The Puzzle of the Unnamed Hotel: What Is Hotwire?
When you search for travel deals, you might come across Hotwire, a platform known for offering significant discounts on hotels, flights, and rental cars. The core of its appeal, particularly for hotels, lies in what's often called an "opaque" or "stealth" booking model. This means that while you select your desired location, dates, star rating, and amenities, the precise name of the hotel you will be staying at is intentionally kept secret until *after* you complete your purchase. This strategy allows Hotwire to negotiate lower prices with hotels that want to fill rooms without publicly advertising deep discounts, which could devalue their brand. You're essentially agreeing to book a hotel meeting specific criteria at a great price, with the hotel's identity revealed only once the booking is confirmed. This approach presents a unique challenge and opportunity for travelers looking to save money while still wanting a satisfactory stay.
- Hotwire hotels are booked without revealing the exact hotel name beforehand.
- This opaque model allows for significant savings on accommodations.
- Travelers select star rating, location, and amenities, not specific hotel brands.
- The hotel name is revealed only after the booking is finalized and paid for.
- It's a method for hotels to sell unsold inventory discreetly.
The initial uncertainty can feel like a gamble. You're presented with a deal that looks fantastic – a 4-star hotel in a prime downtown location for a price that seems too good to be true. But how do you ensure you're not ending up in a place that doesn't meet your expectations? The strategy isn't about pure chance; it's about informed decision-making within the constraints of the opaque model. Understanding *why* Hotwire operates this way is the first step in demystifying the process and turning potential anxiety into smart savings.
The motivation behind this model for both the booking site and the hotels is clear: fill rooms efficiently. Hotels gain a revenue stream for rooms that might otherwise sit empty, and they can do so without directly undermining their rack rates or loyalty programs. For consumers, the incentive is plain old savings. The less information you have about the exact hotel beforehand, the deeper the discount can potentially be. This dynamic is the engine driving the Hotwire experience, offering a trade-off between certainty and cost.
Why Hotels Use Hotwire's Opaque Model
Hotels participate in Hotwire's opaque booking system for several strategic reasons, primarily centered around revenue management and maintaining brand integrity. When a hotel has unsold inventory close to the date of stay, traditional methods of discounting (like last-minute deals on their own website or general travel sites) can be problematic. Publicly advertising these low prices can deter full-paying customers who might have booked earlier, and it can also dilute the hotel's brand image. Participating in Hotwire's "Hot Rate" deals allows them to offload this inventory discreetly. The lack of specific hotel identification means that a traveler seeking a known brand will likely book elsewhere at a higher rate, preserving the hotel's standard pricing structure. Essentially, Hotwire acts as a secondary, anonymous sales channel for excess capacity. This ensures that customers who are price-sensitive and willing to accept some uncertainty are served, while those loyal to specific brands or seeking guaranteed amenities will seek them out through other means.
This model is particularly beneficial for hotels facing seasonal dips in occupancy, or those located in competitive markets where filling rooms is a constant challenge. It provides a flexible tool to adjust availability and capture revenue that would otherwise be lost. The data Hotwire provides on booking trends can also offer valuable insights into demand patterns. For the hotels, the benefits extend beyond just filling beds; it's about optimizing their overall revenue stream without compromising their core brand value proposition. This careful balance makes the opaque model an attractive option for a wide range of hotel partners looking to maximize their profitability.
The Problem: Navigating the Uncertainty of Hotwire Hotel Bookings
The primary challenge for travelers booking through Hotwire is the inherent uncertainty. You're making a financial commitment based on criteria like star rating, neighborhood, and listed amenities, but without knowing the specific hotel's name, exact address, or past guest reviews until the deal is done. This can lead to a disconnect between expectation and reality. What if the "4-star" amenities aren't up to par, or the location, while technically correct, is in a less desirable part of the neighborhood? The inability to check recent reviews or confirm specific services before booking is the central problem that many travelers face. This lack of transparency, while driving the discount, can introduce anxiety about the quality and suitability of the accommodation.
This uncertainty can manifest in several ways. A traveler might be hoping for a particular hotel chain known for its service or specific facilities, only to discover they've booked with a less familiar provider. Or, a traveler might have specific needs, such as accessibility features or particular dining options, which are harder to verify when the hotel name is hidden. The risk of disappointment is real if the hidden hotel doesn't align with the traveler's implicit expectations built around the star rating and amenity list. This is where careful research and strategic approaches become crucial for mitigating the potential downsides of the Hotwire booking experience.
The problem is compounded because once a Hotwire "Hot Rate" hotel is booked, it's typically non-refundable and non-changeable, unlike standard bookings. This policy makes the pre-booking research and understanding of the system even more critical. A traveler cannot simply cancel and rebook if they discover the hotel isn't what they hoped for. Therefore, the effective solution lies not in circumventing the opaque model, but in understanding how to use it intelligently to minimize risks and maximize the chances of a positive outcome. The initial problem is the gamble, but the solution is in reducing that gamble to a calculated decision.
Solutions: How to Identify and Find Out Which Hotel Hotwire Is Offering
While Hotwire deliberately hides the hotel name until after purchase, savvy travelers have developed methods to deduce the identity of the "mystery" hotel beforehand. This process involves cross-referencing the information Hotwire provides with publicly available data. The key is to treat the Hotwire listing as a set of clues. You know the city, the specific neighborhood or zone, the star rating, the general amenities (like free Wi-Fi, gym, pool, free parking, pet-friendly), and the price. By carefully noting all these details, you can begin to narrow down the possibilities significantly. This approach transforms the "mystery" into a detective exercise, where success means securing a great deal on a hotel you've effectively identified.
The primary strategy is to visit the Hotwire website (or other similar opaque booking sites like Priceline's Express Deals) and search for hotels in your desired location and dates. Pay close attention to the specific amenities listed for the "Hot Rate" hotel. Then, go to other hotel booking sites (like Booking.com, Expedia, or directly to hotel chain sites) and filter for hotels that match the exact star rating, location, and *all* the specific amenities shown on the Hotwire listing. If only one or two hotels match this precise combination, you've likely found your mystery hotel. Be meticulous; even a small difference in amenities can mean you're looking at the wrong property.
For example, let's say Hotwire offers a 4-star hotel in downtown Chicago, near the Magnificent Mile, with free Wi-Fi, a gym, and free parking. You would then search other sites for 4-star hotels in that precise downtown Chicago zone. You'd filter those results to only show hotels that also explicitly list free Wi-Fi, a gym, *and* free parking. Many hotels offer free Wi-Fi and a gym, but free parking in a downtown area is often a distinguishing, and more expensive, amenity. If only one hotel on the other sites offers all these features at a similar price point that aligns with Hotwire's discount, it's highly probable that's the hotel you'll get.
Leveraging Online Resources and Communities
Beyond meticulous filtering, several online tools and communities are dedicated to helping travelers identify these opaque bookings. Websites and forums exist where users share their findings, listing the exact hotels they've identified for specific Hot Rate deals. These community-driven databases can be invaluable, often providing a direct answer with minimal detective work on your part. Be aware that these listings are based on user reports and might not always be up-to-date, especially as hotel amenities or Hotwire's inventory can change. Always use these resources as a strong indicator rather than absolute confirmation, and cross-reference if possible.
When using these unofficial identification methods, look for recent reports. A hotel might have renovated, changed ownership, or altered its amenity offerings, which could render older information inaccurate. Furthermore, some "Hot Rate" deals might be exclusive to Hotwire and not appear on other sites, or the exact zoning Hotwire uses might differ slightly from what other booking platforms define. Therefore, while these resources are incredibly helpful, your own careful cross-referencing of amenities and location remains the most reliable method for confirming your potential Hotwire hotel booking.
Using the "See Hotel" Feature (When Available)
In some instances, Hotwire itself may offer a "See Hotel" option or a similar functionality, particularly for less opaque deals or as part of a loyalty program benefit. While not a guarantee for every "Hot Rate" deal, it's worth checking if this feature is available for your specific search. This allows you to see the hotel name and often a link to its official page before you commit, blending the benefits of opaque pricing with a degree of transparency. However, this is less common for the deepest discounts.
The most critical aspect of the solution is to frame your expectations correctly. Even if you identify the hotel, you are still bound by the price you agreed to pay. If the identified hotel is a luxury property, accept that the price reflects a significant discount and not necessarily the lowest possible rate for that hotel. Your goal is to ensure the hotel meets your minimum standards for star rating, location, and essential amenities, turning the opaque deal into a confirmed value proposition rather than a potential disappointment. The ability to identify the hotel beforehand is not about getting a better price than Hotwire offers, but about ensuring the *value* of the price is appropriate for your needs.
Is Hotwire Good for Hotels? Assessing Legitimacy and Value
The question of whether Hotwire is good for hotels and if it's legit for hotels boils down to understanding its operational model and the value it provides to both travelers and hotel partners. For travelers, Hotwire is generally considered legit and can be an excellent source of savings, provided you understand and accept the opaque booking process. It's a legitimate travel agency that partners with hotels to offer discounted rates. The savings can be substantial, often ranging from 20% to 60% off the standard rates. This makes it a valuable tool for budget-conscious travelers, last-minute bookers, or those who are flexible with their accommodation choices.
However, Hotwire is not always the best option for every traveler. If you have a strong preference for a specific hotel chain, brand experience, or require absolute certainty about your accommodation before booking, the opaque model might not suit your needs. Its legitimacy as a booking platform is well-established, but its suitability depends on your travel priorities. For those who prioritize saving money and are comfortable with a degree of surprise, Hotwire offers genuine value. The hotels listed are real, the bookings are confirmed, and the savings are tangible.
Hotwire's Legitimacy as a Travel Service
Hotwire has been operating for many years as part of the Expedia Group, a major player in the online travel industry. Its business model is legal and widely used by hotels. The key to its legitimacy is that it does deliver on its promise: a discounted hotel room that meets the specified criteria. The "mystery" element is a feature, not a bug, designed to facilitate these deep discounts by protecting the hotels' standard pricing. The platform is reliable in terms of processing bookings and providing confirmation. If you follow the steps correctly, you will get a hotel room at the price you agreed upon.
The perception of whether it's "good" depends on what you define as good. For a traveler who wants to explore a city on a budget and is happy to discover a perfectly adequate or even pleasant hotel they might not have considered otherwise, it's excellent. For someone who needs a specific hotel for points, loyalty benefits, or because they are familiar with its standards, it might not be the best choice. Therefore, while legit, its goodness is subjective to the user's travel style and preferences.
For hotels, it's a tool for incremental revenue. It's good for them when they have unsold rooms and want to fill them without cannibalizing their direct bookings. It's less good if they rely heavily on brand loyalty and want every guest to experience their full-service offering, which might be compromised in a deeply discounted, last-minute scenario. The partnership is transactional and mutually beneficial under specific conditions: hotels get heads in beds, and travelers get deals.
How Does Hotwire Work for Hotels? The Booking Process
Hotwire functions as an intermediary, connecting travelers looking for deals with hotels seeking to fill unsold rooms. When you search for a hotel on Hotwire, you provide your destination, travel dates, the number of travelers, and then you filter options based on star rating, neighborhood, and amenities. Hotwire then presents you with a list of "Hot Rate" deals that match your criteria. The crucial aspect is that the exact hotel name, address, and specific check-in/check-out times are not revealed at this stage. Instead, you see a description of the hotel's quality (e.g., "4-star") and a list of its key features, such as free Wi-Fi, a gym, or a pool.
Once you select a "Hot Rate" deal that interests you, you proceed to checkout. This is where you enter your personal and payment information. At the moment you confirm and pay for the booking, Hotwire then reveals the name of the hotel, its full address, and the check-in details. The booking is then finalized and is typically non-refundable and cannot be modified, reinforcing the need for careful consideration and, if possible, prior identification of the hotel before committing. The system is designed so that the price reflects the reduced information available to the buyer.
The Traveler's Journey Through Hotwire
Your journey starts with a problem: finding affordable accommodation. You turn to Hotwire because of its reputation for discounts. You input your travel parameters, and Hotwire presents its "Hot Rate" inventory. This inventory is a curated list of hotels that have agreed to offer rooms at a discounted rate in exchange for keeping their identity private until after booking. The pricing is dynamic, influenced by demand, time until check-in, and the hotel's occupancy levels. The more uncertain the room's fate, the deeper the potential discount.
After you select a deal, you move to the payment step. This is the point of no return for "Hot Rate" bookings. You provide your details, and upon successful payment, Hotwire issues a confirmation. This confirmation will include the name and address of the hotel you've booked, along with all necessary check-in information. You can then proceed to the hotel directly. The hotel receives the booking information from Hotwire, and they are obligated to honor the reservation under the terms agreed upon, including the price you paid. It’s a streamlined, albeit somewhat blind, booking process designed for maximum savings.
The success of your Hotwire booking hinges on your ability to either accurately guess the hotel beforehand or to be satisfied with whatever accommodation meets your stated criteria. The platform itself is a functional booking engine; the "mystery" is the core feature driving its value proposition.
Strategies for Successful Hotwire Hotel Bookings
To ensure your Hotwire hotel booking is a success, rather than a source of regret, a strategic approach is vital. It's about maximizing the savings while minimizing the risk of an unsatisfactory stay. The foundation of a successful booking lies in thorough preparation and a clear understanding of what you're getting into. This involves not just identifying the hotel, but also setting realistic expectations about what a deeply discounted, opaque booking entails. The goal is to leverage the model's advantages without falling victim to its potential drawbacks.
The first and most crucial step is to diligently research potential hotels. As discussed, using the clues Hotwire provides – star rating, location, amenities – to identify the specific hotel before booking is paramount. This research transforms the "mystery" into a calculated choice. If you can pinpoint the hotel, you can then look up its recent reviews on sites like TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, or even direct booking sites, to assess its current condition and service quality. This step alone can prevent many common pitfalls associated with opaque bookings.
Setting Realistic Expectations
It's important to remember that a "Hot Rate" deal is about obtaining a lower price for a hotel that meets certain standards, not necessarily securing the absolute best room available at that property. If you identify your hotel as a luxury establishment, understand that the discounted price is still a reflection of its high rating and amenities, and you might not be getting the absolute lowest rate that property has ever offered. Conversely, if you've booked a 3-star property, tempering your expectations for ultra-premium services is wise. The star rating is a general guide, and hotel standards can vary. Focus on whether the hotel meets your minimum requirements for cleanliness, safety, and convenience.
The real value of Hotwire is found in rooms where the amenity list is specific and uncommon for the star rating in that zone, such as free parking in a major city center, or a highly specific amenity like a spa or pet-friendly policy. These unique features often serve as the best identifiers and can distinguish a great deal from a mediocre one.
Another strategy is to consider the booking timing. While Hotwire often offers discounts closer to the travel date, booking too late can mean limited inventory or fewer identifiable options. Conversely, booking very far in advance might mean fewer opportunities for the deepest discounts that come from hotels needing to fill last-minute capacity. Experiment with different booking windows to see what yields the best results for your desired destination and travel style. Planning your search around off-peak seasons or weekdays can also increase your chances of finding better deals and more identifiable options.
Finally, always be aware of the non-refundable nature of "Hot Rate" bookings. This is not a casual booking; it's a commitment. Ensure your travel plans are firm before you click "book." If your plans are uncertain, a standard booking on Hotwire or another platform that offers free cancellation might be a safer choice, even if it means paying a bit more. By combining proactive research, realistic expectations, and careful consideration of booking timing and flexibility, you can navigate the Hotwire platform effectively and enjoy the significant savings it offers.
How to Cancel Hotwire Hotel Booking (and When It's Possible)
Understanding how to cancel a Hotwire hotel booking, and more importantly, when it's possible, is a critical piece of knowledge for any traveler using the platform. The core feature of Hotwire's "Hot Rate" deals—deep discounts in exchange for anonymity—comes with a significant caveat: these bookings are typically non-refundable and non-changeable once confirmed. This strict policy is a fundamental part of the agreement that allows hotels to offer such substantial savings. Therefore, the ability to cancel a Hotwire hotel booking is highly restricted.
The primary scenario where a cancellation might be considered is if there was a significant error or misrepresentation on Hotwire's part, or in very exceptional, documented circumstances that Hotwire's customer service might consider on a case-by-case basis. This is not a standard procedure but an appeal to their goodwill or a resolution to a proven service failure. Always have concrete evidence to support such claims.
Understanding the Non-Refundable Policy
When you book a "Hot Rate" hotel on Hotwire, the terms and conditions explicitly state that the booking is final. You agree to these terms when you complete the purchase. This means that if your plans change for any reason – a flight cancellation, a personal emergency, or simply a change of heart – you generally cannot get a refund or make changes to your reservation through Hotwire. The price you paid is for that specific booking, and Hotwire and the hotel partner are not obligated to offer a refund.
This policy is crucial to understand *before* you book. It underscores the importance of confirming your travel dates and plans are absolutely firm. It also highlights why the methods for identifying the hotel beforehand are so valuable. If you can confirm the hotel and its suitability, the risk associated with the non-refundable policy is significantly reduced.
When a Cancellation Might Be Possible
While standard cancellations are not permitted, there are rare exceptions and specific situations to explore:
- Gross Misrepresentation: If the hotel you booked is demonstrably *not* as advertised by Hotwire (e.g., booked a 4-star hotel and were sent to a 1-star property, or the location is wildly different from the zone described), you may have grounds to request a refund. This requires strong evidence.
- Hotel Closure or Major Issue: If the hotel unexpectedly closes down due to a natural disaster, fire, or other unforeseen event, Hotwire or the hotel itself should offer a resolution, which could include a refund or rebooking.
- Booking Errors on Hotwire's Part: In rare cases where Hotwire makes a significant error in the booking process that leads to an invalid reservation, they may rectify it.
- Exceptional Circumstances (Case-by-Case): In very limited situations, such as a documented medical emergency or death in the family, Hotwire's customer service *might* consider offering a credit or refund, but this is not guaranteed and depends entirely on their discretion and the specific details presented.
How to Approach a Cancellation Request
If you believe you fall into one of these exceptional categories, the process involves contacting Hotwire customer support. Be prepared to provide:
- Your booking confirmation number.
- A clear and detailed explanation of your situation.
- Any supporting documentation (photos, official letters, news reports, etc.).
It is advisable to do this as soon as possible. While Hotwire's "Hot Rate" deals are generally final, their customer service team handles various inquiries, and presenting a well-documented, legitimate case is your best approach. However, always proceed with the understanding that refunds for "Hot Rate" bookings are the exception, not the rule.
For standard bookings (not "Hot Rate" deals), Hotwire generally allows cancellations according to the hotel's specific policy, which is displayed before you book. These can often be changed or cancelled free of charge up to a certain point before check-in.
The Durational Aspect: Planning for the Long and Short Term
When engaging with Hotwire's opaque booking model, considering the durational aspect—both short-term booking strategies and long-term travel planning—can significantly enhance your experience. For the short term, it's about how and when you book your specific trip to maximize savings and minimize risk. For the long term, it's about how understanding Hotwire fits into your overall travel strategy and how to use it consistently for ongoing savings.
In the short term, the timing of your booking is crucial. Hotels often release unsold inventory at progressively lower prices as the check-in date approaches, but this comes with increased risk as fewer hotels might be identifiable or available. Conversely, booking too far in advance might mean missing out on last-minute deals. A smart approach is to monitor prices for a few weeks leading up to your desired travel period. Hotwire, like many booking sites, offers dynamic pricing, so understanding peak seasons, local events, and typical demand patterns for your destination will help you gauge whether current "Hot Rate" prices represent genuine savings or just standard discounted inventory.
Short-Term Booking Tactics
For a specific trip, consider these tactics:
- Monitor Price Trends: Check Hotwire and similar sites periodically to get a feel for the typical "Hot Rate" prices for your chosen destination and star level.
- Identify and Verify: Use the identification methods discussed earlier. If you find a hotel that matches your criteria and has recent positive reviews, and the price is significantly lower than standard rates, it's a good candidate.
- Be Flexible: If your dates or even your exact neighborhood choice have some flexibility, you might unlock better deals or more identifiable options.
- Book Firmly: Since "Hot Rate" bookings are generally non-refundable, ensure your travel plans are locked in before confirming the purchase.
This short-term, tactical approach helps you seize opportunities for immediate savings on an upcoming trip. It's about being informed and decisive when the right deal appears.
Long-Term Travel Planning and Hotwire
From a long-term perspective, integrating Hotwire into your travel repertoire can yield consistent savings over time. If you are a frequent traveler who prioritizes value and is comfortable with a degree of flexibility, Hotwire can become a go-to resource for budget-friendly stays. Over multiple trips, the cumulative savings can be substantial, freeing up budget for other aspects of your travel, such as experiences, dining, or longer trips.
The key to long-term success with Hotwire is consistency in applying your research methods and maintaining realistic expectations. Don't let a single less-than-perfect experience deter you; instead, learn from it. Perhaps you booked a 3-star hotel that was just adequate, or you identified a 4-star that was a bit dated. Use that knowledge to refine your search criteria or your identification process for future bookings. Building a mental database of hotels in your preferred destinations and their typical "Hot Rate" offerings can also aid in making quicker, more confident decisions.
Furthermore, understanding the broader travel market and how Hotwire fits within it is important. Hotwire is one tool among many. For loyalty program members, booking directly might offer points or elite status benefits that outweigh the "Hot Rate" discount. For those needing specific amenities or locations for business, the "mystery" element might be too risky for long-term, recurring needs. However, for leisure travel, vacation planning, or spontaneous getaways where cost is a primary driver, Hotwire remains a powerful, durational savings engine when used thoughtfully.
The Evolution of Opaque Hotel Booking
The concept of opaque hotel booking, popularized by sites like Hotwire and its parent company's Express Deals, didn't emerge in a vacuum. It evolved from earlier models designed to sell excess inventory and has transformed the landscape of online travel agencies. Initially, hotels relied on wholesalers and tour operators to move unsold rooms, often at deep discounts but with limited control over who booked them or how the pricing appeared to the public. The advent of the internet and online travel agencies (OTAs) provided a new, more direct channel for this type of inventory management.
Priceline, for instance, pioneered the "name your own price" model, which, while different, shares the core principle of allowing consumers to bid or book at a price determined by demand and available inventory, often with some level of anonymity or limited information. Hotwire, launched later, refined this by offering fixed, albeit hidden, prices based on predefined criteria. This shift from bidding to a "take it or leave it" discounted price point made the process more predictable for consumers seeking specific types of deals, even if the exact hotel remained a secret.
The Internet's Impact on Hotel Inventory Management
The internet has been a game-changer for hotel revenue management. Before online booking, filling rooms often involved last-minute phone calls to travel agents or less sophisticated discounting methods. OTAs created a vast, accessible marketplace where hotels could reach a global audience. However, the challenge remained how to offer discounts without devaluing the brand. Opaque models like Hotwire's provided a solution by segmenting the market: travelers seeking brand assurance and loyalty benefits book directly or through standard channels, while price-sensitive travelers willing to accept anonymity can access deeper discounts.
This evolution has also led to greater sophistication in how hotels manage their pricing strategies. They can now employ complex algorithms and revenue management systems to determine how much inventory to offer through opaque channels, when to release it, and at what price point, all while protecting their standard rates and brand perception. The data gathered from these transactions also informs future pricing and marketing decisions.
The success of Hotwire and similar platforms demonstrates a sustained consumer appetite for value, even at the cost of complete upfront information. This has encouraged continuous innovation within the OTA space, with more granular filtering options, loyalty program integrations, and attempts to balance transparency with deep discounting.
Looking ahead, the evolution is likely to continue. As AI and data analytics become more advanced, we might see even more personalized offers or dynamic "mystery" deals. The fundamental challenge for platforms like Hotwire will remain: how to keep offering compelling savings while managing consumer expectations and hotel brand integrity in an increasingly competitive online travel market. The core model, however, has proven resilient and effective, ensuring that the "what hotel Hotwire" question will remain relevant for travelers seeking deals for years to come.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Hotwire Hotel Experience
Navigating the world of "what hotel Hotwire" is an exercise in balancing cost savings with a degree of informed risk. The platform's opaque booking model, while initially daunting, offers genuine opportunities for significant discounts on accommodations. By understanding *why* hotels use this system and employing strategic research methods, travelers can demystify the "mystery" deal and confidently book hotels that meet their needs and budget.
The ability to identify the hotel before booking, by meticulously cross-referencing amenities, star ratings, and locations, is your most powerful tool. Couple this with realistic expectations about what a discounted rate entails and a firm commitment to your travel dates, and you're well-equipped to succeed. Hotwire isn't just about finding a cheap room; it's about smart travel planning that leverages the market's dynamics to your advantage.
Whether you're a seasoned deal-hunter or a first-time user, approaching Hotwire with preparation and an understanding of its unique model will turn potential uncertainty into a rewarding travel experience. The savings are real, the platform is legitimate, and with the right strategy, your Hotwire hotel booking can be a highlight of your trip planning.