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4.0 1904 Reviews

Hotwire Complaints Summary

99 Resolved
422 Unresolved
Our verdict: With Hotwire's very poor resolution rate, careful consideration is needed. Research their service comprehensively, and read up on how they handle customer disputes. If you face issues, be prepared for potential challenges in obtaining resolutions and explore other service providers as backups.
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Hotwire reviews & complaints 561

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12:07 pm EDT

Hotwire Car rental rip off

I rented a car for pick up July 2nd at 1:00PM and drop off July 6th at 6:00PM. I put in the pick up and drop off times in the drop down menus on Hotwire site. I got a total purchase price of $142.37 and was given Hertz as my car rental company. When I picked the car up Hertz told me I owed an additional $21.28 because they charge by the 24 hrs. I told them I did not agree because I had a TOTAL of $142.37 confirmed by Hotwire. The lady at the desk told me this happens all the time with Hotwire and she is so sick of "them" she then proceeded to tell me that when I contacted Hotwire they will blame Hertz. I told her I rent from Hotwire a lot and have never been charged extra but that it was my first time getting Hertz. She continued to argue with me but I needed the car so I ended the exchange. When I returned the car the lady at the returns told me my extra charges and I told her I did not agree. She told me it was happening to every customer bringing back a car and she felt so bad. She then told me Hotwire should just "take Hertz off the list". If Hertz does not want Hotwire customers I suggest Hotwire do that as well. I feel that Hertz is illegally over charging and making a lot doing so! I would have found a cheaper price once you add in the "extra charge" had I known. I want a refund of $21.28 and I will not feel safe renting from Hotwire again since you do not see the company in advance.

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3:47 pm EDT
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Hotwire Poor quality hotel for price

I booked a hotel room for San Diego CA for July 4th 2015. Hotwire got me a room at the Quality Inn in El Cajon. The reviews for this hotel are horrible. Would not even rate as a one star. Homeless people sleeping by the ice machines, the smell of marijuana, dirty nasty place. Not to mention the desk clerk was shot in December in a holdup and they has to put the nearby school on lock down. This is the place Hotwire booked me in and would not refund my money. Now they can deal with complaints to the BBB and the state attorney general. If you have been treated the same way please comment. Perhaps Hotwire needs a class action lawsuit to straighten up their business practices.

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Scott Oliver
, US
Aug 14, 2015 10:53 am EDT

A few hours before we arrived there was a heroin overdose in the lobby. I had booked the Queen suite through their website and received confirmation but when I arrived there were no rooms available. Check in at 3pm, was issued a room key at 6pm. We took the elevator to the 2nd floor room, swiped the key, opened the door to find about 10 people watching TV. It took 6 hours for Management and housekeeping to find a vacant room. While I was waiting there were drug deals in the parking lot, prostitutes near the pool area soliciting male and female guests. The hotel reeks of stale cigarette smoke. Bed linens were stained and talk about the COCKROACHES. My complaints lead to a small adjustment on our bill, so I thought. I have charges of $242.00 and $55.00 on my credit card and somehow clerk Vanessa managed to bill my bank account another $55..00. Numerous calls to Hotel manager Shah have not been returned. This hotel is a dump, staff is incompetent, the environment is not safe.

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6:05 pm EDT

Hotwire Misleading info

I searched hotwire.com for a hotel room in st Louis. they advertised a 5-star downtown pet-friendly hotel for $105. I booked it. It came to $133 with fees. They revealed the hotel to be the Hyatt Regency St Louis at The Arch. I called the hotel directly to confirm the reservation. They stated that it would be a fee of $100 for my small dog. I feel that I have been mislead. I then call hotwire customer service and am told "sorry - nothing we can do". Really ? Is this any way to treat customers in this day and age.? So, here I am...warning other potential hotwire.com customers to BEWARE. They give misleading info and then refuse to make things right.

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skippydog
irvine, US
Mar 05, 2011 11:50 pm EST

OMG 6+ hours on hold to change a reservation from a hotel they didnt even know is closed during the time im scheduled to stay there. Now they want to charge me fees to change hotels. I found out the hotel was closed from another travel agency. SAD! I am no way ever booking my vacations through them ever again. Back to local travel agent for all future travel.

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Seberhard
Palos Verdes Esates , US
Mar 11, 2010 11:25 pm EST

Booked a Holiday Inn through Hotwire and discovered that Holiday Inn offered a better rate on their website than Hotwire offered. Hotwire refused to allow a cancellation and was completed unsympathetic (e.g "too bad for you!") We won't ever use HW again. Unfortunately, it used to be pretty good but obviously the chains are trying to destroy their business model. Buyer beware!

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KEntukov
, US
Mar 03, 2010 1:39 pm EST

Slammers-these folks want to make a sale come hell or high water. The guy I spoke, (Rick) used high pressure sales techniques. I asked to speak to his manager three times. Every time, it talked his way out of it. When I got Supervisor: Mike 0114 on the phone, he joins in the same jacked up song, saying that he had to listen to it first to make an decision. I ABSOLUTELY WILL NOT USE THIS PROVDIER AGAIN.

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VONNIE
,
Nov 27, 2007 12:00 am EST

DON'T USE

HOTWIRE.COM.

THEY HAVE POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEIR SERVICES ARE A SCAM.

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BYU student
Salt Lake City, US
Aug 06, 2012 10:50 am EDT

STAY AWAY ! DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THESE BAIT AND SWITCH CLOWNS. VERY MISLEADING - LIARS, LIARS. LIARS

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jacks
, US
Dec 02, 2011 4:31 pm EST

I booked a hotel with hotwire.com I specified I wanted a hotel in Monterey CA. they booked me a room in the wrong city.

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sledgehammer6363
St. Louis, US
May 23, 2011 6:26 pm EDT

Hotwire changed my flight 4 times because of a tornado (understandable), but did not notify me that they were changed. Then after moving my flight to the next day, did not apply credit for the missed day. Then we were charged for a rental car after paying for a package that included a car.

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tim222
, US
May 22, 2011 8:03 pm EDT

HOTWIRE.COM SUCKS! DON'T DO BUSINESS WITH THESE GUY'S!
I BOOKED A ROOM THROUGH HOTWIRE.COM FOR MY VACATION IN MONTEREY CA. THESE ###S PUT ME IN THE WRONG CITY AND REFUSED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I'M SORRY I DIDN'T CHECK THEIR REVIEWS FIRST, THEY HAVE A VERY POOR RECORD.

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tim ashley
Clearlake, US
May 21, 2011 4:01 pm EDT

I BOOKED A ROOM WITH HOTWIRE.COM FOR MY VACATION IN MONTEREY CA. THE HOTEL I GOT WASEN'T EVEN IN THE RIGHT CITY. THEY WOULD NOT CANCEL THE RESERVATION, HOW NUTS IS THAT? THEY SAID THE CITY THEY PUT ME IN WAS CLOSE ENOUGH. DON'T USE THESE GUY'S FOR NOTHING BAD SERVICE, BAD COMPANY!

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nerida madine
Queens Village, US
Feb 24, 2010 3:36 pm EST

Posted rate which turned out to be for one day. When entered prefered dates site continued booking single date and will not refund reservation. What a scam. Never recommend or use this site.

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7:33 pm EDT

Hotwire Rental car rip-off

I booked a car through Hotwaire. I asked for an SUV. The next day when I saw the confirmation email it read minivan. I immediately contacted Hotwire and told them I did not want a minivan. I wanted an SUV, as there were only going to be my wife and I. We neither wanted nor needed a minivan. The person was very nice and said he would fix the problem. He booked us with a different dealer for an SUV (which is not the car we ended up getting from the new dealer). After our trip I looked and Hotwire is charging me for both vehicles for the same date at the same time, from two different dealers, which obviously makes no sense. I have called, written, and even yelled at this company and they refuse a refund. They try to insist I originally asked for a minivan. But that is not true and their agen who supposedly fixed things obviously did not cancel the first car and they have charged me for both. I am exasperated and don't know what else to do, so here I am.

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Jeffpr
Burnaby, CA
Jun 03, 2016 8:33 am EDT
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Hotwire = Horrible customer service. We made a booking based on the 3 star rating and this hotel was below a 2 star. Had problems checking in, rooms were dirty, urine on the toilet seat and floor, toilet paper all over the floor. Hotwire refused to do anything as they said that we completed our stay. Horrible company and customer service! Do not book with them, if you have any problems with your booking/hotel, they will not do anything for you, they will leave you stranded at your destination! The undercover rates are the worst option to go with. You can end up with a hotel that is terrible and unhygenic, staff that does not care at all and there is nothing you can do.

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PISS ON TRAVELER
Anchorage, US
Dec 20, 2012 8:40 pm EST
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I WILL NEVER BUY AGAIN A TICKET THRU HOT WIRE .. THIS GUYS ARE STUPID, YOU CALL THEM AND THEY DO NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT AIRLINES AND FLIES.. SPECIALLY THE EMAIL PEOPLE .. THEY NEVER RETURN YOUR EMAILS.. THEY DO NOT WANT TO HELP YOU AT ALL

I WILL NEVER BUY A TICKET FROM THIS COMPANY AGAIN..

SUCKERS!

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broke and crying
New York, US
Oct 30, 2012 5:57 am EDT

Impossible. No refunds, changes or adjustmenst - they just took my money and that was all. Do not use them if there is the slightest chance your plans will change. As far as I am concerned they are legal pirates and will never use them again.

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Jo S.
Grays River, US
Jul 11, 2012 12:48 pm EDT
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I wish I would of seen the HOTWIRE star rating complaints. Booked 3 and 1/2 star rating ended with low budget star rating that they said had that listed, NOT. Seems to be there thing. I would of ended with something that I could choose the room for same price at other sights. Shame on you HOTWIRE. We need a class action law suit going!

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Kriya
Davenport, US
Jun 24, 2012 4:19 pm EDT

Tropical storm, tornado watch, and significant coastal flooding along the entire coast in the Gulf (Clearwater, FL)- and Hotwire will not allow cancellation or change of reservations and refunds. I was told by Tamara that the weather was in no danger.? I am watching the news as of this moment and they warn people to stay home. So Hotwire wants me to drive in the storm and ignore the tornado warning and flood?

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Koots
, US
Mar 07, 2012 5:30 pm EST

The "Mystery Motel" is a SCAM . we booked a 3.5 star motel for a guaranteed rate of 66. per night. The scam then puts you in a motel that hotwire rates as a 3.5 star. We did some research, our motel only rated at 2 stars on all other web-sites and was actually cheaper on the other sites also. The hotwire customer service people were very rude. Don't fall for this SCAM

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crystalss
Mississauga, CA
Jan 30, 2012 6:15 am EST
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I booked with hotwire.com and decided to gamble and book the hotel without knowing the name in order to save more money. I paid 113 Canadian plus tax per night for 2 nights. I paid for the room, then they sent me the information. I looked up the hotel on the internet and the rates are 119 USD plus tax per night for 2 nights. So i only saved about 8 dollars per night. This is not alot of savings. They ripped me off.

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mitdo77
Houston, US
Nov 07, 2011 6:44 pm EST

After purchasing vehicle protection on a rental vehicle from Hertz using Hotwire to get a better rate, I was told us it or lose it. Why did I purchase vehicle protection, then? Hotwire has done this to several unsatisfied customers. I am only losing $200, but other have lost thousands.

I would like everyone who has been stolen from by Hotwire to file a complaint with the FTC. There are enough of us to put them out of business.

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ordinaryconsumer
Vancouver, CA
Aug 10, 2011 1:21 am EDT

Caveat Emptor when you buy through Hotwire. I ended up paying more than 130% of regular price at Carlsbad Ramada booked through Hotwire. Regular price was $79. Booked through Hotwire was $99. I needed two beds, so I ended up paying $25 per night more, on top of Hotwire price, already inflated. Hotwire is a RIPOFF. Buyer Beware

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kohlerguy
Mesa, US
Jul 04, 2011 3:18 am EDT

Made a airline reservation from Phoenix to Mason City, Iowa. Hotwire made the reservation but sent us to Des Moines, Iowa...120 miles from our destination. Talked with customer service and their comment "we all make mistakes". So we got stuck with a $400 ticket we couldn't use and no effort on their part to correct the situation. Never use them again.

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1:47 am EDT
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Hotwire Lies and stress

I booked a stay with Hotwire for 2 adults 2 kids. They claim that they guarantee that the room will sleep the number in your party. I arrive to the hotel, one king bed. I'm sorry but how do 2 adults, a teen and a toddler sleep in one bed? Answer...they don't. I called Hotwire. They were less than helpful, they were rude and unaccommodating. The said they'd reimburse the cost of a roll away bed. Even then we were still unable to sleep all in our party comfortably. They don't care! They have yet to reimburse me also, they want all sorts of paperwork and have no clue about what they said on previous communication. I think I'd rather pay a little extra with another provider and get better service.

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12:23 pm EDT

Hotwire Unburied wire

Over the Columbus Day weekend in 2014 yes 2014 my neighbors were putting up a fence. They cut through my TV/Internet cable. I had to wait the entire weekend (including Monday as it was a holiday) for someone (from Hotwire) to come out and repair the cable. They repaired it but, they did not bury the cable claiming that was a different department. At least 7 phone calls, the same amount of transfers (not my department), and 6 months later this cable is still NOT BURIED! They came out 3 weeks ago to my house to put in the upgrade (cable through my HOA or I would have FIRED them a long time ago) and stated they noticed the wire (cable) and that it cannot be left that way. They said they sent an email to the department that buries the wires/cables. They said they usually respond within 24 hours. This was of a Friday. It has been three weeks and still the cable lies exposed. I just got off the phone with customer service and of course another transfer to solve this issue not even caused by me! I guess my next stop is the local news. If I could fire Hotwire they would all be looking for other jobs!

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8:19 pm EDT

Hotwire Misleading hotel star ratings

Hotwire.com’s hotel star ratings are misleading. In purchasing a hotel hot rate deal the comparable hotels listed for 2 star hotels included Best Western, Days Inn, Comfort Suites and Quality Inn. After making the hot rate purchase I learned I had purchased a stay at an older motel, which Knights Inn had bought. I had previously stayed at this motel and knew from experience that the rooms, the motel facility and amenities do not compare to any of the comparable 2 star hotels that Hotwire had listed. In speaking with a Hotwire manager on the phone he dismissed my concerns, stood by the star ratings and would not consider even a resubmission of a hot rate deal. When I told him that a certain level of expectation is built when the comparable 2 star hotel listings are displayed the manager just rehashed the disclaimer of no guaranty of what hotel will be purchased with the hot rate deal. The manager said that my only option is to stay at the hotel the first night and then I can make a request to Hotwire if expectations are unmet. The manager also did not seem concerned that Hotwire lost me as a customer and that sharing my experiences with others would reflect negatively on Hotwire.

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4:09 pm EDT
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Hotwire Hotwire itinerary number [protected] reservation

Hotwire itinerary number [protected] reservation with Days Inn and Suites Smyrna on February 13, 2015 in Smyrna, Georgia.We did a hotel reservation from Hotwire and we had to spent our whole night on the road because of bad management of hotwire. We got the new hotel at 6AM at the double price. We are just asking the difference of that booking price.Due to your mismanagement, our whole holiday weekend was ruined. We searched the another hotel whole night. And we got another one very far from the city and very costly. Due to this our whole trip was devastated. We had some advance reservations for some activities that we had to cancel which was non-refundable.No investigation had been done for our case. We called the Days In hotel before traveling. Hotel representative told us there is no problem, you can come at any time and when we reached their they said they can't give us the room. How can they start the construction work in just evening.Its really a ridiculous and frustrating too.You people ruined our whole weekend. I will not sit quite for your bad services. Tell me where I was at fault.We made the reservation and called the hotel representative, she told us to come and check in and when we reached there they said they can't give us the room.

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12:25 pm EDT

Hotwire No refund

Be aware, I knew that hotels booked through hotwire.com hotline were final, but mistakenly believed that buying trip cancellation insurance meant I could cancel my trip. Wrong! Essentially unless I can prove medical emergency, or if I can show my house was severely damaged, or that the hotel shut down I can't receive any refund. If I had only booked with the hotel directly, cancellation would have been no issue and peace of mind is definitely worth the few extra bucks it would have cost, rather than the 1, 065 I lost because I had to change my plans.

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Reviewer33783
,
Aug 21, 2015 7:23 am EDT

I changed my flight with Delta Airlines booked through HOTWIRE.
I was told that I would pay the difference between the new and old flight plus $75 HOTWIRE administration fees.
I have now paid for the new flight but never received any refund despite 8 phone calls and many many emails.
I am now out of pocket $700+.
I have since found many many complaints about HOTWIRE on the internet for failure to refund customers. Be warned!

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11:54 am EDT
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Hotwire Misleading

I booked a hotel through Hotwire, thinking I was getting a hotel valued around $130.00, for $55.00. The page also showed suggested hotels of Holiday Inn Express, Embassy Suites and Candlewood Suites...after paying I got Hotel Lawrence in Dallas. The reviews are awful, and even their staff confirmed that. When calling hotwire to cancel, I was told I couldn't, and that is was getting a very nice hotel. I then called the travel protection to cancel, they referred me back to hotwire or the hotel itself. I called hotel to cancel, and the lady informed me that they had a pipe burst and 2-3 of their floors were flooded. I called hotwire back with this information, they wanted to confirm themselves and told me they were unable to reach hotel. I feel very mislead by them, and even more irritated that they will not cancel reservations when hotel is not even up to code. I will NEVER use hotwire again, and will make sure to deter anyone from their scam. The people at Hotwire are rude and unprofessional at every turn. They interrupted me several times to read from a script.

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4:43 pm EDT
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Hotwire Policy change

Hotwire has recently changed their policy in regards to who is considered preferred customers, but did not notify any of their customers of this change. There are perks and bonuses to being a preferred customer which people count on when making a booking such as the ability to cancel a reservation if need be. Customers were not given any indication or notice of status change from the company which meant that they were making bookings under the assumption that nothing in their agreement had been changed. Hotwire will not honor old agreements, nor will they handle customer complaints over the phone, nor will they transfer customers to supervisors to help resolve complaints in regards to this particular matter. To the best of my knowledge it is illegal to change policy without notifying policy holders (customers) of said changes. Douglas vs. Talkamerica. http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2007/07/court-says-no-to-changing-terms-of-service-without-notification/

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9:25 pm EDT
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Hotwire Unsatisfactory customer service

Beware. Hotel room booked through this site was nothing like the rooms indicated on the site. No door on the bathroom of one of the rooms and instead of the two queen beds depicted on the site, only one queen bed was present in each room. Customer service at hotwire took more than 50 minutes of waiting on hold, only to be informed that rooms may not be what is depicted, and it was understandable that we were upset that there was no door on the bathroom. The service representative wanted to know if there was a reason for there being just a shower curtain hanging in lieu of the door... As if that would be acceptable under any circumstance. This is not a 3 star hotel. I will never use hotwire again and you should know that you are gambling if you choose to do so.

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Ilene Drohan
Wyckoff, US
Aug 24, 2014 8:17 pm EDT
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I had booked 2 flights From Newark to Boston for Sept 5th at 9:10 Am and returning Sept.8 at 11:30 AM.

I never received my Confirmation email and when I went on there website they have me departing at 9:00 Pm. I specifically picked the morning and they changed it. I had to pay more than double. Over 450.00 to just change my morning flight out!

This is a scam! Anybody who is thinking of using Hotwire. Stay away!

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1:07 pm EDT
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Hotwire Overcharges

I was quoted a charge of $61.00 plus taxes for a four night stay in a motel. Hotwire overcharged my credit card by $13.76 (above and beyond the cost of the room + state and local taxes). When I requested a refund, they told me the extra charge was for a "service fee" which was NOT DISCLOSED to me at the time of my booking.

I have filed complaints with the San Francisco bay area BBB and the CA attorney General.422

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9:34 pm EDT
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Hotwire False advertising

I booked a "secret hot rate hotel" through the HOTWIRE website. This was supposedly a $109 room rate I was getting for $70. This deal requires you do not know the hotel itself until after booking. It appeared that it was a good deal as the hotel I was interested in that area was indeed $109 a night and I ASSUMED it would be that hotel. HOWEVER once I paid for the room I was notified it was the Quality Inn. I looked at the rates on the Quality Inn website to see what the rate would have been. TO MY SURPRISE it was almost $15 cheaper to book directly through the hotel. I called hotwire in hopes they would resolve the issue HOWEVER they said they will under NO circumstance refund my money, they will investigate and refund the difference if they deem that there was a cheaper rate. When I walked this supervisor through the Quality Inn website and he saw that the rate was indeed $15 cheaper he stated that I will not get a price difference because you have to have a Choice Hotel Membership! I asked why this was when the Choice Hotel Membership takes mins to apply for and is FREE! He said it doesn't matter I will not get a refund. When I brought up the fact it was complete false advertisement and if I knew that I would be paying MORE for the hotel going through hotwire then I should at least be able to choose my hotel, he said I'm sorry you feel that way. I asked if I could talk to his supervisor and he told me that he was the supervisor and there was nobody over him that would talk to me. HOW CAN THEY BE ALLOWED TO COMPLETELY DECEIVE THEIR CUSTOMERS LIKE THIS?

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8:09 am EDT
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Hotwire Hotwire didn't deliver as promised

I wanted to rent a hotel room at the beach for my cousin's birthday celebration. I went to hotwire and put jacksonville beach, florida in the search box and pressed enter. Up popped hotwire's secret hot rates hotels. I looked at the options presented and booked a secret hot rate hotel. When the hotel I booked was revealed it was in another city than I requested. I called hotwire immediately and advised the lady that answered the phone that I didn't get what I paid for. I paid for a hotel room in jacksonville beach, fl not mayport, fl. When I arrived at the hotel, I was given a room with a king bed when I intentionally requested a room with double beds. The hotel clerk advised that hotwire had sent the booking over for one person when I selected 2 and advised the hotel to give me whatever was available yet I booked a double room. The hotel was able to accommodate me and gave me a room with a double bed. I'm very disappointed with hotwire. I've used this service for many years but I can guarantee that I will never type hotwire into my web browser again. I'm thankful this was a mini-trip close to home because god knows what would have happened if I were across the country. Hotwire doesn't seem to care because the csr I spoke with was condescending and no one has yet to acknowledge my email or respond. No response needed hotwire. I'll book my travel needs directly with the hotel, airline, rental company going forward. Signed... Once a loyal customer that's no longer a customer!

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1:06 pm EDT
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Hotwire Inconvenience of bookings

I recently booked a hotel thru hotwire, when I arrived to this hotel there were no rooms available for me. The rep told me to call hotwires customer service department and they could re-book me a room even if the company had to cover the remaining cost. I called and the rep was extremely rude and said there was nothing they could do to help me because there was no rooms available. I was in a different state with my 2 children with no where to go and no one to help us. We had to end our weekend plans because we had no where to stay. We drove back to new york in the middle of the night. I called this morning and explained the situation and the rep was laughing as if this was a funny situation. I asked to speak to someone else. I then spoke to a rep in the post booking department he said "what would you like me to do we already refunded you your money" as if that made it ok. I feel that I should be compensaded something for such a huge inconvienice this caused. The rep offered $20 in hotwire bucks as if that would do anything.

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4:47 pm EDT
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Hotwire Charged extra $130.00

rented a car 08/01/2013 to 08/06/2013, i put that date in but it defaulted back to date of 07/18/2013 to 07/22/2013, this one was canceled. did reservation again an it still defaulted back to the 07/18/2013 at low rate of $67.93, i called an this time they stated would have to be retail rate of $179.93, i tried to cancel that one an no-way in the meantime i got another for $136.93, today i called an after several calls got the $136.93 canceled, still stuck with the higher rate, have contested the charge thur american exporess an now don't know if i will get car or not, i am thinking about a lawsuit against them for bait a switch, sure wish someone would help me out on this one email is [protected]@yahoo.com name robert allen phone number is [protected]

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4:32 pm EDT
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Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

Hotwire - Practices fraudulently bait and switch

I went on Hotwire to book a flight. The price listed was very good...Low and behold once you click on this price you get "This price is not longer available" and a new higher price appears!. This is called bait and switch. Their representative's claim that prices change frequently and their website does not update sometimes quickly enough would hold water...

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2:41 pm EDT
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Hotwire Complete scam

Hotwire insurance through Allianz Global Assistance is a complete scam. I purchased the insurance as protection against bad weather that was coming. The event was in fact cancelled, but when I went to activate the insurance I purchased, the back pedaling began almost immediately. They cited armed insurrection, government overthrow, acts of God, you name it - to wiggle out of the insurance. Upon asking for proof in writing that weather was not covered [which seemed silly as that is a major reason for event cancellation], they found a clause on the 11th page of the small-type legal rider. Bottom line, unless the airline or a hotel were to cancel an event, you are not covered...EVER. Looking on the web, it seems as though there are thousands that have realized this too late, but HOTWIRE keeps touting they have 'trip insurance.' My question would simply be - insurance against what? If I had an unforeseen medical condition - I might be covered. If 'life happens' and bad weather, vehicle malfunction, event cancellation occurs - you're left holding the bag. RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN AWAY from Hotwire insurance. It's a huge scam.

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Access America Help Team
, US
May 08, 2013 12:33 pm EDT
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Dear The Gar,
I am sorry that the travel insurance you purchased did not cover your specific situation. While we have designed our products to cover the most common unforeseen situations our customers might encounter, not all events and situations are ones which trigger coverage in our insurance programs.

We want consumers to make an informed choice when it comes to purchasing insurance, which is why we provide a link to review the policy’s terms and conditions with purchase. With this link, we offer a 10-day free look, so should you review the document and decide the coverage doesn’t work for you, you can get a full refund for the policy before your event.

If you have further questions about the outcome of your claim, or would like someone to walk you through the policy you purchased in full detail, please don’t hesitate to call our customer service line at [protected].

Regards,
Sarah, HelpTeam

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wifi8827
, US
May 07, 2013 8:37 pm EDT
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"Looking on the web, it seems as though there are thousands that have realized this too late"

perhaps you should have researched this prior to buying the insurance?

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5:54 pm EDT
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The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hotwire Rip-off

Booked a hotel today through hotwire, who claims to offer huge savings... After entering my credit card info, they revealed the hotel, which was the La Quinta Inn. I went to their website to check out the hotel, only to find there were cheaper rates on the hotel site directly, and even cheaper if I had just used my AAA card. I called to complain immediately. They claimed that we could only be reimbursed the difference if the "pre-tax" rate was lower, and the hotel's pre-tax rate was higher. Crazy. I said it wasn't even a deal if it's not cheaper than the hotel site directly, not to mention we'd know which hotel it was before paying. They didn't care that I was unhappy, nor that I'd never use them again. They have zero customer service.

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Troy Carr
Upper Marlboro, US
Apr 22, 2013 5:19 pm EDT
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I am glad you voiced your opion. I have a situration with hot wire now. I booked a international flight and they took my money and then told me my account with them is cancelled and I can not get the flight nor find out why my account was canceled. My money of about two grand is in limbo until this so call risk management office calls me back. That office is nothing but a recording that no one returns your calls. Then I called cutomers service and they kept saying its up to them to call me back or not and there is nothing they can do or will do anyfurther. That is real great service. (really)? Now I cant even buy another ticket because they have my money tided and my credit card sevice tried to reach them and they was rude to them and said notheing they can do? I am contacting a lawyer now. They are leaving me no choice. Thanks for listening

Hotwire Customer Reviews Overview

Hotwire is a popular travel booking website that offers discounted rates on flights, hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages. Our analysis of Hotwire reviews reveals that the website is highly regarded for its user-friendly interface, competitive pricing, and reliable customer service.

Many customers appreciate the ease of use of the website, which allows them to quickly search for and book travel arrangements. The website's search filters are also praised for their ability to help customers find the best deals on flights, hotels, and rental cars.

Hotwire's competitive pricing is another major selling point, with many customers reporting significant savings compared to other travel booking websites. The website's "Hot Rates" feature, which offers even deeper discounts on hotels and rental cars, is particularly popular among budget-conscious travelers.

Customer service is another area where Hotwire excels, with many customers reporting positive experiences with the company's support team. Representatives are said to be knowledgeable, helpful, and responsive to customer needs.

Overall, Hotwire is a highly recommended travel booking website that offers great value and reliable service. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, Hotwire is a great place to start your search for affordable travel arrangements.

Hotwire In-depth Review

In summary: Hotwire is a travel website that offers competitive pricing on hotels, flights, car rentals, and vacation packages. With a user-friendly interface and a variety of travel services, it is a convenient option for travelers looking to book their trips at discounted rates. While the site provides value for money and often has deals and discounts, the opaque booking process may not appeal to everyone. Customer service experiences vary, and the cancellation policies can be restrictive. Overall, Hotwire is a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers who are flexible with their plans.

Overview of Hotwire: Hotwire is a travel service company that specializes in offering discounted rates for hotels, flights, car rentals, and vacation packages. By keeping the details of the hotel or airline a secret until after purchase, Hotwire can provide lower prices than many competitors.

Website Usability and Design: The Hotwire website is clean and intuitive, with a simple layout that makes it easy for users to navigate. The search functions are straightforward, allowing users to filter and sort results according to their preferences.

Booking Process and Ease of Use: Booking on Hotwire is generally straightforward. Users can easily select their travel dates and preferences, and the site provides clear instructions at each step. However, because some details are only revealed after booking, it may not be suitable for those who prefer to know all the specifics upfront.

Range of Services Offered: Hotwire offers a broad range of travel services, including hotel bookings, flight reservations, car rentals, and vacation packages. This makes it a convenient one-stop-shop for various travel needs.

Pricing and Value for Money: Hotwire is known for providing good deals, especially for last-minute bookings. The value for money is generally high, although this can vary depending on the specific deal and travel dates.

Deals and Discounts Availability: The website regularly features special deals and discounts. Users can access these through the "Deals" section or by signing up for the Hotwire newsletter to receive notifications about current promotions.

Customer Service Experience: Customer service experiences with Hotwire can be mixed. Some users report satisfactory assistance, while others have faced challenges when dealing with changes or issues with their bookings.

Cancellation and Refund Policies: Hotwire's cancellation and refund policies are often seen as restrictive, particularly for the Hot Rate deals where changes or cancellations are typically not allowed. It's important for users to review these policies carefully before booking.

User Reviews and Ratings: User reviews and ratings on Hotwire can be found on various external review platforms. These reviews are mixed, with some customers praising the deals and others expressing dissatisfaction with customer service or specific bookings.

Mobile App Functionality: The Hotwire mobile app is well-designed and offers the same functionality as the website. Users can search, book, and manage their reservations on the go, which is convenient for travelers.

Loyalty Programs and Benefits: While Hotwire does not have a traditional loyalty program, frequent users can benefit from exclusive deals and promotions that are occasionally offered.

Transparency and Fees Disclosure: Hotwire's opaque booking model means that some details are not disclosed until after purchase. While the total price is shown upfront, the lack of transparency about the specifics can be a drawback for some users.

Travel Destinations and Accommodations: Hotwire offers a wide range of travel destinations and accommodations, including hotels ranging from budget to luxury. The variety ensures that there is something for every type of traveler.

Rental Car Services: The rental car services provided by Hotwire are comprehensive, with options available at numerous locations worldwide. Users can compare prices from different providers to find the best deal.

Travel Insurance Options: Hotwire offers travel insurance options to protect users' bookings. This can provide peace of mind, especially for more significant travel investments.

Comparison with Competitors: Compared to competitors, Hotwire's main advantage is the potential for lower prices due to its opaque model. However, competitors may offer more transparent booking processes and flexible cancellation policies.

Payment and Security: Hotwire provides secure payment options and takes measures to protect users' personal and financial information, which is essential for online transactions.

Accessibility and Language Support: The Hotwire website is accessible to users with disabilities, and language support is available for a variety of languages, making it accessible to a global audience.

Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability: Information on Hotwire's corporate responsibility and sustainability efforts is not prominently featured, which may be a consideration for socially conscious travelers.

Final Verdict and Recommendations: Hotwire is recommended for travelers who prioritize savings and are flexible with their travel details. It's particularly useful for last-minute bookings and those who don't mind the lack of transparency in exchange for lower prices. However, travelers who prefer knowing all the details before booking or who require flexible cancellation policies might want to consider other options.

How to file a complaint about Hotwire?

Here is a comprehensive guide on how to file a complaint against Hotwire on ComplaintsBoard.com:

1. Log in or create an account:
- If you already have an account on ComplaintsBoard.com, log in using your credentials. If not, create a new account to proceed.

2. Navigating to the complaint form:
- Locate and click on the 'File a Complaint' button on the ComplaintsBoard.com website. You can find this button at the top right corner of the website.

3. Writing the title:
- Summarize the main issue with Hotwire in the 'Complaint Title'. Be concise and clear about the problem you are facing.

4. Detailing the experience:
- Provide detailed information about your experience with Hotwire.
- Include key areas such as transactions, nature of the issue, steps taken to resolve it, personal impact, and the company's response.
- Offer ideas and guidance on what information to include for users struggling to articulate their concerns.

5. Attaching supporting documents:
- Remember to attach any relevant supporting documents to strengthen your complaint.
- Avoid including sensitive personal data in these attachments.

6. Filling optional fields:
- Use the 'Claimed Loss' field to state any financial losses incurred.
- Utilize the 'Desired Outcome' field to specify the resolution you are seeking from Hotwire.

7. Review before submission:
- Review your complaint for clarity, accuracy, and completeness before submitting it.
- Ensure all details are accurate and effectively convey your concerns.

8. Submission process:
- Submit your complaint by clicking the 'Submit' button after reviewing it.

9. Post-Submission Actions:
- Regularly check for any responses or updates related to your complaint on ComplaintsBoard.com.
- Stay engaged with the platform to track the progress of your complaint.

By following these steps, you can effectively file a complaint against Hotwire on ComplaintsBoard.com.

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Contact Hotwire customer service

Phone numbers

1866 381 3981 1866 468 9473 More phone numbers

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