HotelTonight Review: Is It Safe & Legit? (2024)

HotelTonight uses a same-day booking business model to get the best prices from hotels for those traveling on a budget. Interested? Check out how it works in my HotelTonight review.

Imagine you can visit your favorite destination for the first time but face issues with your hotel reservation as soon as you reach it. Yes, accommodation is perhaps the most crucial decision to make while planning a vacation.

Not only because it makes up a massive chunk of your traveling expenses but because it can have a serious impact on your overall experience. However, sometimes we don’t have the time to look into each hotel booking website option and evaluate it.

In that case, same-day hotel booking apps might come in handy. If you haven’t used one, here’s my HotelTonight review to help you decide whether it fits your needs.

About Hotel Tonight

According to a celebrated professor, Dr. Hanson, from the Tosch Center for Hospitality, same-day hotel booking platforms are gaining immense popularity with the young generation.

He states two reasons for the surge in users in the past years. Firstly, they offer affordable deals to travelers planning vacations to big cities. Usually, hotel prices are skyrocketing at popular hotels at peak vacation times, and same-day bookings help cut costs by reducing booking charges.

Secondly, these websites are designed for flexible travelers who are open to new options, making it an overall trendy concept. If these two reasons appeal to your personality as a traveler, HotelTonight is one of the best options.

The website covers hotels in more than 1,700 cities across the world. That makes more than 50,000 properties for users to choose from in their database.

However, whether the website works for you depends on your needs and interests. While you cannot possibly test all the websites available to check for yourself, I have covered this one for you.

In this review of HotelTonight, I have explained its origins, internal workings, facilities, and customer service.

What is HotelTonight?

HotelTonight originated as a same-day booking website to find a last-minute hotel room in three major US cities: Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.

After its immense success in 2011, the platform extended its reach to other cities worldwide to cater to travelers planning getaways in the spur of the moment. Hotel Tonight, Inc. was founded in San Francisco, California.

The hotel industry operates in a system that shows the highest price to pre-planners. If you book your hotel beforehand, chances are you will only get around a 20% discount from the best booking websites.

However, with a same-day booking site, the prices automatically drop as the choices at each hotel decrease. You can find nightly fares at popular hotels for around 30-50% off.

Similarly, the later you book your hotel during the day, the lower the price gets. Also, limited choices do not mean that you’re left with anything they have.

HotelTonight has a vast list of options categorized according to luxuries, amenities, and price range, so you can easily get what you need at the last minute.

Even if no rooms meet your demands, you can request upgrades for nominal extra charges and still enjoy substantial discount margins.

The best part is that websites like HotelTonight work for hotel owners and guests alike. Through this business model, hotel owners can rent out rooms that they probably wouldn’t usually and maximize their income.

But is HotelTonight reliable for travelers? Let’s look at how it works in the next section of my HotelTonight review.

See Related: Best Day to Book Flights

How HotelTonight Works

The HotelTonight business model is pretty straightforward. It capitalizes on the needs of travelers who don’t have the time or inclination to plan. Similarly, it targets hotel rooms that typically go unsold.

Consequently, it makes a commission for becoming the middleman between the consumers and providers, creating a win-win situation for all.

Most importantly, because HotelTonight helps properties gain revenue on last-minute deals they probably wouldn’t earn a dime from, it helps them bag the best deals for their users.

This means the prices on HotelTonight are around 15-17% lower than traditional hotel booking sites like Expedia and TripAdvisor. As soon as you land on their website, you will find an address bar prompting you to search for your ideal hotel. All you have to do is add your location, preference, and check-in time.

After that, the website will generate a list of available accommodations close to your specified location. You can choose from many options, including small rental apartments to luxury suites in high-end hotel chains.

Or, you can customize your search results using the filter icon beforehand to get the options that fit your needs. However, this categorized system replaces the star rating we’re usually accustomed to on popular hotel booking sites.

Also, the price range fluctuates considerably on HotelTonight, which can be a significant drawback for some users.

See Related: Our Favorite Black Friday Travel Deals

What is the best time to book on HotelTonight?

You should wait until 4 pm to book a last-minute hotel room as it results in 10% cheaper pricing than the afternoons or mornings. Alternatively, booking very last minute, such as 7 to 8 p.m., is also a good alternative.

How to Use the Hotel Tonight App

The Hotel Tonight app is a great way to find last-minute deals on hotel rooms. It’s safe and legit, and I’ve had good experiences using it. The mobile app is easy to use, and you can usually find a good deal on a hotel room.

Here’s how to use the app:

Download the mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.
Enter your travel information and preferences.
Search the available hotels tonight that you’re interested in.
Review the hotel details and make your reservation.
Enjoy your stay!

I’ll provide a detailed overview and review of each feature in the sections below to give you further insight.

See Related: Viator Review

Who is HotelTonight For?

HotelTonight is primarily for people who don’t like to plan their travel. The website is for you if you would prefer to book a cheap hotel room on the day you travel.

On the other hand, if booking your accommodation after landing at your destination sounds risky, you should stay away from this site.

If a straightforward and clean user interface attracts you to a platform, HotelTonight is better than other same-day booking sites.

Other sites ask you to sign up and become a member before choosing a hotel. On the contrary, HotelTonight cuts the clutter and lets you get to work first.

Only after you’ve chosen the hotel you like from the cities list, hotel list, or the search bar will the website direct you to the sign-up page. Here, you’ll have to provide basic details and verify your email address to confirm your booking.

The best part is that HotelTonight adds your check-out and check-in timings to your Google Calendar. This way, you can easily keep track of your booking and check into your accommodation.

Pros of HotelTonight

Now that you know all the details about HotelTonight, you have probably decided whether to try it. If you’re inclined towards giving it a pass, I have listed these benefits to provide a second thought.

No Pre Planning Required

With HotelTonight, you don’t have to worry about booking your accommodation while planning your trip. Simply hop on the cheapest flights you get and book your room after you reach your destination.

Neatly Organized Lists

Despite hundreds of locations and hotels in its database, HotelTonight makes booking easy for users. You must navigate the website with a few clicks and get the accommodation you need.

Affordable Deals

The HotelTonight business model offers users more than 50% discounts on luxury rooms for last-minute booking deals compared to other hotel booking sites.

Moreover, the site guarantees that if you find a lower publicly available rate, you can claim and get HotelTonight credits.

User-Friendly Interface

The website is catchy and clutter-free. This way, you can finish your task in minutes, even if you visit for the first time.

Ample Customer Resources

Although it lacks any direct contact option, the website answers your queries through its detailed FAQ page and help center.

No User Fee

HotelTonight does not charge any extra fees or hidden charges from its users. Instead, it generates revenue through partner hotel brands.

Earning Opportunity

If you own a lodging property in a major city, you can list your property on HotelTonight and become a partner. This will ensure that none of your rooms stay empty and help maximize your income in the long run.

Cons of HotelTonight

Yes, the benefits of HotelTonight are pretty attractive but let’s be honest, last-minute planning is not for everyone.

Even if you are willing to change your preferences, there are some drawbacks you should know about HotelTonight before using it.

No Room Type Guaranteed

HotelTonight lets you choose from a list of room types. There is no guarantee that you will find the kind you select whenever you search for them. Similarly, no binding clause states that the room you book should fit two adults.

If you are stuck with a small room, the hotel may charge you or refuse to find a place for your extra guests.

You can contact reservations after booking, but they likely will not give you a better room as they have no insight into the system.

Non-Refundable Bookings

Of course, with same-day bookings, it is quite evident that the platform will not provide any refund if you change your mind. Say goodbye to the potential for a full refund if you have a horrible experience.

In this instance, you will want to consider contacting your credit card company to see what can happen. Also, speaking with the front desk won’t resolve anything since the reservation is paid directly through HotelTonight.

Shady Ratings

Like other hotel booking websites, HotelTonight collects client feedback to rate the properties listed on the platform.

However, most ratings you see on the website are above 90%. You should cross-check hotel ratings on other websites before confirming your booking.

Not a Great Option for Loyal Customers

If you love racking up those travel credit card points, Hotel Tonight is not for you. You won’t be able to earn travel rewards points with your favorite hotel loyalty program.

Key Features

After a brief overview of HotelTonight, it is time for the detailed part of my HotelTonight review. Here, I will explain each of its features individually to explain further in case you’re planning to use it for your next vacation.

HotelTonight Hotel Deals

The most famous aspect of HotelTonight is its outrageous hotel deals. You can book a hotel up to seven days before your trip and choose the check-in and check-out dates.

Besides that, when you find a hotel that appeals to you, you can view all its details, including a map that shows its exact location and proximity to major landmarks.

You can get high-quality photographs of the hotel and a list of facilities available to see if they fit your needs. Also, each hotel specifies charges for any extra add-ons like breakfast or Wi-Fi connection.

HotelTonight Room Type

The HotelTonight room type specifications make it stand out among its contemporaries. Rather than using stars to rate hotels, Hotel Tonight categorizes them into multiple room types so you can find an option that fits your needs.

The categories include,

Luxe – A list of high-end hotels with luxury services and lavish amenities for those who don’t want to compromise on comfort.
Hip – Popular, trendy hotels in the location.
Solid – The most comfortable hotels with all the amenities for family and couple vacations.
Basic – moderately-priced hotels for affordable deals combined with good facilities.
Charming – Intimate accommodation options include small inns, rental apartments, and B&Bs.
Crashpad – Low-priced hostels and rooms with minimal amenities for backpackers.
High-Roller – Over-the-top suites and penthouses for those who prioritize luxury and grandeur over everything else.

HotelTonight App Review

The HotelTonight app is available for both Android and iOS users who don’t want to visit the site to conduct their bookings.

Just run the app whenever you want on your smartphone and book your accommodations on the go with their user-friendly interface.

Customer Service

While using the HotelTonight website or app, you can refer to the help center to resolve any issues you have during operation.

Similarly, the neatly categorized FAQ page helps you get immediate answers while booking hotels at the last minute. Another excellent customer service feature is the live chat option when booking a hotel.

You can correspond with a customer service representative and receive guidance regarding your accommodation whenever you need it throughout your stay. However, most customer service jobs here may not be in your local time zone.

Overall Rating

Ease of Use – 5 / 5
Features – 4 / 5
Value for Money – 5 / 5
Customer Service – 4 / 5

Hotel Tonight Reviews

While we’ve provided our review, let’s outline what we’ve seen from other people. As mentioned, Hotel Tonight has received excellent reviews over the years.

It is a safe and secure way to book hotels last minute. However, if you are still unsure about using this platform for your next vacation, check out what others say about HotelTonight before making your final decision.

While Hotel Tonight has generally positive reviews online, it’s important to research before booking. We continue to favor Booking.com or Hotels.com as better alternatives to Hotel Tonight.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is one watchdog group that you can consult for more information on companies as well as user-compiled reviews.

Hotel Tonight has an A+ rating with the BBB as of this writing. This is due to the company’s commitment to resolving complaints and working with customers to ensure they’re satisfied with their experience.

HotelTonight App Reviews

Using the app, you aren’t able to make reservations as easily as making the booking directly with the hotel like other customers.

The mobile app has mixed reviews on the Google Play Store. Some users complain about the app crashing, while others note that it is a convenient and easy-to-use option for booking hotels. Overall, the app has a rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars.

On the App Store, HotelTonight has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Users appreciate the app’s convenience and easy-to-use design. However, some users note that there have been times when they could not find a room through the app.

If you need a hotel to book tonight or extremely last minute, you may want to consider this to find a hotel room for a single-night stay. I wouldn’t fully rely on the app for a two-week vacation.

Is Hotel Tonight Legit?

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Would you prefer to get the lowest prices on accommodation rather than planning your vacation months ahead? Read this HotelTonight review for details.

Product Brand: HotelTonight

Editor's Rating:
4.2

Pros

Affordable Deals
Neatly Organized Lists
User-Friendly Interface
No User Fee
Ample Customer Resources

Cons

No Room Type Guarantee Shady Ratings

Concluding my Hotel Tonight review, the San Francisco-based website is definitely legit for last-minute users. However, if you like to plan all the aspects of your vacation and ensure every facility is in place, this website is not for you.

Nevertheless, you should check the availability and prices while booking your accommodation to get the ultimate value for your money.

FAQ

Does HotelTonight have hidden fees?

HotelTonight has a simple and pretty straightforward pricing model. It says right upfront before you make a reservation: “No hidden hotel fees.” The hotels themselves should pay the fees on standard hotel taxes.

Is HotelTonight a legit site?

Yes, HotelTonight is a legitimate website. With customer reviews and ratings averaging 4 out of 5 stars, people entrust their personal information to this site with absolute confidence.

Is HotelTonight actually cheaper?

HotelTonight is cheaper than booking a room through a traditional travel agent or online travel site, which can save you money. By bypassing the middleman, HotelTonight can offer lower rates and still make a profit. You can often find great deals on a last-minute room through HotelTonight.

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HotelTonight Review: Is It Safe & Legit?

Written by Kyle Kroeger