When planning a vacation, business trip, or weekend getaway, accommodation can be one of your biggest expenses. That’s where Trivago, a powerful hotel price comparison engine, comes in. With hundreds of booking sites offering different prices for the same hotel, Trivago helps you compare them all in one place—saving you time, stress, and most importantly, money.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to use Trivago like a pro to find the best hotel deals possible, whether you’re booking months in advance or at the last minute.
Step 1: Go to Trivago’s Website or Download the App
Start by heading over to Trivago or downloading the Trivago app for iOS or Android. The platform is completely free to use and doesn’t require an account to begin searching.
Tip: If you travel frequently, installing the app gives you more flexibility for on-the-go hotel searches.
Step 2: Enter Your Destination and Dates
At the top of the homepage, you’ll see a search bar asking you to input the city, region, or hotel name. Begin typing your destination, then select it from the dropdown suggestions. Below that, choose your check-in and check-out dates, and indicate how many people are staying and how many rooms you need.
Once that’s filled in, click or tap the “Search” button.
Step 3: Browse the Search Results
Trivago will now display a list of hotel options for your selected destination and dates. Each listing typically includes:
Hotel name and star rating
Price from various booking sites
Review scores from past guests
A brief description and key amenities
Thumbnail photos of the property
At first glance, the platform highlights what it considers the best deal, often based on a mix of price and popularity.
Step 4: Use Filters to Narrow Down Your Options
To find the deal that fits your needs, take advantage of Trivago’s robust filtering options located on the left-hand side (or under the “Filters” tab in the app).
Popular filters include:
Price range – Set your budget to avoid overpriced listings
Star rating – Choose between 1-star to 5-star accommodations
Guest rating – Filter based on other users’ experiences (e.g., 8.0+ for very good hotels)
Hotel type – Filter by hotel, apartment, guest house, B&B, etc.
Distance from city center or landmark – Prioritize location convenience
Amenities – Find hotels with free Wi-Fi, breakfast, pool, parking, or pet-friendly options
These filters drastically improve your chances of finding a room that aligns with your travel needs and expectations.
Step 5: Compare Prices Across Booking Sites
This is Trivago’s main strength: comparing prices for the same room from different booking websites such as Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, Hotels.com, and many others.
When you click on a listing, a price comparison box appears. It shows you which travel sites are offering rooms, at what price, and sometimes with additional benefits (like free cancellation or breakfast included).
Pro Tip: Prices can vary by up to 30% between platforms, so be sure to check the differences before deciding.
Step 6: Click Through to Book on the Travel Site
Trivago itself does not handle bookings. When you click on your chosen deal, you’ll be redirected to the booking platform offering that price. From there, you can complete your reservation.
Make sure to read the cancellation policy, additional fees, and payment terms before finalizing.
Step 7: Create an Account (Optional but Helpful)
While you can use Trivago without signing up, creating a free account unlocks some additional features:
Save hotels to compare later
Get email alerts for price drops
Sync preferences across devices
Access recent searches and viewed properties
If you’re a frequent traveler, this can streamline future bookings.
Also read: Last-Minute Tax Chaos? QuickBooks to the Rescue!
Additional Tips for Getting the Best Deals on Trivago
Here are some extra hacks to maximize your savings when using Trivago:
1. Book in Advance, but Not Too Early
Prices fluctuate often. Booking 4–6 weeks in advance is often the sweet spot for good rates, especially for popular destinations.
2. Be Flexible With Dates
If your travel dates are flexible, use the calendar to explore other days. Shifting your trip by even one day can lower prices dramatically, especially during off-peak times.
3. Check for Hidden Fees
Sometimes the cheapest deal listed may not include taxes, resort fees, or breakfast. Make sure to click through and compare the final checkout price.
4. Read Reviews Carefully
Trivago aggregates guest reviews, giving you a better sense of a hotel’s true quality. Prioritize hotels with lots of reviews and a high score for cleanliness and service.
5. Use Incognito Mode
Some users report that hotel prices can rise based on search history. Try using private browsing mode to avoid dynamic pricing tricks.
Is Trivago Reliable?
Yes, Trivago is generally a trustworthy and reliable platform. It doesn’t sell hotel rooms directly, but aggregates offers from trusted third-party booking platforms. It also does a solid job presenting unbiased comparisons with clear visuals and easy-to-use filters.
However, since bookings are made through external partners, your customer service experience will depend on the booking site you choose—not Trivago itself. Always ensure you’re comfortable with the third-party site before committing.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a luxurious vacation or just need a quick overnight stay, Trivago is one of the easiest and most effective tools for finding the best hotel deals online. With just a few clicks, you can compare prices from across the web, filter options to fit your needs, and book with confidence through reputable travel sites.
So next time you’re booking a hotel, skip the guesswork. Open Trivago, follow this guide, and let the deals come to you.
Have you used Trivago before? Share your tips or experiences in the comments below!