Hotwire Review : Cheap Travel Deals, or Not Really?

What is Hotwire?

Hotwire is an online travel website that offers discounted rates on hotel rooms, rental cars, and flights. The company was founded in 2000 and is currently owned by Expedia Group. Hotwire’s main selling point is its “opaque” pricing model, where the name of the hotel or airline is not revealed until after the booking is made. This allows Hotwire to offer deeper discounts as suppliers can fill unsold inventory while still maintaining their brand’s full price image.

Hotwire’s website allows customers to search for deals by destination, travel dates, and type of accommodation or transportation. They also offer a “Hot Rate” filter, which allows customers to find the best deals on the site. The site also provides a detailed description of the hotel, including amenities and location, reviews from other customers, photos, and a star rating. Additionally, they have a mobile app to make it more convenient for customers to book and keep track of their reservations.

Hotwire also offers a rewards program where customers can earn points for booking travel accommodations and transportation on the site. These points can be redeemed for discounts on future bookings.

In summary, Hotwire is a travel website that offers discounted rates on hotel rooms, rental cars, and flights through its opaque pricing model, and also offers a user-friendly website and mobile app, customer reviews, and rewards program.

How does Hotwire work?

Hotwire works by negotiating bulk rates with hotels, rental car companies, and airlines, and then offering those discounted rates to consumers on its website. Customers can search for deals on the Hotwire website by destination, travel dates, and type of accommodation or transportation.

However, the specific name of the hotel, rental car company, or airline is not revealed until after the booking is made. This allows Hotwire to offer deeper discounts, as the supplier is able to fill unsold inventory while still maintaining their brand’s full price image.

How is it different from Travelocity or Expedia?

Hotwire is similar to other online travel agencies like Travelocity and Expedia in that it allows customers to book travel accommodations and transportation online. However, Hotwire differs in its “opaque” pricing model, where the name of the hotel, rental car company, or airline is not revealed until after the booking is made. This allows Hotwire to offer deeper discounts as hotels, rental car companies, and airlines can fill unsold inventory while still maintaining their brand’s full price image.

Travelocity and Expedia, on the other hand, typically offer more transparent pricing and reveal the name of the hotel or airline before the booking is made. This means that their prices may not be as deeply discounted as those on Hotwire, but customers have the advantage of knowing exactly which hotel or airline they are booking.

Expedia is the parent company of Hotwire, so both of these sites may share some of the same inventory and offers, but the way they present the offers and pricing model is different.

Finding deals on Hotwire

There are a few ways to find deals on Hotwire:

1. Search by destination: You can search for deals on Hotwire by destination, travel dates, and type of accommodation or transportation. This will give you a list of options that meet your criteria, and you can compare prices and amenities to find the best deal.
2. Use the “Hot Rate” filter: Hotwire offers discounted rates on hotels, rental cars, and flights through its “Hot Rate” deals. These rates are even lower than the regular rates on the site, but the name of the hotel or airline is not revealed until after the booking is made. By using the “Hot Rate” filter, you can find the best deals on Hotwire.
3. Sign up for email alerts: Hotwire sends out email alerts to customers who have signed up for its email list. These alerts inform customers of new deals and special offers that are available on the site.
4. Check the “Hot Deals” section: Hotwire’s “Hot Deals” section features the best deals on the site, including last-minute deals and special promotions. This is a good place to check if you’re looking for the lowest prices.
5. Compare prices: Compare prices with other travel sites or airlines, hotels and car rental companies directly, to make sure you’re getting the best deal on Hotwire.

Also, you can use the mobile app to keep track of the prices and deals.

What we liked about Hotwire

Some customers appreciate Hotwire for the following reasons:

1. Deep discounts: Hotwire’s “opaque” pricing model allows the company to offer deep discounts on travel accommodations and transportation. This can be a great way to save money on a trip.
2. Convenience: Hotwire makes it easy to book travel accommodations and transportation all in one place. This can save customers time and hassle when planning a trip.
3. Variety of options: Hotwire offers a wide range of options for hotels, rental cars, and flights, making it easy to find something that fits your budget and preferences.
4. User-friendly website and mobile app: The website and mobile app are easy to navigate and customers can use to book their trips and keep track of their reservations.
5. Good customer service: Hotwire provides good customer service and support for customers who have questions or issues with their reservations.
6. Rewards program: Hotwire offers a rewards program where customers can earn points for booking travel accommodations and transportation on the site. These points can be redeemed for discounts on future bookings.

Please note that these are customer opinions and your experience may vary.

What we disliked about Hotwire

Some customers may not be satisfied with Hotwire due to the following reasons:

1. Opaque pricing: While the “opaque” pricing model can result in deep discounts, it can also be frustrating for customers who don’t know the name of the hotel or airline until after the booking is made.
2. Limited information about accommodations: Since the name of the hotel or airline is not revealed until after the booking is made, customers may not be able to get detailed information about the accommodations before making their reservation.
3. No option to make changes: Once a booking is made on Hotwire, it is usually non-refundable and non-changeable, which can be a disadvantage for customers who need to make changes to their travel plans.
4. Limited number of options: While Hotwire offers a wide range of options, it may not have as many options as other online travel agencies or booking directly with the hotel or airline.
5. Hidden fees: Some customers have reported that they were charged additional fees, such as taxes or service charges, after booking on Hotwire, which they were not aware of at the time of booking.

It’s always a good idea to read the terms and conditions before making a booking and also read the reviews from other customers to get a better sense of what to expect from Hotwire.

How to pick good hotels on Hotwire?

When picking a hotel on Hotwire, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Read the reviews: While the name of the hotel is not revealed until after the booking is made, Hotwire provides a detailed description of the hotel, including amenities and location. You can also read reviews from other customers who have stayed at the hotel.
2. Check the star rating: Hotwire assigns a star rating to each hotel, which can give you an idea of the quality and amenities of the hotel. The higher the star rating, the more amenities the hotel is likely to have.
3. Look at the location: The location of the hotel is also revealed before booking. Make sure the hotel is in a location that is convenient for your needs.
4. Compare prices: Compare the price of the hotel on Hotwire with the price on other travel websites or booking directly with the hotel.
5. Check the cancellation policy: Before making a booking, check the cancellation policy of the hotel, as some hotels may have strict cancellation policies or non-refundable rates.
6. Filter your search: Hotwire offers a variety of filters, such as price range, star rating, location, and amenities, which can help you narrow down your search and find a hotel that meets your needs.
7. Check the property’s photos: Hotwire also provides photos of the hotel, so you can have a better idea of what to expect when you arrive.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding a good hotel on Hotwire that meets your needs and preferences.

What are some Hotwire alternatives?

There are several alternative online travel agencies (OTAs) and hotel booking sites that offer similar services as Hotwire, such as:

1. Expedia: Owned by the same company as Hotwire, Expedia offers a wide range of travel options including hotels, flights, cars and vacation packages.
2. Priceline: A similar OTA to Hotwire, which also offer “opaque” pricing model, offering deep discounts on unsold inventory.
3. Orbitz: A travel website that offers a range of travel options, including hotels, flights, rental cars, and vacation packages.
4. Travelocity: An OTA that offers a range of travel options, including hotels, flights, rental cars, and vacation packages, with transparent pricing.
5. Booking.com: A hotel booking website that offers a wide range of hotels, apartments and other accommodations.
6. Agoda: A hotel booking website that focuses on Asia-Pacific and offers a wide range of accommodations in that region.
7. Kayak: A travel search engine that compares prices from multiple travel sites and help you find the best deals.

These are just a few examples, there are many other similar alternatives available depending on your location and personal preferences. It’s always a good idea to compare prices and read reviews before booking.

Is Hotwire Worth It?

Whether or not Hotwire is worth it, depends on your individual travel needs and preferences.

One of the main advantages of Hotwire is that it offers deep discounts on travel accommodations and transportation through its “opaque” pricing model. This can be a great way to save money on a trip. Additionally, Hotwire makes it easy to book travel accommodations and transportation all in one place, which can save customers time and hassle when planning a trip.

On the other hand, the opaque pricing model can also be a disadvantage, as customers don’t know the name of the hotel or airline until after the booking is made. Additionally, once a booking is made on Hotwire it is usually non-refundable and non-changeable, which can be a disadvantage for customers who need to make changes to their travel plans.

It’s always a good idea to compare prices with other travel sites or booking directly with the hotel or airline, read reviews from other customers, and check the cancellation policy before making a booking. And also, use the filters provided by Hotwire to make sure the hotel meets your needs and preferences.

In summary, Hotwire can be a good option for those looking to save money on travel accommodations and transportation, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and compare prices before booking.