Agoda controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
Back to profile6 entries
2025
Japanese reservation-system complaints
Japanese authorities, hotels and customers criticized Agoda over unavailable rooms, system-cancelled reservations, inconsistent reservation details and price discrepancies. Agoda took steps to address the problems, but reports of incorrect reservations continued during the cited period.
2025
Severance agreement clauses criticized in Singapore
After layoffs affecting about 50 Singapore employees, Agoda included clauses that restricted contact with government agencies or trade unions and could have resulted in loss of severance benefits. Singapore's Ministry of Manpower, the National Trades Union Congress and the Singapore Industrial and Services Employees' Union criticized the clauses. Agoda apologized and provided clarification after discussions with unions and regulators.
2018
Illegal and unregistered accommodation listings
Thai and Taipei authorities called for illegal or unregistered hotels to be removed from online travel platforms. Agoda cooperated with the Taipei City Government's request.
2018
Unfair-competition allegations in Turkey
The Turkish Travel Agencies Association initiated legal action involving Agoda and other online travel agencies over alleged unfair competition. The available reference does not establish a final disposition of the matter.
2017
UK investigation into allegedly misleading online travel practices
The UK Competition and Markets Authority investigated Agoda and other travel agencies over concerns involving hidden charges, pressure-selling messages, discount claims and the ordering of search results. The companies agreed to stop practices considered misleading.
2017
Refund dispute over a non-existent hotel
Agoda initially refused to refund a customer who had booked a hotel that reportedly did not exist. The refund was eventually paid after a fraud complaint was submitted to Thai authorities.