Why are Agoda charging more through addicts site than hotels combined?

[kd_traveller]

Hello,

 

Was just looking at staying in the Areca Lodge for six nights in October and was checking various websites and just discovered that Agoda are charging more if you access their site via the Pattaya Addicts site than through hotels Combined site. Au$314 through hotels Combined and $336 via Addicts. It was also cheaper directly through their site at Au$323.

 

Anybody any ideas why this should be the case?

[andy75]

Monger tax

[Ohyesuare]

Because they can? Agoda is just like airline tickets, prices change all the time and depends on where you search. At least you are supporting the forum if you book the room through this site.

[tourasia]

Because they can? Agoda is just like airline tickets, prices change all the time and depends on where you search. At least you are supporting the forum if you book the room through this site.

 

I hope the forum gets a cut from any booking, if they don't we should save money going through other routes

[sinbad5]

I don't actually understand what the OP is claiming. When you click on Areca Lodge here you go to the Agoda website - surely it is the same whether you click through Addicts or via hotels Combined or Google or whatever - it's the same website.

 

I just did it and it was exactly the same price clicking through Addicts and through hotels Combined - e.g. 7-9 November Standard Room $43AUD, Deluxe Pool View $46AUD ???

 

I have a feeling the OP didn't choose the exact same booking when he compared - e.g. 1 guest or 2?

 

Of course hotel direct price may differ and its worth shopping around, but some prefer Agoda as they have discounts on some places, or include breakfast and when you have to change arrangements refunds are 100% and completely hassle free. (i.e. you don't have to bumble around with emails to Thai receptionists, you guest click 'cancel booking' and money is back in your account within a day or so).

Edited September 2, 2012 by sinbad5

[feenzy]

is that including tax, the prices above?

[lespaul5000]

is that including tax, the prices above?

 

no, the first price you see is without taxes or service charges. that;s why i always try to book directly through the hotel website...the price you see is the price you pay.

[LRanger]

always shop around for prices. I usually use www.wotif.com or latestays but sometimes www.sawasdee.com has some good bonus night offers not found on other sites. Ive never booked with Agoda, I dont like how they add on the VAT 17.5% only at the booking page - devious lead in tactic....gotta watch that.

[lespaul5000]

I don't actually understand what the OP is claiming. When you click on Areca Lodge here you go to the Agoda website - surely it is the same whether you click through Addicts or via Hotels Combined or Google or whatever - it's the same website.

 

I just did it and it was exactly the same price clicking through Addicts and through Hotels Combined - e.g. 7-9 November Standard Room $43AUD, Deluxe Pool View $46AUD ???

 

I have a feeling the OP didn't choose the exact same booking when he compared - e.g. 1 guest or 2?

 

Of course hotel direct price may differ and its worth shopping around, but some prefer Agoda as they have discounts on some places, or include breakfast and when you have to change arrangements refunds are 100% and completely hassle free. (i.e. you don't have to bumble around with emails to Thai receptionists, you guest click 'cancel booking' and money is back in your account within a day or so).

 

when i click on a hotel link,i would just assume it would take me directly to the hotel website,but hey,maybe that's just me.

[sinbad5]

when i click on a hotel link,i would just assume it would take me directly to the hotel website,but hey,maybe that's just me.

 

Ah well, live and learn.

[Shawn80]

All internet companies have different prices, from different referrals.

The crazy thing is that if you skip the referral site and just go directly to the site, its almost always most expensive.

 

Many consumer groups are complaining about this and at least here in Sweden the government is looking in to it. Its crazy that a price differs regarding from what site you access their site.

 

Most referral sites get a 2-5% cut of you purchases.

[eksildanskeren]

So THAT'S how they bought Nightwish bar

[tt2008]

For Areca Lodge book direct with hotel on their site.

 

Whenever I've been its always been same price give or take a baht or 2 as on any of the reliable booking sites, often cheaper.

[tequilareef]

Sometimes Agoda has a slightly higher rate but it depends on the hotel itself. In most cases the rate I get from Agoda is lower than the rate at the hotel. IMHO, I like Agoda as everything is pretty much all in one spot, the prices are right and I get free nights.

[andy75]

If you book regularly through Agoda you get points so it's cheaper next time you use them. Also if you can be bothered doing a review you get even more points.

[kd_traveller]

I don't actually understand what the OP is claiming. When you click on Areca Lodge here you go to the Agoda website - surely it is the same whether you click through Addicts or via Hotels Combined or Google or whatever - it's the same website.

 

I just did it and it was exactly the same price clicking through Addicts and through Hotels Combined - e.g. 7-9 November Standard Room $43AUD, Deluxe Pool View $46AUD ???

 

I have a feeling the OP didn't choose the exact same booking when he compared - e.g. 1 guest or 2?

 

Of course hotel direct price may differ and its worth shopping around, but some prefer Agoda as they have discounts on some places, or include breakfast and when you have to change arrangements refunds are 100% and completely hassle free. (i.e. you don't have to bumble around with emails to Thai receptionists, you guest click 'cancel booking' and money is back in your account within a day or so).

 

No, I had all three screen open at the same time and the same phase of the booking as I know they don't add taxes until the end and the most expensive one was via "Addicts". It is not the first time I have seen this with Agoda, I was just a bit surprised as I though Agoda would have given a preferential rate to "Addicts" as their site is promoted by them, rather than charge more!

Edited September 3, 2012 by kd_traveller

[sinbad5]

No, I had all three screen open at the same time and the same phase of the booking as I know they don't add taxes until the end and the most expensive one was via "Addicts". It is not the first time I have seen this with Agoda, I was just a bit surprised as I though Agoda would have given a preferential rate to "Addicts" as their site is promoted by them, rather than charge more!

 

Seriously, I know nothing about computers. Is it possible that the same url can contain different information?

[Piece Corp]

It is possible for a website to dynamically adjust it's prices based upon the source of the referral link. Agoda will know whether you came in from a google search or from another source. The referrer is not indicated in the URL but is sent in the request. I'm not saying they're doing this, i'm just saying that it can be done.

Edited September 3, 2012 by Piece Corp