Who does not know Booking.com, together with Expedia Group, is the two largest online travel agency globally. They are not identical, as both have different business models. Still, both websites do provide the option to book hotel rooms. At HotelGyms.com, we integrate with Booking.com, which gives us access to a massive portfolio with more than 1 million hotels, and attractive pricing for our customers.

Now, there is one big thing which is always a concern for some: The price! Of course, no one wants to overpay a hotel room. But how can you save some money when booking your next hotel room? Have you heard of the Genius Level Reward Program?

This is a great and easy way to secure additional discounts on Booking.com. Reaching the first level only takes two (2) stays within two (2) years to unlock Genius Level 1. This does not sound like much, huh? So, let us dive into the topic.

Genius Levels

Like other hotel chains programs, the Booking.com Genius rewards program is also based on a "the more stays you book, the more you are rewarded" mechanism. According to Booking.com, there are various benefits, such as:

• Discounted rates
• Free room upgrades
• Free breakfast

Unlike many other hotel reward programs, the Genius membership lasts for life. This means you will always get additional benefits when you book a Genius rate. Booking.com has two levels: Genius Level 1, Level 2, and since 2022 Level 3, with the following benefits:

As mentioned above, to unlock Genius Level 1, you must complete two stays within two years. With five stays within two years, you already made it to Genius Level 2 and have completed 15 stays Level 3. This sounds very reasonable compared to the requirements in many other chain hotels like Accor, doesn't it? 

Genius Level 3 (new since 2022)

In January 2022, Booking.com introduced Genius Level 3. This new level unlocks a 20% discount at participating properties and introduces the concept of "priority support". In addition, customers with Genius Level 3 get direct access to a live agent to discuss any questions or changes to their bookings.

Will there be a Genius Level 4? Who knows how Booking.com will expand in the future. Compared to other loyalty programs, there would be room for more.

Genius Hotels

A hotel must be qualified to participate in the Genius Program. In addition, to receive the Genius Discount and other benefits from the Genius Rewards Program, a hotel must have a minimum of three guest reviews and have a review score of at least 7.5. You can also find more details at the Booking.com Partner Center. 

The question that often pops up is, can you still get qualifying nights and/or points for other hotel chain rewards programs? Most likely not… If you add your loyalty number to the booking, you may still get perks such as free internet or room/suite upgrades on top of the Booking.com Genius benefits. But you will not collect points or qualified nights on the stay. But each hotel chain/brand has different rules.

Some closing thoughts

For sure, my Genius Level 3 has saved me some money already, and I suggest everyone have a closer look at the special Genius prices on Booking.com. Unfortunately, we can not show those special prices HotelGyms.com (only Booking.com can show this after login). But as soon as you get transferred to Booking.com, it will offer the reduced prices and all the additional benefits you would get.