Learn how to search for hotels and compare prices on TripAdvisor

Learn how to search for hotels and compare prices on TripAdvisor to find the best deals, read genuine traveler reviews, and book with confidence.

JAPANEUROPE

6/6/20253 min read

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Why Use TripAdvisor for Hotel Searches?

  • Comprehensive Price Comparison: TripAdvisor aggregates rates from dozens of booking platforms (e.g., Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com) to show you side-by-side pricing options for the same hotel room.

  • Real Traveler Reviews: Over 900 million reviews and opinions help you gauge real experiences—location, cleanliness, staff service, and more.

  • Detailed Filters: Narrow down options by price range, traveler rating, amenities (e.g., free Wi-Fi, pool, spa), neighborhood, and property type (hotel, B&B, hostel).

  • Interactive Map View: See exactly where each hotel is located relative to landmarks and neighborhoods.

  • Price Alerts & Deals: Receive notifications when prices drop on hotels you’re watching, or spot exclusive TripAdvisor member deals.

By combining these features, TripAdvisor helps you make an informed decision without having to visit multiple websites manually.

Step-by-Step: How to Search for Hotels on TripAdvisor

  1. Go to TripAdvisor.com and Click “Hotels”
    Open TripAdvisor and select the “Hotels” tab at the top. The search bar will prompt you to enter your destination—city name, airport, landmark, or even a specific hotel.

  2. Enter Destination & Dates
    Type your destination (for example, “Paris, France” or “Oahu, Hawaii”), then select check-in and check-out dates. TripAdvisor will show availability and starting prices for that date range.

  3. Set Your Number of Guests & Rooms
    Choose how many adults, children, and rooms you need. This helps TripAdvisor display room types and occupancy, crucial for accurate pricing.

  4. Apply Filters to Narrow Results
    Once you see initial search results, refine them using filters on the left sidebar:

    • Price Range: Slide to set a minimum and maximum nightly rate.

    • Property Class: From budget 1-star to luxury 5-star properties.

    • Traveler Rating: Filter by TripAdvisor’s overall bubble rating (e.g., 4 bubbles & up).

    • Amenities: Checkboxes for free breakfast, pool, airport shuttle, and more.

    • Neighborhood: Focus on popular areas (e.g., Times Square or Champs-Élysées).

    • Accommodation Type: Hotels, B&Bs, apartments, hostels, etc.

    These filters help you zero in on properties that meet your exact needs.

Comparing Prices Across Booking Sites

TripAdvisor’s hallmark feature is the price comparison table on each hotel’s page:

  1. Open a Hotel Page
    Click on any hotel from the search results to see its dedicated page.

  2. Scroll to the “Compare Prices” Section
    TripAdvisor displays a table listing all the booking sites offering rooms for your selected dates, sorted by price. Each entry shows:

    • Room Type & Board Basis: Standard room, deluxe, breakfast included, etc.

    • Price Per Night: Including taxes and fees (often no surprise charges).

    • Booking Site & Rating: Trustworthy platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, or directly through the hotel’s own website.

    • Deal Badges: Tags like “Lowest Price” or “Free Cancellation” to highlight top value.

  3. Click “View Deal” or “Book Now”
    When you find the best price and conditions, click through to the booking site of your choice. TripAdvisor then redirects you to complete the reservation.

Reading Authentic Traveler Reviews

Genuine feedback from other travelers is invaluable:

  • Sort Reviews by Traveler Type: Families, couples, business travelers, solo adventurers—each has unique priorities.

  • Use the “Traveler Photos” Tab: Seeing real photos uploaded by guests can give you a better sense of room size, view, and cleanliness.

  • Filter by Review Score & Date: Look for recent reviews (last 6–12 months) to ensure you’re reading current property conditions.

  • Check Detailed Sub-Ratings: Location, cleanliness, service, value, and facilities scores help you identify strengths and weaknesses.

Taking a quick scroll through 3–5 recent reviews typically gives you a clear picture of what to expect.

Tips to Get the Best Deals

  1. Sign Up for TripAdvisor Notifications
    Enable price alerts on properties you’re eyeing. If rates drop, you’ll receive an email notice.

  2. Book Early (or Last-Minute for Some Deals)
    Popular dates (holidays, local events) sell out fast—lock in rates 2–3 months before. Conversely, some hotels offer last-minute markdowns—just watch your dates closely.

  3. Look for Member-Only Offers
    TripAdvisor sometimes features exclusive discounts or limited-time promo codes.

  4. Compare Cancellation Policies
    A slightly higher-priced room with free cancellation is often worth it for flexible travel plans.

  5. Check the “Deals Near You” Tab
    On TripAdvisor’s homepage or within the app, click “Deals” to see special packages (e.g., “Stay 4 Nights, Pay for 3”, “Free Breakfast”).

Conclusion

TripAdvisor makes it simple to search for hotels and compare prices all in one place. By leveraging powerful filters, trusted traveler reviews, and aggregated rates from multiple booking partners, you can quickly pinpoint the right hotel at the right price. Remember to sign up for price alerts, read recent reviews, and compare cancellation policies before you hit “Book Now.” With these steps, you’ll be well on your way to securing the best deal for your next getaway, minus the guesswork.

Ready to find your next destination? Head over to TripAdvisor, enter your travel dates, and start comparing hotel prices today!