Hotwire.com Experiences?

[ruadisneyfan2]

I was wondering if anyone could tell me their experience using Hotwire for hotels. We just need a decent place to sleep/shower for 1 nt. near MCO after a late arriving flight.
We've used the Fairfield Inn by Marriott in the past and have a great rate booked with them for our Nov. trip but they have since changed their govt. employee rate policy(dh works for our county) and now only offer it to fed. employees. We're trying to plan a long weekend getaway in Sept. to US/IOA.
I can get the Fairfield for $127 incl tax and free breakfast. Not that I think that's expensive but Hotwire has a 3 star for only $49 + tax = $62.31. Half the price of Fairfield which is rated 2.5 stars on Expedia.
I've used Priceline in the past and they put us in a beautiful place but it was over 5 miles from the airport so I'm a little leery about trying again. Hotwire's "map" of airport area is smaller than Priceline's. Should I grab it or wait and see what's offered closer to our date?
TIA!!!

 

[alexcturner]

Hi, We had a VERY bad experience with Hotwire and will never use them again. (It was for Galveston Tx not Florida.) After I already had the experience I checked out the number of complaints lodged against them on the BBB (and they are members!)

 

[DC7800]

I've never had any problems the few times I've used Hotwire. One nice thing about it, as opposed to Priceline, is you can enter the number of adults + Children in your party - to ensure you get two beds. Also, it is often possible to deduce the identity of the Hotwire property (you can't be 100% sure, though) before you buy.

You may want to check out http://www.betterbidding.com

 

[doe3001]

I have used hotwire with no problem. But that is not a guarantee. I have also used EXPEDIA with no problem until my last trip that was a disaster (EXPEDIA's fault). In fact they tried to scam me.
Hotwire is owned by EXPEDIA so, if you like risk go ahead and book . Then you are on your own.

 

[cruisincarrie]

I've only had great experiences with Hotwire. I use the betterbidding site to identify the property and have always received the property I thought I was getting. Also, if you have an Entertainment book, you can get a $10 rebate off of your stay. If you are able to identify the hotel by looking at betterbidding and are willing to take the small chance that it might not be that property, I would definitely do it. In a place like Orlando where tons of people are using Hotwire and posting their results, the chance of a hotel not being one of the ones listed is much less than in a less popular area. Good luck!

 

[Darcy03231]

I use it for all of our hotel stays now and have never had a problem. FYI I never go with less than a 3* property.

 

[Vivianne]

I used it last year with no problem. I plan to use it again while I'm on my trip. Hope everything goes well.

I used Priceline twice and got Renaissance and Holiday Inn Select. We had a problem with the Holiday Inn but it had nothing to do with Hotwire.