How to Use Google Hotels to Score the Best Deals

Whether you’re planning a long weekend in Bangkok or a birthday staycation at Sentosa, Google Hotels can help you compare rooms, check deals, and find places with that all-important infinity pool. It's part of the wider Google Travel suite, which includes tools for booking flights, finding attractions, and now — hunting down your perfect hotel room.

Think of Google Hotels as your digital travel concierge. It does the heavy lifting by gathering listings from Agoda, Expedia, Booking.com, and direct hotel sites — all in one place.

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Two ways to start your hotel hunt:

1. Go straight to google.com/travel/hotels

Just type your destination — say, “Bangkok” — and plug in your dates, number of guests, and other preferences. This method gives you full access to filters like:

• Price range (e.g. “Under S$200”)

• Amenities (Wi-Fi, gym, pool, free breakfast — the essentials)

• Hotel star rating (hello, 5-star pampering)

• Guest reviews

• Sustainable properties

2. Google it. Literally.

Search “hotels in Bangkok” in your Google search bar for example. You’ll get a mini version of the same tool embedded within the results — complete with a map and filters. Click “View all hotels” to expand.

Once you find a hotel that screams “perfect vacay vibes,” click on:

• “View offer”

• “View prices”

• Or “Book on hotel site”

You’ll be shown several booking options — including rates on Agoda, Expedia, Booking.com, and sometimes the hotel’s own website.

Google doesn’t take your money. Instead, it hands you off to the booking platform, where you complete your reservation.

Use the “Free cancellation” filter if your plans aren’t 100% confirmed. Life happens — especially when that Bangkok trip clashes with your cousin’s wedding.

The price you see on Google Hotels usually includes taxes and fees — yes, even the service charge + GST that always shows up at checkout.

But prices can vary based on:

• The device you’re using (desktop vs mobile)

• Whether you’re signed in to your Google account

• Your past browsing history 

Deal-busting tip:

Look out for badges like:

• “Deal” = 15% cheaper than average

• “Great Deal” = 25% cheaper than usual

Google calculates these based on price trends over the past year in that area. If you see either badge — don’t sleep on it.

Here's where it gets a bit meh: You can't cancel through Google.

Because Google doesn’t handle the booking directly, you’ll need to contact the site you used — whether that’s Expedia, Booking.com, or the hotel itself.

Always check:

• Cancellation deadlines

• Refund policies (some hotels give you a credit instead of cash)

• Booking confirmation emails

Use “Free cancellation only” when searching, especially if you’re still deciding between hotels.

Google uses several factors to show you results:

• Location

• Price

• Ratings and reviews

• Personal relevance (e.g. if you Googled “hotel with bathtub” yesterday)

But don’t worry — hotels can’t pay to appear higher in the standard search results. Ads and sponsored listings are clearly marked.

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• It’s not a booking site — just a clever middleman that shows you all the prices.

• Great for price comparison, especially when you’re not loyal to a particular OTA.

• Includes filters galore (stars, reviews, free breakfast, deals).

• Best paired with a good travel credit card and cashback site to maximise rewards.

Don’t leave home without these travel cards

Explore our quick guide to the best travel credit cards in Singapore — earn miles, unlock perks, and make every trip more rewarding.

• Flexibility, point transfers and a large welcome bonus: Citi PremierMiles Card

• No annual fee (lifetime): HSBC Revolution Card

• Flat-rate travel rewards: Standard Chartered Journey Card

• Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card

• Luxury travel perks: American Express Platinum Card

• Best for business travellers: UOB PRVI Miles American Express Card