Hotwire Sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Never using again......

[tiyana4]

:evil: :evil: :evil:
I have used Priceline in the past with very good results each time. However, with so many cruisers recommending Hotwire and with the postings of recent successes, I gave it a try. Boy was I disappointed!

Granted, this was the 2nd time I used Hotwire with the same results. I got stuck with a dingy, outdated hotel in San Juan that should not be considered a partner to any travel company. I booked what was portrayed as a 3-star hotel and ended up with a dump called the Hotel Miramar. In the continental states, a 3-star hotel includes Hyatt, Doubletree, Radisson, etc. Of course when I checked the star rating on TripAdvisor it showed the property was only a 2 1/2-star and Priceline only gave it 2-stars. Hotwire notoriously overinflates the star ratings - so Be Very Careful that you don't end up with a dump like I did!

I asked them to read the reviews and let me know if they would stay there (cockroaches in room. no hot water, stains on the bedspreads, filthy tub & bathroom, etc.) The response I received was "All sales are final, however you can notify us if you have any problem when you check in".

What a joke! I will never use Hotwire again. I much prefer Priceline because they actually show what properties are available based on star rating PRIOR to bidding on a property in that location. If a star rating is low, then you at least have the option of changing the search for a higher category. As I mentioned, this is the 2nd time I have used them and I had the exact same issue in Cancun last summer. Don't waste your money - book direct with the retailer or use Priceline instead.

[Cassandra]

Next time book directly with a hotel that YOU choose.

Miramar was getting hammered when I was looking for our cruise back in 2005.

If your hotel in PR has a casino, expect to pay more for your room.

[wakedreams]

If you are picky about where you stay .... why are you gambling on these types of sites. Seems reckless to me..

If you want the Waldorf, don't bid 2stars.

[tiyana4]

Originally Posted by wakedreams

If you are picky about where you stay .... why are you gambling on these types of sites. Seems reckless to me..

If you want the Waldorf, don't bid 2stars.

I bid on a 3-star hotel - not a 2-star. In the states a 3-star is a Hyatt, Doubletree, Embassy Suite, etc. We do a lot of traveling and generally choose a Hyatt brand hotel. Unfortunately there were no Hyatt hotels available in San Juan so yes, I took a chance on the seemingly popular Hotwire and it didn't work out. Hence, never using again.

I don't need to stay at the Waldorf to be happy and if I wanted to stay at a more luxurious hotel, I would have chosen the Ritz Carlton outright which is a viable option now at only $269.

[seamonkey]

SORRY TO here about your bad luck with hotwire. I use them 70% of the time and always with good results.

[Cassandra]

I don't bother with any of those 'bidding' sites. Can't be bothered & even my sister who has used Priceline has problems with them - like changing flights & not telling her on 3 occasions now.

I go on Yahoo Travel, type in the area I'm interested in. Get the listings of hotels. Then I go to Tripadivsor.com and check the reviews. I ditch the whiner reviews & go for the ones that actually have intelligent reviews.

Then I check the hotel site directly for pricing and see if there are any specials.

Then I check other online travel sites like Hotels.com, travelocity, etc and see their pricing. They are all usually all within about $30 of each other.