Hotwire

• Price Range Filtering
• Network
• Mobile App

Price Range Filtering

When Hotwire first started, it took a unique approach to travel booking. In order to help travelers save as much money as possible on various travel accommodations, the company came up with a new strategy. Traditionally, users would put in certain information to find possible vacation results. However, Hotwire made it so that travelers did not have sort through a number of brands or providers and instead could see accommodation results within their target price range.

Network

Hotwire's strategy is backed by technology that retrieves pricing data and information from a network of other travel sites and providers. The company offers a "Hot" feature that allows travelers to book a hotel, rental car, or flight without knowing the brand to receive a discount. The accommodation details will be released to the customer after purchase. "Hot" offers include the following:

• Hot Rate Hotels - Travelers can save up to 60 percent on hotel rooms
• Hot Rate Cars - Rental cars can be reserved for as little as $10.99 per day
• Hot Rate Flights - Travelers can save up to 40 percent on airfare

It is important to note that not all information is unknown prior to booking. Simply because a traveler does not know the accommodation specifics until after they book their itinerary, it doesn't mean that the traveler cannot set some specifics. For example, a user can mark in their search that they only want hotel rooms with a three-star rating or above. This keeps travelers from booking hotels that do not measure up to their expectations. There is also the option to search by brand if a traveler is not comfortable with the "Hot Rates," but discounts may not apply. There is a setting that users will have to initiate in order to see all information regarding the brand or chain prior to booking.

Mobile App

With more and more people managing multiple aspects of their lives from their smartphones, it makes sense to have a mobile app to help manage travel. Hotwire's mobile app has proven to be an added bonus for travelers. The mobile app, which is available for both iPhone and Android devices, is free to download. After downloading, users have the ability to book last-minute reservations and save hundreds of dollars. Search results populate quickly and users can instantly book hotels, flights, and even rental cars from their mobile device.

• Destinations
• Rewards Program

Destinations

Unfortunately, Hotwire is missing quite a few desirable destinations. While Hotwire does operate "globally," its network of over 173,000 hotels does have some limitations to it. Hotwire exists in a number of continents and regions, including North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia, but the number of hotels and operating cities is relatively average compared to other travel agencies. If a traveler wishes to travel outside of these regions, they are not guaranteed or likely to find accommodations.

Rewards Program

In order to keep users coming back time and time again to book their travel, one might think that Hotwire would create a rewards program. However, the company does not appear to offer a rewards program of any type. Some travel agencies will allow travelers to book their accommodations using their travel credit card or redeem their miles using the platform, but Hotwire does not even offer this option.