Hotelgiftcard creates surprising expenses for consumers

In 2026, a Dutch consumer protection investigation TV show found that using a giftcard from Hotelgiftcard.com created surprisingly expensive hotel prices compared to not using any giftcard, with price differences up to 700 euros.^[1]

Background

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[Incident]

A consumer protection investigation found that Hotelgiftcard artifically increases hotel prices to levels that the consumer report said they found unacceptable. The company responded officially by saying it is widely known that giftcards don't decrease prices, and that their pricing system is correct, comes from their partner, Expedia themselves, and benefits the consumer.^[1]

[Company]'s response

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^[2]

Lawsuit

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Claims

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Rebuttal

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Outcome

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Consumer response

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References

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 "Radar onderzoekt: overnachting duurder mét Hotelgiftcard dan zonder". Radar (in Nederlands). 2 Feb 2026. Archived from the original on 3 Feb 2026. Retrieved 28 Mar 2026.
↑ "Reacties Hotelgiftcard en Expedia Hcg En Expedia". Radar (in Nederlands). 2 Feb 2026. Retrieved 28 Mar 2026. {{cite web}}: line feed character in |title= at position 34 (help)CS1 maint: url-status (link)

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[:0-1] 1.0 ^1.1 "Radar onderzoekt: overnachting duurder mét Hotelgiftcard dan zonder". Radar (in Nederlands). 2 Feb 2026. Archived from the original on 3 Feb 2026. Retrieved 28 Mar 2026.

[2] "Reacties Hotelgiftcard en Expedia Hcg En Expedia". Radar (in Nederlands). 2 Feb 2026. Retrieved 28 Mar 2026. {{cite web}}: line feed character in |title= at position 34 (help)CS1 maint: url-status (link)

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