Booking.com challenges hotel lawsuit

Debate highlights ongoing tension between platforms and European hotel industry over fair competition

Booking.com has pushed back against a pan-European class action brought by over 30 hotel associations, arguing that claims of anti-competitive behavior are misleading. The lawsuit, supported by HOTREC and national hotel groups, centers on Booking.com's use of price parity clauses, which hoteliers argue restricted their ability to offer lower rates and harmed competition.

Key takeaways

• Class action momentum: Over 10,000 hotels across Europe have joined the collective lawsuit against Booking.com.
• Focus on parity clauses: The lawsuit alleges that Booking.com's “best price” clauses restricted competition and undermined direct hotel bookings.
• Booking.com’s defense: The company argues the EU court did not find its practices anti-competitive and that partners retain control over pricing.
• CJEU ruling clarified scope, not guilt: The European Court of Justice found parity clauses fall under EU competition law, but did not assess their impact in this case.
• Industry pushback intensifies: HOTREC calls the initiative a demand for a fairer digital marketplace, especially for small and independent hotels.
• Extension of deadline: Due to rising interest, the hotel registration deadline for the claim was extended to August 29, 2025.
• Dominant market share: Booking Holdings held a 71% share of the European market in 2023, intensifying concerns over its influence.

Get the full story at the Luxembourg Times