The Hospitality Newsletter
Today Monday, September 7, 2026

ota comparison

Expedia vs Trivago

In short

Expedia: Hotels wanting US reach and package distribution across a group of travel brands. Trivago: Hotels wanting metasearch visibility and rate comparison rather than a booking channel.

Expedia Trivago
Best forHotels wanting US reach and package distribution across a group of travel brands.Hotels wanting metasearch visibility and rate comparison rather than a booking channel.
InventoryRooms, packages and vacation rentalsMetasearch — compares rates, does not hold inventory
How they chargeCommission per booking, merchant and agency modelsCost per click
Where it is strongestStrongest in North AmericaEurope-led, global
Known forA group of brands including Hotels.com and VrboHotel metasearch and rate comparison
Our coverage39 stories4 stories

What has happened lately

From our daily desk, rebuilt on every publish — funding, launches, contracts and leadership moves at each company.

Frequently asked

+What is the difference between Expedia and Trivago?

Expedia — Rooms, packages and vacation rentals, built for All sizes, known for A group of brands including Hotels.com and Vrbo. Trivago — Metasearch — compares rates, does not hold inventory, built for All sizes, known for hotel metasearch and rate comparison.

+Which is better for a smaller property, Expedia or Trivago?

Expedia targets all sizes. Trivago targets all sizes. Match the system to the property size before comparing features — it settles most of this decision on its own.

+How is Expedia priced compared with Trivago?

Expedia: Commission per booking, merchant and agency models. Trivago: Cost per click. Neither publishes list pricing, so both quote per property — any figure quoted elsewhere is a sales quote, not a price list.

Sources for the comparison table