Hotwire Hotel: 3.5* Atlanta (Perimeter) Doubletree Guest Suites

[AlabamALum]

Booked a stay in Atlanta with Hotwire. 3.5* for 5/30. Got the Perimeter Doubletree for $61 (with taxes and fees it was $76.95). Found the same room on the Doubletree website for a grand total of $74.73 (including fees and taxes). The room rate was technically cheaper with Hotwire, but the total cost was more than booking direct.

We're not talking alot of cash, but it cost me more money and no Hilton Honors points?

Sent Hotwire an e-mail voicing my disappointment. Will post their reponse, if any.

[Blueskies]

Did it have different amenities or did you not use the board to refer to?

Was this the first time you used hotwire?

That's why it is good to use the hotel list to check the hotels in the area and you can check directly with their website too before you press the button and of course ask for confirmation from the board if you have any doubts.

Pity about your over priced purchase but next time you will be able to use the board and at least you did not make a BIG mistake.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Sorry to hear of your disappointment in the 'deal' (or lack thereof) on this purchase. Can you please provide the amenities that were shown before purchase so we can check/update our hotel lists accordingly.

I wouldn't write off the opaque services at this point... but feel free to ask for help next time as we can often help steer you in the right direct and have an idea of what is a 'true deal' or not.

Thanks!

[AlabamALum]

Thanks for the welcome...

I'm new to the board and didn't know to check it out or I would have. I have used PL several times, but a friend recommended Hotwire and I tried it a few weeks back and saved a whopping $1.75 (total), but lost frequent "flyer" points. This time I pay $2.22 more and lose points again.

This hotel is a "customer favorite" and a "best value" on the website and one of three reviews talks about how she enjoyed the indoor/outdoor pool. I've stayed at this hotel. It is a 3* (but not a 3.5, IMO).

Here are the amenities:

This Hotel features the following amenities:

Suite

Guest rooms are designed for an extended stay or are more spacious than the average hotel room -- or both. Suites typically offer: a residential look and feel, a kitchenette and separate living room and bedroom areas.

Restaurant(s)

At least one restaurant is located on the premises. Restaurant hours may vary.

Pool(s)

Property features at least one pool area. (Note: This amenity offering may be seasonal. Please check hours/availability directly with the property.)

Fitness Center

Exercise equipment is available for guest use. An additional fee may apply.

Business Center

Guests have access to business equipment/services.

Laundry Facilities (self-service)

Guests have access to a coin-operated washer/dryer.

[AlabamALum]

Here is their repsonse (I filled out a Double the Difference request):

Dear A.Alum,

Thank you for your message regarding the Hotwire Hotel Low Price

Guarantee.

After reviewing the information you submitted, we have determined that

you are not eligible for a refund under the Low Price Guarantee, because

the rate you provided was the rate after taxes. The pre-tax rate was

$65.55, which is higher than your Hotwire rate. The Terms and Conditions

for the Low Price Guarantee state:

The Low-Price Guarantee from Hotwire is available to any customer who

purchases one or more room nights from Hotwire and finds a lower total

pre-tax rate for the same hotel and the same dates (based upon average

cost for entire timeframe of hotel stay) from any other source within 48

hours following the customer's purchase on Hotwire.

To view the Terms and Conditions in full, click on the link below or

copy and paste it into your browser.

hotwire.com/pop-up/double-the-difference-terms-popup.jsp

At Hotwire, our mission is to help you get the best hotel rates around.

We are working to provide the most value for your money, while ensuring

that our guarantee policy is fair and reasonable.

Thank you again for your email and for using Hotwire. If you have any

questions about this message, please respond by email to

[email protected].

Sincerely,

Amilyn G

Hotwire Customer Care

www.hotwire.com

and here is my response....

Dear Amanda G:

Thanks for your letter. I appreciate the speed in which you responded.

I absolutely understand what you're saying. I had read the rules and conditions and I knew that, by the letter, it would not qualify. But there is an inherent flaw in the guarantee. The extra cost isn't much, so it's not something that I would lose sleep over even if it did qualify.

However...

The fact remains that the total cost for the Hotwire booking is more than the total cost when booking from the hotel's own website...and I am not awarded the Hilton Honors points to boot.

So, Hotwire has (more than likely) lost me as a customer (this is only my second booking, so no big deal). I don't think I would risk using Hotwire, being charged a higher total amount, and losing out on the frequent customer points again.

Thanks for your time.

Regards,

A.Alum

If I get anything else back from them (I doubt it, heh), I'll post it. I feel a bit silly even taking the time with such a small amount (and the HH points wouldn't be much for one 75 buck stay - 100 or so), but it is disappointing - so, back to PL for me unless something spectacular comes up...

[vered4]

I just had the exact same situation happen to me for the Hyatt Regency in Chicago. Booked through Hotwire for $88. Hyatt then posted a summer special for $89. With the Hotwire fees, it came out to be $4 MORE after taxes. I knew I would "lose" with Hotwire,so I didn't bother...and it's only $4....but somehow it IS disappointing. :) But....Hotwire has NOT lost me because I have struck gold at least 20 times prior to this...