Booking.com denies allegations of price-fixing

The company is rejecting allegations that it kept hotel prices artificially high for over a decade, as a flood of interest in a new mass lawsuit temporarily crashed the Consumers’ Association’s website

Booking.com has firmly denied accusations that it artificially inflated hotel prices over the past decade, following the launch of a mass legal claim by Dutch consumer groups. The company issued a strong rebuttal, emphasizing its commitment to price transparency and a fair booking experience. The legal action, filed by the Consumers’ Association and the Consumers Competition Claims Foundation (CCC), accuses Booking.com of anti-competitive practices dating back to 2013. While public interest in the claim surged—crashing the association’s website—Booking.com is standing its ground and says it will respond fully to the allegations after reviewing the details.

Key takeaways

• Firm denial of wrongdoing: Booking.com “strongly contests” the allegations that it kept hotel prices artificially high and says it has always prioritized offering travelers the best possible prices and a transparent booking experience.
• Changes to business practices: Booking.com stated that it has already removed price parity clauses across Europe but maintains that such clauses initially helped ensure fair pricing for consumers.
• Allegations of deceptive tactics: The claimants accuse Booking.com (and its sister site Agoda) of misleading marketing, such as fake discounts, hidden charges, and exaggerated scarcity messages—practices previously criticized in 2024.
• Scope of the case: The legal action claims that virtually every Dutch consumer who booked a hotel room since 2013 may have been affected by Booking.com’s practices.
• Booking.com’s position: Despite regulatory scrutiny, Booking.com insists it has acted in the interest of travelers and has adapted its practices in line with evolving expectations and regulations.

Get the full story at NL Times