I'm debating taking advantage of a Hotwire posted ad for $98 a night in a 4 star hotel in the Buckhead area of Atlanta. I will be going to the Fox theatre to see Wicked that weekend as a getaway with my boyfriend. Ideally, I want to stay at the Intercontinental in Buckhead and understand that it is a high possibility that the rate posted with hot-wire is with that hotel. My major debating point is this; I have read tons and tons of horror stories of downright poor service being given to those who book from third party companies with these major hotels- has anyone noticed a trend in poor service correlating to use of these sites? Have you been a victim of it yourself? I'm also debating between taking the deal with hot-wire and paying everything else "ala carte" or just breaking down and purchasing a "package" stay from the hotel directly. The package is $244 a night (down $50 from the last time I checked), but includes parking ($20 a day), Internet ($12.50), breakfast for two each day at either the buffett or in-room service (~$20 per person, per day) plus the frilly amenities for a "romance" package- e.g rose petal turn down services, champagne and chocolates, etc etc; all of which could, theoretically be put into place by a well meaning boyfriend, but would still be part of the "experience." A major point of concern of mine also has to do with the hotel restaurant. The in hotel french restaurant that was initially part of the package has recently closed and is currently being refurbished to be replaced with another restaurant that is not set to open until the day we leave. My assumption is that the "buffet" will not be offered as part of the package once purchased, and that we would have to resort to getting room service, which is all well and good, but they limit what you can order for free with the package deal. It's like, one protein, one starch, coffee and juice for each person. Which, myself not being a small woman, and my boyfriend not being a small eater, would probably find it dissatisfying. I'm mostly concerned with not getting proper service or being treated poorly because of the means in which I booked my room. I do not want to have to meekly stand by being dissatisfied because beggars can't be choosers. If something is not right, I would hope that it would be fixed instead of my issues being ignored because I got the room at a steal of a rate. I'd be willing, reluctant, but willing to pay more for good service than get a good deal and be miserable the whole time. I'd love some advice. That being said, the specs of the hot-wire ad is as follows: 4 * Atlanta (Buckhead) hotel for $98 a night between 9/24-9/26. Smoke free rooms Fitness center Pool(s) Restaurant(s) Business center High-speed internet access Recommended by 90% 4/5 TripAdvisor score
