technotica

It wasn't bad - but it wasn't great. It wasn't a 2* in the bad side of St. Paul, MN bad :D I was disappointed in this area for bidding - I thought $60 was overpriced for the area. I guess I getting > 50% going rate versus 20% off - hehe. If I was bidding this zone again I'd probably stick to 2.5* or 3* and try for Hampton or Hilton Garden Inn.

Oh man this was a good one! We stayed 5 nights here in June 2012 for $57 a night. I'll just start off with a list of stuff we didn't like since it is a short list. Although these sound like deal-breakers for the hotel - I very much enjoyed it here and I would come back again! This is just me stating some very minor nitpicks. Cons: - Internet (while free) is slow. You also need to re-up your internet time every 24 hours. - Small bathroom. There is tons of open space in the room and then you get a teeny tiny bathroom - pet peeve. - Noisy. The airfield for BNA ends right by the hotel. You will hear a lot of air traffic. However it never woke me up at night. The interstate is also outside your window - again didn't bother me too much - No restaurants nearby. We had a few drinks at the bar/lounge one night (just OK) but never ate at the in-hotel restaurant. I don't think I ever saw anyone in the restaurant - perhaps a bad sign? - TV channel selection is pretty lacking. I filled myself up on tacky TLC shows. - Needs more outlets! My husband and I have lots of gadgets (2x tablets, 2x laptops, 2x phones, etc) and there were hardly any outlets in this room. We often had to move adapters around to charge stuff. This is the first hotel I've been at where I've had this problem. - We had to exchange our keys twice because they would become demagnitized. Pros: - Super clean! Our maid was amazing, she even cleaned up my tornado of makeup products in the bathroom one morning. Our room was spotless every day. - Quiet. I know I said the airport and interstate traffic was present. However we had not 1 but 2 sets of infants in different rooms on our floor and I couldn't hear a peep from them once my door was closed. - Comfortable. King bed was great with lots of pillows. Armchair with ottoman was equally nice. - Pool was really big and it had a deep end which I enjoyed. Lots of chairs. - Quirky accents. You can specially order a pillow off the 'pillow menu' as well as a fish+fishbowl or lava lamp. I didn't participate in this, but it gave this hotel some personality - Free and easy parking. Some of it was shaded even which was awesome with the 100+ temps. - Business center has free computers to use for 15 minutes plus you get a couple of pages printed for free. - Location was good. It was about the closest hotel to our conference that wasn't a complete dive. About a 10 minute drive to downtown. - Staff was friendly and efficient - I was never kept waiting. - AC was quiet and kept the room nice and chilly.

The Doubletree was very full the night we stayed and we got kind of a shabby room with two double beds. I thought the double beds were tiny. Loud AC that couldn't keep it cold. Also the bathroom shower water smelled terrible. This hotel is under renovation - our room was obviously one that hadn't been touched yet. We found an ozone unit in on the bar when we walked in - I have no idea why it was left there. Maybe because the room had a slightly musty or maybe it was an old smoking room? I didn't smell anything bad myself (except for the water in the bathroom). Cookies are always good - we enjoyed those. Internet was not free which is always a bummer. When we came back through Chesterfield we stayed at the Homewood Suites which is only about a mile away from the Doubletree. We paid an online rate of $99 for it versus the $60 I pricelined the Doubletree. It was sooo much better! Free fast Internet, big cooked breakfast, nice outdoor area with BBQs and pool. They also have free evening meals Mon-Thurs.

I booked this at the very last minute (couldn't use links here) since we were waiting on a few people that thought would join us on this trip. Overall it wasn't bad, but it wasn't good enough to warrant another bid on our return home. Instead we stayed at the Homewood Suites in Chesterfield that I booked at $99 which had a very nice breakfast and pool. Homewood Suites was superior to the Doubletree in almost every way. The Doubletree was very full the night we stayed and we got kind of a shabby room with loud AC that couldn't keep it cold. Also the bathroom shower water smelled terrible. This hotel is under renovation - our room was an obvious one that hasn't been renovated yet.

We stayed here in July 2011. I just copied and pasted my review from TripAdvisor here. Short version: I would stay here again. Parking was cheap and easy Room was clean, bed was comfy I recommend staying in the separate buildings versus the tower - they are more private and resort like. This would be a great place for kids since there are multiple pools and outdoor games (chess, ping pong, pool, mini golf). Only problems we had was with service (long check in, missing items in room), bathroom was tiny and water was smelly. I would skip the on-site restaurant it wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. Long Version: We booked this on Hotwire and I was very pleasantly surprised that we won this hotel. I wish I could say check in was great, but it really wasn't. I had to wait in line for about 20 minutes to check in. I think there was a big conference or reunion happening because there was a lot of noise and people milling around the lobby and conference rooms. They did apologize for the long wait and gave me two delicious cookies. Our room was not in the tower, but in building 4, second floor on the interior part that overlooks the outdoor chess and ping pong tables. I was worried it might be noisy with the people outside, but I didn't hear anything. It was annoying having to haul our big suitcase up the stairs to our room since there was no elevator. We ate at the restaurant in the hotel, the menu seemed very limited but it was OK enough. Prices were kind of high, but I expected that. The grounds and pool areas seemed very nice. Our room had a king size bed with a sofa. The toilet/shower area was very very small, but perfectly manageable. We ended up paying for the bottled water in the room since the water quality in Orlando is terrible. Our water smelled musty and gross. But we encountered that in other places in Orlando. Our tv was missing the remote, when we called the service 'CareLine' all it said they were closed. Odd... But the bed was comfy with lots of pillows! Parking was $10 a night but I think everyone was charging for parking. There are a lot of off-site restaurants, gas stations, etc nearby.

We booked this hotel through priceline for $46 a night in July 2011 with no expectations other than it being close to the airport, quick shuttles, and decent dining. All 3 expectations were met! We dropped off our rental car the night that we were staying. Once we called for a pick up, the shuttle was there right away to pick us up. The driver was very friendly, took the time to carry our heavy suitcase into the bus and unload it at the hotel. It took less than 5 minutes. Check in took even less time. I just gave my name and within a minute I had my keys. Shortest check in ever - the desk clerk practically threw the keys at me. Our room was on the 3rd floor close to the 2nd floor balcony. I thought it might be noisy since were were close to the elevator. I was actually very glad to be that close, a friend of ours had his room clear down the hallway on the 5th floor and it was a long walk to the elevator for him. We didn't check out any of the pool areas or any other areas of the hotel. Wish there was free wifi throughout the hotel, but there is free wifi in the lobby and 2nd floor balconies. Our room was clean enough and the public areas looked immaculate. Cons: AC couldn't keep up so it wasn't very cool. Bathroom is very tiny and there is no fan Pros: Hotel restaurant was really great the Turkey Guacamole Burger was outstanding. Our friend had the special seafood pasta which he really enjoyed. Shuttle service - amazing speed and smiles from the drivers. Even at 5:00am Quick check-in and check-out - I hate waiting in lines, service was very curt but I got what I needed. Room Tip: Get a room closer to the elevators to avoid a long walk.

We stayed here in January 2012. Pros: Check in was fast and easy - we paid $20 to upgrade our room to a suite Good location - in a business park, quiet but close to attractions Parking is free - you need a sticker/pass to park Room was clean, bed was comfy Cons: Parking garage is sooo far away from anything in the hotel. Be prepared to hike around the hotel to get to your room Parking is confusing. It shares stalls with other businesses. Most of the stalls for hotel guests was on the roof. Guess what no roof and January weather dumps on your car in Minnesota! Hotel is dated and musty. Even though we paid $20 on top of our hotwire win the room was tiny. Again lots of walking - it takes over 10 min to walk to front desk, parking garage, pool, etc. Still better than the Le Bourget Aero Suites since it is closer to MoA.

Started bidding at $45 and was going to keep going until $60. Priceline stopped me before I got that far. :D Was hoping for Marriott - but change is OK. Close to a conference I am going to at Trevecca which is in between BNA and Downtown. I'll kick a few donation bucks to your paypal account before we leave. Every time I come back to this site there are more and more awesome features. Keep up the good work!

I tried to do a Priceline for this area, but after bidding up to $53 on 3.5* I decided to fall back on Hotwire. I can post my bids on the Priceline forum if you wish. This looks like a new property for this zone. Trip Advisor reviews aren't stellar, but its not terrible. It will do for an overnight stay so we can go out with U of MN friends and to go to IKEA the next day. Crowne Plaza & Suites MPLS - St. Paul Airport - Mall of America, MN Three Appletree Square, Minneapolis,MN,55425 (952) 854-9000 Amenities Airport Shuttle Fitness Center Pool(s) Restaurant(s) Business Center Laundry Facilities (self-service) High-Speed Internet Access In the past, I have bid Bloomington West - MOA and won Le Bourget Aero Suites. But it is pretty far away from MoA and the airport, and the property is not a 3.5* in my opinion. Judging off of this stay, we'll see if I continue to bid East in the future. I'll throw some money your way via Paypal when I get a chance too. Thanks.

We haven't stayed at a Doubletree since our honeymoon so we'll be sure to remember a few cookies before we leave. Amenities Fitness Center Pool(s) Restaurant(s) Business Center High-Speed Internet Access Spa Services

I have been trying for a 3* on Priceline the last two days and failed up to $44. I decided to check out Hotwire to compare and saw a 3.5* at $52 that I was 99% sure was the Doubletree. Rather than sit and try for another day and maybe saving $8, I jumped on Hotwire. And yes it is the highly rated from TripAdvisor Doubletree by Hilton at SeaWorld. I'm not sure if I should create a new topic for my failed Priceline bids, but here's the information. Day 1 Sea World - Intl Drive Convention Center - $30 Sea World - Intl Drive Convention Center - $32 Kissimmee Sea World - Intl Drive Convention Center - $34 Kissimmee Winter Park Day 2 Sea World - Intl Drive Convention Center - $36 Sea World - Intl Drive Convention Center - $38 Kissimmee Sea World - Intl Drive Convention Center - $40 Kissimmee Winter Park Changed to 3.5 Add Orlando East $42 Add West Disney Area $44

I was trying for the Hyatt Regency, but the Marriott works just as well for our early morning flight from Orlando. Started bid at $36 and kept bidding up by $2. Room Subtotal: $46.00 (USD) Taxes and Fees: $13.38 (USD) Total Room Cost: $59.38 (USD) Sent $10 your way via Paypal for all your assistance throughout the years. Although its been years (!!) since we've taken a vacation, I'm still glad to see how active and useful this forum is. Keep up the great work.

Thanks for your timely response. I went ahead and reserved 2 rooms at the Best Western Carlton Plaza for $68 a night. I can cancel the reservation on the same day by 4pm. Until then I think I will see if Hotwire can 'gift' me a 4* for less than that. I'm not willing to risk it for the 3* in this area to save only $30. I used the referral link from your website to book via Best Western's main site. Thanks again - I will post a new thread if I get a 4*.

Thanks for bringing that up - I forgot that both Travellers Hotels are in the zone (Downtown and City Center). Or at least they look that way to me on the map. The Downtown one now says smoke-free, but from the reviews I've read (people complaining about smokers) doesn't seem to support this. This zone is hard to bid for, due to the lack of good data and the problem with maybe getting a less desirable hotel. Certainly makes things more interesting. I'm holding out for a 4* to possibly drop in price so I can just take the worry out of the whole ordeal. :)

Hotwire alerted me this morning that a 3* was available for downtown Victoria for the date I listed above. I've been trying to track down this hotel and I think I have 3 possible options. I attempted to narrow it down using Hotwire vacation packages but they did not have any packages available for my star rating and zone. I then used Expedia, Orbitz, and Trip Advisor to narrow it down a little more. The amenities listed for the listing: Smoke Free rooms Fitness Pool Restaurant Business Center Laundry Here's what I'm guessing: Best Western Carlton Plaza Quality Inn Travellers Inn I would be happy with Best Western or the Quality Inn, but I would like to stay away from Travellers Inn. Anyone have any suggestions for me. Best Western had a $70 14-day advance rate, but that time has passed. It is now $80. My Priceline bids have gone up to $59 with no success.

Huzzah first bid at $92 was accepted! Intercontinental Los Angeles Century City I have one more night to book, but I'm not sure where we're going to be staying in the LA area. Something to when we're out there I suppose. Thank you very much for the help! I should note than on the Intercontinental website a room for the same time I'm staying is at least $309.

I'll go as high as $100 for a 4* and no more than $80 for a 3*. I realize I wasn't getting in all my free rebid zones, but I was tired last night so my brain was having issues functioning.

I know I'm shooting for the moon here for asking for a 4* for under $100 but I've at least got to try. :) Looking to stay outside the downtown area but want to stay in the Beverly Hills/Hollywood/Santa Monica area. Tomorrow I'll start trying for 3*. Synopsis so far: Yesterday $60 - Beverly Hills - rejected $65 - Added Santa Monica - rejected $70 - Added Redondo - rejected Today $75 - Beverly Hills - rejected $80 - Added Hollywood - rejected $85 - Added Santa Monica - rejected $90 - Added Redondo - rejected Any advice on where and a pricing strategy for bidding on 3* when I start again tomorrow?

Clicked on continue when looking at car selection (price quoted for convertible was $58.95) and was presented with an option to go with $43.95 per day. I jumped on it. Total after taxes for 5 days is $265.

Hi there First time on Priceline, even though I've used Hotwire pretty extensively. Call it beginner's luck: First bid won it for one night - $55 I'll be sure to try out my new Marriott Rewards card when I get there. Thanks for the help - this forum is a big help. I'm sure I'll be looking here more for help in planning the rest of my LA stay.