• Hotwire

Hotwire

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Overview

Hotwire has a rating of 2.5 stars from 1,072 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about Hotwire most frequently mention customer service, credit card, and rental car problems. Hotwire ranks 219th among Travel Search Engine sites.

  • Service
    173
  • Value
    166
  • Shipping
    62
  • Returns
    103
  • Quality
    144
Positive reviews (last 12 months): 3.1%
Positive
1
Neutral
0
Negative
31
97
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What reviewers want you to know

Positive highlights

No positive highlights yet

Critical highlights

  • I expect a higher level of customer service and prompt resolution when faced with such grave issues.
  • Even though I tried to fight the charges on my credit card, I lost.
How would you rate Hotwire?
Top Positive Review

“May Day 2023 Hotwire Scam and Fraud”

Mike f.
5/1/23

Be Aware of the following fraud perpetrated by Hotwire: I purchased a hotel stay with hotwire based upon the hotel's location as promised by Hotwire's map. After I committed to their promise, they sold me a hotel outside of their mapped region. Then, I was told absolutely no refunds.

Top Critical Review

“FIVE PENDING TRANSACTIONS!”

Bennie B.
2/6/24

Hotwire charged my credit card FIVE TIMES for a total of $6500! They didn't send me an email so I have no itinerary. They can't find these charges in their system. Now we have to wait to get our trip in order until these charges fa off the card. What kind of business charges you five times and has no record of it!

Reviews (1,072)

Rating

Timeframe

Other

Reviews that mention popular keywords

customer service (232) credit card (53) hotel room (29) car company (18) hotel reservation (21)
Thumbnail of user lfragale
1 review
0 helpful votes
May 1st, 2023

Be Aware of the following fraud perpetrated by Hotwire:
I purchased a hotel stay with hotwire based upon the hotel's location as promised by Hotwire's map. After I committed to their promise, they sold me a hotel outside of their mapped region.
Then, I was told absolutely no refunds.

Tip for consumers:
Hotel location may be outside of your selected region. No refunds.

Products used:
hotel

Service
Value
Thumbnail of user nb320
1 review
0 helpful votes
May 23rd, 2023

I've used Hotwire 3 times in the past and have had no issues so far! I have used it for accommodations in Canada and the US.

Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user andrear277
3 reviews
5 helpful votes
October 16th, 2019

Much cheaper than booking through the company site. I looked at enterprise and avis site before looking at hotwire and was shocked at how much more expensive it was. Will always book through this site.

Thumbnail of user angellar3
1 review
18 helpful votes
April 19th, 2020

I have read so many bad reviews as it relates to getting a refund due to COVID-19. Honestly, I really felt from reading all the bad reviews that my money had taken a one way trip. First of all, I booked a Hot Rate deal which normally does not allow any cancellation or changes. However, due to COVID-19 exceptions were made. It is true that when you call, there is a long wait and you may even have your call disconnected after a long wait. However, if you check Hotwire's website, there is information on how to cancel your reservation for a car or hotel, and yes even if your reservation for was a Hot Rate Deal online. It will take some time to work through the process, but it does work just be patient. I followed the instructions and cancelled my reservation 48 hours before I was to pick up my car rental. I was advised I would receive an email in three days to confirm my cancellation. I did receive the email, however, it was about two weeks later. The good new is, Hotwire has assured me that I will get a refund in the form of a Hotwire credit towards a future rental. Per the email, this process could take up to 30 days. I have no problem with waiting. Just wanted to share my experiencing in trying to obtain a refund due to COVID-19. Just be patient. Hope this helps someone.

Thumbnail of user bethg78
1 review
5 helpful votes
June 11th, 2018

Every time I book with Hotwire, my expectations are exceeded. Usually I get WAY more than I pay for. I just had another fantastic experience where I payed about a third of the price of the actual cost of my room and I was blown away. I got a huge suite with its own entryway, an amazing king sized bed and huge windows covering two walls at an amazing hotel and I paid the price for a motel 6! This is the third time that I have gotten a great room at a great hotel for a fraction of the price. Hotwire is my go-to booking website.

Thumbnail of user hauv
3 reviews
2 helpful votes
August 19th, 2021
Verified purchase

I have booked a hotel in Niagara fall with Hotwire. Here are some positive points I found:
1. It was a real deal (not a scam).
2. The website and the phone App are easy to use, fast. They also sent me notifications and reminders which are nice.
3. Accept many different types of payments including PayPal.
4. They often have promotions code on the App, so you can absolutely make the booking even cheaper.
5. Customer service is great. You can just chat with them through the App.
6. Although it does not reveal the hotel name, it does give a hint by saying " Last guest get hotel XXX" and I noticed that it was always correct.
- Negative points:
1. The currency was not based on the hotel's location. We have to set the currency, otherwise, it will be in USD.
2. I had problems using code for the App sometimes.
3. The price is not much cheaper and not always cheaper. So use it as an alternative source to compare with other sites.

Tip for consumers:
- Check for the promo code on the mobile App. You would save some money. It always appears every few days and lasts for 1-2 days.

Products used:
Booking service

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user jacobv246
1 review
0 helpful votes
October 10th, 2022

Best hotel in the area amazing customer service front desk is great clean rooms endless hot water comfy beds

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user zerkr
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
May 10th, 2019

Been using them for over 2 decades and really have only had 1 or 2 bad experiences over 100s of times I have used the site.

Thumbnail of user joanm76
1 review
0 helpful votes
March 22nd, 2017

I purchased a flight and hotel through Hotwire. The airline canceled my flight due to bad weather. No one was able to help get me on another flight after 3 hours on the phone with both United Airlines and Hotwire. Hotwire kept me on hold for 1 hour and 15 min. They sent me an email saying they are crediting back my credit card. But did not credit the entire trip back. I had to call 3 times. Never use Hotwire.

Thumbnail of user destinyc14
5 reviews
10 helpful votes
December 14th, 2017

Hotwire is my go to whenever I want to take my family away. Their secret deals have been out of this world. I have never been 1 to travel. Since discovering Hotwire during summer, that is all my family and I do. I just booked for weekend of New Year's and was amazed at how cheap the rates were. I love Hotwire. I 've saved so much money thanks to them. I just recently came back from trip I booked through them. Their choices in hotels have been perfect. I have no complaints.

Thumbnail of user tonys162
1 review
0 helpful votes
April 10th, 2017

HotWire is my go-to for booking hotel and cars. Doesn't work well for Europe but anywhere in the US is great. Easily save money!

Thumbnail of user erikas313
1 review
0 helpful votes
February 26th, 2022

Customer Service is always available and friendly. Lowest rates and the rooms are excellent.
Try them out with my link and you'll receive a $20 credit towards your booking.

https://share.hotwire.com/Erika69

Tip for consumers:
Live chat on app with an agent who is ready to serve you. Wait time is minimal between 3-20mins usually.

Products used:
I use the Hot Rates and the referal program to receive additional discounted rates. This app also makes my family and friends very happy travelers.

Thumbnail of user als125
1 review
8 helpful votes
April 5th, 2018

We had booked a hotel through HotWire, but the hotel was not clean; therefore, we decided not to stay there. We called HotWire to complain about the cleanliness of the room and requested a refund as we refused to stay there. The customer service representative was so kind, helpful, and understanding. They understood our concern, empathized with us, gave us a refund, and filed a complaint about the hotel, Red Roof Inn in Jacksonville, Florida. In addition, we have been booking hotels through Hotwire for several years now, and we have always been satisfied with the hotels and the prices. Thank you HotWire support team.

Thumbnail of user finleyr15
2 reviews
16 helpful votes
April 20th, 2016

I gave them 10/10 because of their efficiency. They really did an awesome job for me. I am very impressed.

Thumbnail of user harryh43
103 reviews
327 helpful votes
April 23rd, 2018

I use Hotwire's Hot Deals to shop the cheapest rental car, as it usually doesn't matter who you use as long as it's one of the majors. In cities that I'm familiar with, I'll use the hot deals for hotels, as I'll usually have a good idea what specific hotel it is depending on what part of town it's in. For non-Hot Deal rates, I find that they're really no cheaper than any of the major travel sites, so no value for me there.

Thumbnail of user ericag24
5 reviews
42 helpful votes
February 25th, 2016

I always book my hotels through Hotwire. You get more room for your money. I've never had a problem. You're giving way money if you don't use this website.

Thumbnail of user himstt
2 reviews
4 helpful votes
June 12th, 2016

Hotwire gets my back covered with last minute bookings on flights and hotels. I get amazing discounts too

Thumbnail of user rayas2
5 reviews
13 helpful votes
July 22nd, 2016

My fiancé and I have annual passes to Universal Studios, Florida. We live decently close, about a five hour drive on a straight stretch with stops, so we go pretty often. For a while we would drive out every weekend.
We have no difficulty budgeting food and gas money and even spending money, but it seems that just about every time we planned short for the hotel. Paying 150 dollars a night really adds up and dipped into our funds.
I downloaded the hot wire app while stranded at an IHOP at 3 am, and within five minutes we had a booked hotel 3 miles from our current location: only 100 dollars for the next three nights. The deals are amazing and the website and app are both fast and ridulously easy to use. I recommend using your location as soon as you log on, you'll be amazed at how quickly you can book a hotel just about anywhere based on the amount you can afford.

Thumbnail of user patricky1
3 reviews
3 helpful votes
June 20th, 2016

Always have this site avaiable. I get the best bargains and rates. No matter where im going i use Hotwire.

Thumbnail of user kene18
9 reviews
23 helpful votes
January 11th, 2016

I have always used Priceline but I could not get the fight I wanted I needed to used two airplanes going out on Untied and return on Delta when check in Untied said how would you like a direct flight on Delta sure who want to send 4 hours in O'hare before I even got to Delta ticket counter hotwire email me about the change in plans and I like that they knew before Delta knew and Delta knew nothing about it Thank United for messing up and check me in on my return flight when I am not at that airport yet I will used Hotwire again but may stay away from United flights

Thumbnail of user anaz7
10 reviews
6 helpful votes
October 13th, 2016

Always do my reservations through this site, and love the price and quality of hotels i get 4-5 stars. Love it!

Thumbnail of user kirstens18
1 review
0 helpful votes
January 18th, 2021

Stay with 4 star hotels and above and you'll get a deal. If you're smart you can do Internet sleuthing to figure out which hotel you're going to get before you purchase. I've gotten so many good deals off Hotwire and have never once been disappointed. Just know what you're getting into going in.

Thumbnail of user drshrutit
1 review
1 helpful vote
October 22nd, 2015

I recently booked a hotel in california for 3 nights and the booking was non refundable. But i had some family emergency and i had to pre cheked out from my hotel. I called up hotwire for a refund help and the hotwire representative did process the refund upon request. It was a releif and ease for me. Also, i find good car/hotel deals via hotwire at lower prices.

I would happily recommend it to my friends.

Thumbnail of user natalies60
3 reviews
13 helpful votes
September 6th, 2016

If you know how to look, its easy to get 5 star hotels at 3 star hotel prices. If you know how to dig and research you can usually tell what hotel you're getting before you purchase. I haven't been disappointed yet and have likely saved hundreds throughout the years of using Hotwire!

Thumbnail of user dylanh28
2 reviews
13 helpful votes
January 15th, 2016

There no any other company which can compete with Hotwire. I have to admit that, they are best as i had an amazing experience with them

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

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About the business

Save up to 60% on hotel accommodations and find cheap hotel deals at top destinations. Book 4-star hotels, at 2-star prices, only with Hotwire!

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