HotelChatter

The advantage of using HotPads for a hotel search is obviously the map. HotPads has created their own mapping application and does not rely on Bing or Google Maps. Still, the map works pretty much the same way--you can zoom in and out and see local landmarks, institutions, etc but not with the same detail of the others. However, they've got some cute building icons for houses, apartment buildings and hotels.

HotPads has a few other tricks that we like. For one, they've got a "HotSpots" button where they give each property a color depending on how expensive the place is. Example: Motels will get a blue dot while oceanfront properties are bright red.

You can even find a place for longer stays using the site's "Vacation" function which lists short-term apartment and house rentals. And you can search using your "current location" in case you have any last-minute booking needs. The app is available on Androids, Blackberries and iPhones and iPads.

But how do the rates stack up? Well in checking out the Sheraton Delfina in Santa Monica, the hotel's website has a rate of $341 a night. Guess what? So does HotPads. Even further, HotPads, while it doesn't add booking fees, is partnered up with Expedia Affliate Network booking system. So what you see here won't be that much different from any of your Expedia searches.

In short, as with all booking sites and apps, you still have to shop around and compare their rates with the hotel's own rates as well any promotions that you see going around. Sorry, we wish it was easier. Maybe we'll just have to create that miracle app ourselves.