False Advertisement And False Narrative From Agoda

I am filing this complaint against Agoda regarding booking number 2009900405. Agoda has engaged in deceptive practices, misleading promotions and unfair billing around my reservation at Stay Hotel in Bangkok for 9–10 May. During the booking process for the 9–10 May stay, the price clearly shown on Agoda was THB 1,247, including taxes and breakfast. However, after completing the reservation, the final amount charged to me was THB 1,446. This unexplained difference of approximately THB 200 is a clear example of a bait‑and‑switch tactic, where the price displayed at the time of booking is not the price ultimately charged. Agoda promoted this booking with messages such as “last minute price drop,” “birthday sale discount” and a “20% app coupon,” creating the impression that I was receiving a special discounted rate. In reality, competitors were offering better prices without these so‑called discounts. Priceline, even as a guest member, offered the same room for around THB 1,387, Expedia listed it for about USD 41, and Klook for around THB 1,390, all cheaper than Agoda’s supposedly discounted price. These marketing claims by Agoda are therefore misleading. Agoda also advertised “free breakfast” and “free amenities” for this booking. In practice, these items were part of the room package and paid by me as part of the total cost. Presenting these as “free” benefits is dishonest and misleads customers into believing they are receiving additional value at no cost when they are not. From my experience and from what many other travelers have reported, this does not appear to be an isolated case. For example, in Vietnam, numerous travelers have shared that they were shown a price of about 200,000 VND on Agoda, only to be charged around 400,000 VND upon arrival, often for short‑stay rooms instead of full‑day bookings. Agoda’s platform and practices appear to enable and amplify such misleading pricing and room type representations across different countries. These tactics waste customers’ time, erode trust and cause direct financial loss. I provided Agoda’s customer service with screenshots and clear evidence of the price discrepancy, as well as the misleading “discount” and “free” claims. Despite this, Agoda failed to properly acknowledge the discrepancy or offer a fair resolution, and their support has been unhelpful and dismissive. I request that Agoda refund the overcharged amount for my 9–10 May booking in full and formally acknowledge the deceptive advertising involved in this case. I also expect Agoda to stop misleading customers with fake discounts, artificial “last minute” or “birthday” sales and false “free” benefits, and to present transparent pricing that is honestly competitive with other platforms. Agoda’s behavior in this matter amounts to false advertising, misrepresentation and consumer fraud.