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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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12:00 am EST
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Hotwire Hotwire refuses to refund the money

I purchased airline tickets through hotwire.com for a holiday trip. The trip was cancelled by the airline and the airline agreed to refund the ticket price in late december. Hotwire refuses to refund the money to me because they are "waiting" for the airline to provide the check number of the refund. Hotwire knows how much money I paid and acknowledges that a refund was agreed to by the airline. At this point they are in possession of my original payment, plus the refund from the airline. Repeated calls to resolve the matter go nowhere, and I am not getting return calls by anyone with authority to fix the problem. This is unethical and hotwire employees should be ashamed.

Read full review of Hotwire and 20 comments
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Scott Jeffers
, US
Dec 03, 2023 10:06 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I completed an on-line rental for an "economy" booking in Orlando for 6 days. Hotwire choose NU rental agency. The reviews are horrible and I don't believe Hotwire should be using them at all!. I called and asked for some help in canceling so I could have Hotwire book someone else for me. Got nothing but bs about policies. Horrible experience.

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Tee1215
, US
Mar 02, 2020 4:58 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Hotwire would not refund my money on a hotel that had bedbugs and dirty as heck. The cleaning woman said they keep bedbugs
Extended stay in Greenville SC . The hotel managers was angry i wanted to leave,

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Adrienne Niecy Martin Ferguson
, US
Nov 13, 2018 1:32 pm EST

I bought ticket but my mom died had to cancelled ticket was told to contact delta for refund.Back and forth for two months I sent all documents requested.Now hotwire won't approve refund.Spoke to Emily Jade from corporate and she was very very nasty and rude to me.She has no customer service skills.Shame on you hotwire I can't help my mother died

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Bruce lesperabce
, CA
Nov 06, 2018 12:04 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Hotwire booked me a hotel in Saint Petersburg with a hotel that was being demolished within a month. The room was disgusting so we never stayed on the agreement with Hotwire to refund my 166 usd. It never happened and that was years ago. I have reservations about the integrity of this company so buyer be ware.

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James pirtone
, US
Nov 05, 2018 9:35 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Book a car rental online, Hotwire says this car is not available. No car and Hotwire charges me $1.00 for nothing. They do have the car but now it's more money. Fauls advertising. How many people do they do this to. Would be a great class action lawsuit to check into.

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Christophe C
, FR
Oct 23, 2018 3:42 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Hello,
I made a reservation through Hotwire to stay in Holiday Inn ST CUGAT, reservation [protected].
When I arrive in the hotel, they didn't find the reservation and I should pay my night. Holidau Inn contact you but never received news. Please credit me or solve this situation. C.CAMPION :campion.christophe@gmail.com

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SANiknam
, US
Oct 22, 2018 8:06 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Booked a hotel through Hotwire. At the hotel reception I was told that they do not have any registration under my name and they can not let me in. Imagine, I was with family (two kids), took me two hours to reserve another hotel. After almost two months Hotwire is still researching. The customer service is beyond disaster.

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Robert siefman
, US
Oct 21, 2018 4:32 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Clerical error made me miss my flight and cost me 24 hours...4 hours on the phone...worst customer service of my 62 years on earth...probably going to sue unless i get my flight compef and 2 thousanf dollars compensation for lost time and

Damages...

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frankiko
, US
Oct 21, 2018 4:45 pm EDT

I booked a room on April 2018 in New York city .And work issues arrive I was unable to make and call and cancel the reservation and until today ram waiting for the rembursment the customer service is terrible and the are acting like I am taking a loans from them .never ever buy from HOT =WIRE IS UFAWL COMAPNY.

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Marlene Hairston
, US
Sep 18, 2018 8:29 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I was charged $73.13 from hotwire and was charged $61.16 from University hotel. Please help. I was told to screenshot my bank statement from hotwire.

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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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