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Thursday, 22 July 2010 7:29 P.M.

Hotwire Survey Reveals 31% of Consumers Would Rather Have Their Relatives Stay in a Hotel Than With Them This Holiday Season

Survey findings also show that 81% of adults who plan to travel this holiday season would rather drive than fly to visit their families

The Ritz-Carlton and J.W. Marriott hotel in downtown Los Angeles.

SAN FRANCISCO -- 'Tis the season to be jolly, unless you are welcoming family into your home from out of town. According to Hotwire.com®'s 2010 Holiday Family Gathering Survey, conducted online by Harris Interactive in November, which polled consumers spanning cities throughout the United States, 31% of consumers would rather put their families up at a hotel than have them stay with them over the 2010 holidays. While this finding may seem "bah humbug" to some, at least the feeling is mutual; the survey also revealed that if costs were not a factor, 39% of visiting travelers would rather stay at a hotel than at their relatives' houses, if given the choice.

Everyone knows that family trips this time of year can be quite chaotic and typically involve uncomfortable, cramped accommodations. This year, travelers can easily ditch the sleeping bag on the floor and even the awkward, piano-side caroling family moments. Booking a peaceful hotel retreat is a luxury most don't realize they can afford. But finding a great hotel deal is just part of the equation. To have the ideal amount of flexibility during this season, travelers also realize that they need to have a well planned exit strategy. That's why it's no surprise that the poll also revealed that 81 percent of adults would rather drive to their family gatherings than fly this holiday season.

"Although Hotwire can't help you with your family, we can help you find a perfectly priced hotel and car deal, so maybe our customers will avoid a few of the awkward family holiday moments this year," said Clem Bason, President of the Hotwire® Group. "While it may seem counterintuitive to pay for a hotel instead of staying with friends and family this holiday season, the added benefits are obvious. More importantly, it's much more affordable than most would think."

To help illustrate some of the great hotel and car rental deals Hotwire can provide customers this holiday season, below are a list of sample Hotwire deals in top markets across the country:

Since the holidays mark a lull in business travel, many hotels in some of the most popular destinations will offer exceptional rates to lure leisure travelers. And by working with hotels, airlines and car rental companies to help fill unsold inventory, Hotwire is able to offer even bigger discounts – up to 50 percent off published prices. Since its founding in 2000, Hotwire has paved the way in online discount travel with its no bidding, no hassle, no games approach

Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Hotwire from November 19-23, 2010 among 2,019 adults ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

Source: Hotwire.com

The America's Best Value Inn hotel in the Hollywood district of Los Angeles.