Lexstar

Hello, I can shed some light on the properties being discussed. I have some insider knowledge that may be helpful. The Don Cesar Beach Resort and Spa is a Moorish pink castle like structure sitting right on the beach. It is so beautiful that it is a sought after destination for weddings. Unless you are in a suite the rooms are small by today's standards. You should note some of the rooms do face the street or city side and could actually have a less then desirable view. If you are on the street side ask for a high floor. The high floors will give you a great view of the intercoastal waterways. There are direct gulf view rooms, but they are limited because the hotel is shaped like a "U". The standard room would not fit a family and really only accommodate two guests comfortably. The rooms are the size of period hotels of the time. Reservations refers to them as intimate. There are a very very limited number of balconies. Don't get me wrong, this is a great resort. The rooms are very nicely appointed and the resort itself is fantastic, great pools, pretty gardens, shopping, full service spa, multiple restaurants. There is even a ice cream parlor on site. The Don Cesar Beach House Suites is a much smaller property. It is not historic but is painted the same Don Cesar pink tone. All of the rooms are suites and they will easily accommodate a family. The units have pull out sleeper sofas and either one or two beds in the bedroom. There are some larger units but those are not likely to be the ones assigned to Hotwire or Priceline. I believe you are safe to assume that the suite would accommodate four people. They have nice size full kitchens. Personally I even had a birthday party for my daughter in one of them. There is one pool that is the standard typical pool fair. The resort sits directly on the beach and the angle of the hotel allows very good views of the gulf. Most of the suites have balconies. The lobby is small. One very nice thing about this property is that if you are a guest here, you are able to use the facilities of the larger hotel (about) a 1/4 mile away. So you can use the grand hotel amenities if you desire, including the spa and beautiful pools. They offer a free shuttle service back and forth between the hotels 24 hours a day. It is a little bit of a walk but you can also walk from one hotel to the other. There are many reasons why this hotel was acquired by the Don Cesar. The main reason I am aware of, was to accomodate guests from Europe and families. These guests typically stay for longer periods of time and normally requested kitchens. This acquisition allowed them to fill that void not previously offered to these travelers. If you are able to obtain these hotels through Hotwire or Priceline I hope this information will be helpful to you. Happy Travels!

I posted this as a follow up to an earlier message, but added as new topic so it would be easier to find. Successful bidding for the Eden Roc Resort in Miami Beach, FL 11/26/05 1 Night, 2 Rooms Saturday. Started Bidding with Resort, South Beach at $91.00, 2 Rooms, 1 Night. Declined. 2nd Bid Resort, South Beach and Miami Beach at $95.00, 2 Rooms, 1 Night. Declined. Was given free rebid offer if I raised my bid $22.00. I knew that a Miami Beach Resort was being offered on Hotwire for $123.00. This offer would have made my bid $117.00. I declined and tried a free rebid by adding Deland. Deland only has 1,2 & 3 *star hotels. 3rd Bid Resort, South Beach, Miami Beach, Deland at $105.00, I noticed that in the past a Resort was offered for October dates I believe, at $105.00 . My offer of $105.00 was accepted. The rating for this hotel ranges from 3 1/2* to 4*. The cheapest rate I could have booked for this hotel was $269.00 per room. The most current reviews appear to be very good. Parking is $23.00. If anyone has any information on buses from this location to South Beach or cheaper parking please let me know. Happy Travels :)

I'm Sorry...Yes it was the Eden Roc Resort. Thank you for catching that... the most important fact left out... silly me! :)

Dear Value Hunters, I had posted earlier and was originally looking for 4-3 star South Beach location. The children really wanted a pool. We were coming off a cruise and wanted to have our last evening be a positive experience. I noticed many South Beach hotels did not have a pools. We regrouped and changed our search to include Miami Beach in the category of a Resort. Started Bidding with Resort, South Beach at $91.00, 2 Rooms, 1 Night. Declined. 2nd Bid Resort, South Beach and Miami Beach at $95.00, 2 Rooms, 1 Night. Declined. Was given free rebid offer if I raised my bid $22.00. I knew that a Miami Beach Resort was being offered on Hotwire for $123.00. This offer would have made my bid $117.00. I declined and tried a free rebid by adding Deland. Deland only has 1,2 & 3 *star hotels. 3rd Bid Resort, South Beach, Miami Beach, Deland at $105.00, I noticed that in the past a Resort was offered for October dates I believe, at $105.00 . My offer of $105.00 was accepted. I was a little surprised to see that this Resorts stars range between 3 1/2 and 4. Silly me, I just assumed that a resort was 4 or better...oh well! The cheapest rate I could have booked this hotel for was $269.00 per room. The most current reviews appear to be very good. Parking is $23.00 per reviews, not so good. I think we will be pleased. If anyone knows if a bus that runs from Eden Roc to South Beach let me know. If you know of a less expensive place to park close to the hotel, let me know also. Overall Pleased! If it were up to me...I am a risk taker...I would have waited till the last minute to catch last minute deals. My husband the conservative was afraid we would end up with nothing because of the holiday weekend. He had a point! Offer 105.00 2 rooms 1 Night Subtotal $210.00 Tax/Fees $37.88 Total Charges $247.88 Happy Travels, Lexstar

Hello All, Have some time so I was testing the waters on South Beach and Miami Beach. I need two rooms for just one night and that may be the problem. You might have more success if requesting multiple nights. Based on others past success and my budget I started at 4*, $70.00, South Beach... Declined Added Miami Beach 4*at $71.00....Declined Added Biscayne and dropped to 3* $65.00.... Declined Could have kept trying with North Miami Beach but want to wait to see other posts. I really want South Beach at 3 star or above. I ((will !!!)) find a bargain....I will keep you posted...and keep trying. Happy Travels, Lexstar :)

You are right! I am on the naughty list. Just posted information with regard to a booking in Jersy City, NJ with success. I will be a better member from now on, I promise. I do use another site that I am a more regular at posting on. I have learned my lesson and will be better about posting on your site too. Thank You Lexstar

Hello All, Success With Hoboken - Jersey City 2 1/2* Hotel - Amenities: Fitness Center, Kitchenette, High-Speed Internet Access, Laundry Facilities (Self-Service). Offer $90.00 for 11/16-11/18 Wednesday & Thursday 2 Nights, Two Rooms. I have been trying to obtain something in Jersy City for months. After having tried Priceline and tracking the hotels rates and availability. I saw some of the hotels go from available to sold out.... to now having some availabilty at a high price. My priceline bidding started at a very hopeful $38.00 in January 05 to a high of $72.00 August 25th. I was really keeping my fingers crossed for the Hyatt. I realized for my dates it wasn't going to happen. Then I turned to priceline and the offer of $90.00 seemed like it was Candlewood. I had visited each of the four area hotels websites so often, I felt like I knew them like a dear friend. LOL! I took the offer and sure enough Candlewood it is. Very happy with the deal as even a Hostel in Manhattan was running $95.00 during my dates. My goal was to have easy access to New York City and NJ Cape Liberty Cruise Port and this will allow us the location we required. Be aware cruise travelers, Royal Carribbean no longer offers a free shuttle from the light rail station... that ended this year. Taxi prices are running 15.00 from Candlewood to the cruise port. Some travelers report $8.00, I am still searching for that cab company. Thank you for all the help that I have obtained through your website and your postings. I am huge travel shopper and will post again in the future. Happy Travels, Lexstar :)

Hello Again, Just checked Hotwire for 11/26 and now the same description is offered at $85.00. I am requesting accomodations for 2 adults/2 children. South Beach: Amenities still read beachfront (no arrow), pool. I am normally very good at figuring out what the property is but I am stumped. Penguin is still my guess. Not sure if I want to stay there. Thank You In Advance For Your Help, Lexstar

Requesting Assistance!! Travel Dates 11/26 one night, two rooms. I am confused by this offer. $78.00 South Beach, Beach Front (No Arrow), Pool. It is listed as a two star property. Holiday Inn is 3 star...so I do not think it is that. The Penguin / President has what they call a wading pool and they are rated 2 star... any idea if this could be the hotel???? :)