AARP members can book hotels on Expedia and receive discounts on room rates, though the discount amount varies by hotel and travel dates.

The discount is not automatic — you must book through a specific AARP-branded link or enter your AARP membership number during checkout. Expedia handles the booking and payment directly; AARP does not process the transaction. The savings typically range from a small percentage off the nightly rate to occasional promotional offers, but neither AARP nor Expedia publishes a standard discount percentage because rates change daily and differ by property.

This is one of many travel perks bundled into AARP membership. Other travel discounts are available through different partners — car rentals, cruises, vacation packages — but the Expedia partnership is the most straightforward for booking individual hotel stays.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be an AARP member to see the discounted rate; the discount does not show up on the regular Expedia website.
  • The discount varies by hotel, location, and dates, so comparing the AARP rate to other booking sites is worth doing before you book.
  • You book and pay Expedia directly, not through AARP, so your confirmation and customer service come from Expedia.
  • AARP membership costs $16 per year for those 50 and older, and the travel discounts are one of several member benefits.

How to Find and Book Hotels at the AARP Rate

Start by going to the AARP website and looking for the travel section, or search "AARP Expedia hotels" to find the branded landing page. You will see a link that takes you to Expedia's site, but with AARP tracking built in. Once you arrive, search for your destination, dates, and number of guests the same way you would on regular Expedia.

When results appear, the AARP rate should show alongside the standard rate for each hotel. Click the AARP rate to select it. At checkout, you may be asked to enter your AARP membership number to confirm the discount. Have your membership card or your AARP account login ready. After you complete the booking, Expedia sends you a confirmation email with your reservation details and a cancellation policy.

If you do not see an AARP rate listed for a particular hotel, it means that property is not participating in the discount program for those dates. You can still book it at the standard rate through Expedia, but you will not receive a member discount.

What the Discount Covers and What It Does Not

The AARP discount applies to the room rate only. It does not cover taxes, resort fees, parking, or any add-ons you select during booking. Some hotels charge a resort fee — a daily charge for amenities like the gym or pool — that is separate from the room rate and is not discounted. Always read the fine print before you book to see what fees are listed.

The discount is also not stackable with other promotions. If Expedia is running a separate sale or you have a promo code, you generally cannot combine it with the AARP rate. Expedia will show you which rate is better and let you choose, but you cannot layer them together.

Cancellation policies are set by the individual hotel, not by AARP or Expedia. Some hotels offer free cancellation up to a certain date; others charge a fee. Check the cancellation terms before you book, because the AARP discount does not change the hotel's cancellation rules.

Comparing AARP Rates to Other Booking Sites

Hotel rates fluctuate constantly, and the AARP rate on Expedia is not always the lowest available price. Before you book, it is worth checking the hotel's own website, other travel sites like Booking.com or Hotels.com, or even calling the hotel directly. Sometimes a hotel's direct website offers a rate that beats the AARP discount, or another booking site has a flash sale.

Use a price comparison tool or straightforward open a few tabs and search the same hotel on different sites. Write down the total cost including taxes and fees on each one. The AARP rate may win, or you may find a better deal elsewhere. The time it takes to compare is usually worth the savings, especially for longer stays.

Keep in mind that some hotels offer loyalty program rates that may be lower than the AARP rate if you are a member of that chain's rewards program. If you stay at the same hotel brand frequently, your loyalty rate might be your best option.

AARP Membership and Other Travel Benefits

AARP membership costs $16 per year for people 50 and older. The membership includes the Expedia hotel discount, but also discounts on car rentals (through Hertz, Budget, and others), cruises, vacation packages, and airfare. Some of these discounts are percentage-based; others are dollar amounts or promotional codes.

Not all AARP members use all the travel benefits, and not all of them save money on every trip. The value depends on how often you travel and which partners offer rates that beat what you would find on your own. Many members find that the travel discounts alone pay for the annual membership fee if they take even one or two trips per year.

AARP membership also includes other benefits beyond travel — discounts on health services, insurance products, dining, shopping, and entertainment. The travel perks are just one part of the package.

What Happens After You Book

After your booking is confirmed, Expedia sends you a confirmation email with your reservation number, hotel address, check-in time, and cancellation important date. You do not need to contact AARP; your entire transaction is between you and Expedia. If you need to change or cancel your reservation, you go through Expedia's website or customer service, not AARP.

When you arrive at the hotel, check in as you normally would. The front desk does not need to know you booked through an AARP discount — your reservation is in the system under your name. If there is a problem with your room or billing, contact the hotel first, and if they cannot resolve it, contact Expedia's customer service.

Keep your confirmation email and reservation number until after you check out. If a charge appears on your credit card that you do not recognize, you will need the reservation number to dispute it with Expedia or your credit card company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to see the AARP hotel rates?

Yes. The AARP rates are only visible when you access Expedia through the AARP website or a link that includes AARP tracking. You will need to enter your membership number at checkout to confirm the discount. If you are not yet a member, you can join AARP online for $16 per year.

Can I book an AARP hotel rate and then cancel for free?

The cancellation policy depends on the hotel, not on AARP or the discount. Some hotels offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before check-in; others charge a fee or require cancellation earlier. Always check the cancellation terms listed on the booking page before you complete your reservation.

What if the AARP rate is higher than the regular Expedia rate?

This can happen if Expedia is running a separate promotion or sale. When you search, Expedia will show you both rates and let you choose. You can select whichever is lower. The AARP discount is meant to offer value, but it is not may provide to be the absolute lowest price on any given date.

Does the AARP discount work on all hotels?

No. The discount is available only at hotels that participate in the AARP program. Participation varies by location and date. If you do not see an AARP rate for a particular hotel, that property is not offering the discount for your travel dates, but you can still book it at the standard rate through Expedia.

Who do I contact if I have a problem with my hotel booking?

Contact Expedia first, since they processed your booking and payment. You can reach Expedia through their website, the confirmation email, or their customer service phone number. If the issue is with the hotel itself — a problem with your room or service — contact the hotel directly, and escalate to Expedia if the hotel does not resolve it.