Finding hotel discounts is easy right? Well, it can be but largely thanks to a new law called Rate Parity, the process of doing so has changed entirely.
In the past, finding online travel discounts was a simple matter of logging on to Expedia, Orbitz or one of the many other traditional booking engines and performing a quick search. Fast and effective, these booking engines had all the best prices and a most convenient way of filtering them to find the best one. In fact, there was actually no reason to book direct with a hotel or look anywhere else as why bother when you know they have the best price guarantee?
So what has changed for finding hotel discounts?
If you perform a search on any of the traditional travel booking engines today, you will quickly see how the price of a hotel room, for example, is the same across all platforms. That is, every traditional booking engine will now display the same price and without any actual discount.
As mentioned above, the reason for this lack of value is the introduction of a new law called Rate parity which stipulates that all travel booking websites must retain the same price across all channels of distribution. As Orbitz, Hotels.com, Expedia and most other booking engines are “underneath the same umbrella corporation”, it means they can no longer advertise different rates across their many platforms and hence, no more travel or hotel discounts.
Moral of the story: Traditional booking engines are still fast and convenient but they are no longer the best value and do not offer discounts like they have done in the past.
Finding Hotel discounts is still easy
Although there is still an extremely easy way to find hotel discounts and more online. Exempt from the laws of Rate Parity and offering a very convenient booking engine of their own, travel membership clubs such as Hotels Etc are now the “Go to” for hotel discounts, vacation packages and much, much more.
Home to over 4 million members and with a five star reputation spanning 25 years, Hotels Etc is a travel membership club who negotiate huge discounts direct with suppliers with the intention of relaying this incredible value to their members. Ranging from 50 – 70%, these are significant discounts and with a user friendly booking engine, they are easily accessible with the click of a button.
In truth, you may not have heard about Hotels Etc until now but this is also easily explained. Hugely popular in the early 1990’s, Travel membership clubs were the best way to find hotel discounts prior to the arrival of the internet but this popularity declined with the emergence of a golden era for travel booking engines. Faced with increased competition from travel brands with highly valuable services, Hotels Etc retained a large customer base but unfortunately, failed to grow significantly there-after.
However, as with any market, the history of the travel industry has a habit of repeating itself and with the introduction of this new law called rate parity, Hotels Etc and other travel membership clubs are now enjoying a resurgence of sorts. That being said, we need not tell you anymore about the incredible offers available in this closed user group as you can just come on over and see for yourself.
Originally published January 29, 2017 | Updated August 2026
Hotel rate parity generally refers to contractual provisions, pricing practices or distribution arrangements affecting how certain hotel rates are advertised or distributed across specified sales channels. It is not one universal worldwide law. Publicly advertised rates and eligible private member offers can operate differently, especially when access is restricted to authenticated members or other qualified users.
Hotel distribution can include publicly advertised rates as well as eligible private member offers available through restricted channels.
What Is Hotel Rate Parity?
Hotels distribute rooms through many channels, including their own websites, online travel agencies, travel professionals, wholesalers and private membership platforms.
Hotel rate parity generally refers to contractual provisions, pricing practices or distribution arrangements concerning how certain hotel rates are advertised or distributed across specified sales channels.
Historically, these arrangements have often been described as rate-parity agreements or rate-parity clauses.
It is important not to describe rate parity as one universal worldwide law. Contracts, competition laws, regulations and court decisions can differ by jurisdiction, and the legal treatment of rate-parity provisions has changed over time.
Is Hotel Rate Parity a Law?
No, not as one universal law that applies the same way everywhere.
Rate parity commonly refers to contractual provisions and hotel distribution practices. Laws and regulations affecting those arrangements differ among countries and jurisdictions.
Some jurisdictions have restricted certain types of rate-parity clauses, while contractual arrangements between hotels and distribution partners can also vary.
For that reason, statements such as “rate parity is a worldwide law” or “private travel clubs are universally exempt from rate-parity laws” are too broad and can be misleading.
Why Do Hotel Prices Sometimes Look Similar on Different Websites?
Travelers sometimes search the same hotel, room type and travel dates across several public booking websites and see identical or very similar prices.
There can be many reasons for this, including hotel pricing strategies, inventory, distribution agreements and market conditions.
However, seeing similar publicly advertised prices does not necessarily mean every travel platform has access to exactly the same inventory, pricing or member benefits.
There is an important distinction between a hotel rate available openly to the general public and an eligible offer distributed through a private or restricted channel.
Public Hotel Rates vs. Private Member Rates
Public Hotel Rates
Public hotel rates are generally visible without requiring a traveler to belong to a particular private membership program or authenticated group.
They may be displayed on hotel websites, online travel agencies and other publicly accessible booking platforms.
Private Member Offers
Private offers may be available to eligible members of membership programs, loyalty programs, corporate programs or other qualified groups.
Access may require authentication, membership or another form of eligibility.
Private pricing does not automatically mean that every hotel will always be cheaper. The key distinction is access to another category of eligible offers that may not be distributed in the same manner as unrestricted public pricing.
Travelers should compare the complete offer, including rates, room types, taxes, fees, cancellation terms and eligible member benefits.
What Is a Closed User Group?
A Closed User Group, commonly referred to as a CUG, is a defined group of eligible users who can access certain offers within a restricted environment.
Membership, authentication or another eligibility requirement typically distinguishes the private environment from unrestricted public access.
This concept is important when understanding private travel membership programs.
Simple CUG Explanation
Public pricing: Generally viewable by anyone.
Private member offer: Available to eligible or authenticated users.
Closed User Group: A defined group whose eligibility separates the private environment from unrestricted public access.
Hotels Etc. operates as a private membership program. Eligible members access the membership environment using their credentials and can search participating travel offers based on destination, dates, supplier availability and other booking conditions.
Do Private Member Rates Always Mean Lower Prices?
No.
Private access does not mean every hotel, destination and travel date will always produce a lower price than every publicly available offer.
Hotel pricing is dynamic and can change because of:
Hotel occupancy
Destination
Travel dates
Seasonality
Special events
Demand
Room type
Available inventory
Cancellation terms
Refundability
Supplier availability
Temporary promotions
The value of private travel membership is access to eligible private offers and participating benefits that may not otherwise be available through a normal unrestricted public search.
Why Can’t Every Private Member Offer Be Displayed Publicly?
If an offer is distributed specifically to eligible users through a private environment, displaying that same offer openly to everyone could eliminate the distinction between public and restricted distribution and may conflict with applicable supplier or distribution requirements.
That is why some travel offers may require membership authentication or another qualification before the traveler can access or book them.
This type of private-rate structure is not unique to Hotels Etc. Major hotel distribution platforms also recognize private rates that are available only to eligible groups or loyalty members.
For an example of how private hotel rates can be handled within a major hotel distribution ecosystem, see Google’s official information about conditional and private hotel rates.
How Does Hotels Etc. Fit Into Private Travel Distribution?
Hotels Etc. has been serving members since 1996.
Hotels Etc. provides eligible members access to a private travel and lifestyle discount membership environment.
Rather than describing Hotels Etc. as operating through a “loophole” or claiming that the company is universally “exempt from rate-parity laws,” a more accurate explanation is that eligible offers can be distributed through a private membership environment subject to supplier terms, availability and applicable requirements.
The rates, inventory, savings and benefits available for any particular search can vary based on destination, dates, hotel, room type, supplier availability and other conditions.
Why Comparing Public and Private Travel Offers Matters
Public booking sites are useful tools, but they represent only part of the travel marketplace.
A traveler who qualifies for private, corporate, loyalty or membership offers may have access to additional booking options.
That does not mean the private option will always win on price. It means the traveler has another qualified channel to compare.
Compare the Complete Hotel Offer
When comparing hotel pricing, look beyond the headline room rate.
Compare:
The exact hotel property
Room category
Occupancy
Travel dates
Taxes and fees
Resort or destination fees
Refundability
Cancellation policy
Included amenities
Available member benefits
Final checkout price
Two offers that appear identical at first glance can have different booking terms.
Is Rate Parity the Same Everywhere in the World?
No.
The contractual and legal treatment of hotel rate-parity provisions differs among jurisdictions and continues to evolve.
Some countries or jurisdictions have restricted particular parity arrangements, while other markets may permit different forms of contractual distribution arrangements.
For this reason, broad statements about one worldwide “rate parity law” should be avoided.
The Bottom Line
Hotel rate parity is not one universal worldwide law.
It generally describes contractual provisions, pricing practices or distribution arrangements involving how certain hotel rates are advertised or distributed.
Public hotel rates and eligible private member offers can operate through different distribution channels.
A private membership does not guarantee that every hotel will always be cheaper. It can provide eligible travelers access to participating private offers that may not be available through an ordinary unrestricted public search.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hotel Rate Parity
Is hotel rate parity a law?
No, not as one universal worldwide law. Rate parity commonly refers to contractual provisions and hotel distribution practices. Laws and regulations affecting those arrangements vary by jurisdiction.
What is a private hotel rate?
A private hotel rate or offer is distributed through a restricted or qualified channel rather than being available in exactly the same way to the unrestricted public. Eligibility may require membership, authentication or another qualification.
What is a Closed User Group in travel?
A Closed User Group, or CUG, is a defined group of eligible users who can access certain offers within a restricted environment. Membership or authentication generally distinguishes the group from unrestricted public access.
Why do I have to log in to see some Hotels Etc. offers?
Certain member offers may be distributed within an authenticated private membership environment and can be subject to supplier, eligibility and distribution requirements.
Does Hotels Etc. guarantee every hotel will be cheaper?
No. Travel pricing and availability constantly change. Rates and savings vary according to hotel, destination, dates, room type, inventory, supplier availability and other factors.
Are private member rates always better than public rates?
No. Private membership provides another category of eligible offers to compare. Travelers should evaluate the complete booking, including room type, taxes, fees, cancellation terms and any participating benefits.
How long has Hotels Etc. been in business?
Hotels Etc. was founded in 1996 and has provided private membership discounts and travel benefits for decades.
About Hotels Etc.
Hotels Etc. is a private travel and lifestyle discount membership company founded in 1996. Eligible members can access participating travel and lifestyle offers through the private Hotels Etc. membership platform.
Wondering how to find an affordable Caribbean vacation in 2017? There are many ways to keep your general costs down during the year to be able to afford a trip but more importantly, there is a very specific way to find an affordable vacation that not everybody is in the know about.
Let us explain.
Changes in online travel
The online world has changed the way we travel but more importantly it has allowed people to do so more often with everywhere being so much more more accessible and affordable. That said, the latter of these benefits has all but disappeared in recent years with the arrival of a new law called rate parity.
You see, until recently most travel booking engines or brands were enabled to offer excellent discounts on vacations, hotels etc and for good reason, customers were lining up to avail of these fantastic prices. Sounds great right? Yes it was but actually, all of these great prices and value have completely disappeared from the market without the consumer even noticing.
But how or why has nobody noticed?
Well, naturally if a travel website is perceived as not offering any real value, there is no reason for them being there in the first place. After all, why use a third party when you can go direct to the service provider for the same price? For this reason, a new law called rate parity is little talked about in an industry which is now severely restricted from offering customers genuine value.
What is rate parity?
In a nutshell, rate parity stipulates that travel companies is required to offer the same price to customers across every channel of distribution. Straight to the point, this essentially means these booking engines are no longer permitted to offer customers the great discounts we have seen in the past.
Does this mean the end of hotel discounts or special offers?
Well, no. There was one exemption from this rate parity law and it came in the form of travel membership clubs. As a membership club, you are entitled to negotiate large discounts with suppliers and pass this value on to paying members.
Hence, Travel membership clubs such as Hotels Etc are now returning to the fore of an industry they dominated before the online world and booking engines took over.
Hotels Etc
As mentioned above, Hotels Etc have worked within the travel industry for more than 20 years. At one time this membership club was one of the only ways to find a vacation or hotel discount in a world without internet.
With more than 4 million members and a five star rating, it continued to take care of members but was obviously affected with the arrival of booking engines and online travel brands. As discussed already, with the declining value of booking engines, this membership club is now re-emerging to establish itself as one of the few providers of genuine travel discounts.
It makes sense that customers like to stick with the major travel brands which they trust but with 4 million members and some truly genuine value, Hotels Etc has an easy to use booking system in which you can search and compare all of the best online discounts for hotels and vacations.
Since 9/11, there has been a large decrease in the number of North Americans traveling abroad in general and this is quite understandable given the current climate. However, there are far more reasons for why recent trends are showing that many Americans are opting to vacation at home rather than traveling abroad and they all make sense entirely. Here is the main reason as to why so many North Americans are deciding to stay at home rather than vacationing abroad in 2017, diversity.
Yes, North America has all the necessary ingredients needed for an unforgettable vacation and often, with the use of hotel discounts or deals, it will also cost a lot less.
It’s not Fear, it’s out of interest
Let us get this out of the way, in contrast to popular belief, it’s not actually fear that is deterring locals from traveling abroad. Yes, since 9/11 people are more reluctant in terms of leaving the confines of home and unfortunately, there is still a concern that elsewhere is unsafe or that terrorists are waiting to pounce outside every hotel abroad but none of this is really true. No, most of the reasons for which North Americans are spending their vacations at home are positive and with the best of intentions.
You see, it must be understood that this is a huge part of the world and as a landmass, the States has almost every type of bio-diversity, attraction or variety of landscapes as anywhere else on earth. Something majestic? The Grand Canyon. Entertainment? Las Vegas. Exciting cities? New York, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco. Wilderness, swamp lands or beaches? Montana, Florida and California. It makes complete sense to stay at home as why feel the need to travel abroad for new experiences when you can have a less expensive and just as interesting vacation closer to home.
North America is accessible and affordable
And that brings us to the cost. Traveling in the US was once an expensive thing to do but with the arrival of the online world, just about anyone can afford a vacation with hotel discounts. Want a hotel room in New York for half price? Use hotel discounts. Want two for the price of one in a restaurant? Use restaurant discounts. Want special offers on local attractions or recreational activities? There are discounts for everything online. But you’ve got to know where to look, and that’s where we come in; we know exactly why you should stay at home for your next vacation and we want to help you make it happen at the most affordable price.
You can sign up for a free trial on Hotels Etc here and start finding all the biggest hotel discounts and more.
With thousands of islands in the world to choose from, it’s hard to ignore the beauty that is the Caribbean. A Caribbean vacation is a dream for friends, couples, and families looking for a place to relax, have fun, and enjoy everything under the sun. Not only does it offer lots of activities, but also thanks to plenty of hotel discounts that are usually floating around the web, there’s something to fit every budget.
Cayman Islands – Scuba Diving
In Cayman Islands, it’s impossible not to be in the sea because this is by far the best spot for scuba diving. Boasting more than 200 diving sites anyone with an itch to take a dive can take advantage of the underwater treasures.
British Virgin Islands – Sailing In Paradise
If you’re with people who are skeptical of getting in the water, the British Virgin Islands is your place and will keep you afloat. There’s nothing more exciting than being the person behind the sails and a trip here will teach you exactly how to do that.
Jamaica – Kid Friendly
Jamaica, while filled with plenty of nightlife and adult activities, is one of the best Caribbean islands for families. There are plenty of resorts who cater to infants and older children and some, like the Franklin D. Resort and Spa, is a like a couple’s personal babysitter. As an inclusion in guests’ payments, kids get their own nanny to look after them while their tired-looking moms and dads are getting their much-needed pampering. Who doesn’t want to relax while knowing their children are in safe hands, right?
Dominican Republic – Adventure Awaits
Dominican Republic is the haven of adventurers. Those who are thrill-seekers can get their dose of adrenaline rush by doing activities such as zip lining, surfing, diving, rock climbing, canyoning, and more. You name it, they have it.
Aruba – Island City Life
If there’s a place that feels like a city in an island, it’s Aruba. Adults will enjoy unique mix of both urban and country feel that this destination has to offer and it also means there’s always something new to experience. Oranjestad, its capital town, is known for its shopping strips, bars and restaurants, casinos, golf courses, and spas that can entertain even the most demanding people.
Puerto Rico – No U.S. Passport Needed
U.S. history buffs have no reason not to bask in the best of Puerto Rico because any citizen can go here without a passport. Direct flights make it even more convenient and the same with Jamaica. If time travel is your thing, fly to Puerto Rico and visit Castillo San Felipe del Morro, and Castillo San Cristobal, which are two of the largest Spanish camps. San Juan Cathedral, located at the Old San Juan district, is also where the Ponce de Leon family’s ancestral house and burial site are located.
Martinique – Low Budget and European
Fancy seeing France but don’t have the budget? You can go to Martinique instead. Although it’s located in the Caribbean, it’s still a part of France and therefore the architecture and even the language is very much French. Imagine Paris in an island. Yep, that’s it.
St. Lucia – Get Some Privacy
There’s a reason why St. Lucia is always mentioned in lists of the best places for a honeymoon – it’s vast landscape and layout of resorts make sure that the island never feels crowded. It’s also considered as one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands because of the rain forests and mountains found there. When it comes to privacy, this place is definitely the top choice for people who want to get away from the hustle and bustle.
Travel discounts, Travel Tips 
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