I've been an active Hotwire customer for several years and have never complained. In this case however, I think I should have gotten more from Hotwire, can anyone offer tips on negotiating more. Recently I booked every night of a 9 day road trip with hotwire. All was well (as usual) except the first night. We arrive around 10pm local time (not horribly late) at one of those low service all suite properties (extended stay type). Usually this isn't a problem , I know the trade off for low price is often low service. However, In this case it was Thanksgiving evening and it was after hours for checkin. The remedy was to ring bell and someone should come out to the office. Well, no one came out for over 1/2 hour waiting! It was about 30 degree F out and we were very tired from our early flight combined with time at a local attraction. Finally we gave up and checked into the hotel next door at our own expense. I called the hotwire preferred customer line and they refused a refund, giving us only "hot bucks" (credit to use within one year). I believe given the level of inconvenience which was completely not our fault, we should have gotten a refund and the "hot bucks" as remedy. Anyone have any tips to negotiate more ?
