Agoda hotel descriptions/prices warning

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Nereus
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Re: Agoda hotel descriptions warning

Post by Nereus »

I've always used Booking.com. Although you post your credit card details, nothing is taken until you show up. In every case, I've opted to pay cash when checking in. Never a problem.
Well, this was not the case just this week in Hua Hin. The place that I use previously did not require a credit card, just pay when you arrive.

This last booking did not charge until 3 days before arrival although they wanted details when booking. When I questioned them their excuse is that they were getting too many no-shows, so now if you do not cancel before 3 days the charge is made.

(The same thing occurred a couple of weeks ago in Pattaya.)

I had tried previously to book direct via email, which was never answered. When checking out this time I told them I would not be back if that is the way they are going to operate. "Oh, you can call and book over the phone". :roll:
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Re: Agoda hotel descriptions warning

Post by albaker »

Most hotels now have websites . We recently returned from a 6 week trip to Thailand , Pathumwan Princess Bangkok , G Resort&Mall Hua Hin and Cera Resort Cha Am all booked direct with hotels and cheaper than Agoda , Booking . com and other sites .
The 3 named above did not require advance payment or credit card details , settled account on departure and all 3 stated that they will guarantee best rate ,
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Re: Agoda hotel descriptions warning

Post by laphanphon »

Couple thought; Priceline is the parent company of Agoda and Booking.com, and they really don't differ that much. I've used both, and prefer Booking.com, but always compare both, when shopping for.

Usually get the same or cheaper rate, when calling direct, the Thai wife that is. Also get accurate info. Sometimes the booking site is better,sometimes not.

Always cross reference info, with different sites and reviews, especially the location and G Maps, along with streetview to verify exact location, and what else in immediate area, when possible.

TA, hotel and booking sites, google maps all having reviews and photos, some fairly current and can work out what to expect. Booking site usually only allow verified customers to review. Other sites need to be taken with huge grain of salt.

Usually only read the negative reviews, or specific part of reviews. Example if interested in offered brekkie or restaurant offerings, as can filter.

Can usually read between the lines, and so far haven't been surprised by much at all. Really don't expect any of the 'guaranteed price' marketing to be true, and have found it to be far from 'guaranteed' or matched when pointed out, so stop bothering.
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buksida
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Re: Agoda hotel descriptions warning

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Prices have not been the issue, Agoda rates have generally been pretty good - better than the hotel's own websites in nearly all cases (most Thai hotels only use facebook anyway). As mentioned before, using booking.com with a foreign credit card will subject you to terrible forex rates and many places are not bookable until you enter credit card details. Maybe their descriptions are more accurate? This is the issue here, not the room rates.

The problem with Agoda is the misrepresentation and lack of disclosure about hidden extras that some hotels will spring at you on arrival. The hotel should make sure their listings are correct, pool view rooms actually have a pool view, babies getting charged whether they eat or not should be specified, if the room says 4 occupancy 4 should be able to stay without extra charges, noisy karaoke parties at the hotel should be noted, and facilities stated should actually be there etc. I do write reviews on several websites to let others know these things.

We've had a great time, stayed at some lovely places, and are still on the road. Agoda has been the thorn in the trip though due to false information on its listings, hence the warning thread!
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Re: Agoda hotel descriptions warning

Post by Blacky »

buksida wrote: Sun Oct 14, 2018 7:25 am The problem with Agoda is the misrepresentation and lack of disclosure about hidden extras that some hotels will spring at you on arrival. The hotel should make sure their listings are correct, pool view rooms actually have a pool view, babies getting charged whether they eat or not should be specified, if the room says 4 occupancy 4 should be able to stay without extra charges, noisy karaoke parties at the hotel should be noted, and facilities stated should actually be there etc. I do write reviews on several websites to let others know these things.
That's what I tried to say before, Agoda is not responsible for the content. All information, pictures, etc are uploaded by the hotel itself. Agoda supplies the booking engine and the space, but they do not have the resources to check each and every hotel they feature on their travel site. That's why it's important to inform Agoda about gross misinformation and always read through the reviews to catch any gaps or false information. The only one to blame for your experience and shortfalls is the hotel itself!

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buksida
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Re: Agoda hotel descriptions warning

Post by buksida »

Unless you can get the ear of the manager who happens to be sympathetic nothing can be done as the hotel staff in Thailand are completely indifferent. But I'm sure this problem isn't limited to hotels in Thailand.
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Re: Agoda hotel descriptions warning

Post by laphanphon »

Blacky wrote: Sun Oct 14, 2018 9:32 am The only one to blame for your experience and shortfalls is the hotel itself!
Doing extra research and not relying on one source of info, usually sorts out any 'inaccuracies' in listings.

I find people blame vendors for many things, instead of themselves. It's marketing, and simply can't be trusted. If one does...........nuff said.

Flat out false claims, yes, unacceptable. Others, well...can you see the pool ?.... :shock: Partial sea view ....... there there there, between those bldgs and behind the trees ..... :roll:
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Re: Agoda hotel descriptions warning

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:agree:
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buksida
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Re: Agoda hotel descriptions warning

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laphanphon wrote: Sun Oct 14, 2018 10:26 am I find people blame vendors for many things, instead of themselves.
Bullcrap. If someone pays for something and does not get it how is that the person's fault and not the vendor making the false claim on the sale.
laphanphon wrote: Sun Oct 14, 2018 10:26 am It's marketing, and simply can't be trusted.
Yes, and this is exactly my point regarding Agoda and the purpose of this topic. I think we're all reading from the same script regarding that.
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Re: Agoda hotel descriptions warning

Post by uncle tom »

1) Always assume that hotels will use photos that were taken when the place was new or last re-fitted.

2) Read comments made by previous guests, but dismiss those that are clearly being unreasonable.

3) Look for the place on Streetview - does the outside look fresh and well cared for? And if you need parking space, is it clearly visible and plentiful?

4) Even if you spot the place on a site like Booking.com, look to see if the place has its own website and booking system or email address - you might not get a much better price, as sites like Booking.com have rules, but you might get a better room.
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Re: Agoda hotel descriptions warning

Post by buksida »

What are people using as an alternative to Agoda?

Getting pretty fed up with it and need to book a few hotels for an approaching overseas road trip. More often than not Agoda will say "fully booked" or "last room" and have prices considerably higher than the actual room rates (probably because their own room allocation has run out). Tried Booking.com but that had similar issues and wants a credit card which fleeces you on the fx rate.

Using the hotel's own websites rarely works because they're not in English, barely function (Google doesn't translate this language properly), or they don't respond to emails.

Looking for a reliable, competitively priced accommodation booking service that doesn't try to skinny you at every opportunity.
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Re: Agoda hotel descriptions warning

Post by Big Boy »

Don't laugh, but I've been using Google Maps. Go to the area where you want to stay, and all of the hotels have little pins. Click any pin, and they list all of the various deals on that hotel. I'm of to Ratchaburi for a few nights this weekend, and that method has saved me over 200฿/night on what I'd have paid with Agoda.

Incidentally, have you tried calling Agoda out on their cheapest price guarantee? It can only be enforced on the dearer options, so how does that work? They are already selling the rooms cheaper than you have to pay to get their cheapest rate guarantee :?
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buksida
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Re: Agoda hotel descriptions warning

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Doesn't Google Maps just redirect you to a booking agent, be it Agoda or something else?
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Re: Agoda hotel descriptions warning

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No, it lists them all. Ignore the expensive ones, and click on the cheaper deals.
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Re: Agoda hotel descriptions warning

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So who do you book with and pay, Google?
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