Hi
Just wondering if people have a general understanding of what's the best way of booking a place to stay in either SIN or HKG for 5 or so nights late Sept/early October. Still finalising flights to/from KTM. Interested if people generally find booking direct or via TA or using the airline packages work better for value/service. Don't have any status with hotel chains or allegiances.
I'm afraid it is pretty much a case of select your preferred hotel (start at the top of the list on Tripadvisor then work down till i get the best hotel that fits the budget in my area) and then shop around for prices.
I usually compare wotif and asiatravel (both .com) Zuji and others are also good for comparisons.
For booking I usually always go through the hotel website direct. Most hotels have a price match guarantee. Booking direct through the hotel means they get all the money rather than an agent, so you can sometimes get a better room, or later check-out (than someone paying through a third party).
Price guarantees can be fun, hotel chains will generally take a further 15-25% off another internet rate if it is lower... leading to some substantial savings even if the website is only a few cents cheaper than the hotel's site.
I hear some people get good deals through travel agents... but usually the agent has been their friend and they got a good deal. I have never personally found a travel agent with lower prices than the internet.
If you are flying Singapore Airlines then they have some good stopover packages which tie in hotels transfers, breakfasts, and some very good discounts on tours. For convenience, and if you haven't been to singapore before then that might be an option.
The other thing is to Priceline hotels. An example is the Hilton on Orchard Road which i was able to get for about AUD100 including all taxes last year (and that was when it was still below $1 to the AU).
