What is an "opaque site"?

What is an "opaque site"?

Catharine Hamm (Travel Editor, LA Times) gives expert video advice on: Can I get a better deal avoiding the 800 number and calling the hotel directly?; Is it possible to get a cheaper rate if I just walk into a hotel?; Are there certain types of hotels that families should avoid? and more...

An opaque site is a site like Hotwire or Priceline where you don't see the actual price of the hotel room. It could also be an opaque site for a rental car or an airline ticket. Instead, you are bidding on an unknown and what you are generally getting is the leftovers from somebody's inventory. Opaque sites can be tremendous value, but it also carries an element of risk because you really don't know what you are getting.