As an avid budget traveler, finding nice yet inexpensive accommodations is my top priority when planning trips. Fancy hotels are great, but not realistic for my backpacker budget. Thankfully, Agoda makes it easy to book affordable lodging options all over the world that still offer comfort, amenities and convenience.
I’ve used Agoda to book hostels, apartments, guest houses, budget hotels and more in dozens of destinations. Keep reading for my best tips for securing the perfect cheap stays through Agoda.
Compare Multiple Listings in Your Price Range
The first thing I do when searching Agoda is filter by my max price per night and look through all options that meet my budget needs. Rather than settling on the first cheap listing you see, take time to thoroughly compare all suitable accommodation choices in an area.
For example, when planning a recent trip to Bangkok, I filtered for lodging under $25 USD per night. This pulled up over 200 listings to evaluate on factors like reviews, location, room type, free cancellation policy and amenities. You never know what gems you may find by checking all options in your ideal price point!
Read Reviews and Look for Red Flags
Before booking any property, carefully read through recent guest reviews on the Agoda listing page. This gives insight into potential pros and cons beyond the basic details and photos provided. Watch for any red flags like reports of dirty rooms, noise issues, unresponsive staff and false advertising.
I once almost booked a seemingly nice hotel in Singapore that had multiple reviews warning the photos were deceiving and the place was run down and bug-infested. Checking reviews saved me from a terrible stay!
Consider Transportation Logistics
When evaluating cheap accommodations on Agoda, look at proximity to public transportation and key attractions you want to visit. Ideally, lodging should be walking distance or a quick, cheap train or bus ride away from top sightseeing spots and city centers.
Otherwise, you may get stuck spending more on transportation or wasting precious time commuting than you save on the hotel rate. Make sure to research locations thoroughly using Agoda’s helpful area maps.
Book Early for the Best Rates
Unlike pricier hotels, budget accommodations on Agoda tend to have limited room inventory. For the best chance of reserving your top choice at the lowest rate, book at least a few weeks in advance when possible.
Popular hostels or guest houses in prime locations can sell out months ahead of time. Booking early also locks in the current rate versus risking increases closer to travel dates. However, keep an eye out for last minute deals too!
Take Advantage of Cancellation Policies
One key factor I check is each property’s cancellation and refund policy listed clearly on the Agoda booking page. Many budget accommodations offer free cancellation with full refunds if you cancel at least 24-48 hours prior to check-in.
This flexibility allows you to reserve multiple options then cancel any that don’t work out once you read up more. Just be sure to cancel within the specified window to avoid penalties.
Sign Up for Agoda Rewards
Joining Agoda’s free rewards program allows you to earn points on bookings that can be redeemed for room discounts and other perks. As a frequent budget traveler, the savings from redeeming points help me afford nicer hotel upgrades or longer stays.
You also get access to exclusive member deals not available to the general public. Combined with already affordable rates, the additional savings really add up if you travel and book with Agoda often.
Why I Rely on Agoda for Budget Bookings
Beyond helping compare and book cheap accommodations, Agoda makes the whole process easier with:
- User-friendly interface in 70+ languages
- Helpful filters like price, rating, amenities, cancellation policy
- Detailed listing information, location maps and photos
- Secure instant confirmation and easy self check-in
- Excellent customer service and support reps
For finding and reserving budget-friendly lodging that suits my needs, Agoda is the first site I turn to every time. Follow my tips above to land the perfect affordable stays for your upcoming adventures!
