Tour & Travel

How to Use Agoda to Book Cheap Hotels, Flights, Cars & More [Review]

Published

3 years ago

May 12, 2022

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Agoda is an online travel agency and metasearch engine that’s designed to help you find cheap hotels, home rentals, flights, and airport transfers. It’s owned by Agoda Company Pte. Ltd, headquartered in Singapore, and is a subsidiary of Booking Holdings, which also owns popular websites like Booking.com, Priceline.com, and Kayak.

In this post, we’ll take you through this site to show you how to use it and we’ll do some price comparisons to see if you’ll save money by using Agoda.

Agoda Hotels & Homes

With Agoda, you can search for any type of accommodation, from hotels and resorts to hostels or vacation rentals.

To get started, enter your destination (or specific property) along with your travel dates and number of travelers in the main search box on the home page. If you want to search for a home rental, you can click on agodaHomes or you can filter your Hotels & Homes search results to show just home rentals.

The filtering options on Agoda aren’t quite as robust as on sites like Airbnb or VRBO, but there are a few options. You can filter your results by:

Homes (this is the same as searching through the agodaHomes tab on the home page).
Family Friendly (narrows your list to properties with larger rooms and family-friendly amenities).
I want free breakfast
Book without a credit card

You’ll find these options on the upper left-hand side of your screen. You’ll also be able to sort your results list by options like price, locations, and reviews.

Each property’s result box will give you basic information including price, cancellation policy, and hotel highlights. The price you see on the search results page does not include taxes and fees. You’ll need to click through and select your room before you see the full price. Be sure to read carefully because sometimes the price won’t include certain fees like a “destination fee” that you’ll have to pay at the hotel.

Agoda

Agoda’s prices don’t include taxes and fees until you get to the payment section. At first glance, Agoda may appear to offer the cheapest prices, but you’ll need to click through to the final booking stages to see the full price including taxes and fees.

Agoda’s Best Price Guarantee

When you’re booking a hotel room on Agoda, you might notice a price match guarantee. This guarantee says that Agoda will match or beat a better price on a hotel room. If you want to submit a Best Price Guarantee claim, be sure the lower rate matches all of Agoda’s criteria:

Same hotel
Same room and bed type
Same dates
Same terms (advance purchase, prepayment, and deposit)
Same cancellation and change policies
Must be viewable and instantly bookable on another website
Must not be part of a third-party loyalty program, promotional offer, or vacation package deal
Must not require membership (like AAA or AARP)

Price Comparisons

Let’s take a look to see if you can save money by booking a hotel room through Agoda. We priced out 2 hotel rooms on Agoda and several other leading booking websites to see who had the best prices.

Example #1

For this example, we priced out a week-long stay at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston. Prices are for the lowest cost room for 7 nights and include all taxes and fees (including any that need to be paid upon arrival at the hotel).

The interesting thing about this example is that the 3 lowest prices actually came from Agoda! While Trivago offered the lowest price, the booking was through Agoda. The same thing happened when we priced out this hotel on Google Hotels — the lowest price option came from Agoda.

So, in essence, Agoda is selling the same hotel room at 3 different prices — 1 price if you go to Agoda directly, a different price if you go to Agoda through Trivago, and an entirely different price if you get to Agoda through Google Flights.

Example #2

In this example, we priced out a week-long stay at The Sofia Hotel in San Diego. Prices are for the lowest cost room for 7 nights and include all taxes and fees (including any that need to be paid upon arrival at the hotel).

In this example, Google Hotels came in with the lowest price, and unfortunately, Agoda had the highest price of all the websites we checked. As you can see, you’ll generally need to shop around a bit to find the best prices on a hotel room.

Agoda Flights

In addition to hotels, you can also use Agoda to find cheap prices on flights. When using Agoda to book flights, the site acts as a metasearch engine. That means you’ll use Agoda to search for your flight but will then be transferred to a separate booking website to complete your purchase. This is a similar model to other popular sites like Kayak or Google Flights.

To get started, just click on Flights in the menu at the top of the screen.

Next, you’ll need to enter your departure location, destination, travel dates, number of travelers, and a class of service in the main search box.

To the left of the search results, you’ll find lots of filtering options including:

Aircraft
Airlines
Airports
Alliance
Booking sites
Cabin
Duration
Fees
Flexible options (due to COVID-19)
Flight quality
Layover airports
Price
Stops
Times
Transportation type

On some search results, you may notice a flight labeled as a Hacker Fare. This just means that the ticket is made up of segments from more than 1 airline or booking website and you’ll need to book these parts separately. Hacker Fares can be a good way to save money, but be sure to double-check that both parts are actually available before you start booking the ticket.

By clicking View Deal you’ll be transferred to a separate website to complete your booking.

Price Comparisons

Let’s take a look at a couple of examples to see if Agoda can save you money on your next flight. For the first example, we searched for the cheapest option from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Orlando (MCO) on Agoda as well as some other popular flight booking websites.

In the second example, we searched for the cheapest flight option from New York (JFK) to Dublin, Ireland (DUB).

In the first example, Expedia offered the lowest price by a few dollars. All of the other websites we checked offered the same price.

In the second example, Agoda tied with Google Flights and Skyscanner to offer the lowest price.

Agoda Airport Transfer

Agoda can help you book airport transfers from over 2,000 locations worldwide. To get started booking your airport transfer on Agoda, just click on Airport transfer in the top menu.

Then enter your pick up and drop off locations plus pickup date, pickup time, and the number of travelers. If you’re getting picked up at the airport, you can toggle to Landing time to enter your flight information.

Each search result will include important information including:

Price
Ride time
Number of passengers allowed
Number of bags allowed
Amount of Free Waiting Time
Meet & Greet eligibility
Cancellation policy

Then, when you’re ready to book, click Book Ride to complete your reservation.

COVID-19 Prepared

When you’re searching for an airport transfer, you may notice that some listings carry the COVID-19 Prepared label. This means that at least 2 of the following safety guidelines are being followed.

The driver wears a face mask
The vehicle is equipped with sanitizing wipes
The driver sanitizes the back seat after each trip
The driver provides hand sanitizer during the ride

Agoda Car Rentals

Agoda also allows you to search for rental cars. To start your search, click on the 3 dots in the menu at the top of the screen and then click on Car rentals.

What you’ll notice next is that you’ll be transferred to Rentalcars.com. Agoda acts as an affiliate for Rentalcars.com so they’ll earn a commission if you choose to rent a car after clicking over from the main website.

To get started with your rental car search, just enter your pick up location plus pick up and drop off dates and times.

In the search results list, you’ll find options from all of the major car rental companies like Alamo, Hertz, Budget, Enterprise, National, Sixt, and Thrifty.

Each search result will clearly display lots of information including:

The car rental company
The final price with a breakdown of what you’ll pay now and what you’ll pay at pick up
Free cancellation, if applicable
The type of car, including amenities

You may notice that some results are labeled Wild Card. These are what’s known as opaque rentals. That simply means that you won’t know every detail of the car you’re renting until after you complete your reservation. This is a common practice among rental car companies and can often help you save money if you’re not too particular about what type of car you’re renting.

After clicking the blue Select Car button, you’ll be prompted to add a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Coverage. While it’s always a good idea to have insurance when you’re renting a car, you may already have plenty of coverage from the credit card in your wallet.

Many popular credit cards come with car insurance, and some, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card come with primary insurance. Primary insurance is great because you don’t have to make a claim with your existing insurance first.

You’ll also be able to add extras to your rental like an additional driver, child car seat, or GPS at this time.

Then, before you finalize your payment information, you’ll be able to see the breakdown of your price, including what you’ll need to pay upfront and what’s payable at the time of rental.

Price Comparisons

Let’s take a look at some examples to see if you can save money by renting a car through Agoda.

Example #1

For the first example, we priced out a week-long rental on Agoda as well as some other popular websites to see who offered the lowest price.

As you can see in this example, Agoda actually came in as the most expensive, with Hotwire offering the best deal.

Example #2:

In this example, we searched for a weekend rental for a standard SUV and compared the prices on all of the websites.

In this example, Agoda was in the middle of the road for pricing, with Priceline coming in with the lowest price.

Agoda Things to Do

If you need some ideas for things to do on your next trip, Agoda can help with that, too! To get started, click on the 3 dots in the top menu and then click on Things to do.

Next, you’ll need to select your destination country and city from the drop-down menu options and fill in your travel dates.

You can scroll through your search results or refine the list by selecting one of the categories at the left-hand side of your screen.

Once you’ve selected your activity, you’ll be transferred to Viator to complete your purchase. Viator is part of TripAdvisor and is a popular website for booking activities.

Agoda PointsMAX

PointsMAX allows you to earn points in your favorite loyalty program when you use Agoda to book accommodations.

Agoda PointsMAX partners with the following loyalty programs:

Aer Lingus AerClub Avios
American Airlines AAdvantage
Asiana Airlines Asiana Club
Bangkok Airways FlyerBonus
AirAsia BIG Loyalty
Bonus Link
British Airways Executive Club
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
China Eastern Eastern Miles
Etihad Guest
Flybuys
Flying Blue [Air France/KLM]
Garuda Indonesia Garuda Miles
GetGo
Iberia Plus Avios
L. Point
Malaysia Airlines Enrich Miles
Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles
Qatar Airlines Privilege Club
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
SMAC BDO Rewards
Thai Airlines Royal Orchid Plus
The1
United Airlines MileagePlus
Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer
Vueling Airlines Vueling Club
Wagon Point

To earn loyalty points through the PointsMAX program, you’ll need to start your hotel search on the PointsMAX page. You can use the main search box and then select your loyalty program afterward or scroll down the page first until you see the list of loyalty programs to select your favorite.

When you’re searching for a hotel through the PointsMAX program, you’ll be able to see how many points you’ll earn for that booking in the search results.

There are a couple of things you’ll want to keep in mind when you’re making a PointsMAX booking.

PointsMAX bookings may have different rates than regular bookings for the same hotel
The Agoda Price Match Guarantee does not apply to PointsMAX bookings
To earn points, the loyalty program you choose must belong to the main guest on the hotel reservation
PointsMAX bookings can not be adjusted; if you need to make changes, you’ll have to cancel your reservation and start a new one

AgodaCash

AgodaCash is a loyalty program that lets you earn credits that can be applied to hotel bookings through Agoda. You’ll have to sign up for a free Agoda account to see any information about the AgodaCash program.

Once you create an account, click on the drop-down menu next to the dollar sign icon in the upper right-hand corner of your screen, then click on AgodaCash.

Next, you’ll be able to see how much AgodaCash you’ve earned and redeemed. You’ll earn AgodaCash by booking eligible hotels and homestays. If a location is participating in the AgodaCash program, you’ll see how much cash you’ll earn in the search results box.

Once you’ve earned AgodaCash, it can be used to pay for any eligible booking. There aren’t any minimums when redeeming your AgodaCash and you can even earn AgodaCash on bookings where you’re using AgodaCash as payment.

AgodaVIP

AgodaVIP is a loyalty program that rewards you for booking hotels through Agoda. There are 3 levels of membership — Member, VIP Silver, and VIP Gold — that are based on the number of your completed bookings in the last 2 years.

Once you create a free account, you’ll be a Member and have access to Insider Deals and the Best Price Guarantee.

After 2 completed bookings in the previous 2 years, you’ll be a Silver VIP member which makes you eligible for VIP deals up to 12% off. After 5 completed bookings in 2 years, you’ll be a Gold VIP member, eligible for VIP deals up to 18% off.

Final Thoughts

Agoda is an online travel agency and metasearch engine that can help you book hotels, home rentals, flights, airport transfers, and activities.

One of the nice things about this site is that it offers a few perks when booking, including AgodaCash, the AgodaVIP loyalty program, and the PointsMAX program.

Unfortunately, all of those perks only apply when you’re booking accommodations, so they won’t be helpful if you’re in the market for a flight, rental car, or airport transfer.

Agoda is just one of many booking websites out there to help you find great deals on hotels, flights, and rental cars. No matter which website you choose to book your next trip, it’s always smart to do some price comparisons first so you know you’re getting a great deal.

Is Agoda legit?

Yes, Agoda is a legitimate website that acts as an online travel agency and metasearch engine. It is a subsidiary of Booking Holdings, which also owns popular websites like Booking.com, Priceline.com, and Kayak.

Why is Agoda so cheap?

Agoda may appear to be cheaper at first glance, but that’s because the site doesn’t include taxes and fees in the displayed prices until the final booking stage. Once you go through and get the final price, they aren’t necessarily cheaper than other sites.

How do I cancel my hotel booking on Agoda?

To cancel a hotel that you booked through Agoda, you’ll need to log in to your account online or on the mobile app. The cancellation policy and any refund you may be due is determined by the hotel.

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Tour & Travel

Scandic Hotels Review : Scandic Popular Hotels & Destination

Published

2 years ago

October 5, 2023

Amelia Clarke

Table of Contents

About Scandic Hotels

Scandic Hotels was founded in 1963 and has since become the largest hotel chain in the Nordic region. The brand’s journey began with a single hotel in Luleå, Sweden, and has expanded significantly over the decades. Scandic is known for its dedication to creating memorable guest experiences, promoting sustainability, and ensuring accessibility for all guests.

POPULAR HOTELS

SCANDIC KØDBYEN

Stay at our new hotel offering plenty of variety and good parking facilities. Scandic Kødbyen is designed with respect for its location, sitting as it does among the artistic and gastronomic experiences of diverse Kodbyen, home to some of the city’s best nightclubs and bars. These can be both heard and felt at our hotel, and its location in the urban centre, helps give Scandic Kødbyen the pulse that the area is famous for.

SCANDIC VOSS

Scandic Voss has 215 rooms, a restaurant and bar with outdoor seating, as well as stylish and flexible meeting facilities. With its central location right next to the train station, and being the largest hotel in town, Scandic Voss is a natural meeting point for both tourists and locals.

SCANDIC HELSINKI HUB

Modern urban hotel in a impressive 1920s printing house next to the Old Church Park in Helsinki city centre. Loft-style rooms, an inviting restaurant area and inspiring setting for a relaxed stay.

Downtown Camper by Scandic

In the heart of Stockholm, at its most vibrant core, lies Downtown Camper – the perfect base for intrepid urban explorers. Just a few minutes’ walk from our hotel you’ll find the best of Stockholm to explore; shopping, outings, restaurants, parks and other adventures. Downtown Camper is the ultimate base from which to explore the city.

POPULAR DESTINATIONS

HOTELS IN STOCKHOLM

Stockholm is unique. Built upon 14 islands connected with each other by 57 bridges. Surrounded by one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world. Stroll around in the medieval alleys of the Old Town, within a few steps from modern architecture – this gives the capital of Sweden both a small town feeling and a big city.

HOTELS IN COPENHAGEN

Stay at one of our 14 hotels in Copenhagen and you’ll have the ideal starting point to explore one of the best cities in the world! Copenhagen was named Best in Travel 2019 by the Lonely Planet travel guide.

HOTELS IN OSLO

Visit one of our 19 Oslo hotels, some of them in the city center and some outside. Oslo enjoys a unique location by a fjord with easy access to the great outdoors. The capital has so much to offer in terms of culture, history and nightlife. Top attractions in Oslo include Vigelandsparken Sculpture Park, the Opera House, Holmenkollen Ski Jump and the Viking Ship Museum. Of our many hotels in Oslo, you’re sure to find one to suit your stay perfectly!

HOTELS IN HELSINKI

Helsinki is a vibrant city known for its design and architecture. Located by the sea with more than 300 islands, easily reached by ferries or bridges, offers stunning views any time of the year. With hundreds of events every year, there´s always something on the agenda. In the summer Helsinki hosts many festivals and week-long events. Helsinki has also become an exciting destination for foodies with its many restaurants and ever evolving culinary scene.

Exceptional Guest Experiences

Scandic Hotels & Destinations excels in crafting memorable guest experiences rooted in its core values of inclusivity and accessibility. The brand’s commitment to accessibility is particularly commendable, with many of its hotels featuring thoughtfully designed rooms and facilities to accommodate guests with disabilities. This inclusivity extends to a diverse range of travelers, including families, business professionals, and solo adventurers.

Scandic’s modern and inviting designs are evident throughout its properties. Whether it’s the cozy lounges or elegantly furnished guest rooms, the Scandinavian influence is unmistakable, combining minimalism with aesthetic appeal. The brand’s dedication to guest-centricity shines through in its culinary offerings as well. Scandic’s restaurants serve high-quality, locally sourced cuisine, showcasing the gastronomic diversity of the region. Guests can savor traditional Scandinavian delicacies and international fare, ensuring a delightful dining experience.

Scandic’s community engagement initiatives are a testament to its commitment to fostering connections beyond the hotel walls. Its properties frequently host cultural events, art exhibitions, and local activities, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of the destination. These initiatives not only enhance the guest experience but also foster a sense of belonging and a deeper connection to the location.

Conclusion

Scandic Hotels & Destinations stands tall as a pioneer of Scandinavian hospitality excellence. Its rich history, unwavering commitment to sustainability, diverse destinations, exceptional guest experiences, and profound impact on the hospitality industry make it a brand of distinction. Scandic doesn’t just offer accommodations; it opens doors to a world of inclusivity, eco-consciousness, and cultural immersion. As Scandic Hotels & Destinations continues to grow and innovate, it remains a top choice for travelers seeking authentic, meaningful, and unforgettable experiences in the Nordic region and Northern Europe.

Tour & Travel

Scandic Hotels – A Pioneer in Scandinavian Hospitality Excellence

Published

2 years ago

October 4, 2023

Amelia Clarke

Scandic Hotels, a prominent name in the world of hospitality, has been setting standards for Scandinavian hospitality excellence since its inception. Established in 1963, the brand has not only become synonymous with premium accommodations but also a symbol of sustainable, guest-centric practices. In this comprehensive review, we will explore the journey of Scandic Hotels, its commitment to environmental sustainability, the unique guest experience it offers, and its influence on the hospitality industry.

Table of Contents

A Brief History

Scandic Hotels was founded by Kurt Ritter in 1963, starting with a single hotel in the Swedish city of Luleå. Over the decades, the brand has expanded significantly, becoming the largest hotel chain in the Nordic region. A key milestone was the acquisition of Rica Hotels in 2014, strengthening Scandic’s presence in Scandinavia and expanding its portfolio. Today, Scandic boasts over 280 hotels across the Nordics and Northern Europe, showcasing its impressive growth and market dominance.

Scandic’s Commitment to Sustainability

One of Scandic Hotels’ standout features is its unwavering commitment to sustainability. The brand has taken substantial steps to minimize its environmental footprint. Scandic was the first hotel chain in the world to offer entirely organic and Fairtrade-certified coffee. Additionally, it consistently ranks among the top performers in sustainability ratings.

Scandic’s dedication to eco-friendliness extends to various facets of its operations, from reducing energy consumption to responsible sourcing of food and beverages. This commitment aligns seamlessly with the growing demand for eco-conscious travel experiences.

Guest Experience

Scandic Hotels excels in creating memorable guest experiences through its commitment to guest-centricity. The brand’s hospitality philosophy revolves around inclusivity and accessibility, making it a preferred choice for a diverse range of travelers, including families, business professionals, and individuals with special needs. Scandic’s dedication to accessibility is noteworthy, with many of its hotels featuring wheelchair-accessible rooms and amenities designed to accommodate guests with disabilities.

The brand’s contemporary and welcoming designs are evident throughout its properties. Scandic hotels are designed to offer a warm and inviting ambiance, whether it’s the comfortable lounges or the stylishly appointed guest rooms. The Scandinavian influence is clearly visible in the minimalist yet aesthetically pleasing decor.

Another highlight of the Scandic guest experience is its culinary offerings. The brand is committed to serving high-quality, locally sourced food and beverages, reflecting the culinary diversity of the region. Guests can savor traditional Scandinavian delicacies and international cuisine at Scandic’s in-house restaurants.

Furthermore, Scandic takes pride in its initiatives to engage with the local community. Its hotels often host cultural events, art exhibitions, and other activities that allow guests to immerse themselves in the local culture. This not only enhances the guest experience but also fosters a sense of belonging and connection to the destination.

Influence on the Hospitality Industry

Scandic Hotels has had a substantial influence on the hospitality industry, particularly in Northern Europe. Its dedication to sustainability and accessibility has set industry standards. Many hotel chains have followed in Scandic’s footsteps, adopting eco-friendly practices and striving for inclusivity.

Scandic’s emphasis on locally sourced and diverse culinary offerings has also influenced the dining experiences in hotels worldwide. The brand’s commitment to serving high-quality, region-specific cuisine has inspired others to explore similar approaches, promoting local gastronomy.

Moreover, Scandic’s success in creating guest-centric spaces and promoting cultural engagement has underscored the importance of providing authentic and immersive experiences. This has encouraged other hotels to consider not only the physical comforts of their guests but also the emotional connections they can foster with the destinations they serve.

Conclusion

Scandic Hotels has established itself as a trailblazer in the world of hospitality. Its rich history, unwavering commitment to sustainability, exceptional guest experiences, and significant influence on the industry make it a brand of distinction. Scandic Hotels doesn’t just provide accommodations; it offers a gateway to the Scandinavian way of life, emphasizing inclusivity, eco-consciousness, and a deep appreciation for local culture. As Scandic Hotels continues to expand and innovate, it is sure to remain a top choice for travelers seeking exceptional hospitality in Northern Europe and beyond.

Tour & Travel

Exploring Grandi Navi Veloci: The Gateway to Mediterranean Adventures

Published

2 years ago

June 9, 2023

Amelia Clarke

Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), renowned as one of Italy’s top ferry operators, serves as a gateway to the wonders of the Mediterranean. Connecting Italy with several neighboring countries, GNV promises an extraordinary journey on the seas. Let’s further explore the company’s offerings, what sets them apart, and how travelers can make the most of their GNV experience.

Table of Contents

The Beauty of Sea Travel with GNV

Traveling with GNV is more than just a means of transportation; it’s a chance to enjoy the beauty of the Mediterranean. Here’s why GNV stands out:

Panoramic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coastline, sunsets, and open sea.
Culinary Delights: Indulge in authentic Italian and Mediterranean cuisine served onboard.
Entertainment Options: From cinemas to children’s play areas, GNV ensures an entertaining journey for all age groups.

An Experience for Everyone

Whether a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a business trip, GNV has something for everyone:

Family-friendly Amenities: Spacious cabins, children’s entertainment, and family packages.
Business Travel Services: Special lounges and facilities for business travelers.
Pet-friendly Options: Travel with your furry friends with GNV’s pet-friendly accommodations.

Innovative Technologies

GNV leverages cutting-edge technologies to enhance the customer experience:

Easy Booking System: A user-friendly online booking system allows passengers to customize their trips.
Real-time Tracking: Keep track of ships and schedules through GNV’s real-time tracking feature.

Social Responsibility

GNV’s commitment to social responsibility is evident in their practices:

Environmental Protection: Energy-efficient ships, waste recycling, and other green initiatives.
Community Involvement: Regular collaborations with local communities and charitable organizations.

Conclusion

Grandi Navi Veloci isn’t just a ferry operator; it’s a provider of unforgettable experiences that allow passengers to explore the Mediterranean’s magic. Whether it’s the picturesque views, gourmet dining, or the comforts of modern ships, GNV brings the beauty of sea travel to life.