I recently made a flight reservation for my boss who will be traveling to Paris, France. Flights were booked last Saturday and on Tuesday, May 5, (which was only a couple of days later) I called HOTWIRE to request a change on the return flight as my bosses' meeting date was delayed for an extra day. HOTWIRE took down all our change information and told me that someone will call to confirm if our requested flight is available. Someone from HOTWIRE did call the same day, but unfortunately, I was not able to answer my cellphone because I was driving (California law). As soon as I got home, (which was about 20 minutes later), I called them back. The HOTWIRE agent said that because I did NOT answer the phone when they call, I have to make a NEW change request. I have to repeat all the information I gave earlier and of course, the agent said that I will have to wait again for them to call back to confirm if the requested change flight is available, and if we have to pay for any price differences plus $250 change fee. I have been waiting since the evening of May 5 and finally I get a call from them at 11:49 am (PDT) today. They told me that the return flight requested is available but that the price of the new flight would be $3, 975.20 plus the $250 change fee. We only paid $658.60 (return) for our original booking. I call this MODERN DAY HIGHWAY ROBBERY! When I search on HOTWIRE for the departure and returning flights that we want, it is showing only less than $800!. Why should I pay HOTWIRE almost $4, 000?
Therefore, the lesson here is if you are firm with your flight dates, Hotwire is good. However, watch out if you should need to change anything.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
This company is a real rip off. I called hotwire while reserving a car as I had some questions regarding their fees. I was told that if you use a debit card there is a fee, however, if you use a major credit card the fee is slim to nothing. So I go ahead and reserve my car and when I go to pick it up. Boom, the sale is declined. Mined you they charged me for the rental already. The lady told me I was declined for the hold and I was just flabberghasted that now I have a hold. The hold was a huge amoutn. The agent said that the hold varies and runs from $200-$500 dollars. So, I leeft without a rental. Called hotwire and was told I couldn't get refund. I was told they don't know how much holds will be so they are not able to share this information. So if they don't know how are we to know.
This is a complete scam and they are rip-off artist. I would never use their service again. I am willing to help start a class action suit. If any one else wants to jump on board let's do this.
cant tell what motel u get until pay. thot it would be days inn, la quinta, or comfort. was microtel that was filthy. have stayed in other micros that were fine.
this one had messy lobby, filthy carpets in elevator and hallway. tdrapes were hanging loose and dirty. sheets unchanged and dirty.
took one look at room and walked off. reported this to microtel too.
are there any class actions currently pending against hotwire. seem to be a lot of bad experiences, deception, bait and switch and fraud.
I booked a flight 3 weeks in advance with hot wire from san diego, california to st. louis, missouri it was only $340 which was good. My boss recently sent me to phoenix to work so I need to change this flight. I called hotwire and change the flight from phoenix to st. louis and they said they would charge me %150 plus air difference..I was charged $520, so a $340 flight ended up costing over $700 dollars.. I recieved a new email with my new flight plans, and noticed that the new charge was pending in my bank account...I looked the next day and it was gone and was never charged. Im wondering if they will charge me the extra for this flight or I will have problems when i get to the airport.
The offer is only valid for 48 hours because the price of the room could get cheaper later. You did not file a claim within 48 hrs so therefore you are not entitled to any compensation.
First of all, the hotwire ratings are out of 5 stars and residence inns are usually 3-3.5 star hotels. Second of all, hotwire "blind bookings" are non refundable under ANY CIRCUSTANCES!
There is no area that is only for Maple grove. The maple grove and Brooklyn centre areas are combined into one, so if you book a hotel in the area, you could get a hotel in maple grove OR Brooklyn center.
You got a microtel which is comparable to a days inn, la Quinta, etc. Hotwire did not promise that the room would be clean. It only guaranteed the star level of the hotel. If you don't like this policy, than you are more than welcome to book elsewhere.
The ad says 11.95 a day BASED ON NATIONAL RATES! It does not say specifically the rates are for the days you selected.
Scalpers
Lost 900.00
They are rip offs
Hilarious!
I am reading this post and see an ad from Hotwire for cars in LA for 11.95. I followed the ad and no such price exists and nor have they ever for any Hotwire ad I clicked on. Pure BS. I am going to attach a screen shot for your pleasure. How ironic!
I booked a rental car on 2/6/13 for $312.68, they immediately took it out of my account. I called to see if I could extend my reservation. I was told no. I explained that I would be attending a Wedding and that with the long weekend I wanted to add 2 days. Again I was told no. I asked what options I had available. They said none. I would have to return the car on Saturday and re rent it for the 2 days. I explained that I wasnt going to drive back from Ca to return the car, re rent it and drive back to Ca for 2 days and then drive back to Vegas. I asked for a refund. I was told no that I would forfeit $312.68. I booked with another company for $335.00 for 5 days. They did not immediately take my money, they waited until I picked up the car. ad4f2SERIOUSLY, they steal peoples money. I think they do it on purpose, why work with anyone and provide good customer service when we can deny them and steal their money. They should be put out of business. I could understand a cancellation fee or something but $312.68! You have got to be kidding me. Funny thing is that I have used them for almost 9 years and no problems. Now they just steal your money. I have referred several customers to them. Not anymore! DO NOT USE HOTWIRE, THEY WILL STEAL YOUR MONEY AND PROVIDE YOU NOTHING! THEY DONT CARE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS!
I'm in! I made a reservation for a trip and when the confirmation came back, it was for different dates. I tried everything to work things out with Hotwire and then tried Delta directly. Was told it was "just too bad"! I'm contesting the credit card charges, and don't know where that will end up, but Hotwire did end up refunding my car rental, so I think that could be construed as an "admission" that they made a mistake. Never know! I think someone should file against them, they are the absolute worst company I have ever dealt with.
I had the same situation with Hotwire.com. I was told the hotel was on Ft. Myers Beach, FL when in actuality (after I confirmed), it's more like a place called Captiva Island, which is about 4 miles south of where I wanted to be. I tried to fight incessantly, but I keep being ignored and mistreated. I am a lawyer, class action suit anyone?
I had the same situation with Hotwire.com. I was told the hotel was on Ft. Myers Beach, FL when in actuality (after I confirmed), it's more like a place called Captiva Island, which is about 4 miles south of where I wanted to be. I tried to fight incessantly, but I keep being ignored and mistreated. I am a lawyer, class action suit anyone?
I had the same situation with Hotwire.com. I was told the hotel was on Ft. Myers Beach, FL when in actuality (after I confirmed), it's more like a place called Captiva Island, which is about 4 miles south of where I wanted to be. I tried to fight incessantly, but I keep being ignored and mistreated. I am a lawyer, class action suit anyone?
Agreed! This company is classless when it comes to customer service. I told them I would complain on line but they don't care, the person told me to go ahead it wouldn't effect his paycheck! The arrogance of this company is shameful. They should be closed down.
I made a reservation for a rental car and tried to cancel it 45 minutes after I made the reservation. I was on hold for 22 minutes only to find oot that they will not refund or exchange the dates. I wanted to push it out a week or so but they would not allow that. This company is crap when it comes to customer service. THEY SUCK!
Yes, man. I just went thru the same thing with $117.17 for car rental, that I didn't even use, because I have to cancelled my trip. And my bank couldn't do anything about it. Basically, Hotwire robbed me and my bank allowed that to happen. I hope, people read this message, aware and help us to put Hotwire out of bussiness.
I actually just booked a hotel on hotwire that was suppose to be a 3 star and I recieved a 2.5 star room. Every website states that this is a 2.5 star room. I don't know how they get by with saying it's a 3 star.
Stayed in Calgary at holiday Inn that was a 3 plus. What a joke room was in basement the two beds would hold two kids not two adults with two small children. The hotel was suppose to be remodeled well if this is remodeling they got took. The carpet was worn out the doors didn't fit. Then its in the lowest possible spot in Calgary. Come on what the heck did the two star look like. We basically didn't stay just locked the door and got the hell out of their. Oh yea a rat trap outside the back door. YEA YEA. and when I complained to hot wire sorry but you booked it. Yea you guys made a 100 off me once never ever again. Its a joke company with a joke system. I travel lots so this was last stop in two week stint on road. and what a dive. Hot wire help to me was so sorry you booked it . Thanks you crooks.
I have used Hotwire a few times before when travelling in the states, and been happy that I 'got what it said on the tin'.
However, when recently booking a hotel in central London, I ended up paying MORE than if I'd booked the hotel direct.
I wasn't initially worried as I believed that the 'double the difference' refund guarantee would resolve the problem.
Did it? Well - read the whole story here:
http://hotwirescam.blogspot.com/
I ended up paying much more for the hotel I booked through Hotwire than if I'd just booked the hotel direct.
And be warned - the Hotwire 'double the difference' guarantee isn't worth a damn.
Full details of my experience here:
http://hotwirescam.blogspot.com/
Ratings are given according to what hotels offer. If a hotel offers high speed wireless or complimentary breakfast, they automatically get a 2star rating, no matter what their rooms look like. I've been at my hotel for 11 years and I have not once seen someone from any of the booking companies "checking us out" like they show on tv. Go to hotel websites, look at pictures and read reviews to find something that you won't feel like you are wasting you money on.
Part of the deal of getting the cheap rate is you can not cancel. It says this in a few places. Do not book reservations that you can not cancel if you do not want this to happen.
Yes! i agree with you 100 per cent they are a big ripoff, they are a Hot wire alright rigged to take your money, i placed reservation for a car and my Neice was listed as the driver, and i gave them my credit card and they took money off my card when i got to the rental place i was told i couldn't get the car because the account was in my Neice name but i paid for the card, and they f---- up the spelling of my name, called them and tried to get a refund cause i didn't get a car, a total waste of time and money yes they need a class action lawsuit against them.
Perhaps if you were to book directly through the hotel you'd find out all of the extra costs and/or free inclusions. I've learned my lesson before and now only book directly through the hotel. Companies like Hotwire will tell you anything to get the sale...sad truth.
so they should just give you free money just because you said it happened
personally you should be thankful that they are going the extra mile to help you