How can I book a hotel through Trip.com?

Author's Profile Picture

This guide will outline the step-by-step process for booking hotels on Trip, complete with illustrated instructions, alongside answers to frequently asked questions.

⚡Book a Hotel on Trip.com in 6 Steps

  1. Open Trip.com → click Hotels & Homes
  2. Enter destination + check-in/check-out dates + rooms/guests
  3. Select filters (location, price, rating, amenities, cancellation policy)
  4. Open a hotel → compare room types + rate plans
  5. Fill in guest details (names, contact info, special requests if needed)
  6. Choose a payment method → pay → save your booking confirmation

🌍 Why Trip.com is easy for hotel booking?

Trip.com has a sizable hotel inventory that may be searched by city, airport, area, landmark, or property name if you're looking for a single location to search widely and make a quick reservation.
Explore more than 1.2 million hotels in more than 200 nations and areas, and use the more than 30 million real guest reviews as a guide. Additionally, according to Trip.com, you can explore more than 1.7 million hotels in more than 230 countries by using important criteria like location, price, star rating, amenities, and actual guest reviews.

What you care about

Where to check on Trip.com

Best practice

Convenient location

Map/landmark filters

Filter by landmark or transport first, then compare prices

“Worth it” quality

Guest rating + review patterns

Read recent reviews + look for repeated complaints

Flexibility

Cancellation policy on the rate plan

Choose “free cancellation” if plans may change

🔍 Step-by-Step: How to book a hotel through Trip.com?

All the following screenshots are based on booking a hotel in Shanghai, China.

Step 1 — Start a hotel search

Head over to the Hotels page. The search box is quite flexible. You can type in a city, a specific airport, a neighborhood, or even the name of a famous landmark.

Just fill in these few details:

  • Destination
  • Check-in and check-out dates
  • Number of rooms and the count for adults and children
    Trip.com Hotels search entry screen

Step 2 — Filter fast

Filtering by location, cost, star rating, facilities, and visitor reviews is highlighted on Trip.com.
An order of practical filters:

  1. First, the location (landmark, transportation, or area)
  2. Guest rating (select out alternatives with poor ratings)
  3. Facilities (laundry, gym, family room, breakfast, etc.)
  4. Cancellation policy (free cancellation if flexibility is required)
  5. Price (to avoid cutting off good locations too soon, set your range last).

Step 3 — Open a hotel and compare room + rate plans

Once you pick a hotel, you will notice different price tags for what looks like the same room. These choices usually boil down to a few things:

  • Refundable vs. non-refundable
  • Breakfast included vs. no meal
  • Pay now vs. pay at the hotel

The rules for your stay appear right before you pay. Keep a close eye on the change and cancel terms. Often, the cheapest rooms are final sales—you can't change them and you won't get your money back if you skip the trip. Read these details before you tap the final button.

Quick Comparison: Common Rate Plans

Rate Type

Policy Details

Best Choice If...

Free cancellation

Full refund if you cancel before the deadline

Your plans might change

Partial refund

Cancel late and you pay a small fee

You are mostly sure about the trip

Non-refundable

No money back once you book

Your plans are 100% set and you want the lowest price

Hotel room list showing at least two rate plans with breakfast tags.

Step 4 — Enter guest info correctly

Fill in:

  • Guest name(s) (match the ID the guest will use at check-in)
  • Phone/email for confirmation and hotel contact

If you’re booking for multiple people, Trip.com’s Terms state the first name provided is responsible for accuracy and accepting terms on behalf of the group.

Checkout/payment screen showing: total price, cancellation policy link, and payment method selection.

Step 5 — Pay securely with your preferred method

Trip.com offers several ways to settle your bill. The options you see might change depending on if you use a phone or a computer.

Here is a quick look at which methods work where:

Payment Method

iOS App

Android App

Desktop Web

Mobile Web

Credit/Debit Card

✔️

✔️

✔️

✔️

PayPal

✔️

✔️

Google Pay

✔️

Apple Pay

✔️

Trip Coins

✔️

✔️

Gift Card

✔️

✔️

The platform accepts all major card networks. This includes big names like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. You can also use JCB or UnionPay in many cases.

Step 6 — Save confirmation + know where to find your booking

Once the money goes through, make sure you have your proof ready. It is a smart move to keep these two things handy:

  • A screenshot or the email of your booking confirmation.
  • Your order page inside the Trip.com app or website.

Sometimes a hotel won't have your name in their system right away. If you call them and they can't find your file, stay calm. Trip.com guarantees your spot. Often, hotels receive guest names only a short time before the actual check-in date.

5 star

/1011695 Reviews
People's Square Area Shanghai|0.54km from city center
I had a wonderful experience at this hotel. The staff were exceptionally cooperative and friendly, always ready to help with a smile. The cleanliness of the hotel was outstanding, and everything felt well-maintained and comfortable. My only suggestion for improvement would be to add a bidet shower in the bathroom, which would make the stay even more perfect. Overall, highly recommended!
FromSAR 436
9.4/10Outstanding5775 Reviews
People's Square Area Shanghai|0.47km from city center
Lovely hotel in a great location. Easy walking distance to shopping and sightseeing locations, especially the Bund and Nanjing Lu. Huge shopping mall close by. Metro is an easy walk, and drop off/pick up for airport transfers is convenient. Plenty of local cafes and restaurants nearby. The hotel itself is really nice. Clean, well appointed and meticulously clean. Special mention about the staff. So friendly and helpful. Really appreciated their ability to speak English, as our spoken Chinese wasn’t good. They helped us with so much information about local dining, shopping and sightseeing locations. We arrived very late at night to check in. The staff welcomed us and gave us a free upgrade. The room was beautiful. Very roomy, good facilities and one of the most comfortable beds we’ve slept in. We had the pleasure of dining in the revolving restaurant. Food and service were impeccable. The special chocolate globe dessert is a must have. Delicious beyond description. We stayed at the Radisson Blu for 4 nights and would happily have stayed longer. Would study there again without hesitation. Thank you for an enjoyable and memorable stay at your delightful hotel.
FromSAR 566
9.6/10Excellent7742 Reviews
People's Square Area Shanghai|0.7km from city center
The hotel was very clean, and the location was excellent, close to the commercial street. We could even walk to the Bund. The kids were super excited and thrilled when they saw the room. Breakfast was decent, and the staff was very friendly. They even allowed us to check in early, which was a huge help since we arrived ahead of schedule. Out of the three rooms we booked, one was upgraded for free. Thumbs up! 👍
FromSAR 696
9.4/10Outstanding5761 Reviews
Huaihai Road Area/Xintiandi Area Shanghai|1.78km from city center
The room was spacious, bright, clean, and tidy. I was pleasantly surprised to find out it's part of the Japanese Okura chain, which I'd stayed at before in Fukuoka and had an excellent experience with their service and breakfast. The staff here were courteous, polite, and enthusiastic. I purchased a hotel package that included a buffet lunch at the Magnolia restaurant. The food was exquisite, delicious, and served in small portions, allowing me to sample various Shanghai delicacies. The location is excellent, just about 3 kilometers from both the [untranslated location] and the Bund, easily accessible by shared bicycle. Many thanks to Trip.com for recommending such a high-quality hotel!
FromSAR 320
9.4/10Outstanding10856 Reviews
Train Station Area Shanghai|2.4km from city center
In the cluster of hotels in Shanghai's core area, what truly sets Pullman Shanghai Jing'an apart isn't just its 'convenience,' but its precise balance between 'frequent travel needs' and ' understated luxury and relaxation.' It's like a discerning old friend: never showy, yet always hitting the right note at every critical juncture. The hotel's location is supremely convenient, a 'hub-level' accessibility. It's a 5-10 minute walk to Shanghai Railway Station and a 3-minute connection to the subway. Whether you're catching an early high-speed train or returning after a night out on the Bund, there's no need to rush. Yet, the moment you step into the lobby, the city's hustle and bustle fade away. The understated luxurious decor, paired with vibrant greenery, avoids excessive flair, instead using perfect lighting and a delightful aroma to instantly relax you. The most pleasant surprise is the 'granularity' of the service: the concierge can arrange shipping for forgotten items for guests who have already checked out, and the front desk service is warm and efficient. This unforced attentiveness feels warmer than standardized service. The rooms are an example of 'practical sophistication': floor-to-ceiling windows invite the city skyline in, the bedding is soft yet supportive, and it offers both a full-sized desk for business travelers and connecting room options essential for families. Even the sofa in executive suites can be converted into an extra bed free of charge, revealing a thoughtful consideration for different guest demographics in every detail. The leisure area on the 6th floor is a hidden gem: a 28℃恒温 swimming pool with the Jing'an skyline visible through floor-to-ceiling windows. In the evening, the golden sunset reflects on the water, creating stunning, high-quality photos effortlessly. The 24-hour gym ensures exercise is never a chore. It lacks the gimmicks of 'influencer hotels' but, through a profound understanding of the 'essence of travel and living,' it enables business travelers to be efficient and stress-free, families to be comfortable and at ease, and solo travelers to find a sense of relaxation. In Jing'an, where every inch of land is precious, a hotel that 'understands needs and offers warmth' truly is the premier choice for accommodation.
FromSAR 381

Show more

Business travel

9/10Good2440 Reviews
Jing'an District/West Nanjing Road Shanghai|0.85km from city center
The location is fantastic, close to Zhang Yuan and the new Louie ship, also the largest Starbucks. You can find both luxury shopping and dining options nearby. The hotel is situated at the back, providing a quieter atmosphere, which I prefer. However, if you stay on a higher floor, the network connection may not be very stable. If you're not particular about having a view, this is the best location to choose.
FromSAR 788
9.6/10Excellent8578 Reviews
The Bund Area Shanghai|1.73km from city center
Stumble upon this hotel recommended by Trip. Book it and definitely no regrets, amazing stay! Room is beautiful, Location is just right beside the Bund. Good food and good scenic places reachable by foot. Staffs at the Hotel is very friendly and helpful! Especially Ella, who facilitated my check in and guided me through the process very patiently. I was also offered an upgrade for a deal price and that was one of the best decision made! Simply lovely. It doesn't end there, Ella went the extra mile when my Taobao orders I bought were sent to the wrong hotel due to me keying in the wrong address. Ella kindly assisted me to contact the hotel that my parcel was mailed to for confirmation, followed by guiding me to that hotel to pick up my parcel! It would have been a mess without her help. Thank you again Ella, take care!
FromSAR 525
8.9/108226 Reviews
The North Bund Area Shanghai|2.55km from city center
The house is being renovated, so for the weekend, I decided to stay overnight as a local resident of Shanghai. During the two years of the pandemic, I also took my child to many iconic local hotels to experience them. After considering factors such as comfort, location, cost-effectiveness, dining, service, opening hours, and overall quality, I would highly recommend this hotel to friends planning a trip to Shanghai. The staff are very attentive and responsive to any needs. The location is excellent, situated in North Bund, Hongkou District, which is not too noisy and offers easy access to various amenities. For those visiting Shanghai, there is a stand-up comedy show nearby that is definitely worth checking out. The dining options are plentiful, and you can easily reach Siji Minfu within walking distance. The North Bund City Terrace and the Waibaidu Bridge are also within walking distance. Last night, I took a stroll around the area and stood at the North Bund City Terrace. Seeing Shanghai and Pudong's Oriental Pearl Tower from this vantage point was truly breathtaking.
FromSAR 367
9.2/10Very Good3955 Reviews
The Bund Area Shanghai|1.27km from city center
Today is my last day at The Westin Bund Center Shanghai. At first, I loved the hotel, but unfortunately, the experience has slowly deteriorated. Before arrival, I had tried emailing ************************* to make a small request to celebrate an anniversary, but the email failed to deliver with an error saying the recipient’s server didn’t recognize certain characters. I’m not sure why, as the email was in English and sent from my phone. At check-in, I mentioned this to the receptionist (his name started with “C”), who was very polite and spoke to the lady behind him, asking her to reach out to Angela to assist. He then told me to head to my room and assured me I would be contacted. I waited for an hour in the room with no update, so I went out hoping to find a message upon my return, but sadly, there was still nothing. The email issue could have been my fault, and that is fine. But what is unacceptable is being promised a follow-up for such a special occasion and then never receiving it. For a hotel of this standard, I expected better communication and service consistency. Later, my son lost part of his toy, which led me to start searching around the room. While doing so, I discovered dust under every cabinet. Worse, I found what looked like someone else’s cream bottle stuck between the bed and the dresser. This makes me believe that the bottom part of the bed sheet was not changed, as housekeeping would almost certainly have noticed such an item if the bed had been properly stripped and remade. I have stayed in many Marriott properties, and this is the first time I would give only 2–3 stars. :(
FromSAR 522
9.1/10Good5075 Reviews
People's Square Area Shanghai|0.9km from city center
We were really happy with our stay at the Radisson Collection Hyland. The location is excellent especially if you are travelling to Shanghai for the first time as there is direct access to Nanjing Road East and you’re just a short walk from the Bund. The staff were great.The room was spacious and cleaned well everyday. This hotel really goes above and beyond to ensure you have everything you need to be comfortable. We would definitely stay here again.
FromSAR 560

Show more

Family friendly

9.3/10Very Good4450 Reviews
Jing'an District/West Nanjing Road Shanghai|2.6km from city center
The location is unbeatable. Food, drinks, and entertainment are right downstairs, and it's just out of Exit 3 of Jing'an Temple Metro Station. Luxury stores on Nanjing West Road are only a couple of stops away, and Yuyuan Road offers a quaint, old Shanghai vibe with its plane trees and charming old houses. The hotel itself is nestled between two streets, avoiding the crowds but still capturing the essence of old Shanghai. The residential building in front of it is even the apartment where Eileen Chang wrote 'Love in a Fallen City.' The service is excellent, from the doormen and front desk staff to the housekeeping aunties and restaurant chefs. The breakfast isn't extensive, but it has all the essentials, and it's all healthy food. If you prefer a Western breakfast, they offer more cheese and ham than most hotels. While the facilities are a bit older compared to newly built hotels, it's still highly recommended. I'll definitely stay here again on my next visit.
FromSAR 460
9.5/10Outstanding4575 Reviews
Huaihai Road Area/Xintiandi Area Shanghai|0.97km from city center
The Langham is incredibly conveniently located, right next to Xintiandi, K11, and major shopping malls. The subway station is less than a five-minute walk from the entrance. The staff are all exceptionally friendly and helpful. They even called ahead to confirm my arrival time, which was very considerate for my travel plans. Sharon added me on WeChat during check-in, and at checkout, she specially gave me two beautiful pink cardholders for their 15th-anniversary celebration. The service was so attentive and thoughtful. The hotel's cleanliness and facilities are also excellent, with a swimming pool and sauna, and the water quality is very clean. It was a fantastic stay experience overall.
FromSAR 746
9.4/10Outstanding7377 Reviews
Dapuqiao Area Shanghai|2.92km from city center
Every time I come for a staycation, the hotel lobby feels bright and comfortable, and the service is excellent. I'd especially like to commend a lovely lady from Malaysia named ”Evelyn.” She's not only beautiful but also very professional and well-mannered! As soon as I arrived, she had already reserved a room for me on the 19th floor. The room was comfortable and tidy, and the housekeeping staff was also fantastic. Every time they saw me return, they knew my preferences and would specially prepare extra items I needed in the room. It truly felt like home, very warm and inviting. The coffee and tea used in the room and lounge are also imported. As for the hotel's breakfast, its quality hasn't declined over the years; in fact, it's gone up a level! The variety is richer, and the taste is superb! The hotel also has many other facilities, including a Shanghai cuisine restaurant, a Western restaurant, and a Cantonese Chinese restaurant. There's also a gym. The hotel also has a very comfortable terrace, perfect for chatting and relaxing~ I highly recommend everyone come and experience it; you definitely won't be disappointed!
FromSAR 458
9.6/10Excellent6546 Reviews
The Bund Area Shanghai|1.78km from city center
The grandeur of old Shanghai can still be vividly imagined through the Peace Hotel. Many hotels ask if you'd like your luggage sent to your room, but the Peace Hotel doesn't. From the moment you arrive at the entrance and say ”checking in,” your bags are taken care of all the way to the walk-in closet in your room. If you get lost inside (like I did), don't worry about not finding help; staff members are everywhere, proactively approaching you to ask if you need anything. Our twin room wasn't huge but was cozy and comfortable. The S-shaped layout ensured the room was very quiet. In fact, the entire guest floor was quiet and elegant, with a lovely sweet cinnamon scent. **Amenities**: Great water pressure, pleasant-smelling toiletries, delicious breakfast, large bathtub. The pool is a bit small but rarely crowded, and the gym is also empty, with equipment offering views of Nanjing Road. Parking is available but very limited, and the access road is always full of tourists taking wedding or portrait photos, making driving difficult. The location is excellent, right at the Bund end of Nanjing East Road, a five-minute walk from the subway. **Cleanliness**: Extremely clean. **Service**: Excellent.
FromSAR 1,293
9.4/10Outstanding8618 Reviews
Lujiazui Area Shanghai|3.19km from city center
Staying at the Heye Hotel on a high floor offers a view of the Huangpu River, and they even provided tickets for the Oriental Pearl TV Tower's two spheres. My mom and I had a great time! For this value for money, you won't find anything better in Lujiazui. The bar on the 30th floor also offers a view of the Oriental Pearl Tower – I wish I had known sooner! I'd definitely come back again; I'm very satisfied. Those two tickets for the spheres were such a great deal. The breakfast was good. Each stay includes two tickets to the spheres for sightseeing: perfect!
FromSAR 430

Show more

Breakfast

/1010223 Reviews
Sheshan, Songjiang University Town Shanghai|35.83km from city center
Our hotel butler, Bruce, communicated pleasantly on WeChat before check-in, and although we didn't meet in person after checking in, he was always kind and enthusiastic in assisting us. The other hotel staff were also very professional, reflecting the standards of a five-star hotel. The hotel proactively upgraded our room, and the view was perfect! There were a lot of guests staying that night, but the hotel's soundproofing was excellent; we couldn't hear any noise from the adjacent rooms or the hallway, ensuring a very quiet rest environment! The breakfast quality was superb; one bowl of beef ramen instantly surpassed all hotel breakfasts I've had before!
FromSAR 776
9.5/10Outstanding2592 Reviews
Wujiaochang Commercial Area Shanghai|9.08km from city center
[”The hotel's location is fantastic, just a 6-7 minute walk to the subway station! The room was clean and bright, and the bedding was incredibly soft, truly like sleeping on a cloud. The front desk staff were so thoughtful, even providing a guide to local eateries. I'll definitely choose this hotel again next time!”,”The room was even more spacious than the photos indicated. The bathroom had excellent wet/dry separation and was impeccably clean. The breakfast selection was incredibly diverse, and the freshly prepared noodles were especially fragrant and tasty. We had an exceptionally comfortable stay!”]
FromSAR 329
9.6/10Excellent678 Reviews
Hongqiao Airport/National Exhibition and Convention Center Shanghai|15.59km from city center
Is the third time that we stay at this hotel an it never disappoints. Is the perfect hotel if you want to stay near Hongqiao station or the airport and it has plenty of dining options around and things to do. The line 2 takes you straight away to the city center and to PVG airport if needed, but bear in mind that PVG airport is very far from here. The hotel breakfast is well balanced with many options, both local and western. The service, gym, pool and amenities are on point. Spacious rooms, nicely cleaned and comfortable. Definitely will come back next time I stop in SH again.
FromSAR 391
9.2/10Very Good1521 Reviews
Everbright Convention and Exhibition Center Shanghai|12.35km from city center
I stayed here for one night. I came here after leaving another hotel that wasn't good. I'm so glad that I came here instead. I really got such a good night's sleep. One of the hotel staff, Ekko, was extra helpful in answering my questions in English, allowing me to stay longer in the lobby while I waited for my friend and even offered me a bottle of water. He was very welcoming! The the bed is so comfortable and soft and the hotel is very clean. And the breakfast is also delicious. You also have a vending machine on the first floor that takes digital payment and a mini refrigerator in your room. There's also a smart TV with HDMI and screen mirroring. It's great value for money and it's also just a really comfortable place to stay. The interior design is really beautiful and eclectic. I think you'll have fun just hanging out in the lobby, good music playing, for a couple hours doing some work at one of the many sitting areas in the lobby, if you're a digital nomad like me. Really nice vibe!
FromSAR 137
9.7/10Excellent1959 Reviews
Hongqiao District Shanghai|8.21km from city center
As a business traveler with a packed schedule, I'm taking advantage of a rare free moment today to praise this hotel apartment. This was our first stay at Citadines Gubei. The lobby is spacious and bright, and front desk staff member Wei Kaijie greeted us with a friendly smile, showing us the guest rooms and providing a detailed overview of the apartment's facilities. Manager Fu Renjie is highly competent. We stayed in room 1752 on the 17th floor, and the housekeeping staff there are very meticulous, especially Liu Gaiqin, who has an excellent service attitude. She diligently cleans our room and bathroom daily and promptly replenishes our amenities. The hotel breakfast is very generous, and for takeout orders, a robot delivers them directly to the room door. What truly sets this hotel apart, and what I haven't experienced in other hotels, is that the front desk staff go above and beyond their own duties to deliver guests' packages directly to their room doors. This made us feel incredibly welcome and at home. We will definitely be staying here again on our next trip.
FromSAR 207

Show more

Show more

🧾 Cancellation & Refunds: what to check before you book?

🧷 Cancellation depends on the rate plan

Trip.com states you’ll be shown change/cancel rules during booking, and that these rules form part of the terms you accept.

🧭 How to cancel a hotel booking in the Trip.com app

Trip.com’s cancellation guide describes this general path:

  • check My Trips → All Bookings (or Account → All Bookings)
  • Open your hotel booking
  • Tap Cancel Booking
  • Review View cancellation policy and refund details
  • Submit the request

Refund timing varies. The same guide notes it may take about 1 business day for the refund to reach your bank account (and can vary depending on payment method/bank).

🛡️ Service guarantee note

Trip.com keeps things fair. Their policy makes it clear: they don't pocket extra cash from your change or cancellation fees. If you have to cancel a trip, they act as your middleman. They talk to the hotel directly and try to push for a lower fee so you keep more of your money.

🔁 Changing a hotel booking

Plans change. Maybe you need a different room or a new date. Usually, the hotel’s own rules decide if this is possible. Keep in mind that "non-refundable" deals are often set in stone.

If you need a swap, the process is quick. Log in to the app and find your reservation under "My Bookings." Hit the change button and update your details. If the new price is higher, you just pay the difference right there.

🧑‍🎓 Age & Check-in rules

Before you book, check the fine print. You must have the legal standing to sign a contract, which usually boils down to your age.

Here is a practical tip: many hotels won't let you check in if you are under 18. Some spots even set the bar higher. If you are younger than the limit, don't risk it. Ask a parent to handle the booking and call the hotel ahead of time to confirm their stance.

🆘 Help & Support: fastest ways to get assistance

When things go wrong, you need answers fast. Trip.com offers support 24/7, so you are never stuck. Their app is the best tool for this.

You can use the chat feature or make a free call through the app. They claim to respond in about 30 seconds. If you have a real emergency, use the one-click help button to get a human on the line immediately.

Trip.com also highlights 24/7 support on its main site.

Access the mobile interface for customer service

✅ 10-second checklist before you hit “Pay”

The dates and destination are accurate.
Accurate number of rooms and visitors
Your needs are met by the type of room (bed type, capacity).
Check the cancellation policy (free, partial, or non-refundable).
Included in breakfast (or not) verified
Payment method chosen (Apple Pay/Google Pay availability depends on platform) Guest name matches ID
Saved confirmation (email plus screenshot)
You are aware of the place of "My Trips / All Bookings" for modifications and cancellations.

❓You might be wondering

🧾 Where do I see my hotel booking after payment?

Once you pay, your details live in the "My Trips" or "All Bookings" section of the app. This is the same spot you visit if you ever need to look at the cancellation rules.

🏨 The hotel says they can’t find my booking—what now?

Don't panic. Trip.com guarantees your spot. Often, a hotel won't see your specific personal info until you get closer to your check-in date. If you feel uneasy, just reach out to support. They can confirm the order details for you.

💵 Why do prices vary so much between room options?

Prices shift for a few basic reasons. Often, a room costs more if it allows a full refund. You also pay a premium for breakfast or a bigger room. Sometimes the price just moves because the hotel has fewer rooms left for those dates.

🔁 Can I change dates later?

It depends on the deal you grabbed. If the rate plan is flexible, you can usually swap dates. However, the cheapest "non-refundable" plans are usually final.

This article references pricing data from Trip.com, updated on $. Actual prices are subject to real-time inquiries.

Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
>>
How can I book a hotel through Trip.com?