When searching for affordable hotels online, you might encounter Algotels on price comparison sites like Trivago. While the platform promises low rates, numerous consistent reports from Reddit, BBB Scam Tracker, and travel forums reveal serious risks.
Many travelers have experienced fake confirmations, missing bookings, and non-existent customer service.
Despite a seemingly functional website, using Algotels carries a high risk of financial loss and travel disruption. This guide explains Is Algotels Legit, why, and offers safer alternatives.
Who Owns Algotels?
Algotels is owned and operated by Holisto Ltd., an Israel-based travel tech company. Holisto runs multiple travel brands and booking platforms, including:
- Traveleuro
- Splitty
- Algotels
This multi-brand strategy is often used by travel tech companies to cast a wider net across price comparison platforms. However, Holisto Ltd. has received multiple complaints across its brand portfolio.
Why it matters: Knowing the ownership and parent company helps consumers connect the dots between different aliases and shared customer issues. When one brand has poor service, it often affects the others.
Is Algotels Real or a Scam?
Technically, Algotels is a real website, and it is part of a registered company. However, being “real” doesn’t mean it’s trustworthy.
Here’s what makes many users call it a scam:
- Fake confirmations – you pay, but no booking is made
- No support – you’re left stranded
- False advertising – hotel listings may not match what’s delivered
- Misleading practices – like fake discounts or price drops
💬 Traveler Quote from Reddit:
“I booked through Algotels, and the hotel said my reservation was fake. Had to pay again, and Algotels never responded. Total scam.”
What is Algotels, and Why Is It Risky?
Algotels is an online hotel booking reseller, frequently associated with the parent company Holisto Ltd., which also operates under names like Traveleuro.
The platform advertises competitive hotel rates, but the risk lies in repeated reports of critical service failures, including:
- Non-Existent Bookings: Travelers arrive at hotels to find no reservation or payment record.
- Fake Confirmations: Confirmation emails or codes sometimes turn out to be invalid or fabricated.
- Non-Existent Customer Service: Users often cannot reach support to resolve missing reservations, forcing them to request chargebacks from their banks.
These issues make Algotels highly unreliable for booking accommodations.
Major Red Flags and User Warnings 🚩
Traveler reports highlight a pattern of unreliable service:
- Booking is Not Guaranteed: Algotels may sell inventory it doesn’t secure or pay for.
- Difficulty Getting Refunds: Even canceled bookings can result in failed or delayed refunds, necessitating a credit card chargeback.
- Limited Liability: Terms often cap the company’s responsibility, even when travelers incur additional costs due to failed bookings.
Takeaway: If multiple red flags appear, it’s safest to avoid Algotels entirely.
Algotels BBB Complaints
On the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Algotels has been associated with a significant number of negative reviews and complaints. The most common issues reported include:
- The hotel had no record of the booking
- Unable to reach Algotels’ customer service
- Delayed or denied refunds
- Fake confirmation emails
Many users who filed complaints state they had to dispute charges with their bank after being stranded without a reservation.
Important: Algotels (or its parent, Holisto) is not BBB accredited, and its rating is very low, indicating repeated unresolved customer issues.
Algotels Customer Service: What to Know
One of the most alarming concerns reported by travelers is the near-complete lack of accessible customer support.
- No live chat or verified phone support
- Emails often go unanswered
- Users report no response even in urgent booking situations
Many users say they were forced to pay for a second hotel after receiving no help from Algotels and then had to fight their credit card company for a refund.
Best Practice: Always test a company’s support channels before you book. If you can’t reach someone now, don’t expect them to help later.
How Algotels Appears on Comparison Sites
Algotels often surface on meta-search platforms like Trivago, which may give the impression of legitimacy. Important points:
- Clicking a deal often redirects to Algotels without disclosing risks.
- Prices may appear lower, but booking guarantees are not backed by the hotel.
- Always verify hotel rates directly on the official hotel website or trusted OTAs.
Recognizing Scam Patterns in Online Travel Agencies
Based on user reports, Algotels exhibits common travel scam patterns:
- Fake confirmation emails that appear official.
- Missing reservations despite having a booking voucher.
- Unreachable customer support.
Pro Tip: Check reviews across Reddit, Trustpilot, and BBB to confirm patterns of complaints.
Algotels.com Reviews
TrustScore: 1.5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️☆ ☆ ☆ (1.5/5) Total Reviews: 814. Read more reviews on Trustpilot
Real User Experiences
Example 1: A family booking in Paris arrived at the hotel only to find no record of their reservation, and had to pay double at another property.
Example 2: A solo traveler in Barcelona received a fake confirmation email. Attempts to contact Algotels failed, requiring a bank chargeback.
These examples confirm that the risk is recurring and widespread.
Understanding the Parent Company: Holisto Ltd.
Algotels is operated by Holisto Ltd., which also runs other booking sites like Traveleuro.
- Multiple platforms under this parent company show similar complaint patterns, suggesting systemic issues.
- Awareness of the parent company helps travelers research risks and avoid fraudulent platforms.
Refunds, Chargebacks, and Legal Protections
If you’ve already booked or are considering a risky platform:
- Refunds: Difficult to obtain, even when reservations are canceled.
- Chargebacks: Credit cards offer the best protection against loss.
- Travel Insurance: Some policies may cover fraudulent bookings, but always confirm terms.
Key Advice: Only use payment methods that provide dispute or chargeback options.
Red Flag Checklist Before Booking Hotels Online
For any online hotel booking:
- No verifiable business registration or address
- Unresponsive or missing customer support
- Consistently too-good-to-be-true rates
- Parent company information is hidden or involves multiple aliases
Action: If you notice these red flags, avoid booking.
Safe Alternatives to Algotels
To book hotels safely:
| Platform | Why It’s Safer | Notes |
| Booking.com | Verified listings, flexible cancellations | Wide global coverage |
| Expedia | Reliable support, package deals | Loyalty rewards available |
| Hotels.com | Transparent pricing, rewards program | Regular promotions |
| Agoda | Specializes in Asia, with competitive pricing | Verified hotels and reviews |
Tip: Always compare prices and book through trusted sources to ensure your reservation is secure.
Expert Recommendations
Travel experts strongly advise:
- Avoid Algotels entirely due to repeated reports of failed bookings.
- Book directly with hotels whenever possible.
- Research both the platform and hotel before paying.
- Use credit cards for maximum protection and recourse.
FAQ About Is Algotels Legit?
Q1: Can Algotels be trusted at all?
- No. The platform shows a consistent pattern of fake confirmations and missing reservations.
Q2: What if I’ve already booked through Algotels?
- Contact your hotel directly to confirm. Use credit card chargeback if the reservation fails.
Q3: Are deals on comparison sites safe?
- Not necessarily. Even reputable comparison sites may link to risky platforms like Algotels.
Q4: How can I verify a booking is real?
- Contact the hotel directly and keep payment receipts and confirmation codes.
Q5: Who is Holisto Ltd.?
- The parent company behind Algotels and similar booking platforms. Knowledge of the parent company can reveal patterns of unreliable service.
Conclusion
Do Not Use Algotels.
The platform has a proven record of fake confirmations, missing reservations, and unresponsive customer service. Even if rates appear attractive, the risk to your finances and travel plans is too high.
Safe alternatives: Book through trusted OTAs like Booking.com, Expedia, or Hotels.com, or book directly with the hotel. Always use credit cards or secure payment methods and verify bookings directly.
By following these precautions, you can enjoy safe, worry-free travel without risking lost money or disrupted trips.
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