Hotwire Hotel: 2.5* Ithaca Best Western University Inn

[rossm]

Yesterday took Hotwire's 2.5 * hotel in Ithaca NY from 6/13/09 to 6/15/09 offer at $86 p/n - total with taxes is $199.41.

As there are only two 2.5* hotels listed in Ithaca (on every website inc. Hotels.com, PRICELINE.com etc) I presumed it was one of those. Instead HOTWIRE gave me a 2* (they called it 2.5 after I paid) which is not listed anywhere else as such:

Best Western University Inn Ithaca, NY

1020 Ellis Hollow Road East Hill Plaza,

East Hill Plaza

Ithaca,NY,14850

(607) 272-6100

2* hotels were (and are still) avail in Ithaca on Hotwire (and elsewhere) for $66 or $64 per night on the same nights. In other words - they charged $20 p/n more for what is actually a 2*. In the description they included the names of the 2 2.5*'s in Ithaca - but not Best Western - so I find it very "bait and switch". Of course nothing is certain in the Hotwire world - however calling a 2 star a 2.5 after the fact, when it's not listed as such anywhere, is a plain rip-off in my opinion. I wonder how often they do this to everyone....? But I have been burned.

Thank you for all you do Mr Hoboken!

Ross

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Can you please add a reply to this thread with the amenities shown before your purchase... you can still view this information by going to HOTWIRE and clicking the MY ACCOUNT link near the top right of their home page.

Before your purchase did you check the Hotwire Hotel List where this property has previously been reported to the board as a 2.5* property? Before your next purchase feel free to ask the board for help and/or confirmation of what you believe you're purchasing and we'll try to help.

Enjoy your stay.

[rossm]

You are right - I never even noticed betterbidding had a list of hotels that Priceline calls various stars in different markets. Essential reading really, especially given that their stars and ratings are different from other websites. IF I ever use them again, as you can see a big if - I'll be sure to look at that list first to get an idea what hotel might be on offering.

I did not include the amenities first time around as it was so generic: there was nothing I saw specific - like pool, breakfast, etc - that might help idenify one hotel over another. However now that it's booked I have these details of an Ithaca 2.5* at Hotwire under my account - though, as I said I don't remember any of these amenities the first time around:

2.5-star hotel in Ithaca

This hotel features the following amenities:

Complimentary Breakfast

Fitness Center

Pool(s)

I hope this helps.

Thank you again for all your help to so many.

Ross

[thereuare]

Thanks for the follow-up!

[dahammer]

IF I ever use them again, as you can see a big if - I'll be sure to look at that list first to get an idea what hotel might be on offering.

Ross, I have had little success using PRICELINE or HOTWIRE in Ithaca. The smaller markets seem to not offer much of a discount compared to conventional bookings. I stayed at the Best Western a few years ago and I wouldn't stay there again, my room was not clean and the breakfast area was a mess. If there was a 1.5* rating, this would be it. You might want to complain to HOTWIRE about the star rating, if enough folks do so then it could be downgraded. I have had a few issues with HOTWIRE's rating system and I feel that they inflate the ratings by .5 to 1 full star. Some of the Holiday Inn Express properties are rated as 3* which I feel is undeserved.

Don't let this one experience turn you off, after a few successes, you won't want to go back to paying rack rates again. :) Use the resources on the board to plan your next hotel stay.

You may even want to try a PRICELINE bid if you can be a bit flexible as to location (anywhere within a specified zone), bedding and amenities. You will be hooked.

[rossm]

Thanks for your counsel, experience and encouragement.....at least I know what to expect next w/end in Ithaca, for $100 p/n!

I'll keep your advise in mind and will contact HOTWIRE too.

Thanks again - all best!