ServiceValue and Handelsblatt assess 351 online portals based on 47,734 customer ratings. ehotel takes the top spot in the “Hotel Booking/Comparison” category.
Berlin, 8 September 2026 – ehotel AG has ranked first in the “Hotel Booking/Comparison” category of the “Best Online Portals 2026” study. Conducted by market research institute ServiceValue in cooperation with German business newspaper Handelsblatt, the study analysed 47,734 customer ratings across 351 online portals in 28 categories. ehotel achieved the highest overall rating in its category, earning the distinction of “Best Online Portal”.
The range of available offers is not the only factor that matters when choosing a digital booking platform. Clear presentation of information and reliable customer service also shape the user experience. For more complex bookings in particular, it is important to present information clearly and provide personal assistance when questions arise or changes are required.
In corporate travel, these requirements extend beyond the hotel reservation itself. Bookings need to align with internal travel policies, payment processes and centralised billing. When changes or queries arise, it is particularly important that booking, payment and invoicing processes work together reliably.
“Digital processes need to work in practice, not just in theory. In corporate travel, this often becomes apparent when bookings need to be changed or additional requirements arise,” says Fritz Zerweck, CEO of ehotel AG. “Technology can automate many tasks, but reliable service remains essential when it comes to resolving complex situations quickly and pragmatically.”
Customer Ratings Form the Basis of the Study
The study was initiated independently in July 2026 and conducted without the involvement of the companies being assessed. Respondents evaluated online portals based on their expectations, experiences and information gathered over the previous 24 months. Ratings were given on a five-point scale ranging from “excellent” to “poor”. An unweighted average score was calculated for each portal based on the ratings received. The provider with the best average score in each category was awarded the title of “Best Online Portal”.
Handelsblatt published the findings in an article entitled “How the Best Online Portals Win Customers Through Service”. The accompanying report examines the role of comparison and booking platforms in helping users navigate an extensive range of digital offers, as well as changing expectations driven by AI-powered search capabilities.
ehotel combines hotel search and booking with additional services for corporate travel management. These include integrated payment solutions, centralised billing, reporting and connectivity with existing travel and expense management systems. Businesses and travellers also benefit from dedicated personal customer service.
