ACCC wins against Trivago over misleading hotel price comparisons

The Federal Court has taken Trivago to task over its hotel price comparisons, finding that its results rankings and claimed price savings were misleading. Penalties are still to come, and there is word about that Trivago has launched an appeal. Whatever happens next, the case should ring alarm bells for any website that holds itself out as an objective comparison website or offers to help customers 'find the best price'.

Trivago's platform allows consumers to search across a range of hotel booking sites (like Expedia, Hotels.com and Booking.com) and other hotel websites to find accommodation. It lists competing offers for each hotel, with one result displayed prominently above a list of other offers. The prominent top position conveyed that it was the cheapest or best offer. In fact, that place went to the booking site which paid Trivago the most. In over 65% of listings, that top spot was not the lowest price. It's not surprising that the court found this was