What are Hotwire Hot Rate Deals?
Hot Rate deals are deeply discounted bookings on rental cars, hotel stays, and flights through Hotwire. But there is a catch—some of the info on your booking, such as the hotel name or airline, won’t be revealed until after you book. If you’re willing to be flexible to get a cheaper price on your reservation, Hot Deals are a good way to go. Here’s how it works:
Hot Rate Car Rentals
When searching for car rentals on Hotwire, you’ll see some Hot Rate deal options. With these, you’re guaranteed to get the same or similar type of car that you’re shown and one of three car rental agencies. Once you’ve booked and paid, you’ll be able to see all of the details of your reservation, including the rental agency. Hot Rate rentals require you pay the full amount upfront (including taxes, fees, etc.) and come with unlimited mileage.
Hot Rate Flights
As shown below, a Hot Rate flight will give you a window of time in which you’ll travel, but will not show the exact departure or arrival time or number of layovers. This information will be revealed after you book.
Hot Rate Hotels
With a Hot Rate hotel booking, you won’t know exactly which hotel you’re getting before you book. But if you click on “What hotel will I get?” in the bottom right corner of the listing, you’ll be able to see the general location, hotel chain options (you’ll be guaranteed one of these), and amenities.
Hot Rate Deals Cancellation Policy
Hotwire’s official policy is that Hot Rate bookings are non-refundable and non-changeable, even in the case of COVID impacting your travel. That said, there may be some wiggle room and it can’t hurt to contact Hotwire's 24/7 customer service team to plead your case. Find all the info you need on Hotwire’s Cancellation Policy here.
Are Hot Rate Deals Really Hot?
Hotwire Hot Rate deals are seriously discounted, but how do they compare to other travel sites and their deals? Below we compare 3-star hotel stays in the Boston area with Hot Rate deals, Priceline Pricebreakers, and Booking.com to see what’s really the hottest deal.
Hotwire Hot Rate Deal: $129
Priceline Pricebreakers Deal: $103
Booking.com Deal: $159
The bottom line: Hot Rate deals really are pretty hot, but it’s still a good idea to compare with other sites. In this case, Pricebreakers was the cheapest option. Overall, though, we found Hotwire and Priceline to be neck-and-neck with their deals.
More Ways to Save at Hotwire
- Download the Hotwire App and book your Hot Rate hotel or car rental there to save 10%
- Sign up for Hotwire emails and get $10 off a Hot Rate hotel booking
- Hotwire low-price guarantee: if you find a lower rate for an identical booking, they will pay you the difference between the two rates (but the rate has to be found and claimed within 24 hours of booking)
- Check out our Hotwire Savings Guide for additional tips on saving with Hot Rate deals and more on Hotwire
Related Deals
