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About Hotwire
Hotwire is a leading online travel agency that specializes in offering travelers significant discounts by booking "Hot Rate" deals. The company leverages a unique opaque booking model, where the exact hotel, rental car company, or airline is revealed only after the purchase is complete. This method allows travel providers to offer deep discounts without publicly devaluing their brands. Hotwire is ideal for flexible travelers who prioritize savings over knowing every detail upfront.
What Are the Best Ways to Save with Hotwire?
The core of Hotwire's value is saving, but you can maximize your savings even further with these tips:
- Book a "Hot Rate" Deal: This is Hotwire’s signature feature and the best way to get a steep discount. You'll see the discounted price, neighborhood (for hotels), and a list of amenities, but the property name is hidden until you complete the booking. Discounts can be up to 60% off published rates.
- Check for Coupon Codes: Before booking, always search for a Hotwire coupon code online. Hotwire frequently releases codes for an extra percentage off, especially for Hot Rate hotel bookings.
- Bundle and Save: Hotwire allows you to book hotels, flights, and car rentals together. Combining two or more of these services into a single package often results in a lower total price than booking each component separately.
- Use the Hotwire App: Some limited-time or exclusive deals may be offered only to users of the Hotwire mobile app, so it's worth checking there before you book.
Hotwire Sales and Seasonal Discounts
While Hotwire offers discounts year-round, you can often find better deals during certain times:
- Last-Minute Bookings: As travel dates approach, providers become more eager to fill unsold inventory. Look for exceptional deals, especially for Hot Rate hotels booked a few days before your trip.
- Off-Peak Season Travel: Travel during the low or shoulder seasons for your destination will generally yield lower prices across all categories (flights, hotels, and cars). Hotwire’s discounts are stacked on top of these already-lower rates.
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Hotwire often participates in these holiday sales, offering sitewide coupon codes for extra savings on their already-discounted Hot Rate deals.
Hotwire Booking Policies
Hotwire's Opaque Booking Model Explained
For "Hot Rate" deals, the discounted price is predicated on a non-refundable and non-changeable policy. This is how Hotwire can secure such deep discounts from providers.
- Non-Refundable: The vast majority of Hot Rate bookings (flights, hotels, and rental cars) are final and cannot be canceled or changed for a refund. Be certain of your travel dates before you book.
- Standard Bookings: Hotwire also offers standard, non-opaque bookings, which may allow for cancellation or changes, but these will be clearly labeled and are typically more expensive than the Hot Rate option.
Price Guarantee
Hotwire offers a Low Price Guarantee. If you find a lower price on another website for an identical hotel, car, or flight booking (same date, time, property, etc.) within 24 hours of booking, they will refund you the difference. Note that this guarantee typically does not apply to their unique Hot Rate deals, as those cannot be accurately compared to a non-opaque competitor's price.
Hotwire Frequently Asked Questions
How can I figure out the hidden hotel before I book?
You can't know the exact hotel for a "Hot Rate" booking, but Hotwire provides clues. Look closely at the star rating, traveler reviews, neighborhood, and amenities list. You can sometimes cross-reference this information with standard-priced hotels in the same area to make an educated guess, but there is no guarantee.
Can I earn loyalty points on a Hotwire booking?
In most cases, no. Because Hotwire acts as a third-party consolidator for heavily discounted rates, airlines, hotels, and car rental companies often exclude these bookings from earning loyalty points or credit toward elite status.
Are there extra fees on Hotwire?
Yes. For most bookings, Hotwire includes mandatory taxes and fees in the total price you see before checkout. For hotels, you should also be aware that some properties charge a separate Resort Fee or similar charge upon check-in, which is not included in your Hotwire price. Hotwire tries to list these fees, but it's always best to verify with the hotel directly.
