Hotels.com is rolling out a new feature for its loyalty members called “Save Your Way,” designed to bring more flexibility to how travelers redeem their rewards. The update reflects growing demand for customizable loyalty benefits in the hotel and travel booking sector, where travelers increasingly want to control how and when they use their points or discounts.
The new program allows members to decide whether they want to apply rewards instantly at the time of booking or save them to use later on bigger trips. It’s a shift away from rigid loyalty structures and signals Hotels.com’s focus on meeting evolving traveler expectations.
More Flexibility for Frequent Travelers
For many travelers, loyalty programs can feel restrictive, locking them into complicated systems of blackout dates, tier levels, and specific redemption rules. With “Save Your Way,” Hotels.com is offering something simpler and more flexible. Members can use rewards for immediate savings on their current booking, a feature that appeals to those looking for instant value, particularly on shorter stays or last-minute trips.
Alternatively, travelers can hold onto their rewards and apply them toward future travel. This is especially appealing to those planning larger trips where the cumulative savings could make a meaningful difference. By giving users the power of choice, Hotels.com is positioning itself as a traveler-first platform, making it easier for customers to maximize the value of their loyalty benefits.
Industry experts note that flexibility has become one of the most important features in loyalty programs today. As more travelers prioritize personalized experiences, they expect loyalty programs to adapt accordingly. Hotels.com’s new approach is not only a competitive move but also a way to stand out in a crowded hotel booking market.
A Competitive Edge in the Loyalty Market
The launch of “Save Your Way” comes at a time when loyalty programs across the travel industry are undergoing rapid transformation. Competitors are experimenting with dynamic pricing of rewards, partnerships across different travel sectors, and more personalized offers. Hotels.com’s move is designed to ensure it stays relevant to modern travelers who want control and transparency in how they redeem their points.
This shift could also have a ripple effect across the industry. As one of the major online travel platforms, Hotels.com often sets trends that others follow. If the “Save Your Way” program proves popular, rival platforms may be encouraged to revisit their own loyalty structures to keep up.
For Hotels.com, the strategy is also about building stronger connections with customers. By giving members more freedom to choose how to use their rewards, the brand aims to deepen loyalty and encourage repeat bookings.
In the end, “Save Your Way” is a reminder that loyalty today isn’t just about points – it’s about empowering travelers to design their own experience. For anyone booking hotels in the UK, Europe, or beyond, the new option promises more control, more savings, and ultimately, a more rewarding way to travel.
