Does Hotwire work like Priceline?
May 11th, 2008, 10:39 AM
#1
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Does Hotwire work like Priceline?
A few years ago, I got a rental car thru Hotwire, entering a price the same way as Priceline's "name your price." Now, I don't see a link for name your own price on Hotwire for rental cars or hotels? Are they now fixed price only, or am I staring it it and not seeing it? Thanks.
May 11th, 2008, 10:55 AM
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I think you are misremembering your Hotwire experience. In the years Hotwire's been around, I've NEVER seen it ask you for an amount - it always gives you a price and you take it or leave it. Are you sure it wasn't Priceline back then?
May 11th, 2008, 12:45 PM
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It was undoubtedly the price they offered. Unlike Priceline you do not need to accept it. I usually get a quote from Hotwire and then use that to bid on PL, because the HW price will tell you how much the taxes and extra charges will be, so you can know what to expect on PL>.
May 11th, 2008, 02:20 PM
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If you're thinking of using Hotwire for hotels, have a look at www.betterbidding.com
Depending on where you're going, you can almost always figure out the hotel before booking, or at least narrow it down, and check reviews.
Depending on where you're going, you can almost always figure out the hotel before booking, or at least narrow it down, and check reviews.
May 11th, 2008, 05:35 PM
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Generally Priceline seems to give you better prices. But you can test that yourself, easily for cars. If Hotwire has a mid-sized car for $20.95/day, offer less (sometimes much less) on Priceline. If you fail, then accept the 20.95.
Hotels are more complicated because Hotwire and Priceline do not always rate hotels the same. For example, Hotwire may rate the same hotel 3.5 star that Priceline rates a 3 star. And they are not always the same hotels.
Hotels are more complicated because Hotwire and Priceline do not always rate hotels the same. For example, Hotwire may rate the same hotel 3.5 star that Priceline rates a 3 star. And they are not always the same hotels.
May 11th, 2008, 08:14 PM
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You can study for yourself Priceline bookings versus Hotwire bookings on www.betterbidding.com and www.biddingfortravel.com
I've used both for many years. Some years ago, I could get better rates with Priceline but got better hotels with Hotwire. Though, once in a while, I could determine that often the very same hotel was significantly less with Priceline than Hotwire for similar dates.
But, things have changed significantly, as hotel rates have skyrocketed in the big cities, and rates are more date driven than they used to be. I think hotel booking calendars have gotten much more sophisticated.
I've used both for many years. Some years ago, I could get better rates with Priceline but got better hotels with Hotwire. Though, once in a while, I could determine that often the very same hotel was significantly less with Priceline than Hotwire for similar dates.
But, things have changed significantly, as hotel rates have skyrocketed in the big cities, and rates are more date driven than they used to be. I think hotel booking calendars have gotten much more sophisticated.
May 12th, 2008, 04:01 AM
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What Andrew suggested is the way to go, taking into consideration the taxes and surcharges you have discovered by the Hotwire offer. On PL you bid on the base price and then the the taxes are added. I usually go to something like Travelocity first to find the lowest base price for the particular car. Then Hotwire and then PL, if I think I can still do better.
Interestingly, for a car I'm renting in August, Hotwire is still 'way more than just plain Travelocity. Haven't tried PL yet, because I don't want to decide for sure.
I have often saved 50% on PL over normal rentals.
Interestingly, for a car I'm renting in August, Hotwire is still 'way more than just plain Travelocity. Haven't tried PL yet, because I don't want to decide for sure.
I have often saved 50% on PL over normal rentals.
May 12th, 2008, 01:39 PM
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Whenever I plan to book a rental car in addition to a hotel room, I use Hotwire.
I book the hotel room first. Once the room is confirmed, there's "Do you need a rental vehicle?", or something like that, with ridiculously low rates. And, the total is presented before you confirm and pay.
I book the hotel room first. Once the room is confirmed, there's "Do you need a rental vehicle?", or something like that, with ridiculously low rates. And, the total is presented before you confirm and pay.
Jul 23rd, 2008, 03:38 PM
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I actually did get out of a priceline hotel once -- I had a 3 night reservation in Key West and we had to evacuate because of a hurricane (forget which one -- about 4 years ago).
Much to my surprise, priceline credited our CC for the 2 nights we couldn't stay.
Much to my surprise, priceline credited our CC for the 2 nights we couldn't stay.
