Are you planning a trip and considering using Hotwire to book your hotel? If so, you’re not alone. Hotwire is a popular website that offers discounted rates for hotels, flights, and rental cars. However, many travelers wonder whether Hotwire is a legitimate option for booking hotels.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Yes, Hotwire is a legit website for booking hotels. In fact, it’s owned by Expedia Group, one of the largest online travel companies in the world.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at Hotwire and help you decide whether it’s the right choice for your next hotel booking. We’ll explore the pros and cons of using Hotwire, how to find the best deals, and what to watch out for when booking through the website.
What is Hotwire and How Does it Work?
Overview of Hotwire
Hotwire is an online travel agency that provides discounted rates for flights, hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages. It was launched in 2000 and is now owned by Expedia Group. Hotwire is known for its opaque pricing model, which means that the exact hotel name and location is not revealed until after the booking is made.
How Hotwire Works
Hotwire works by partnering with hotels to fill unsold rooms at discounted rates. When travelers search for a hotel on Hotwire, they are shown a list of hotels in the area they are looking to stay. However, the hotels are only identified by a generic description, such as “4-star hotel in downtown Chicago.” The hotel’s name and exact location are not revealed until the booking is complete.
To make a booking, travelers select the hotel, enter their dates, and pay upfront. Once the booking is complete, the hotel name and location are revealed. Hotwire guarantees that the hotel will be at least the rating level advertised and in the general area advertised.
How Hotwire Offers Discounted Rates
Hotwire is able to offer discounted rates because hotels are willing to sell their unsold rooms at a lower rate rather than have them go empty. By partnering with hotels to fill these rooms, Hotwire is able to offer travelers discounted rates. Hotwire also has a best price guarantee, which means that if a traveler finds a lower price for the same hotel and dates, Hotwire will refund the difference.
It’s important to note that while Hotwire can offer great deals, travelers should be aware of the potential downsides. As the hotel name and location are not revealed until after the booking is complete, travelers may end up staying in a hotel they were not expecting or in a location they did not intend to stay in. However, many travelers find the discounted rates worth the risk.
Pros and Cons of Using Hotwire
Pros of Using Hotwire
Hotwire is an online travel agency that offers great deals on hotel bookings. Some of the benefits of using Hotwire include:
- Discounted prices: Hotwire offers exclusive discounts on hotel bookings, allowing travelers to save big on their stays.
- Mystery deals: Hotwire’s “Hot Rate” deals allow travelers to book hotels at discounted rates without knowing the name of the hotel until after booking. This can be a great way to save money on hotel stays.
- User-friendly interface: Hotwire’s website and mobile app are easy to use, making it simple for travelers to search for and book hotels.
- Rewards program: Hotwire offers a rewards program called HotDollars, which allows travelers to earn points on hotel bookings that can be redeemed for future stays.
Cons of Using Hotwire
While Hotwire can be a great option for travelers looking to save money on hotel bookings, there are also some downsides to using the service. These include:
- Unpredictable hotel selection: With Hotwire’s “Hot Rate” deals, travelers don’t know the name of the hotel they’re booking until after they’ve paid. This can be risky for travelers who have specific preferences or needs.
- Limited customer service: Hotwire’s customer service is only available via phone or email, which can be frustrating for travelers who need immediate assistance.
- No refunds or cancellations: Hotwire’s bookings are non-refundable and cannot be cancelled, which can be a problem for travelers who need to change their plans.
When Hotwire is a Good Choice
Hotwire can be a good choice for travelers who are flexible and willing to take a risk on their hotel selection. It’s also a good option for travelers who are looking to save money on their hotel bookings.
When Hotwire is Not a Good Choice
Hotwire is not a good choice for travelers who have specific preferences or needs when it comes to their hotel stays. It’s also not a good option for travelers who may need to cancel or change their plans, as Hotwire’s bookings are non-refundable and cannot be cancelled.
Tips for Finding the Best Deals on Hotwire
Hotwire is a reputable online travel agency that offers discounted hotel rooms, flights, rental cars, and vacation packages. However, many travelers wonder if Hotwire is legit for hotels. The answer is yes, as long as you know how to use the platform effectively. Here are some tips for finding the best deals on Hotwire:
Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can save a lot of money on Hotwire. The platform offers lower prices for hotels that have unsold rooms, so if you’re willing to travel during the off-season or mid-week, you can find great deals. You can use Hotwire’s calendar tool to compare prices across different dates and pick the most affordable option.
Use Hotwire’s Filter Options
Hotwire has many filter options that can help you narrow down your search and find the perfect hotel for your needs. You can filter by star rating, neighborhood, amenities, and more. Make sure to read the hotel descriptions carefully, as some properties may have additional fees or restrictions.
Check Multiple Websites for Comparison
While Hotwire is known for its discounted rates, it’s always a good idea to check multiple websites for comparison. You can use websites like Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com to compare prices and see if Hotwire is offering the best deal. Keep in mind that some hotels may have exclusive deals with certain websites, so it’s worth checking a few options.
Sign Up for Hotwire’s Newsletter
Hotwire frequently sends out newsletters with exclusive deals and promotions. By signing up for their newsletter, you’ll be the first to know about discounts and sales. You can also follow Hotwire on social media to stay updated on their latest offers.
Consider Bundling Your Travel with a Package Deal
If you’re planning a complete vacation, it might be worth bundling your travel with a package deal. Hotwire offers vacation packages that include flights, hotels, and rental cars. By booking everything together, you can save money and simplify your planning process. Make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully, as some packages may have restrictions or blackout dates.
| Website | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Hotwire | $100/night | 4 stars |
| Expedia | $110/night | 4.5 stars |
| Booking.com | $115/night | 4 stars |
What to Watch Out for When Booking on Hotwire
Hidden Fees and Taxes
One of the major things to watch out for when booking on Hotwire is hidden fees and taxes. While Hotwire may offer lower rates than other travel booking websites, these rates may not include all fees and taxes. Before finalizing your booking, make sure to read the fine print and understand all additional charges that may apply. This can help you avoid any surprises when you receive your final bill.
Limited Information about Hotels
Another thing to keep in mind when using Hotwire is the limited information available about the hotels you are booking. Hotwire does not disclose the specific hotel names until after you have made your reservation, which can make it difficult to research the hotel and its amenities beforehand. While Hotwire does provide general information about the hotel’s location, star rating, and amenities, this may not be enough for some travelers who want more detailed information before making a booking decision.
No Cancellation or Refunds
It’s important to note that Hotwire has a strict no cancellation or refunds policy. Once you make a reservation, you are committed to staying at that hotel and paying the full amount, even if your plans change. This can be a major drawback for travelers who may need to cancel or change their plans due to unexpected circumstances. It’s important to make sure you are absolutely certain about your travel plans before booking on Hotwire.
Possible Room Assignments
When booking on Hotwire, you may not be guaranteed a specific room type or location within the hotel. Hotwire reserves the right to assign rooms at their discretion, which means you may end up with a room that does not meet your preferences or needs. For example, you may be assigned a room near the elevator or ice machine, which can be noisy and disruptive. While Hotwire does allow you to make requests for room preferences, these requests are not guaranteed.
Alternatives to Hotwire for Booking Hotels
While Hotwire can be a great option for finding discounted rates on hotels, it is not the only option available. Here are some alternatives to consider:
Booking Directly with Hotels
One alternative to booking through Hotwire is to book directly with hotels. Many hotels offer loyalty programs and discounts for direct bookings, and this can also give you more flexibility in terms of room selection and cancellations. Additionally, booking directly with hotels can give you a better sense of the hotel’s amenities and overall vibe.
Some popular hotel chains that offer direct booking include:
- Hilton – offers members of their loyalty program discounted rates and other perks
- Marriott – offers a Best Rate Guarantee and discounts for members of their loyalty program
- Hyatt – offers a Best Price Guarantee and discounts for members of their loyalty program
Using Other Online Travel Agencies
Another option is to use other online travel agencies (OTAs) to book hotels. While many OTAs offer similar rates to Hotwire, they may have different cancellation policies and loyalty programs to consider. Some popular OTAs to consider include:
- Expedia – offers discounted rates and rewards points through their loyalty program
- Booking.com – offers discounts and a Best Price Guarantee
- Priceline – offers discounted rates and a Best Price Guarantee
Using Discount Travel Websites
If you’re looking for even deeper discounts, you may want to consider using discount travel websites. These websites specialize in finding the absolute lowest rates on hotels, but they may not offer as many options in terms of room selection and cancellations. Some popular discount travel websites to consider include:
- Kayak – offers a “Deals” section for discounted rates on hotels
- Trivago – compares prices from multiple travel sites to find the lowest rates
- Hotels.com – offers a rewards program for frequent bookings and discounts
Ultimately, the best option for booking hotels will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors like loyalty programs, cancellation policies, and overall costs when deciding which option to go with.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hotwire is a legitimate website for booking hotels. However, it’s important to be aware of the pros and cons of using the website before making a reservation. By following the tips we’ve outlined in this guide, you can find the best deals on Hotwire and avoid any potential pitfalls. Ultimately, whether or not Hotwire is the right choice for your next hotel booking will depend on your individual travel needs and preferences.
If you do decide to use Hotwire, be sure to read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions of your reservation. With a little bit of research and preparation, you can use Hotwire to save money on your next hotel stay and have a great travel experience.
