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Hotwire

Hotwire

www.hotwire.com
What is your customer experience with Hotwire?

Hotwire Overview

The generated data is based on reviews and questionnaires provided by PissedConsumer.com users.

Based on reviews, created with AI
Rating Distribution

Hotwire has a 1.4 star rating from 167 reviews and low satisfaction; only 33% would recommend, with most consumers dissatisfied.

Positive Feedback

Some users cite convenience of booking online, competitive prices, and occasional helpful, courteous agents who resolved issues.

Negative Feedback / Risk Areas

  • Frequent Hotwire customer complaints about poor or unreachable customer service and language barriers.
  • Repeated reports of refund delays and refused refunds after cancellations or no-shows.
  • Billing and virtual card errors, double charges, and unclear fees at partner hotels and car rentals.
  • Problems with cancellations, exchanges, and deceptive listings for hotels and cars.

Key Takeaways for Future Customers

  • Expect mixed Hotwire reviews; document confirmations and call providers directly when possible.
  • Be prepared for disputes over refunds, cancellations, and billing and escalate if funds are withheld.
  • Consider buying directly from hotels or rental agencies for clearer policies and faster service.
View full overview ›

Media from reviews

Hotwire - To claim money from my car resecurity deposit
Hotwire - To claim money from my car resecurity deposit - Image 2Hotwire - To claim money from my car resecurity deposit - Image 3Hotwire - To claim money from my car resecurity deposit - Image 4Hotwire - To claim money from my car resecurity deposit - Image 5Hotwire - To claim money from my car resecurity deposit - Image 6Hotwire - To claim money from my car resecurity deposit - Image 7
View all media ›

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Show reviews that mention
car rental hotel car reservation service rental refund problem vehicle money
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Shaianne Mrv

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker East Hartford, Connecticut

Do not go with Hotwire ever- they deserve 0 stars

Booked vehicle for one week- flight got cancelled so never was able to keep reservation for car. Called within 24 hours and spoke to non English speaking agents.

Will not even refund a portion even if you can not pick up the vehicle due to a flight cancellation. Transferred to a so called non speaking supervisor who stated he was the highest in ranks and doesn't care if there is a week remaining for the car to be picked up and used

View full review
Loss:
$182
Cons:
  • You lose any monies paid with hotwire even if not your fault

Preferred solution: Price reduction

User's recommendation: Go with anyone else but not hotwire

Anonymous
map-marker Atlanta, Georgia

Cancelation and refund

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I want to cancel because I couldn't get the car. I have to leave because I was getting late for my program.

I arrived at ACE customer service desk by 10am.

The service personnel processed the paperwork for the rental car. She asked me for insurance and tow fees and both were added. At the end of the paperwork, she said there's no vehicle available until 11/2 hours and it was already 11am. She went on to say that that the rental company requires $300,00 deposit.

I said to her that the service is not available as agreed on on the application what you expect me to do? I said to her that I am getting late for my program, so I have to find another means to get there. Therefore, I am canceling the service since I can't get it on time. The customer service personnel said to me "you have to call hotwire to cancel it.

So I only call to cancel.

The hotwire customer service personnel summary was not in line with what I told him regarding the timing I mentioned to him. I did not come late as he mentioned.

Thanks.

Asheild Sonii.

763 777 ****

ahmedbasheru@***.com

View full review
Deron Dhr

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Angry

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Not worth writing about. You company is selfish, non flexible, no customer service, money hungry, the worst customer service I have ever experienced, no need to explain anything.

I will know next time.. what not to do or use with the pathetic excuse of a company.

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Khiya Hhy

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

I didn’t want to stay at the hotel I booked in.

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This place motel was chosen for me. This motel terrible, with rude people.

I dont want to stay there.

Plus I didnt get an itinerary with the confirmation number. I want this booking canceled.

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Resolved
Georgina K Xvl

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Resolved: Glitch with website

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Updated by user May 14, 2025

Company fixed the issue and I have been provided with apology. Finally found someone to talk with, who was very helpful and attended to my issue.

It was then resolved. My problem was trying to 'find' contact details, as they make it impossible.

Original review Apr 29, 2025

I booked, then realised I had double-booked, so I tried to cancel. I sign in, and try to cancel, it asks me to sign in, which I do, then I try to cancel, and it asks me to sign in again. Either there is a glitch or it is a deliberate way to avoid accepting 'free cancellations' well within the period.

View full review
Pros:
  • Maybe lucky to get discounts
Cons:
  • Hard to determine if discount is real

Preferred solution: Please cancel my booking for July

User's recommendation: Be very careful, as despite offering a free cancellation, it is impossible to do so on their website

Ori Akz

Billing information is wrong on virtual card

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Called three times for one reservation and on the fourth call we finally got the amount situated for a virtual card

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Anonymous
map-marker Denver, Colorado

The person on the phone helped me solve the problem I had with my flight changed. Thank you so much.

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My Southwest flight delayed and canceled my connection in Denver. I called Hotwire service to help me with hotel reservation , it went smoothly without any problem. I am so happy with the new booking, thank you so much.

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User's recommendation: Yes, I told people I know a lot for a good results that booked from Hotwiire

Chrisandra Zan

Representative was knowledgeable, courteous and understanding of my concern

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Very satisfied with the service provided! I look forward to receiving continued great service from Hotwire!

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Steph W Pgv

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Needed help changing a reservation name

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I booked a reservation online and when it asked for me to put an additional guest name I put my guest name. In doing this it actually booked the whole reservation under that persons name instead of mine.

I contacted Hotwire to change the name to mine instead. Hotwire I couldnt get ahold of anybody when I called and I kept getting run around and kept having to call back. I finally began to get slow responses from chat support. After my interaction with chat rep she asked if I can just have the guest that was now the main person check in instead this person was not able too because they arent coming to hotel night of checkin.

Hotwire chat then advised to just completely cancel reservation and book again. I called the hotel I booked at they were the ones to actually assist me and walked me through checkin process.

Since I was cardholder, and all the information was mine she stated they would be able to grab that information upon arrival to confirm i am person who made reservations. So moral of story Hotwire is extremely difficult to get ahold of and do not help and only recommend cancelling and try and book again.

View full review

Preferred solution: Price reduction

User's recommendation: Hotwire has good prices! Don’t mess up at all during the process or it’s a major headache and you are chancing losing the reservation completely

Anonymous
map-marker Charlotte, North Carolina

Hotwire hotel quality decline

These hotels are renting out rooms that are damaged and need repairs. I don't think anyone is checking out and keeping tabs on these hotels.

The conditions of them are horrible.

Sometimes there is no soap or lotion no wash cloths in these rooms. Please keep of the standards for hotels.

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User's recommendation: Please try to check out the hotel first.

Resolved
Joseph D Wxz

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Resolved: Cancel bookings

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Updated by user Mar 16, 2025

Company fixed the issue and I have been provided with apology.

Original review Mar 01, 2025

Hi

Unfortunately one of the guests have sadly passed away during the week

So could You please cancel the following

Booking:

730413****5282

Kindest regards

Joseph Donaldson

01/03/2025

View full review
Carlos S Erh

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Cancel or change my reservation

Cancelled the car and all is good for this issue . The car is not allowed to be out of state and I need a car to be out of state

View full review

Preferred solution: Full refund

Ronald B Kgq

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Wrong dates on a rental car

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On January 16,2025, my husband booked a rental car out of Denver Colorado, for February 13-18 ****. Unfortunately, he booked the car for the wrong dates.

We need to switch the rental to March 13-18 ****. We have called customer service at least 5 times and sent several other emails (to which we received no response) and no one would assist us in changing the dates because it was a "hot deal". I understand the rules and regulations, but mistakes do happen and I feel it is unfair to charge us for a vehicle we won't be able to use. Mistakes happen and there should be some sort of leeway to ensure customer satisfaction.

We have rented several cars through Hotwire and I feel our past interactions should speak for itself. We are hopeful that you can rectify this problem by either changing our rental dates or refunding our money.

Thank you,

Laura Barwacz

View full review
Loss:
$318
Pros:
  • Decent rental cars
Cons:
  • Customer service refuses to give you to a supervisor

Preferred solution: Either a change of dates for our rental car or a refund.

Travel Expert Talks

Travel Tips: Airbnb VS Traditional Renting

Travel Tips: Airbnb VS Traditional Renting

Is it safe to rent from local vacation rental owners? What are the pros and cons of Airbnb and VRBO? Mary Branum, a vacation rentals expert, shares her tips on how to look for places to stay, what are the best vacation rentals websites, how to avoid scams during bookings, and what to do if you face some issues.

Read full article
Mary Branum
Mary Branum

Mary Branum is a vacation rental expert, owner of Galveston Island and President of STROAG.

Gail B Whu

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Car booked was not available

Horrible! No cars available at Hertz rental when our plane landed! I had to book an Uber to take us to our destination which ended up costing me an extra $150!!

View full review
Loss:
$383

Preferred solution: Full refund

Daphane E

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Cancel reservation

I have not received my refund from hotwire car rental for the amount of 182.20 it's been a month still haven't received any thing

View full review
Resolved
Crystina Gwi

Resolved: Confusion

Updated by user Feb 01, 2025

Company fixed the issue and I have been provided with apology.

Original review Jan 25, 2025

I have attempted to cancel an appointment to no avail! The service representative was very accommodating! Hotwire is the problem!

View full review

About

Related Companies

Expedia, Hotels Com, Travelocity, Vrbo, Orbitz

Summary

Hot Wire is a company that provides cheap hotel reservations, airline tickets, vacation packages and cruises as well as car rentals and many other conveniences connected with travels. The largest air line companies which cooperate with Hot Wire are United, Northwest, Continental, Air France, and KLM. They offer considerable discounts to the company. Among the hotels which offer their services through Hot Wire are Marriott, Hyatt, and Holiday Inn. As for car rentals so the following companies should be mentioned Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and National. the world's largest cruise agency NLG together with Hot Wire offer lower prices on travels to all parts of the world.

Hotwire reviews and complaints

Hotwire is ranked 179 out of 3111 in Travel category

Area Served

USA

Payment Methods

VISAAmerican Express

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