Since the dawn of the 21st century, “opaque” travel purchases (buying unsold travel inventory at a discounted price) has given customers an alternative to paying retail for hotel accommodations.
Although other companies have dotted the internet landscape over recent years, the two pioneering giants in the industry remain Priceline and Hotwire.
Although you cannot request a specific hotel, both Priceline and Hotwire allow you to search for the lowest available room price based on preference, quality rating, destination and travel dates.
The general model of both companies is that you will receive a great deal because the hotel’s identity remains hidden until after your purchase. This allows the hotel to continue selling its product at a higher cost to the public.
Keep in mind that reward or loyalty points cannot be applied to your stay because of the lower price. Also be certain that your travel dates are firm because purchases are nonrefundable. However, both websites do offer price guarantees.
For the most part, this is where the similarities end as each company has significant and unique differences. Which site is the overall best depends on your comfort zone when planning travel.
Here at Dealspotr.com we have analyzed the two sites to help you decide which travel company suits your needs and personal style.
Priceline allows more discount opportunities with “Name Your Price” or the “Express Deals” (which offer up to 60 percent off the listed rate of an undisclosed hotel within geographical choice).
Generally, Priceline provides a greater network of hotel selections in larger neighborhoods. You can also have the security of booking at published hotels for an already set lower fee or sometimes full rate.
“Name Your Price” does provide more economical power in that you determine the amount you are willing to spend. It is Priceline’s responsibility to find a seller, at which time the property is unveiled. If the bid is rejected, then you must wait 24 hours before resubmitting another offer unless you change your dates and destination or use another credit card.
Hotwire allows you to choose the area and dates of your stay while displaying cheaper prices for unnamed hotels of varying star levels and amenities. After you purchase a room, the hotel name and location are revealed.
Due to being a lower cost, the room might be in a less-than-desirable part of the hotel, but you also may end up in a luxury hotel. Since Hotwire services smaller neighborhoods, it is more convenient to find the area in which you wish to stay.
Advantage: Tie. With Hotwire you already know the price before choosing to pay, but you don’t know what hotel you’ll get. There is some thrill in the booking procedure.
With Priceline bidding there is always the chance of losing that could result in wasted time and effort, not to mention frustration. That said, there is a better potential for striking a great deal with its variety of programs.
The “Best Price Guarantee” means if you find a better deal on a competing site then you have until midnight the day before you travel to contact the company.
With “Name Your Own Price,” you will be refunded 100 percent of the difference to your credit card. With “Express Deals,” you will be refunded 200 percent. For all other bookings there is a 24-hour window to initiate your claim.
Under Hotwire’s “Low Price Guarantee,” if you find a cheaper rate on another website within 24 hours of booking the reservation, the difference will be refunded to your credit card. There is also the option of taking the refund in Hotwire HOTDollars to be applied to future travel.
Advantage: Priceline. Its “Double the Difference” refund for “Express Deals,” is a difference-maker. Both Priceline and Hotwire have specific terms for claiming refunds, so be sure to check each website.
Without a booked reservation, there is no capability for general information calls. The website chat is not always active, thus making it difficult for to receive help other than using its search engine.
However, the search engine is pretty good unless you have a more specific need or are someone who prefers to speak directly with a customer representative.
Although there are live operators to take calls, they are not well informed about basic information.
With patience and a couple of extra phone calls to find the right person who can assist you, it is another option for help other than using a computer.
Advantage: Hotwire because of the capability to book your trip directly through an agent or receive information from a representative that cannot be obtained through a search engine … if you don’t mind the extra wait or a little inconvenience.
If you prefer to have more booking options and a better cash-back guarantee, then Priceline might be your best choice, but if you want a great focus on customer service, then you may want to opt for Hotwire.
With some flexibility and a sense of adventure on your part, you can get some great hotel deals at either one.
