Savings Hack: Exchange Gift Cards for Hotels.com Gift Cards

By: Carolyn Fitchard

Gift cards are a foolproof gift that lets recipients buy what they really want and not get stuck with, say, another tie. A Hotels.com gift card is perfect for travel, as it can be used on hotels and vacation rentals all over the world. But what if you’ve got other gift cards that you won’t use, or don’t want? Not to worry! Groupon Coupons found a great Hotels.com savings hack that lets you trade in those unused gift cards for a Hotels.com gift card. 

Read on for our deep dive into Hotels.com gift cards, and be sure to combine your savings with our collection of Hotels.com coupons.

How to Exchange for Hotels.com Gift Cards

Now for that Hotels.com savings hack. You can exchange gift cards from more than 200 merchants (including Starbucks, Best Buy, Walmart, and Cheesecake Factory) for a Hotels.com gift card. Here’s how to do it:

1. Click here and search for your gift card provider
2. Enter the amount of the gift card
3. Click Get Offer to see how much you can get in exchange for it. For example, we entered a $200 Best Buy gift card and received an offer for $184.26
4. Repeat the process with as many gift cards as you like
5. Enter in your card number, PIN, and some basic customer information

Once approved, your gift card will be emailed to you in a printable format.

How to Buy & Redeem Hotels.com Gift Cards

What’s so great about a Hotels.com gift card? For one thing, you can use it at over 200,000 places to stay all over the world, including major hotel chains and resorts. For another, there’s no expiration date, so you won’t be rushed into booking an out-of-season vacation.

You won’t be able to purchase all your travel with a Hotels.com gift card, though. Gift cards can only be redeemed here, and are only valid for prepaid bookings at eligible hotels. They may not be used on bookings paid at the hotel, bookings made over the phone, package vacations, or bookings made through Group Travel Services. 

To Purchase a Gift Card: 

1. Click here and fill out who the gift is for
2. Choose between a digital e-gift card or physical gift card
3. Select a gift card theme, such as Congrats or Babymoon
4. Add an amount up to $2,000
5. Write an optional message to the recipient
6. Add the gift card to your cart and check out

To Redeem a Gift Card: 

1. Head to the redemption page, where you can check your gift card balance, combine multiple gift cards, or exchange gift cards for a Hotels.com gift card
2. Use the search bar to input your destination or property name, travel dates, and number of travelers
3. Use the Pay Now option to book your hotel
4. Pay with your Hotels.com gift card

How to Use Hotels.com Gift Registry

Point your wedding, graduation, or anniversary party guests in the right direction by sharing a Hotels.com Gift Registry. It’s easy (and free!) to get started. Just follow these steps:

1. Create a custom registry with one or more destinations
2. Share the registry link with your friends and family
3. Receive a Hotels.com gift card with all the contributions

But be aware: Hotels.com gift cards are only redeemable on prepaid bookings at select locations. If you’re planning on staying somewhere else, you’re better off finding another group-gifting option for your vacation (such as Honeyfund).

Need to cancel a trip? Find out everything you need to know in our guide to Hotels.com Cancellation Policy.