Hotels.com has reservations with free cancellation and cashback for 2025

Want to secure your next trip with savings?

Anyone who travels knows that unforeseen events happen. Sometimes the flight changes, the plan falls through or you just want to change your destination. That's why more and more people are choosing platforms that allow flexible booking - and that's where Hotels.com stands out. For 2025, the site is already offering reservations with free cancellations and, what's more, cashback on various accommodations.

If you're already thinking about your next vacation, long vacations or even a weekend getaway, this content could save you money - and headaches. Shall we understand how it works?

What is Hotels.com?

Hotels.com is one of the best-known accommodation booking platforms in the world. There, you can find hotels, hostels, resorts and even houses and apartments for rent, with prices to suit all budgets.

The great advantage of the platform is the number of filters, the exclusive offers and the loyalty program, which returns part of the amount paid for future stays. And now, in 2025, they have intensified the options with free cancellation and cashback - two differentials that make all the difference when booking.

Free cancellation: how does it work?

Free cancellation is simple: when you book accommodation, you choose the option that offers this flexibility. This means that if your plans change, you can cancel without paying a fine - as long as you respect the deadline indicated in the hosting rules.

Most partner hotels allow cancellations up to 24 or 48 hours before check-in, but it's always a good idea to read the booking details carefully. And yes, there are plenty of options with free 100% cancellation up to the day before.

This feature is ideal for those who are planning ahead but want to guarantee their reservation without taking any risks.

What about the cashback? Is it real?

Yes, it's real. Hotels.com has a program called One Keywhich integrates the benefits of several of the group's sites (including Expedia and Vrbo). With it, you accumulate credits with each confirmed booking and can use this amount as a discount on new stays.

It works like this:

• You book qualified accommodation.
• After check-out, the cashback amount goes into your digital wallet on the platform.
• You can apply this credit to future bookings.

The return value varies, but there are promotions in 2025 that return up to 10% of the amount paid. That's a huge saving, especially for frequent travelers.

Do you need to create an account?

Yes, in order to access cashback and accumulate points, you need to have a Hotels.com account. Registration is free and takes less than two minutes. After that, every time you book something with the same login, the system already counts the benefits.

Oh, and those who use it frequently can level up within the loyalty program, gaining access to exclusive discounts, priority service and upgrades in some hotels.

Do you have a hotel in Brazil?

Yes, there are - and lots of them. There are thousands of options spread across capital cities, tourist towns, beaches, inland areas and even lesser-known destinations. You can find everything from cheap hotels to five-star resorts, with breakfast included and leisure facilities.

Among the national destinations with the most offers are:

• Rio de Janeiro
• São Paulo
• Salvador
• Florianópolis
• Gramado
• Fortaleza
• Recife
• Foz do Iguaçu

And of course, there are plenty of options outside of Brazil too, for those who are already thinking of going on an international trip in 2025.

Can you pay in installments?

In many cases, yes. Hotels.com allows payment by credit card, and some operators offer interest-free installments directly on the website. What's more, you can choose to pay online at the time of booking or only at the hotel when you check in - which gives you even more flexibility.

But beware: payment conditions vary according to the hotel. Always read the details before finalizing.

How to find offers with cashback and free cancellation?

On the Hotels.com website or app, you can filter the accommodations based on these two advantages:

1# Free cancellation filterWhen activating, it only shows options that allow you to cancel without being charged.
2# Special offers (with cashback)On some dates, the site highlights accommodations with a return in credit.

In addition, subscribers to the One Key have access to secret discounts, which only appear when you log in.

What sets you apart from other sites?

The great thing about Hotels.com is that it combines practicality with rewards. You can book quickly, with just a few clicks, and you're encouraged to keep using the site because of the cashback. The feeling is that each booking brings you closer to your next discounted trip.

Another advantage is the platform's reputation. As it belongs to the same group as Expedia, it has reliable support and a good customer service policy - which gives you confidence when booking.

Golden tip: follow seasonal promotions

Throughout the year, Hotels.com launches promotions on dates such as:

• Black Friday
• Consumer Week
• School vacations
• Long holidays

During these periods, the cashback is usually even higher, and the number of hotels with free cancellations also increases. It's worth keeping an eye on notifications and subscribing to the site's newsletter so you don't miss out.

Can you use the cashback you earn in any hotel?

Not all of them, but a good number of them. When you go to use your credit, the system itself will show you the compatible accommodations. These are usually partner hotels of the One Key program.

If you want to have more freedom to use your credits, the tip is to always prioritize accommodations that are part of this program.

Is it worth it?

Yes, a lot. With the rise in ticket and accommodation prices, every saving counts. Being able to book a hotel with free cancellation gives you security, and getting part of the cost back for your next trip is a real bonus.

If you're planning to travel in 2025, even if you haven't decided on a destination yet, it's worth starting your research. You can guarantee a good price now and, if you change your mind, cancel without paying anything. And if you keep using the site, you'll earn cashback to help you on your next adventure.

See also: Is traveling to Portugal expensive?

May 21st, 2025