I use Orbitz to search for information but then book through the airline. Knowing that Orbitz has to make a living somehow, I frequently book hotels through them. This has the advantage of fewer potential complications (I've read of people being bounced between Orbitz and the airline when something goes wrong with a flight).

I'm just careful to avoid their "instant purchase" hotel deals unless I don't care about getting points. Typically they not only don't carry the usual stay rewards, but since the purchase is shown as a charge to Orbitz, you don't get the extra points for using the hotel's affinity credit card for a stay at that chain.