Comparison

Hotels.com.au vs Search and Stay

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Hotels.com.au

Discover and book from over 700,000 global properties with no sign-in required. Enjoy transparent pricing, flexible payment options, and map-based search. Save favorites and manage bookings easily.

Highlights
  • Browse 700,000+ properties
  • No sign-in required
  • Member and mobile-exclusive rates
  • No hidden fees
  • Flexible payment options
  • Map-based search
  • Save and compare favorites
Read full description

· Browse and book from over 700,000 properties worldwide · No sign-in required - use all features as a guest · Get member and mobile-exclusive rates when signed in · No hidden fees, see the full price before you book · Choose to pay now or later with flexible hotel payment options · Find hotels easily with map-based search · Save and compare your favourite properties for quick access later · View, update or check your bookings anytime · Sign in with your Hotels.com.au or social media account for extra perks

About

Search and Stay

Features
Read full description

Holidays should be about making memories, not managing stress. With the Search and Stay guest app, booking your perfect holiday rental is as effortless as the stay itself. Whether you’re after a beachfront retreat, a countryside escape, or a stylish apartment in the heart of a city, we bring you handpicked accommodation from trusted hosts across the world, all in one easy-to-use app. From first browse to final checkout, everything about Search and Stay is designed to be simple, secure, and stress-free. No hidden commissions, no complicated booking processes — just you, your dream vacation, and everything you need in the palm of your hand. Turn Your Travel Dreams Into Reality When other vacation rental platforms leave you scrolling endlessly through listings or wondering if you’ve really found the best deal, Search and Stay puts the focus back where it belongs — on your journey. We connect guests directly with hosts, so you can enjoy authentic stays and better value at your chosen destination. Because we know that every traveller’s dream trip is different, our app is built to help you find, book, and enjoy accommodation that feels just right for you. Features Designed for the Way You Travel SEARCH - Explore private holiday rentals across the globe, from coastal escapes to city-centre pads. - Discover unique vacation rentals you won’t find on other platforms. - Filter by your preferences: price, location, amenities, property type, and more. BOOK - Book securely from your phone or tablet, wherever you are. - Pay confidently with secure processing and instant confirmation. - Receive all your booking details — from check-in instructions to Wi-Fi codes — directly in the app. TRAVEL - Access important trip details. -Message your host quickly for last-minute questions or local recommendations. A Holiday App That Travels With You The Search and Stay app isn’t just for booking — it’s your travel companion from start to finish. Once your reservation is confirmed, the app becomes your central hub for everything you need during your holiday rental stay. Travel for Every Lifestyle - Family Holidays: Spacious accommodation with all the essentials, from cots to full kitchens. - Romantic Escapes: Cosy hideaways in stunning locations. - Workations: High-speed Wi-Fi and dedicated workspaces for remote professionals. - Adventure Travel: Stay close to hiking trails, beaches, ski slopes, or cycling routes. - Urban Getaways: Central apartments perfect for exploring your favourite destination. Whatever your travel style, the Search and Stay app helps you find a place that feels like it was made for your holiday. How It Works - Search: Use powerful filters to find your perfect accommodation. - Save: Keep track of your favourites to compare later. - Book: Confirm your stay securely, directly from your device. - Stay: Enjoy a vacation rental that’s exactly as promised. - Review: Share your experience to help future travellers choose with confidence. Security and Peace of Mind We take your safety and privacy seriously: - Secure payment processing with instant receipts. - Verified hosts and properties for your confidence. - Transparent pricing — no hidden platform fees. - Clear cancellation policies are displayed before you book. Why Guests Love Search and Stay - Ease of Use: A clean, intuitive app that makes booking simple. - Direct Host Contact: Speak directly with the person who knows the property best. - Unique Properties: From modern apartments to remote cabins, find stays you won’t see elsewhere. - Fair Prices: Book without excessive platform fees. - Real Travel Focus: Everything in the app is designed to help you enjoy your holiday rental from the moment you start searching. Download and Start Exploring! The Search and Stay app is available and ready to go wherever your next vacation takes you. Whether you’re planning a long-awaited trip or a last-minute weekend break, your perfect holiday rental is just a few taps away.

Screenshots

Hotels.com.au4 screens
Search and Stay4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Search and Stay at every 4 weeks against Hotels.com.au's every 10 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Hotels.com.au ships an update every 10 months, Search and Stay every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 7 level
Hotels.com.au versus Search and Stay: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHotels.com.auSearch and Stay
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews—
Update frequencyEvery 10 monthsEvery 4 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS15.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size42 MB53 MB
Age rating4+9+
DeveloperOnline Travel Group Pty LtdSearch and Stay

In-app purchases

None

Hotels.com.au

No in-app purchases

None

Search and Stay

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Hotels.com.au free?
Hotels.com.au is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Search and Stay free?
Search and Stay is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Hotels.com.au or Search and Stay have ads?
Neither Hotels.com.au nor Search and Stay shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Hotels.com.au or Search and Stay?
Hotels.com.au ships an update every 10 months, and Search and Stay every 4 weeks. Most recently, Hotels.com.au was updated on October 24, 2026 and Search and Stay on October 27, 2026.

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