{"id":1142,"date":"2014-01-25T15:05:14","date_gmt":"2014-01-25T23:05:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.hoteldealsrevealed.com\/blog\/?p=1142"},"modified":"2014-01-25T15:17:42","modified_gmt":"2014-01-25T23:17:42","slug":"who-is-cheaper-hotwire-or-priceline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hoteldealsrevealed.com\/blog\/who-is-cheaper-hotwire-or-priceline\/","title":{"rendered":"Who is cheaper: Hotwire or Priceline? Sometimes Neither!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sometimes You Get A Better Deal By Looking Elsewhere<\/h2>\n

In the Hotwire & Priceline Discussion forum<\/a>, travellers who are keen on better bidding often ask the questions, “Who is cheaper: Hotwire or Priceline?” \u00a0My advice to them is always the same. \u00a0It depends, so check them both out. \u00a0But in some cases, neither is the cheapest. \u00a0Sometimes you can find a great deal simply by checking out the standard websites like Expedia, Travelocity, and Hotels.com.<\/p>\n

Here is a perfect example: \u00a0Last week I was needing a hotel in Courtenay, British Columbia on Vancouver Island. \u00a0As I always do, I checked prices on Hotwire and Priceline’s name your own price. \u00a0I found hotels for around $80 per night in the 3 star range that I was looking for. \u00a0I dug even further and checked out a few other go-to sites such as BackyardBC<\/a> and TravelPony. \u00a0Then I came across an amazing deal on a Hotels.com of all places. \u00a0It was for a room at the Kingfisher Resort in Royston (just 5 minutes south of Courtenay) for just $63 per night. \u00a0They also had a 5% offer, so I saved an extra $3. \u00a0In total, the room came to $60 before tax or $67 even after taxes and fees. \u00a0Given the fact that this was in Canadian dollars (not USD) means the savings are even greater when compared to Priceline because Priceline uses US dollars only. \u00a0I figure that I saved about $34 vs. Priceline because of the lower taxes, fees, and after converting all prices into the same currency.<\/p>\n

The Kingfisher Resort is fantastic, by the way. \u00a0If you are ever in the northern part of Vancouver Island, this hotel is worth checking out. \u00a0A couple of tips. \u00a0First, the hotel is out in the middle of nowhere, so you’ll probably need a car. \u00a0Second, don’t be fooled by the motel-style entrances. \u00a0This motel \/ resort is gorgeous with stunning view of the Straight of Juan de Fuca from our room. \u00a0I’m not really a spa person, but I’m told its first rate. \u00a0Their pool is nicely heated (we were there in the middle of winter) and the hot tub is great!<\/p>\n

Go-To Sites When Booking A Hotel<\/h2>\n

Bidding travellers using Hotwire or Priceline for cheap hotel reservations will save money most of the time, but not always as in the case cited above. \u00a0As a standard rule, I like to save at least $10 per night or 10% of I’m booking Hotwire (versus published hotels). \u00a0This compensates me for the risk of booking a hotel \u00a0that whose name I don’t know and which I cannot cancel. \u00a0If I book on Priceline, I generally expect an even deeper discount because Priceline reveals even less info when you book. \u00a0For example, you do not know what amenities the hotel has. \u00a0If you’re okay with this, try to aim for an extra 10% off the Hotwire rate (or 20% off elsewhere). \u00a0Otherwise, its just not worth the risk. \u00a0Here are some additional resources to help save you money:<\/p>\n