I was booking a hotel in New Orleans; hopefully close to Loyola University, for three days in May. The hotel I ended up securing was not even in New Orleans (which explains the reduced fee) although my search criteria specified New Orleans. My reservation was transferred to an alternative hotel within NOLA. The person I made the change with was not familiar with New Orleans; nor was I. After checking the map carefully, I realised the hotel was still too far for me to walk and I would not have a car. I asked about booking a more expensive hotel, closer to my destination and was told I had already been accomodated once and could not make another change.
If you know the area in which you are travelling, perhaps hotwire might work for you. Otherwise, like me, you are likely to be very frustrated and disappointed. I believe it is a short-sighted, deceptive business model. You can save more money going directly to the hotels or BandB's. ...fool me twice, shame on me.
Candace Coggins