Agoda vs Booking.com: Which Online Travel Website is Better?
Are you struggling to choose between Agoda and Booking.com for your next hotel booking? You’re not alone! Many travelers face this dilemma, as both websites offer a wide selection of hotels, apartments, and resorts, with various room types and amenities. But which one is better for you?
In this blog post, I will compare the features, prices, and services of Agoda and Booking.com, as well as provide a detailed analysis of their user experience and customer support.
Whether you are a first-time traveler or a seasoned pro, this comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision and choose the right online travel website for your needs and preferences.
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Agoda vs Booking.com
When it comes to booking a hotel online, Agoda and Booking.com are two of the top choices. Both websites offer a wide range of options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts, and have user-friendly interfaces and secure booking processes. However, there are some key differences between the two that may make one website a better fit for you.
1. Agoda vs Booking.com: Background
Agoda was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Singapore while Booking.com was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Amsterdam. Both companies are actually owned by the same enterprise, Booking Holdings, a publicly traded company on the Nasdaq with a portfolio of other well-known travel brands including Priceline.
2. Agoda vs Booking.com: Inventory
One of the main differences between Agoda and Booking.com is the size of their inventory. Being an older company, Booking.com has a much larger inventory, with over 20 million total reported accommodation listings, while Agoda has over 2.5 million.
Another key difference between the two websites is the type of accommodations they offer. Agoda mainly focuses on hotels and resorts, while Booking.com offers a wider range of accommodations including apartments, hostels, guesthouses, and unique accommodations. As a result, you may find properties listed on Airbnb also available on Booking.com, but not on Agoda.
This means that if you are looking for a more unique or budget-friendly option, chances are Booking.com may be a better choice.
However, one thing I like more about Agoda than Booking.com is that Agoda has better inventory and prices for listings in Asia. This may be because of the fact that Agoda is headquartered in Asia, and has formed a closer partnership with properties in the region to offer better deals.
💲While Booking.com generally offers more unique and budget-friendly accommodations, Agoda is my go-to site for booking travel in Asia for its better deals in the region.
3. Agoda vs Booking.com: Features & Loyalty Programs
When it comes to features, Agoda and Booking.com have a lot in common. They both have a user-friendly interface and a fast and secure booking process, but they have a few key differences.
Both Agoda and Booking.com have loyalty programs that are designed to reward frequent guests with exclusive discounts, perks, and benefits: Agoda VIP vs Booking.com Genius.
For Booking.com, once you complete 5 stays within 2 years, you will reach Genius Level 2 and enjoy exclusive perks such as a 10 to 15% discount on hotel rates, free breakfasts on select stays, and free room upgrades on select stays.
If you continue to be a loyal guest and reach Genius Level 3, you will enjoy even more benefits such as a 20% discount on hotel rates, free breakfast on all stays, free room upgrades on all stays, and priority support on all bookings.
Learn more about other ways you can get a hotel room upgrade for free!
When you create an account with Agoda, you will automatically become a member and have access to benefits such as AgodaCash and Promo Codes. However, you will not yet be eligible for any VIP discounts.
To qualify for Agoda VIP discounts, you need to complete a certain number of bookings within a specified time period.
For example, after you complete 2 bookings within 24 months and maintain a low cancellation rate, your account will be upgraded to VIP Silver. This will allow you to book VIP listings at a discounted rate of up to 12%.
If you continue to be a loyal guest and complete 5 bookings within 24 months, your account will be upgraded to VIP Gold and you will be able to book VIP listings at a discounted rate of up to 18%.
If you reach the highest level of VIP Platinum, you will be able to book VIP listings at a discounted rate of up to 25%.
Keep in mind that these eligibility criteria and discounts are subject to change, so make sure to check the latest terms and conditions of the VIP program before making your bookings.
As you can see, after you book 5 bookings within 24 months on the same platform, you’d either get Genius Level 2 or Agoda VIP Gold.
While Agoda VIP Gold offers you a better discount on pricing than Booking.com Genius Level 2, Genius guest has the extra perk of getting a free hotel upgrade on select stays!
4. Agoda vs Booking.com: Price
When it comes to prices, Agoda and Booking.com are very similar. Both websites offer various discounts and promotions, such as early bird discounts, last-minute deals, and special offers.
Most of the time they offer the same prices on the same properties unless you are a loyal member with VIP status. From my personal experience, Agoda VIP Gold offers better discounts than Booking.com Genius Level 2, so I usually stick with Agoda.
In addition, as I have mentioned before, Agoda tends to have much better deals in Asia than on Booking.com!
5. Agoda vs Booking.com: User Experience & Customer Support
In terms of user experience, both Agoda and Booking.com have some strengths and some weaknesses. Both websites have a modern and responsive design, with clear and easy-to-use menus and filters. They also have a mobile app that allows you to book and manage your reservations on the go.
Both websites offer customer support in multiple languages, with various channels of communication, such as phone, email, and chat. They also have a dedicated team of customer service representatives who are trained to assist guests with their inquiries, requests, and complaints.
Overall, I find Agoda’s customer support to have a faster response time than Booking.com.
Conclusion: Which Travel Booking Website is Better for You?
In conclusion, Agoda and Booking.com are two of the top online travel websites for booking hotels, apartments, and resorts. They both offer a wide range of options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts, and have user-friendly interfaces and secure booking processes.
However, there are some key differences between the two websites that may make one better than the other for your specific needs and preferences.
Agoda has a larger inventory of hotels and apartments in Asia and tends to offer cheaper prices in that region. On the other hand, Booking.com has a stronger presence in Europe and North America and offers more free room upgrades and complimentary amenities through its Genius program.
If you want to save money on your hotel bookings, Agoda may be the better choice, especially if you are traveling in Asia. If you want to get extra perks and benefits on your hotel bookings, Booking.com may be the better choice, especially if you are a frequent guest and eligible for the Genius program.
In the end, the choice of which website to use comes down to your personal priorities and preferences. Do you value cheaper prices over free upgrades, or vice versa? Either way, I hope this post has provided you with the information and insights you need to make an informed decision. Whether you decide to use Agoda or Booking.com, I wish you a wonderful and hassle-free hotel booking experience!
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