultimately leading to an increase in revenue. However, due to its additional benefits, the Genius Program is significantly more popular among users.

How to make the most out of the Genius Partner Program?

Numerous businesses claim that the Booking.com Genius program is, in fact, counterproductive for hotels and properties. The fixed discount rates, the required freebies, and the selection of the least popular listings aren’t that fruitful for some companies. However, just like any marketing campaign, the program’s effectiveness relies on how the Genius partners implement it.

Here are some of the tips to maximize the Genius Partner Program:

Promote your Genius discount to your social media accounts.

Like any promo, it’s highly recommended to promote your Genius discounts to your social media accounts. Aside from making a buzz among your followers, it’s also an excellent opportunity to reach out to other Genius users who are yet to book your property.

Engage with Genius users.

Good marketing campaigns would always have follow-up offers to maintain the interest of their leads. In line with this, it’s best to engage regularly with Genius users. While Booking.com encrypts the email address of guests, business owners can still send them messages even after they checkout. Update your guests about your existing promos, ongoing change in facilities, or pretty much anything that will entice them to book your property again.

Grant freebies or room upgrades whenever possible.

Always give Genius users the discounts, room upgrades, and travel rewards specified on Booking.com whenever possible. However, it’s best to have backup plans whenever you can’t accommodate their requests. For instance, during the peak seasons when you can’t grant room upgrades, you can try giving room upgrade vouchers which they can use for their next booking. You can also explore complimentary lunch, additional discounts, and other freebies.

Actively collect guest reviews.

As mentioned a while ago, guest reviews are excellent marketing assets to attract potential guests. For this reason, it’s highly recommended to actively collect guest reviews from Genius users. Send follow-up emails and SMS reminders, add a welcome pack to their rooms, and respectfully ask them upon checkout. To learn more about the best strategies to collect more Booking.com reviews, read our complete article here .

Respond to guest reviews.

Your response is as important as the guest reviews–this is especially true for the travel industry. According to recent surveys, 77% of travelers are likelier to book businesses that respond to reviews.

Replying to guest reviews is an excellent way to build rapport with Genius users. It can also encourage other guests, even non-Genius members, to post reviews that can help your overall score on Booking.com.

Read our complete article here to learn more about responding to Booking.com reviews.

Amplify your Booking.com Genius Partnership with MARA

Elevating your presence and engagement on Booking.com's Genius Partner Program can be effortlessly achieved with MARA, your ultimate AI Review Assistant . Designed to streamline and enhance your Online Reputation Management process, MARA empowers you to maximize the benefits of the Genius Program efficiently and effectively.

Easy-to-manage Review Inbox for Booking.com and other websites

One of the key features of this tool is the Review Inbox . Your review inbox makes responding to reviews as simple as hitting "Generate reply" and clicking "Send". The Review Inbox connects to multiple review sources, including Booking.com, Google, and Tripadvisor, giving you a panoramic view of all your reviews. And you can even configure review response automation: Why not allow MARA to automatically respond to simple reviews, like a 5-star Booking.com review with no text, ensuring you never miss a review from a Genius Partner? Daily notifications about new reviews keep you updated and in control.

Insightful Review Analytics for informed decision-making

Unlock valuable insights from guest feedback with MARA's Review Analytics feature. This provides actionable, easy-to-understand insights tailored exclusively to your business. With MARA, you can quickly get the gist of all your reviews without needing to read each one. The analysis is so detailed that you can find out about specific issues like "water in the pool is too cold" or "lack of vegan breakfast option”. These insights help optimize guest experience without requiring you to be a data expert.

Personalized responses with Brand Voice and Smart Snippets

Personalization in responses is really important, especially when responding to Genius Partners who have already left reviews on numerous listings. The Brand Voice feature allows the AI to adapt to your tone, making sure your responses sound authentic and stand out among other listings. Plus, with Smart Snippets , you can "teach" the AI how to respond to recurring praises or complaints. Your AI then incorporates this information into its responses, but always with different words, providing more personalized, relevant replies.

Faster group Review Analytics for multiple Booking.com listings

Additionally, our group analytics overview can provide a quick evaluation of the performance of each of your listing. Other than key metrics such as response rates, ratings, and the number of reviews, MARA also offers category scores based on advanced AI analytics. In the screenshot below, you can find an analysis for hotels with category scores for areas like Food & Beverage, Front Office, and Housekeeping. This analysis aids in swiftly identifying potential weaknesses, with a preview of detailed topics appearing when you hover over a category.

Final Thought

In today's increasingly competitive tourism industry, establishing customer loyalty among frequent travelers is paramount for hotel managers and property owners. Booking.com’s Genius Partner Program provides a valuable avenue to connect with a solid customer base, offering the potential for repeat visits to your property. Moreover, the program's flexibility allows partners to opt out at any time, with no cost involved.

The transformative impact of AI Review Assistants like MARA is evident, with over 2000 customers experiencing its game-changing capabilities. From enhancing overall ratings to increasing response rates and extracting actionable insights from guest feedback, MARA offers a promising solution to streamline and optimize the management of online reviews. Managing online reviews doesn't have to be daunting. With tools like MARA, businesses can streamline processes, personalize responses, and gain valuable insights, all while saving time and resources. Don't hesitate to give MARA a try - it's free for testing , requires no credit card, and can be up and running in less than five minutes.

This article is part of our hero content on Booking.com Optimization: The Ultimate Guide for Hotel Managers .

Frequently Asked Questions:

As of this writing, there are currently two Booking.com partner programs. First is the Genius Partner Program, which allows businesses to connect with frequent travelers. The second one is the Preferred Partner Program which grants listing a Booking-approved badge to attract new guests.

Yes. The Genius Partner Program is free. However, you need a bookable listing, at least 3 guest reviews, and an average Review Score of 7.5 to qualify.

There are currently three Genius Levels on Booking.com, each with a unique set of requirements to qualify.

Users must reach the booking target set for each level to level up on Genius booking. Once completed, users don't need to apply for the next level, as Booking.com would automatically grant exclusive discounts given to each Genius Level. However, remember that only bookings done on the website will be honored.

The highest level a user can reach on the Genius Loyalty Program is Level 3. Users are awarded a 20% discount, priority assistance, complimentary breakfast, and free room upgrade on select accommodations.

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Booking.com adds a third-level of benefits to its loyalty program

Contributors are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the contributor directly

Booking.com is giving travellers from around the world, including Hong Kong, the keys to unlock a new level of perks with the introduction of a third and higher tier to its Genius loyalty program, giving travellers even more value the more they use Booking.com.  

With recent research from Booking.com revealing price as one of the top priorities for travelers when planning a trip (36% of Hong Kong travelers), the Level 3 expansion of Genius is the travel platform’s latest commitment to making it easier for everyone to experience the world.

Designed to make every trip a better experience, Booking.com’s loyalty program is completely free, easily accessible and membership lasts a lifetime – travelers simply need to create an account to achieve Genius status for life. As Genius members unlock new levels, they get access to larger discounts and more travel rewards that never expire.

23% of Hong Kong travelers consider discounts or cashback offers as one of the most important factors of a trip, and Genius Level 3 members can enjoy up to 20% off. Never fear, discounts are available to all Genius members at over 390,000 participating properties all around the world, whether it’s up to 15% available on Genius Level 2 or up to 10% on Genius Level 1, leaving travelers of all levels with sweet savings to put towards splurging on other parts of their travel experience.

And in addition to the free breakfasts and free room upgrades at participating properties for Genius Level 2 and Level 3 members, the newest tier promises members priority customer support with a live agent for those times when things don’t go to plan, answering the wishes of 54% of Hong Kong travelers seeking real-time service support.

Genius tiers at a glance

Genius members of all Levels can find their next deal by looking for the Genius label on participating properties.

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We can also organize a real life or digital event for you and find thought leader speakers as well as industry leaders, who could be your potential partners, to join the event. We also run some awards programmes which give you an opportunity to be recognized for your achievements during the year and you can join this as a participant or a sponsor.

Let us help you drive your business forward with a good partnership!

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Unlocking the Benefits of Booking.com’s Loyalty Program and Rewards

Booking.com , a leading platform in the online travel industry, offers a unique loyalty program known as the Genius Rewards Program. This program is designed to reward frequent users with a range of benefits, including discounts and exclusive perks. Booking.com’s loyalty program and rewards

This article will delve into the details of Booking.com’s loyalty program and rewards, helping you understand how to make the most of it.

Understanding the Genius Rewards Program

The Genius Rewards Program is Booking.com’s way of saying thank you to their loyal customers. The program is structured in levels, with each level offering its own set of benefits. The more you book and stay with Booking.com, the more rewards you can earn.

Genius Level 1

To reach Genius Level 1, all you need to do is complete two stays within two years. Once you’ve achieved this, you’ll automatically receive a 10% discount at participating properties. This discount is applied automatically when you book, so you don’t have to worry about entering any codes or vouchers.

Genius Level 2

After five stays within two years, you’ll reach Genius Level 2. At this level, you’ll enjoy up to 15% off at participating properties. Additionally, you’ll receive free breakfast and room upgrades at select hotels. These benefits can significantly enhance your travel experience, making your stay more comfortable and cost-effective.

Genius Level 3 Booking.com’s loyalty program and rewards

The highest level in the Genius Rewards Program is Level 3, which you can reach by completing 15 stays within two years. At this level, you’ll receive up to 20% off at participating properties. Plus, you’ll have access to priority customer support, ensuring that any queries or issues you have are dealt with promptly and efficiently.

Making the Most of Your Rewards

To maximize the benefits of the Genius Rewards Program, it’s important to book your stays through Booking.com consistently. Remember, the program counts the number of stays, not the amount you’ve paid, so even budget accommodations can help you level up. Also, keep in mind that the discounts and rewards are automatically applied to your booking, so always look for the blue Genius logo when booking.

Conclusion about Booking.com’s loyalty program and rewards

Booking.com’s loyalty program and rewards offer a great way to save money and enjoy extra perks when you travel. By understanding how the program works and how to make the most of it, you can enhance your travel experiences and get more value from your bookings.

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Booking.com - genius level 3 prices higher than level 1??? - Holiday Travel Forum

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Booking.com - genius level 3 prices higher than level 1???

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Has anyone else had the experience that booking.com Genius level 3 prices can be higher than Genius level 1 prices? I've had this happen repeatedly over the last two weeks or so. I found out because I'm helping someone else organise a trip and they keep asking me what prices I get (they themselves are at level 1). With about 5 hotels so far, their price was quite a bit lower than mine - yes, for the same room type, with the same cancellation rules and of course the same dates.

Is this a clever way to lure customers into paying more than necessary?

18 replies to this topic

>>Is this a clever way to lure customers into paying more than necessary?<<

In the world of travel, I don't understand why people use the word "lure"? Nobody who does good research can get lured into anything and marketing is alive and well. Just like any other industry, like electronics or goods. But yes, always pays to do good research. In case you didn't see it, there was another similar post to yours just down the list. Not sure why you started a new thread. In fact, there are probably several more similar threads and posts here and in Bargain Travel forum (search for them).

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12334-k13779378-Booking_com_Genius_Level_3-Holiday_Travel.html

Yes - I did see that. But it wasn't about the fact that prices were the other way round from what was expected. It is about the dubious value of Genius Level 3 in general. Also, since the original post was deleted, I felt it was not really helpful to continue it.

And yes, I stick to "lure". If Booking.com deliberately increased prices for Genius Level 3 customers (in comparison to other levels) because they think customers would trust them sufficiently not to notice, then this would be a case of malicious luring. (I'm not claiming that they do - but I was wondering about it...)

Of course I do my research - that's why I noticed in the first place. ;-) But you haven't answered my question: is this something other people have noticed?

Who do you think sets the pricing? Because it's not BDC. BDC is an advertising and payment platform. The hotel is the business who calculates if and what the % off applies and what they advertise market to people who have this genius level or not. Maybe you should contact them and ask about their pricing and advertising strategies? And see if they will pricematch you to your friend's rates?

BTW, yes there are posts about this practice of inconsistent pricing. And I still disagree that this is BDC "luring" anyone.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12290-k13968740-Booking_com_loyalty_program_level_3_upgrade_question-Bargain_Travel.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g293921-i8432-k14166094-Weird_pricing_on_Booking_com-Vietnam.html

There are some posts here - https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12290-k8915234-o1660-Planning_on_using_Booking_com_Beware_the_cancellation_scam-Bargain_Travel.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12334-k12613962-Booking_com_anyone_managed_to_upgrade_their_Genius_level-Holiday_Travel.html

None of these links seem to take me anywhere helpful with regard to my original question - i.e. whether other people have experienced lower prices at lower genius levels. But I didn’t read more than 1000 posts in one of the threads to check in detail.

Anyway - let’s leave it as is, and also agree to disagree on the luring front! ;-)

Happy travels…

Hi Sebastian. If there is any luring being done it's by the hotels. As you probably know hotels don't have to participate in the Genius loyalty programme. If they do, they decide what rates they will offer.

Personally I have never been that impressed with any of the discounts I have seen, which is why I am not level 3 , just level 2. I see no reason to strive to get to the next rung. Especially if hotels are playing silly games with their pricing.

Bit late seeing this but i agree with you. Myself and my girlfriend have seperate booking.com accounts and she gets the same price for the same hotels, room type and even sometimes when breakfast is given as free for genius 3 customers she gets it free also just as part of the deal. I dont believe this is a hotel issue, I would think Booking.com are just tricking people into believing they are giving loyalty bonuses when they are not

It is a hotel issue, Sean, because it is hotels that decide whether to offer Genius 'discounts' or not and it's also hotels that set their own rates. If you owned a hotel would you want to hand over control of such an important part of your operation to a booking platform? I certainly wouldn't!

Do I think the Genius programme is any good? No I don't. I am level 2. I find it pretty poor and have zero interest in going higher. I agree with bk. It's all marketing. But I don't have to use BEC and I don't have to sign in to my account so I don't find it an issue.

So many things in this world are based on trying to convince people they are getting a good deal even if they aren't. This is no different.

Sorry Sean, believe what you like, but the hotels decide what prices they advertise and what discounts they give.

" There are over 390,000 participating properties worldwide. Only well-reviewed properties are eligible to join the Genius program and are required to offer at least one discounted option. These properties can also choose to offer other travel rewards, such as free breakfasts and room upgrades."

Starting discount for all levels is 10%. Some hotels may offer more for levels 2 (10-15%) and 3 (10 -20%), but they don't have to.

I was looking in the Internet if there was something related to this topic.

My wife has her Booking account with no Genius level; when she finds the right hotel/apartment to rent usually we check my Booking account that is Genius 3 to verify if I have a special discont and, ALL the time, I'd pay MORE with my Level 3 account. Last time 2 days ago for an hotel in Vipiteno: 290€ my wife's account, 318€ with my account. I'm obviously very disappointed with this Booking policy; I don't care if its an hotel relaed issue, my contact and reference in Booking and he decided to offer a Genius programm with special discounts....

Buona serata,

This post has been removed at the author's request.

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