Hotwire Hotel: 4* NYC (MTE) The Drake Swissotel

[peters4]

On 3/30/05, I booked two nights at New York's Swissotel/Drake on Hotwire for $534.95 (tax & fees included). However, when I checked out of the hotel on 4/2/05, the hotel bill showed an advance deposit, presumably through Hotwire, for $485.77, a difference of $49.18.

I've used Hotwire before but can't recall an instance where the amount Hotwire charged me was more than the amount the hotel, as shown on my check-out bill, was paid. Has anyone else experienced this?

[WillTravel]

I haven't experienced that specifically. However, we know that Hotwire "plays" with their markup margin throughout a typical day, as the same hotel will show up with different prices throughout the day. So there will typically be a markup of some sort.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

The difference is what is often refered to as profit :)

You've probably never noticed it before because the hotel is not supposed to let you see the rate that HOTWIRE paid.

Please post the amenities shown before purchase, which you can still view by going to HOTWIRE and clicking the MY ACCOUNT link near the top right of their home page. Also, what was the nitely rate before fees/taxes?

Thanks.