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While PayPal is a widely used platform with over 426 million users and merchants, finding hotels that directly accept PayPal for booking can be tricky. This is because most hotels process payments through their own systems or partner with major credit card companies.
However, there are still ways to leverage PayPal for hotel stays. Many popular travel booking websites, like Expedia or Hotels.com, allow you to use PayPal during checkout. This means you can use funds in your PayPal account to pay for the hotel reservation made through these platforms. Just be sure to check the specific payment options offered by the individual hotel listing before finalizing your booking.
PayPal offers many functionalities beyond its core function of sending and receiving money. Many stores accept PayPal as a secure payment option, allowing you to bypass entering your credit card details every time you shop online.
Furthermore, PayPal Pay in 4 lets you split purchases into manageable installments, giving you flexibility when budgeting for larger items. These are just a few features that make PayPal popular for online transactions.
Are there any hotels that take PayPal?
Generally, major hotel chains won’t accept PayPal directly for reservations or room charges. This means you can’t use your PayPal balance to book the room.
However, there are still ways to leverage PayPal for your hotel stay. Some options include using a PayPal credit card, which functions like a regular credit card but draws funds from your PayPal balance. Alternatively, certain booking sites like Expedia or Hotels.com do accept PayPal as a payment method during checkout.
Remember that even if you book through these sites with PayPal, the hotel might still require a credit card upon check-in for incidentals or verification purposes.
How to book a hotel with PayPal
Please read our detailed list for a comprehensive overview of various options for paying for hotel accommodations using PayPal.
1. Use a PayPal Debit Card to pay
PayPal Debit Card lets you make purchases directly from your PayPal balance. It’s a Mastercard debit card, so you can use it at any store that accepts Mastercard, including a wide range of hotels. Plus, you can earn cashback rewards on qualifying purchases with the PayPal Debit Card.
2. Use a PayPal Cashback MasterCard to pay
The PayPal Cashback Mastercard might better fit your hotel bookings than the PayPal Debit Card.
While the debit card offers convenience and doesn’t require a credit check, Mastercard credit cards are generally more widely accepted, especially at hotels. This is where the PayPal Cashback Mastercard comes in. It’s a Mastercard credit card that allows you to earn rewards while offering a wider acceptance of credit cards.
The card offers a compelling cashback structure: 3% on purchases made directly through PayPal and 1.5% on everything else Mastercard is accepted for. Many hotels, including Hyatt, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Radisson, fall under this category.
So, if you want to take advantage of PayPal’s ease of transactions and earn cashback while booking your hotel stay, the PayPal Cashback Mastercard could be a great option.
3. Book the hotel with Booking.com
Booking.com lets you pay for hotel reservations directly using your PayPal account. This makes booking convenient and allows you to leverage your existing PayPal balance.
Booking.com also caters to users with popular international payment methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay, offering additional flexibility for global travelers.
4. Book your hotel stay with Expedia
While Expedia doesn’t universally accept PayPal for hotel bookings, it can still be an option for some pre-paid reservations. The key lies in the hotel’s acceptance of PayPal. If the chosen hotel allows it, a “PayPal” payment tab will appear during checkout on Expedia.
Selecting this option will seamlessly redirect you to PayPal’s secure login page. There, you can choose your preferred funding source and easily finalize your hotel booking. Remember to check if the specific hotel accepts PayPal before proceeding.
5. Reserve a hotel room through Hotels.com
Hotels.com offers a wide range of payment options, including PayPal, which allows you to use your existing balance.
Hotels.com conducts transactions in your local currency, offering transparency and potentially avoiding foreign transaction fees. Additionally, their cancellation policies are generally flexible, allowing you to receive a full refund if you cancel before the deadline.
6. Book your hotel through Hotwire
Expanding your options for booking hotels with PayPal, consider Hotwire. This website boasts significant savings, claiming discounts of up to 60% on hotels.
The good news is that Hotwire accepts PayPal as a payment method, allowing you to leverage your preferred payment option while potentially scoring a great deal.
7. Try Airbnb instead
While traditional hotels offer undeniable convenience with housekeeping and front desk support, Airbnb provides a unique alternative. This platform allows you to book various accommodations, from apartments to unique homes, potentially offering a more immersive travel experience.
The good news for PayPal users is that some Airbnb listings accept PayPal as a payment option. During checkout, you’ll see if PayPal is available for your chosen property. Remember that currency exchange may apply depending on your location and the listing’s currency.
Explore Airbnb for interesting stays and leverage the ease of PayPal when available.
The bottom line
While major hotel chains like Hyatt, Marriott, Holiday Inn, and Best Western often don’t accept direct PayPal payments, there are ways to bridge the gap.
Leverage the PayPal Cashback Mastercard. This card offers wider acceptance than a debit card, increasing your chances of using PayPal for a hotel stay.
Explore booking platforms like Expedia or Hotels.com. These online travel agencies (OTAs) sometimes allow PayPal for specific hotel reservations, especially pre-paid bookings. Remember to check the payment options offered by the individual hotel during checkout.