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Tripcentral Ca | Tagged Posts
2019
10
January
Is Hotwire a Reliable Option for Booking Vacation Packages?
10
January
Question:
Humans say...
Chris
Hi Nicola, I've seen various issues with hotwire not sticking to the same currency after you set it. For example, if you set the currency to Canadian (CAD) on the home page, and then click on Vacations and search for a vacation, it will change back to U.S dollars (USD) (without the option to set it to CAD). So just make sure the vacation package price you're looking at is in the currency you expect.
Taunia
Chris this exact thing happened to me on flights back in 2017. Now I’m very careful.
Karen
Watch the currency, the trip length (often 5 days) and check the dates very carefully. Make sure the flights & hotel check in check out times correspond with the flights.
Cindy
You can usually get the same price if you go directly to the airline website. If not, phone and see if they will match it. I always feel better booking directly through them as it's easier to deal with if a problem arises.
Brandie
Call the resorts directly, wherever you want to book. THey get almost nothing by getting bookings through hotwire, expedia, kayak, etc.. I had an issue with a booking this year and tried to get expedia to deal with it, eventually got to speak to the property owner and she told me that the venue always gets the shaft with those sites.
Millie
Also, if you book through a U.S company (double check) you will pay is U.S funds. Learned that the hard way.
Janine
I've had luck with tripcentral.ca - in Canadian $, and the prices don't magically change during the payment step
David
Booking direct with the Airline and Resort is always best. Should something happen, it will be the Resort and airlines problem. You’d have to deal with hotwire directly if you book through them. Airlines can’t help you until the door closes on your first flight.
Nicola
Thanks everyone I appreciate the feedback. I called the hotel direct and after a conversation they sounded like they would price match but actually hotwire was very misleading. It was giving a nightly price but when you went through to the confirmation page they added $3500 for the fourth person so it didn’t work out any cheaper in the long run.
Since then I’ve read about the seaweed issue and wonder whether to re-evaluate my search altogether. Is it only certain times of the year when it is bad or all year round?
Debi
Nicola the hotels are working hard trying to keep the sargassum off the beaches. They use tractors to clear it every morning
Nicola
Thank Debi
Mike
Barcelo Maya was great
Jen
I found Barcelo overrated
Wanda
I haven't used them for vacations but have used them lots for hotels and cars, so far no issues.
Owen
Book your flights in shoulder season. Only flights, not accommodations. You may have to book the first night in a hotel in advance in order to provide an address to customs authorities. On arrival, get yourself a local SIM card, or access to wifi. Once there, check for the deals on apps preinstalled on your phone. We prefer Booking.com. Deals never get better than last minute. We've stayed in 5 star resorts for 1/3 the price. On the negative side, sometimes you can't stay for the duration you want and may have to move elsewhere but we have had richer experiences from staying in more than resort on a trip.
Booking.com
BOOKING.COM: The largest selection of hotels, homes, and vacation rentals
Crystal
We did a few years back for a Jamaican wedding. Travel agent wanted like 2200 person for upgraded suite. Got it thru site for like 1800. Groomsmen got ready in our room as it was pretty perfect!
Karen
barcelo is awesome!
Nicola
Karen which hotel did you stay in?
Marsha
Loved Barcelona!
Sangeeth
We had a terrible experience using hotwire for hotel reservations in San Diego. Will never use again.
A.I. says...
Using Hotwire for Booking Vacation Packages: Is it Too Good to Be True?
Planning a vacation can be an exciting yet daunting task, especially when it comes to finding the perfect deal. Hotwire, a popular online travel booking platform, often offers enticing discounts on vacation packages, leaving many travelers wondering if the deals are too good to be true. In this blog post, we'll explore the pros and cons of using Hotwire and provide some insights into booking your dream vacation at the Barcelo Maya Grand Resort in Mexico.
Understanding Hotwire's Business Model
Hotwire operates on an opaque pricing model, meaning that they don't reveal the name of the hotel or airline until after you've booked your reservation. This allows them to offer discounted rates by selling unsold inventory from hotels and airlines. The catch is that you won't know the exact hotel or flight details until after you've made the purchase.
The Pros of Using Hotwire
- Significant Savings: Hotwire's opaque pricing model often results in substantial savings, sometimes up to 50% off the regular rates. This can be particularly appealing for travelers on a budget or those looking to stretch their vacation dollars.
- Reputable Partners: Hotwire partners with well-known hotel chains and airlines, ensuring that you'll still receive a quality experience, even if you don't know the exact brand until after booking.
- Flexibility: With Hotwire, you can often find last-minute deals, making it an excellent option for spontaneous or flexible travelers.
The Cons of Using Hotwire
- Limited Information: Since you won't know the exact hotel or airline until after booking, it can be challenging to research the property or flight details in advance. This can be frustrating for travelers who prefer to have more control over their vacation planning.
- Non-Refundable Bookings: Hotwire bookings are typically non-refundable, which means you'll lose your money if you need to cancel or change your plans.
- Limited Amenities: Sometimes, the discounted rates offered by Hotwire may exclude certain amenities or services that you would typically expect from a hotel.
The Barcelo Maya Grand Resort Deal
Regarding the deal you found for the Barcelo Maya Grand Resort in Mexico, it's important to consider a few factors. First, the Barcelo Maya Grand Resort is a well-known and reputable all-inclusive resort in the Riviera Maya region. It offers a wide range of amenities, including multiple pools, restaurants, and activities, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking a luxurious vacation experience.
If the deal you found on Hotwire is significantly lower than the regular rates for this resort, it's possible that it could be a legitimate offer. However, it's always wise to exercise caution and read the fine print carefully. Make sure to check the details of the package, including the room type, inclusions, and any potential exclusions or limitations.
Final Thoughts
While Hotwire can indeed offer great deals on vacation packages, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully. If you're comfortable with the opaque pricing model and the potential limitations, and the deal you found for the Barcelo Maya Grand Resort seems too good to pass up, it could be worth considering. However, it's always recommended to do your due diligence, read reviews, and ensure that the package meets your needs and expectations.
Ultimately, the decision to book through Hotwire or any other travel platform comes down to your personal preferences, budget, and risk tolerance. With a bit of research and an open mind, you might just score an incredible deal on your dream vacation.
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Nicola
Hi, has anyone ever used hotwire for booking vacation packages? We’re looking at Mexico in February at the Barcelo Maya Grand Resort and found a deal that was a really good price but I’m second guessing it wondering if it’s too good to be true.