Programs: CO Pt 1K, UA 1K, SPG Pt, and all the other usual suspects
Posts: 2,009
Agoda.com
First of all, my apologies - I really couldn't figure out which was the best forum for this post. Moderators, feel free to move it wherever . . .
Has anyone used the agoda.com site to book hotels? I'd never heard of it before, but it's started showing up as a booking option on kayak, and is sometimes by far the least expensive price. Also, you seem to be able to accumulate points of some sort (good only on the site, but hey, they could come in handy over time).
HOWEVER, are there issues (fine print or whatever) that I'm missing? Does this preclude getting normal (hotel chain) points, or something else that would make it not worth saving a little money on the original reservation?
Programs: AS MVP Gold 75K, AS Boardroom, UA Silver
Posts: 224
There was a prior thread on this forum suggesting that Agoda was reliable. I booked into the Nam Hai at a favorable rate--prepaid, however--on the strength of that. Hotel has verified it has the booking.
So. . .so far, so good.
I do not actually arrive at this destination until 10 Feb, so will report further on or after that date.
Programs: SPG Platinum, AA 2.4 MM, UA 1K, DL Plat, Avis Chairmans Club
Posts: 1,134
I used Agoda in July to book the Mandarin Oriental in Chiang Mai. It was 20% cheaper than anywhere else. The booking and stay went off without any hitches...I even got a double category upgrade
agoda is for sure a reliable company. if you are looking at the priceline at the very bottom, they are linking to agoda.com through asia hotels and agoda mentions on the bottom of their homepage that they are part of the priceline network - i wouldn't worry at all
considering the rewards program, you probably are better off booking all your hotels through them rather then with priceline...
I've used them about 10 times in the last 6 months and have found them very reliable. I messed up one of my bookings (specifying Nov 09 rather than Nov 08) and didn't realise this until I got to the hotel. Agoda Cust Svcs fixed without any issues. Recommended.
I use Agoda for nearly all of my Asian hotel bookings, except for if I'm staying on SPG points, or if there is a specific place I want to stay that doesn't work with them (this is rare). Probably close to 2 dozen hotel stays over the past 4-5 years.
Their reviews are legitimate guest reviews (I know, because mine are on there), their prices seem to be invariably among the lowest, and they have a good frequent traveler points program that effectively gives you an additional ~10% more discount after you've used them repeatedly.
The only downside I've experienced is that they charge cancellation and change fees (typically $10 or so).
Last edited by D1andonlyDman; Jan 22, 09 at 8:36 am..
Orbitz owns Agoda now. Not only are rates good, I find the website very easy to use and navigate. Another good kayak-like website I've been using recently is hotelscombined.com.
I used Agoda to book a hotel in Hong Kong and two hotels in China. Worked like a charm and no issues upon arrival at each destination. I especially like the fact that you can book in your own currency. I highly recommend Agoda.com for hotels in Asia.