Originally Published: October 6, 2014
Updated: August 13, 2026

Finding new customers is one of the biggest challenges facing almost every business.
Businesses spend money every day on social media ads, search advertising, directories, coupons, email campaigns and other marketing programs hoping to reach people who may eventually become customers.
But there is another way to introduce your business to potential customers.
Hotels Etc. allows qualified businesses to apply to become discount providers and promote their products or services to Hotels Etc. members without paying a traditional advertising or listing fee.
Quick Answer: Businesses may apply to advertise through Hotels Etc. by providing members with an exclusive discount or benefit that is not generally available to the public. Approved businesses can then become part of the Hotels Etc. discount network.
What Is the Hotels Etc. Free Business Advertising Program?
The Hotels Etc. business discount program connects participating businesses with members looking for savings on travel, entertainment, dining, shopping, recreation and other products and services.
Instead of simply purchasing an advertisement, participating businesses create an exclusive offer for Hotels Etc. members.
That offer might include:
- A percentage discount
- A members-only promotional code
- A special coupon
- A private booking or purchasing link
- A complimentary upgrade or added benefit
- A discount provided when a customer presents proof of membership
The primary requirement is that the offer provides genuine value to Hotels Etc. members and is not simply the same promotion available to the general public.
Is Advertising With Hotels Etc. Really Free?
Qualified businesses can apply without paying a traditional advertising or listing fee.
Instead, participating businesses provide value by extending an exclusive discount or benefit to Hotels Etc. members.
This creates a mutually beneficial relationship:
Hotels Etc. members receive additional opportunities to save money.
Participating businesses receive additional exposure to potential customers.
Hotels Etc. reviews business submissions before approving an offer for inclusion in its network.
Why Would a Business Offer an Exclusive Member Discount?
Businesses have used promotions and discounts to attract customers for generations.
Restaurants have empty tables. Hotels sometimes have unsold rooms. Entertainment venues can have unused seats. Service businesses can have open appointments. Retail businesses may have inventory they want to move.
A customer who discovers your business through an exclusive discount may later decide to return, refer friends or purchase additional products or services.
There are no guarantees, but an exclusive membership offer can become another customer-acquisition channel without requiring the business to purchase traditional advertising.
Businesses can use exclusive member offers to introduce their products and services to new customers.
What Types of Businesses Can Participate?
Hotels Etc. is widely known for travel savings, but participating discount providers are not limited to hotels.
Potential providers may include businesses in areas such as:
- Hotels and resorts
- Restaurants and dining
- Entertainment
- Theme parks and attractions
- Golf and recreation
- Retail businesses
- Automotive services
- Professional services
- Travel-related businesses
- Local attractions and experiences
If your company can provide Hotels Etc. members with a meaningful exclusive benefit, your business may qualify.
How Does the Hotels Etc. Business Listing Process Work?
1. Create a Member-Only Offer
Decide what discount, incentive or additional benefit your company can provide Hotels Etc. members.
2. Submit Your Business
Provide Hotels Etc. with your business information and details about the offer you would like members to receive.
3. Hotels Etc. Reviews the Offer
Hotels Etc. reviews submissions to determine whether the discount provides appropriate value for members and fits within the discount network.
4. Approved Offers Become Available to Members
When an offer is approved, it may be added to the Hotels Etc. member discount network according to the program’s terms and requirements.
Why Are Member-Only Discounts Different From Public Discounts?
A public promotion is available to anyone.
A private member benefit is available only to individuals who belong to a particular membership program or qualified user group.
Hotels Etc. operates as a private membership-based travel and discount program, giving members access to discounts and benefits that may not be offered through ordinary public channels.
Want to understand more about how private travel membership programs work?
Read: Why Join a Travel Membership Club?
How Does This Benefit Hotels Etc. Members?
The goal of the Hotels Etc. discount network is simple: continue expanding the number and variety of money-saving opportunities available to members.
Travel savings are an important part of the program, but member benefits can extend beyond hotels.
Members may also find opportunities involving entertainment, recreation, transportation, shopping, dining and other lifestyle categories.
You can learn more about using membership programs to reduce travel expenses here:
How to Travel on a Budget With a Travel Membership Club
Can Business Owners Do More Than Provide Discounts?
Yes. Hotels Etc. also works with entrepreneurs and businesses interested in participating in the travel and discount industry in other ways.
If you are interested in building a business around Hotels Etc. products and services rather than simply becoming a discount provider, read:
Start Your Own Business With Hotels Etc.
Why Has Hotels Etc. Used This Model for So Long?
Hotels Etc. has been operating since 1996.
The company’s model centers around connecting members with private travel and lifestyle savings while creating relationships with businesses and discount providers.
The more valuable offers available inside the network, the more useful the membership can become to consumers.
Businesses, meanwhile, gain another opportunity to place their products or services in front of potential customers.
You can also learn more about Hotels Etc. travel savings here:
Learn More About Hotels Etc. Member Travel Savings
Does Hotels Etc. Guarantee New Customers or Sales?
No.
Hotels Etc. does not guarantee that participating businesses will receive a specific number of customers, sales, leads or profits.
Results can depend on many factors, including:
- The strength of the offer
- Business location
- Customer demand
- Pricing
- Competition
- Availability
- Customer service
- The type of product or service offered
The program provides businesses with an additional opportunity for exposure while expanding the range of benefits available to Hotels Etc. members.
Frequently Asked Questions About Advertising With Hotels Etc.
Can I advertise my business with Hotels Etc. for free?
Qualified businesses may apply without paying a traditional advertising or listing fee. Participating businesses must provide Hotels Etc. members with an exclusive discount or benefit.
What does my business have to offer Hotels Etc. members?
Your business should provide a genuine discount, incentive or benefit that offers members additional value and is not simply the same promotion available to everyone.
Does my business have to be travel related?
No. Hotels Etc. works with discounts across travel, entertainment, dining, shopping, recreation and other consumer categories.
Will Hotels Etc. accept every business?
No. Business offers are reviewed before being approved for inclusion in the Hotels Etc. discount network.
Can I use a coupon code for my member discount?
Depending on the business and offer, benefits may be provided through promotional codes, coupons, dedicated links, membership verification or another approved redemption method.
Does Hotels Etc. guarantee that I will get customers?
No. Participation creates an additional marketing and customer-acquisition opportunity, but customer traffic, sales and profits are never guaranteed.
How do I submit my business to Hotels Etc.?
Businesses interested in becoming discount providers can submit information to Hotels Etc. for review through the company’s business submission page.
Want to Add Your Business to Hotels Etc.?
If your business can provide Hotels Etc. members with an exclusive discount or benefit, submit your company for consideration.
There is no need to purchase a traditional advertisement.
Create an offer that provides members with real value and let Hotels Etc. review it for inclusion in the discount network.
ADD YOUR BUSINESS TO HOTELS ETC.
Hotels Etc. — Helping members discover travel and lifestyle savings since 1996.

