How Hotwire Challenges Other Travel Sites to Find the Best Deals

Much like other travel websites, Hotwire helps you see what flights, hotels, and car rentals are available where and when, and how much you can save. But how does it stack up against other travel sites? Read on to find out more.

What Is Hotwire?

Hotwire launched in 2000 as one of the first online travel sites to work directly with companies that supplied travel services. These companies often have unsold services you can get at a discount when working with a travel site. Hotwire negotiates lower prices to help you find and book discounted travel services and get the best deals on hotel rooms, flights, rental cars, and even entire vacation packages. It makes planning everything from weekend business trips for one to weeks-long family vacations for all your relatives easier, faster, and cheaper.

How Does Hotwire Compare to Travelocity?

Hotwire is often compared to Travelocity because Travelocity is one of the biggest online travel sites. The two competitors are pretty evenly matched. Both options offer 24/7 customer service, a mobile app, and deals on hotels, rental cars, flights, and vacation packages. Travelocity also has deals on cruises, which aren’t currently available on Hotwire. Travelocity also offers a helpful “Things to do” section with travel advice and inspiration, plus searchable activities by location with discounted tickets for top attractions. However, transactions are generally less complicated with Hotwire compared to Travelocity. Hotwire has a Low Price Guarantee, while Travelocity’s Price Guarantee matches any price another company offers.

How Does Hotwire Compare to Priceline?

Priceline began in 1997, making it older than Hotwire, but the two travel sites have a lot in common. Both options hide the company offering the site’s best hotel room deals. These are called Hot Rate deals for Hotwire, while Priceline calls them Express Deals. However, both also allow you to price-shop by hotel brand. Hotwire and Priceline promise they can save you up to 40% on rental cars and airline tickets and up to 60% on hotel rooms. However, Hotwire’s Hot Rate hotel discounts sometimes save you more than 60%. It also tends to have the best last-minute hotel savings, including deeper discounts for day-of bookings made with its free mobile app.