Are you dreaming of jetting off to your favorite destination without burning a hole in your wallet? You are not alone. These days, more and more travelers are getting smarter with their money by skipping expensive travel agents and turning to cheap hotel booking apps that do the heavy lifting.

Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a months-long backpacking adventure, today’s best travel apps for cheap hotels are packed with features that help you discover amazing accommodations at prices that won’t make your bank account cry. From sleek hotel rooms in Barcelona to buzzing hostels in Bali, finding the perfect place to stay is now as simple as scrolling on your phone.

Thanks to technology, you can now book budget-friendly stays, access exclusive in-app discounts, read verified guest reviews, and even score loyalty perks—all with just a few taps.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the 10 best hostel booking apps and hotel booking platforms that are changing the way we travel. If you are ready to stretch your budget and explore more of the world for less, you are in the right place. Always get  your travel insurance ready as you are planning your trip.

What to Look for in a Good Travel Booking App

Not all travel apps are created equal. Before downloading your next hotel booking app, it’s essential to know what separates the good from the great. Whether you’re booking a five-star hotel or searching for hostel booking apps for that authentic, shared travel experience, these features should be non-negotiable:

1. Price Comparison Tools

One of the biggest advantages of using cheap hotel booking apps is the ability to compare prices across dozens of platforms. Instead of bouncing from site to site, apps like Trivago and Kayak pull data from multiple sources and display the best deals in one place.

This feature alone can save you anywhere from 10% to 40% on accommodations, especially when you’re flexible with your dates or booking last minute.

2. Real-Time Availability

Imagine finding a beautiful hostel or boutique hotel, only to discover it’s fully booked when you try to reserve. That’s a major buzzkill.

Apps like Booking.com and Agoda offer real-time inventory updates, so you know exactly what’s available when you’re ready to book. You can even see how many rooms are left, which can be helpful during high season or major local events.

3. Authentic Reviews and Guest Ratings

The days of fake reviews and glossy, misleading hotel photos are (mostly) behind us—if you’re using the right app.

Apps like Hostelworld specialize in verified guest reviews, so you get real insights from real travelers. You’ll know what to expect before you arrive, from cleanliness and comfort to the vibe and staff friendliness—especially important when picking the right hostel.

4. Flexible Cancellation Policies

Life doesn’t always go according to plan. Flights get delayed. Itineraries change. Sometimes, you just want to stay longer in a city you love—or skip one entirely.

That’s why flexible cancellation options are so important. Many of the best travel apps for cheap hotels like Booking.com or Expedia allow free cancellation within a certain window. Others even offer full refunds up to 24 hours before check-in. Just make sure to double-check the terms before you book.

5. Loyalty Programs and Mobile-Only Deals

Want to save even more? Many top-rated apps offer loyalty rewards and exclusive mobile discounts that aren’t available on their desktop versions.

For example:

• Booking.com has the Genius loyalty program offering up to 15% discounts and perks like free breakfast or room upgrades.
• Agoda gives access to “Secret Deals” only visible to logged-in app users.
• Hopper uses AI to recommend whether you should book now or wait for a better deal, helping you save without stress.

6. Multiple Accommodation Types

A solid travel app should give you options—not just five-star hotels. Whether you’re hunting for budget hotels, family-run guesthouses, or hip hostels, the ability to filter by price, rating, and property type is key.

Apps like Hostelworld and Agoda excel at this by offering everything from capsule hotels in Tokyo to surf hostels in Portugal. Whether you’re looking for community vibes or privacy on a dime, the best apps let you choose what works for your budget and travel style.

7. Easy Interface and Secure Payments

A user-friendly design makes all the difference when you’re booking on the go—maybe from an airport lounge or a café in a foreign country. The app should be fast, intuitive, and secure.

Top picks like Expedia and Trip.com have sleek interfaces that make it easy to book, change, or cancel your reservation with just a few taps. And most apps support multiple payment methods, including PayPal, credit cards, and even Apple Pay for maximum convenience.

✅ Up Next…

Now that you know what to look for, we’ll break down the top 10 travel apps that check all these boxes. Each app has its strengths—some are better for last-minute bookings, others specialize in cheap hostels for backpackers, while a few offer unbeatable prices for longer stays.

Ready to see which app deserves a spot on your home screen?

We will now cover each app, starting with Booking.com and ending with Trip.com, with expanded detail, natural use of keywords like cheap hotel booking apps, hostel booking apps, and best travel apps for cheap hotels.

1. Booking.com – The All-Rounder for Every Type of Traveler

If you’re looking for one app to rule them all, Booking.com is your best friend. Whether you’re planning months ahead or need a room tonight, this platform consistently tops the list of best travel apps for cheap hotels.

Why It Stands Out

• Massive inventory: Over 28 million listings including hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and even apartments.
• Excellent filters: Filter by price, rating, distance, amenities, or cancellation policies.
• Multilingual support: Great for international travel.

Best Features

• Genius Loyalty Program: Score up to 15% off plus perks like late check-out or free breakfast.
• Mobile-only deals: Booking through the app often unlocks exclusive discounts not found on desktop.
• No booking fees: You pay directly at the property in many cases, without hidden charges.

Who It’s Best For

Budget travelers, business tourists, backpackers — basically everyone. Whether you need a five-star experience or a cheap hostel near a train station, Booking.com has you covered.

2. Hostelworld – The King of Hostel Booking Apps

For those seeking community-focused, budget-friendly stays, Hostelworld is the ultimate platform. It’s laser-focused on hostels, offering access to thousands of shared accommodations around the globe.

Why It Stands Out

• Specializes exclusively in hostel booking apps.
• Massive database: Over 17,000 hostels in 179 countries.
• Social features: See who else is staying, connect before you arrive, and attend hosted events.

Best Features

• Solo travel tools: Perfect for meeting other travelers.
• Detailed reviews: Ratings for vibe, cleanliness, and social atmosphere.
• No hidden fees: What you see is what you pay.

Who It’s Best For

Backpackers, solo travelers, digital nomads, and students looking for affordable and social accommodations that cost far less than hotels.

3. Agoda – Asia’s Hidden Gem for Hotel Deals

If you’re heading to Asia, Agoda should be your go-to. While it has global listings, its strength lies in Asian destinations — offering some of the cheapest hotel booking app rates you’ll find online.

Why It Stands Out

• Flash deals and up to 80% off in some regions.
• Localized listings across Southeast Asia.
• User-friendly interface and app.

Best Features

• Secret deals: Visible only when logged in.
• Agoda Cash: Get cashback on bookings to use later.
• Multi-language support: Great for navigating unfamiliar destinations.

Who It’s Best For

Travelers visiting Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and other parts of Asia who want unbeatable prices and flexible stays.

4. Hopper – Predict Hotel Prices and Book at the Perfect Time

Ever booked a hotel only to see it drop $40 the next day? That’s where Hopper shines. This app uses predictive AI to help you score the lowest price by telling you when to book.

Why It Stands Out

• Accurate price predictions (up to 95%).
• Monitors thousands of listings and alerts you when prices drop.
• Super clean interface.

Best Features

• Price freeze: Lock in a low price while you finalize your plans.
• Smart alerts: Notifications when it’s the best time to book.
• Bundles: Combine hotels with flights for bigger savings.

Who It’s Best For

Planners and deal-hunters who don’t mind waiting for the perfect time to book — and want to save big when they do.

5. Expedia – A One-Stop-Shop for Travel Planning

Looking to book more than just your stay? Expedia is a comprehensive app where you can plan your entire trip — flights, hotels, cars, and activities — all in one place.

Why It Stands Out

• Bundle options that unlock exclusive savings.
• Trusted brand with global reach.
• Great for group bookings and multi-city trips.

Best Features

• Member-only deals: Save up to 30% just by signing in.
• Expedia Rewards: Earn points and redeem for future travel.
• Mobile discounts: App-only hotel rates make it one of the best cheap hotel booking apps available.

Who It’s Best For

Family travelers, business travelers, or anyone who prefers organizing every aspect of their trip from a single app.

6. Airbnb – For Unique Stays That Feel Like Home

Though not a traditional hotel or hostel platform, Airbnb has changed the way we think about accommodation. You can find private rooms, shared spaces, and full apartments often at prices much lower than hotels.

Why It Stands Out

• Personalized experiences from local hosts.
• Unique listings: treehouses, boats, yurts—you name it!
• Great for long-term stays.

Best Features

• Flexible cancellation filters.
• AirCover: Protection on every booking.
• Local guides and experiences.

Who It’s Best For

Travelers who want something beyond the ordinary—especially useful for remote workers or families looking for extended stays.

7. Trivago – The Master of Price Comparison

When your goal is to pay the lowest price possible for the same hotel room, Trivago is your go-to platform. It’s essentially a metasearch engine that scours the internet for the cheapest rates.

Why It Stands Out

• Pulls prices from hundreds of travel sites.
• Simple interface.
• Customizable search options.

Best Features

• Price drop alerts.
• Side-by-side comparisons.
• Map-based search for better planning.

Who It’s Best For

Deal hunters, last-minute travelers, or anyone who doesn’t want to overpay.

8. Kayak – Your Personal Travel Search Engine

Kayak is another powerful tool that brings together hotel prices, flights, and car rentals. It’s excellent for planning everything in one place and includes a dedicated hostel filter.

Why It Stands Out

• Comprehensive filters.
• Real-time flight and hotel price tracking.
• Multi-city and flexible date search.

Best Features

• Explore tool: Discover where you can go based on your budget.
• Price alerts and deal forecasting.
• Multi-platform booking.

Who It’s Best For

Adventurous travelers who want flexibility and control over all aspects of their trip, including cheap hotels and hostels.

9. Priceline – Deep Discounts with a Twist

Want to roll the dice for a better deal? Priceline offers “Express Deals” where you book at a massive discount—without knowing the hotel name until after checkout.

Why It Stands Out

• Best for last-minute hotel bookings.
• Heavily discounted rates.
• Trusted brand with 24/7 customer support.

Best Features

• Express Deals and Pricebreakers.
• VIP loyalty program.
• Hotel reviews and maps.

Who It’s Best For

Spontaneous travelers looking for rock-bottom prices and willing to take a gamble for the right location and rating.

10. Trip.com – The Underrated Gem Going Global

Trip.com may not be as well-known in the West, but it’s a rising star in Asia and quickly expanding. It offers some of the best travel deals for budget accommodations, especially in Southeast Asia and Europe.

Why It Stands Out

• Focus on affordable travel options.
• Global customer support in multiple languages.
• In-app promotions and travel guides.

Best Features

• 24/7 multilingual support.
• Earn Trip Coins for discounts.
• One-click booking interface.

Who Is It Best For

Budget travelers exploring new regions who want cheap hotel booking apps with strong customer service and local options.

Tips for Booking Cheap Hotels and Hostels Using Apps

• Be flexible with your travel dates to find lower prices.
• Take advantage of in-app promotions and first-time user discounts.
• Always read the cancellation policy before booking.
• Use loyalty and reward programs whenever available.
• Set alerts for price drops and use comparison tools regularly.

Choosing the right app can be the difference between overpaying and traveling smart. Whether you prefer booking cheap hostels with Hostelworld or comparing hotel prices with Trivago, there’s a perfect app for every kind of traveler. With these top 10 best travel apps for cheap hotels, your next trip can be both memorable and affordable.

FAQs

What are the best cheap hotel booking apps?

Some of the best include Booking.com, Agoda, Hopper, and Expedia, each offering unique features tailored to budget-conscious travelers.

Are hostel booking apps safe to use?

Yes, reputable apps like Hostelworld are secure and offer verified reviews, secure payment gateways, and excellent customer support.

How can I get discounts using hotel booking apps?

Look for in-app exclusive offers, sign up for loyalty programs, and use referral codes where available.

Can I book last-minute with these apps?

Absolutely! Apps like Priceline and HotelTonight specialize in last-minute deals and can help save a lot on spontaneous trips.

Is it better to book on a desktop or via a mobile app?

Mobile apps often offer exclusive discounts not available on desktop, making them ideal for savvy travelers.

Are you ready to unlock massive savings on your next trip?

Download one (or all) of these cheap hotel booking apps and start planning smarter today! Whether you’re jetting off to a new city or backpacking across continents, the best travel apps for cheap hotels and hostel booking apps can turn your wanderlust dreams into reality without breaking the bank.

Have a favorite app or a tip we missed? Drop a comment below — we love hearing from fellow savvy travelers!

Don’t forget to share this guide with your travel squad. You never know who needs a budget-friendly adventure right now!