More than 10,000 hotels across Europe have united in a class action suit against the online travel platform Booking.com, seeking compensation for financial losses suffered between 2004 and 2024 due to so-called "best-price" (parity) clauses. These clauses, ruled illegal by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in September 2024, prevented hotels from offering lower room rates either on their own websites or other booking platforms, effectively restricting their pricing autonomy.
The case, supported by the Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Cafes in Europe (HOTREC) and 30 national hotel associations including Germany's IHA, challenges Booking.com's practice aimed at preventing "free-rider" bookings where customers find hotels on Booking.com but book directly with the hotel to avoid commissions.
Following the ECJ ruling and the enactment of the EU Digital Markets Act in 2024, Booking.com eliminated such clauses, but hotels seek damages for the years these clauses were enforced.
HOTREC President Alexandros Vassilikos called the action a strong stand against abusive digital market practices, emphasizing the hospitality industry's desire for fair conditions.
The lawsuit will be heard in an Amsterdam court and coordinated by the Hotel Claims Alliance. HOTREC has extended the deadline for hotels to join the suit until August 29, 2025, and the class action is receiving overwhelming support.
Booking.com, however, stated that no official lawsuit has been received and denied the allegations, asserting that their partners are free to set their own pricing and distribution strategies.