Sue:

re: Hotwire.com. They have always been good to me. I have always gotten good value.
My bride drove me crazy so many time when we used Priceline or Hotwire.. afraid that we were going to be in some hell-hole. It never happened. I think -going out on a limb here- that she is starting to trust me.

BUT I always suggest that you use a higher * rating than a lower one. Remember, while good... the sites' * ratings are NOT anyone else's but their own. That is where a site like Biddingfortravel comes in. You can see what someone got as a 3 or 4 star!
Remember: your 5 star might be someone else's 4 star. It just ain't standardized.
A Hilton isn't always the same as a Holiday Inn or a Motel 6..... but sometimes it could be.

And, remember that you do not get any sort of points or miles with these sites...

SO...

I always recommend checking with the hotel's site, too. Sometimes, and more often these days, you can really get the best deal on the hotel's site... although I have always found that calling the local hotel directly can get a better deal.

happy hunting!

Doug