Opinions about "Hotwire"?

[DVC Grammy]

Has anyone used this website for booking car rentals? If so, are they reliable? For a non-WDW trip (Austin), they are offering the lowest rate for a rental, but since the rental company won't be disclosed disclosed until after they have my $, I'm a little wary.
Any feedback will be welcome..............

 

[Darcy03231]

I haven't booked a car through Hotwire, but I have booked hotels and been very satisfied. So far we've gotten the Wyndham, Hyatt (twice), Sheraton (Twice), and Doubletree. I wouldn't hesitate to book a car through them based on my experience.

 

[anniem923]

Hi,
I have booked both hotels and a car through Hotwire and would do it again if they were the lowest price. First, though, I would check out the options on the rental agencies websites to see what my options are, though. Hotwire gives you a little blurb about which possible agency you will get in the market you are looking for. Unless, I had specific reservations about one of those, I would book with them if they have the lowest price. You do have to be sure on your dates and times b/c the reservation is non-changeable and non-refundable. It worked out great for us when we went to WDW, we got Budget in the airport and they were very curteous and helpful when I got to the counter.
Have a nice trip to Austin!
Anne

 

[slruud]

As was stated previously, as long as your dates and times are set you shouldn't have any problems. Hotwire uses Hertz, Avis, and Budget. Priceline uses the same three along with Thrifty and National. For our upcoming trip to Phoenix, the major rental agencies are quoting $26 - $30 a day for economy/compact. Hotwire has economy for $12.95/day, so I went to Priceline and bid $9 and was accepted. I have no qualms using either HW or PL. By the way, I usually rent economy, and even if they do have economy cars available, they usually give us a compact. Just works out that way.
Good luck.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

We always use Hotwire for car rentals on our personal trips (for business always Hertz) and have always been happy with Hotwire's service. You pay less in taxes when you book with Hotwire but the price is non-refundable.

The only agencies that Hotwire uses are Hertz, Avis and I believe National - no little companies there.

Your purchase price does not include the optional insurance or fuel options but you can add them if you desire at the counter.

 

[maureenann]

Last trip I found that reserving through the American Express website got us a better (and bigger) car for less money that the others. May not be the case every time, but worth a look.