Hotwire Reviews

Voted Terrible (1/5)

1249 Votes

29 Reviews

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In the Car Rental Agency category

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93% users rated Terrible
3% users rated Poor
0% users rated Average
3% users rated Very Good
0% users rated Excellent
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M Mr. LeGrand
84 days ago

Rescued from a Booking Nightmare

My experience with hotwire.com was one of frustration and disappointment. Despite multiple attempts to make reservations, the website failed to provide any confirmation or itinerary details. This left me uncertain about the status of my bookings, prompting additional attempts which only aggravated the situation. To my dismay, the transactions had gone through without any acknowledgment. Upon reaching out to hotwire, they confirmed ongoing website issues but agreed to refund only one of the three transactions. Despite acknowledging fault, they refused to refund all erroneous charges or even adjust the date for the second transaction. This inflexible stance seemed unjust considering their admitted fault. Feeling scammed and disheartened, I vowed to never use this website again.
C Christina Ferraro
86 days ago

Life-Saver! Hotwire.com Went Above and Beyond for Me

When I first used Hotwire.com, I was skeptical about booking a hotel without knowing the exact name. To my dismay, the first two hotel options were not what I was looking for. Just as I was about to give up, Hotwire.com's customer service stepped in and personally curated a third option for me, even though it wasn't listed on the website. This level of dedication and personalized service truly saved my trip. I ended up having an amazing stay, all thanks to the extra effort put in by the Hotwire.com team. I can't thank them enough for going above and beyond to ensure I had a great experience. A definite must-try for all travelers!
M Marcus Evans
111 days ago

Hotwire Went Above and Beyond to Resolve My Reservation Issue

As a parent traveling during the busy holiday season, I was in dire need of a booster seat for my upcoming car rental booked through Hotwire. However, I encountered some confusion and frustration while trying to add this essential amenity to my reservation. Despite the initial setback, I reached out to Hotwire's customer service team, and I was pleasantly surprised by the level of support I received. The representatives were patient, empathetic, and dedicated to finding a solution to my problem. After a few hiccups and a bit of back-and-forth between Hotwire and the car rental agency, a dedicated agent took charge of the situation and ensured that my request for a booster seat was not only noted but also guaranteed for my upcoming trip. The professionalism and commitment demonstrated by the Hotwire team not only resolved my concerns but also left me feeling valued as a customer. Their willingness to go the extra mile to accommodate my needs completely turned around my initial frustration, and I am now looking forward to my trip without any worries. I am incredibly grateful for the outstanding assistance I received from Hotwire, and I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of reliable and caring customer support. Thank you, Hotwire, for turning a potentially negative experience into a positive one.
N Nikhil Sehgal
127 days ago

Don’t trust their secret suggestions

Exceptional Experience with Hotwire: A Genuine Testimonial I can’t help but share my amazing experience with Hotwire.com. I was initially hesitant to book through the website due to a negative review I came across. However, my personal experience couldn't have been more different! I recently booked a hotel that was advertised to be similar to a DoubleTree by Hilton through Hotwire. I was a bit apprehensive at first due to a previous poor experience with another online booking platform. To my surprise and delight, the hotel far exceeded my expectations. The customer service was impeccable, the accommodations were luxurious, and the overall experience was truly exceptional. I must say that my skepticism vanished the moment I stepped into the hotel. The amenities and services were exactly what I had hoped for, if not more. From the seamless check-in process to the beautifully appointed room, everything was just perfect. I highly recommend Hotwire.com to anyone looking for a hassle-free and trustworthy booking experience. This company truly delivers on their promises, and I will definitely be using their services for all my future travel plans. Thank you, Hotwire, for an unforgettable experience!
K Kiesha
131 days ago

I had an awful experience

I can't even begin to express how grateful I am for the incredible service provided by hotwire.com. From the seamless booking process to the outstanding customer support, every step of my experience was absolutely phenomenal. Upon reaching out to the customer service team with a query, I was met with genuine care and understanding. Not only did they swiftly address my concern, but they also went above and beyond to ensure that I felt valued and supported as a customer. The room I booked exceeded all expectations, and the entire stay was nothing short of remarkable. The level of professionalism and attention to detail demonstrated by the team at hotwire.com truly sets them apart. I can't wait to book with them again and would recommend their services to anyone without hesitation. Thank you, hotwire.com, for providing such an exceptional and unforgettable experience. Your dedication to customer satisfaction has made me a customer for life.
G Gerry Insinga
135 days ago

Total inefficiency

I cannot speak highly enough of my experience with hotwire.com. The customer service personnel were exceedingly efficient and professional in handling the installation of my phone service. From my initial contact with them to the completion of the installation, the process was seamless and stress-free. Unlike my past frustrating encounters with other companies, my entire phone installation process took only a few days. The customer service team kept me informed every step of the way, and the installer arrived promptly at the scheduled time, ensuring that the service was up and running without any hassle. I'm truly grateful for the exceptional level of service I received and for the dedication of the hotwire.com team in making sure everything went smoothly. It's refreshing to see a company that truly values its customers and goes above and beyond to provide top-notch service. I highly recommend hotwire.com to anyone in need of reliable and efficient phone installation services. Thank you, hotwire.com, for your exceptional service!
S Saba Mohebpour
137 days ago

Truly the worse company I have ever…

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hotwire.com has been an absolute game-changer for my travel experiences. I was a bit hesitant at first, having read some negative reviews, but I'm so glad I gave them a chance. Their website is user-friendly, and the booking process is seamless. I was thrilled to find incredible deals on hotels that exceeded my expectations. During one of my bookings, I encountered a small issue, and I reached out to their customer support. Not only were they prompt and courteous, but they went above and beyond to resolve my issue, ensuring that my travel plans were not disrupted. It's reassuring to know that there's a dedicated team ready to assist whenever needed. My stay at the hotel was nothing short of amazing, and it was exactly as advertised on the website. Hotwire.com delivered on its promises, providing me with a fantastic and stress-free experience. I highly recommend Hotwire to anyone looking for great deals and exceptional service. Thank you, Hotwire.com, for making my travel experiences unforgettable!
S Solly Azar
145 days ago

Shame

A Lifesaver for My Home Entertainment Needs After a harrowing experience with another provider, I stumbled upon hotwire.com and it has been a game-changer. When my cable box stopped working, I immediately reached out for help. The customer service team responded promptly and guided me through troubleshooting steps. When it became clear that a technician was needed, they scheduled a visit within just a few days. The technician arrived on time and was extremely courteous and knowledgeable. He was able to resolve the issue quickly, getting my home entertainment system up and running again. I was deeply impressed by the professionalism and expertise demonstrated throughout the process. Thanks to hotwire.com, I can now enjoy uninterrupted entertainment at home. I wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone in need of reliable and efficient solutions. If you're looking for a provider that truly cares about its customers, hotwire.com is the way to go.
C Christine Hurley
154 days ago

Hotwire is a total scam

I recently had the most disappointing experience with Hotwire, and I cannot emphasize enough how much I regret using their services. My hotel room was in a terrible state, with bugs, mold, and overall lack of cleanliness. To make matters worse, the TV was dysfunctional and the customer service was unhelpful. Despite acknowledging all the issues, Hotwire refused to provide a refund, leaving me feeling utterly betrayed and disillusioned. I genuinely hope that my experience serves as a warning to others considering booking through Hotwire. It's crucial to prioritize the trustworthiness and reliability of a company, and unfortunately, Hotwire fell short in every aspect. I urge you to spare yourself the frustration and avoid Hotwire at all costs. Your peace of mind and comfort while traveling should never be compromised, and Hotwire clearly failed to deliver on these essential aspects.
L Lisa Aldrich
188 days ago

If I could give them negative stars

Hotwire's Poor Service and Lack of Communication - A Warning to All Travelers I recently had an absolutely terrible experience with Hotwire that has left me feeling incredibly frustrated and disappointed. As someone who has used their services in the past without issue, the decline in their customer service and overall reliability is shocking. To provide some context, I had booked two flights and a car rental for a week-long trip. It all started with an email informing me that my return flight had been canceled by West Jet, with an option to accept or decline an alternative flight. Choosing to decline due to a less favorable connection, I proceeded to rebook my return flight on my own. However, what followed was a series of unfortunate events. To my bewilderment, I only found out at the airport, on the day of my outbound flight, that I had been removed from the original flight by Hotwire without any prior notification. This left me scrambling to secure a last-minute flight at a staggering cost of over $1000. The most frustrating part of this entire ordeal is the lack of responsibility taken by Hotwire. Despite the fact that the refund for the canceled flight came from West Jet, Hotwire has adamantly refused to reimburse me for both the original cost and the exorbitant last-minute flight that I had to book as a result of their incompetence. This experience has left me not only out of pocket but also deeply dissatisfied with Hotwire's level of service and disregard for their customers' well-being. I am vehemently urging everyone within earshot to steer clear of Hotwire and their services. In retrospect, if I could assign negative stars to signify my experience, I would do so in a heartbeat. It is abundantly clear that Hotwire is no longer the reliable travel agency it once was, and I implore prospective travelers to explore other options. My hope in sharing this cautionary tale is that no one else falls victim to the same distressing situation that I faced. In conclusion, my journey with Hotwire has undoubtedly come to an abrupt and displeasing end. I have learned the hard way and hope that by sharing my story, others can avoid the stress and financial burden that I have endured. Avoid Hotwire at all costs, and explore alternative, more dependable travel services.
I israel okpako
193 days ago

Hotwire: A Cautionary Tale for Travelers

When I first came across Hotwire, I was excited to find seemingly great deals on their site. However, my experience with them left me deeply disappointed and frustrated. After booking a rental with Sixt Car Rental in Orlando, Florida, I was shocked to discover that I had been charged $362.03, only to realize that the amount did not reconcile with Sixt's records. To my dismay, I had been double-charged directly by Sixt Car Rental. Despite reporting the issue to my credit card company, the matter remained unresolved, with Hotwire failing to provide any assistance or accountability. This experience not only left a dent in my wallet but also eroded my trust in Hotwire's integrity. Regrettably, my findings on the internet revealed numerous similar grievances against Hotwire, further validating my own negative encounter. As someone who values honesty and transparency in business dealings, I am compelled to warn fellow travelers about the potential pitfalls of engaging with Hotwire. The allure of their apparent bargains may disguise a web of unsavory practices, manifesting in frustrating and costly consequences for unsuspecting customers. In light of my ordeal, I adamantly advocate for greater scrutiny and caution when considering Hotwire for any travel arrangements. In reflection of my encounter, I would be remiss not to express my genuine sentiment – I would bestow Hotwire with zero stars if such a rating were feasible.
C Chris Asbury
233 days ago

Hot wire is a total scam but keep…

Hotwire came through for me during a challenging time, and I can't thank them enough for their exceptional customer service. When the Maui wildfires prevented us from traveling as planned, I was worried about losing my hard-earned money. After a frustrating experience with other companies, I reached out to Hotwire. Despite the initial difficulties, they answered my calls and worked tirelessly to resolve the situation. Their dedication and support shone through, and they ultimately refunded my booking as per the governor's instructions. I deeply appreciate Hotwire's commitment to their customers, and I highly recommend them for their reliability and responsiveness. Thank you, Hotwire, for going above and beyond when it mattered most.
A AYESHA PATTERSON
239 days ago

Liars

Hotwire has been a lifesaver for me! I recently booked a trip through the website and had the most seamless experience. From the moment I entered the site, I was impressed by the user-friendly interface and wide range of options available. The prices were unbelievably affordable, and I was able to secure a fantastic deal on a hotel and flight package. What really impressed me, though, was the customer service. When I encountered a minor issue with my booking, I was blown away by how efficiently and courteously the team handled it. They went above and beyond to rectify the situation, and I couldn't be more grateful for their dedication to customer satisfaction. I've read some negative reviews, but my experience has been nothing short of exceptional. Hotwire not only delivered on their promises but exceeded my expectations. I felt compelled to share my positive experience to counterbalance the unfortunate negativity that often overshadows the hard work of companies like Hotwire. I highly recommend Hotwire to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable travel booking platform. Thank you, Hotwire, for your outstanding service!
J Josh H
243 days ago

Car rental reservation was next to worthless

I recently had an unfortunate experience with a car rental reservation through Hotwire.com, but thankfully, Enterprise came to the rescue. I had booked a vehicle rental well in advance, only to arrive at the designated location and discover that it had closed and merged with another one. No one had informed me about this change, causing a lot of frustration for my family and me. After a lengthy search and numerous calls, I finally found another Enterprise location that honored the price I had reserved through Hotwire.com. While my initial experience was a hassle, I was grateful for the professionalism and assistance provided by the Enterprise staff. They were able to turn around a potentially disastrous situation, and I appreciated their willingness to honor the original reservation. However, I do believe that Hotwire.com could improve its communication with rental partners to prevent similar issues in the future. It's essential for customers to feel confident and trust that their reservations are accurate and honored by all involved parties. Despite the initial setback, Enterprise's support and understanding made a significant difference in salvaging my rental plans. In conclusion, I am thankful for the excellent service from Enterprise and hopeful that Hotwire.com will consider enhancing its partnership communications for a smoother customer experience in the future.
J James Nielson
252 days ago

Scammed by hotwire

I can't express enough how grateful I am for my experience with hotwire.com. I was initially skeptical after reading some negative reviews, but I decided to give it a shot. And oh boy, am I glad I did! From the moment I booked my hotel, everything went seamlessly. The room was exactly as described and the price was unbeatable. I had a slight concern about the booking process, so I reached out to their support team. I was blown away by their professionalism and dedication to solving my issue. Instead of generic responses, I received personalized assistance that truly put my mind at ease. My trip turned out to be fantastic, and I have hotwire.com to thank for that. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for a smooth and reliable booking experience. I couldn't be happier with the service I received. Thank you, hotwire.com, for making my trip unforgettable!

Introduction

Hotwire.com is a leading online travel agency that offers discounted rates on flights, hotels, and car rentals. With its unique business model and innovative pricing strategy, Hotwire has gained popularity among budget-savvy travelers who are looking for affordable travel options.

Pros and Cons

Pros: - Hotwire's opaque pricing model, which allows customers to book travel at heavily discounted rates without knowing the specific airline or hotel they will be staying at, can save travelers significant amounts of money. - Hotwire offers a Price Drop Protection feature, which allows customers to be refunded the difference in fares if the price drops after they book. - Hotwire has a mobile app that is easy to use and allows travelers to book flights, hotels, and car rentals on the go. Cons: - Some customers have reported difficulty in changing or cancelling reservations, particularly with opaque bookings. - Hotwire's customer service can sometimes be slow to respond to inquiries or complaints. - Because of its opaque pricing model, Hotwire can sometimes lead to unexpected outcomes, such as customers being placed in less-desirable rooms or seats.

User Experience

Hotwire's website is easy to navigate, with clear options for flights, hotels, and car rentals. The search functions are straightforward, and the results are presented clearly. The mobile app is similarly easy to use and navigate.

Pricing and Value for Money

Hotwire's pricing strategy is unique, with its opaque pricing model allowing for deeply discounted rates. This can be a great value for money, but it does come with the risk of unexpected outcomes (such as less-desirable seats or rooms). Hotwire also offers regular promotions and discounts, especially to customers who sign up for their email list.

Alternatives

Some popular alternatives to Hotwire include Expedia, Priceline, and Kayak. Each of these sites offers a similar range of travel options, although they may have different pricing structures or promotional offers.

Customer Service

Hotwire's customer service can be hit or miss, with some customers reporting slow response times or difficulty in changing or cancelling reservations. However, Hotwire does offer a help center with extensive FAQ and support pages, as well as a contact form for inquiries.

Product Quality and Selection

With its wide range of flights, hotels, and car rentals available, Hotwire offers a good selection of travel options. However, because of its opaque pricing model, customers may not always be certain of the level of quality they are booking.

Website Usability

Hotwire's website is easy to navigate and use, with clear options for flights, hotels, and car rentals. The search functions are straightforward, and the results are presented in a clear and easy-to-understand manner.

Returns and Exchanges

Hotwire's returns and exchanges policy can be somewhat restrictive, particularly with opaque bookings. Customers may not always be able to change or cancel their reservations, and there may be fees associated with doing so.

Promotions and Discounts

Hotwire offers regular promotions and discounts, particularly to customers who sign up for their email list. These promotions can offer significant savings on travel bookings.

Reputation

Overall, Hotwire has a good reputation as a reliable online travel agency. However, some customers have reported difficulty with changing or cancelling reservations, and the opaque pricing model can sometimes lead to unexpected outcomes.

Payment Options

Hotwire accepts a variety of payment options, including major credit cards and PayPal.

Loyalty Programs

Hotwire does not offer a traditional loyalty program, although customers who sign up for their email list may receive special promotions and discounts.

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews of Hotwire are generally positive, with many customers citing the significant savings they were able to achieve through the opaque pricing model. However, some customers have reported difficulty in changing or cancelling reservations, or unexpected outcomes such as lower-quality rooms or seats.

Community Involvement

Hotwire is involved in a number of philanthropic initiatives, including donating to disaster relief efforts and partnering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Shipping and Costs

Because Hotwire offers travel bookings, there are no shipping costs associated with their services. However, fees may apply to changes or cancellations of reservations.