Can Hotwire rate be more expensive than open rates?

[bhc2000]

Hello, wonder if Hotwire rates can actually be more expensive than rates from open sources (Expedia, hotel websites, etc.), with taxes and fees added in for all sources.

For example, I did a Hotwire search for 12/22-23, 2010 for Newark, NJ. Hotwire reports $139 ($170 with taxes and fees) for a 4-star Hoboken-Jersey City. Expedia reports the Westin as $139 ($158 total) and the Hyatt as $149 ($169 total), both of which are still cheaper than $170.

[trenhoel]

Yes, HOTWIRE rates can be higher than for example booking with the hotel directly. Sometimes rates are only slightly higher and due to disappointment one doesn`t take advantage of their "low rates guarantee" afterwards. With HOTWIRE you always have to be very careful and you can't be sure that booking with HOTWIRE guarantees the big deal! So do your homework before ! Good luck!

[thereuare]

HOTWIRE has a "Double the Difference Guarantee" (see full terms at their website) but it only applies to the room rate. So while the HOTWIRE total (including taxes and fees) is more than the Westin and Hyatt websites, this would not qualify for 'double the difference' since the room rate is either the same or lower.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... and your searches too!

[dahammer]

For example, I did a Hotwire search for 12/22-23, 2010 for Newark, NJ. Hotwire reports $139 ($170 with taxes and fees) for a 4-star Hoboken-Jersey City. Expedia reports the Westin as $139 ($158 total) and the Hyatt as $149 ($169 total), both of which are still cheaper than $170.

I have found that PRICELINE will be typically less than HOTWIRE, so you might be able to get a 4* in the Jersey City zone through bidding.