For hotel bookings in Malaysia or overseas, which platform do u guys prefer?

Which usually give better prices?

Trip.com, Hotels.com

Booking.com or Agoda. Because got pay later and free cancellation.

I seriously urge to stay loyal with hotel chain. There's IHG, Hilton, Marriott...

If you are travelling just 1 or 2 times a year then no need, just go with Agoda, Booking.com

But with loyalty programs I get free room upgrade, late check-out, free breakfast and if hotel comes with lounge - my lunch and dinner are covered too. My upcoming stay at newly open Sheraton JB I redeem Marriott Points so it cost nothing to me

sometimes one is cheaper and other times others are cheaper. No apps always cheapest.

Often time you have a choice of free cancellation and no cancellation. The later tends to be cheaper. There is no free lunch.

Most have some sort of loyalty program like cash back for use for future booking or better price for frequent customers.

I generally use Trip or Agoda myself. But if some others are cheaper sometimes, I use those instead.

I seldom book 5 stars hotels like those. After all, mostly just for sleeping. My preference are locations and price and min 3*

If you study those chain of hotels, there are 3* options too. Price are competitive too

Usually points accumulated from oversea stay is enough for me to redeem local hotels for free

Hilton etc are almost always on the higher end of the price. And locations tend to be a bit away from the city center. For me, location and price most important.

Take for example the old European cities. Everything often within walking distance so best get one that is located in the old town center itself. Often Hilton etc are a bit off.

There are more and more hotels open joining these chain compared to last time. Even those that is outskirt, some will provide free shuttle. To each their own, when it comes to travel. I find that when travel with family or business, staying at these chain of hotels give the value that I want. If single, yeah I'll be adventurous and try unique accommodation

Depending which country you are going to. For example, in China, there are many China chain hotel like Atur or Orange or Vienna that are either 3* or 4* and price much cheaper than Hilton etc. And often in better tourist locations. Don't have to waste time waiting for free shuttle. Walk out of hotel door and you often are in the middle of the actions already

I think your circle of international hotel chain only limited to Hilton from all your replies

I’ve been Hilton Gold & IHG Platinum member before and now my favorite is Marriott as Platinum Elite - each have their own pros and cons. I’ve never had any problem locating hotels in the middle of major tourist attraction

You first time traveling. There are other Hilton like chain around the word. Hilton is just an example. BTW, I have stayed in Hilton Xian and Best Western (they don't have butter, shocking) in China before. And I was surprised Hilton Xian did not switch on air conditioning presumably, regardless or what hotel, they all have to follow some China rule. In Europe, I prefer to stay at Boutique hotel which often are located in old city center, unlike Hilton etc

I have also stayed in Double Tree, cheaper version of Hilton, in Europe and some don't even have air conditioning so I pick others that have. Try that in summer and you will know why.

This post has been edited by touristking: Oct 4 2025, 05:27 PM