TallGene

Bid (via BB HOTWIRE link, of course) and got Wingate by Wyndham. Amenities listed: Airport shuttleBoutique hotelBusiness centerFitness centerFree InternetFree breakfastFree parkingSmoke-free roomsBB helped me identify (Hotwire confirmed that was last hotel booked) and it sounded great... 90% approval rating; WRONG! Although service was very good for a lower-mid-range hotel, there were issues: 1. The shower lever was broken (not just non-functional, but broken-off); fortunately, a maintenance man was in the hall and, after first saying I'd have to change rooms (I'd already fully unpacked), he then returned and fixed the lever. 2. There IS a free breakfast, but it's pretty dreadful... there were scrambled eggs, which was great until they have into my mouth...obviously powdered eggs (bleah); the muffins were all pretty low quality. I didn't even bother after that first morning; I went off to get some REAL food elsewhere. 3. WORST of all, I returned from seeing friends my second night and the parking lot was full with several cars double-parked, blocking other cars. I DID manage to get a spot on the street (the last one within blocks), but I wasn't too keen on leaving my car on the big and busy La Cienega Blvd. when the hotel advertised "free parking" (which one might assume would mean they had at least one parking space for every room). No apologies, no explanations. That being said, the bed was comfortable, the pillows were acceptable, though small, and there is a refrigerator and microwave in the room.

I thought, based on the amenities, that I'd be getting the Crowne Plaza, but I ended up getting the Westin. The price was $12 less than what I'd seen the night before, so that sort of evens out when parking is included (the Crowne Plaza charges $15/night for parking and the Westin $25/night), but get a better hotel. I went back to look for the amenities to include here, but I must have booked the last room available, as nothing appears anymore for 4 stars on that date at LAX. To help you ID, however, it DID show an 85% Hotwire approval rate (I think the Crowne Plaza showed 80%, which should have tipped me off.) Got the bid through the Better Bidding HOTWIRE link (always).

Thanks! Crowne Plaza was my best guess, as well. Regarding the Vancouver and Portland threads, I ended up booking directly with hotel in Vancouver without pre-paying, in case I had to change plans; for Portland I ended up booking directly with hotel because I needed a specific area.... I later found that hotel was on Hotwire and booked two subsequent trips and I believe I posted the wins here (I booked through the BB HOTWIRE link, of course).

Any assistance in identifying this hotel? From the listing, it should be either the Crowne Plaza, Sheraton Gateway, or Westin L.A. Airport (less likely Sheraton, as that did not list 'laundry'). The Crowne Plaza and Westin seem to have the same amenities listed. Here are the amenities on this listing: Airport Shuttle Fitness Center Pool(s) Restaurant(s) Business Center Self service laundry Internet access Accessibility Accessible for the blind Accessible for the deaf Thanks for any assistance. Alway book through the Hotwire/Priceline links, like I do! :)

Just booked 3* in Northwest Portland for November 25-27 for $84/night at the Silver Cloud; after taxes and fees, it still saved $70 over the hotel website lowest price. Amenities: Free Parking Free Breakfast Free Internet Smoke Free Rooms Fitness Center Business Center Self service laundry Internet access I could tell which hotel by cross-checking the TripAdvisor rating (4.5). I had booked the La Quinta on a previous trip (it's most convenient for me to stay in Northwest, especially with how bad traffic has become in the Portland area), and although I believe the La Quinta may have been the other hotel listed as available (there are only three in the area, with the third being the Holiday Inn Express), the Silver Cloud was only $6 more per night, which is WAY MORE than worth it (I've stayed both places; La Quinta isn't bad, but Silver Cloud is great... was also the very first place I stayed in Portland 17 years ago when I was traveling there to visit the woman who is now my wife <grin>). Happy bidding!!

Here's the full list of Amenities from the Hotwire confirmation page: Free Internet Indoor pool(s) Smoke Free Rooms Fitness Center Pool(s) Restaurant(s) Business Center Internet access Accessible for the blind Accessible for the deaf Accessible path of travel In-room accessibility Accessible bathroom Handicapped parking Roll-in shower

Just booked three nights, 12/4-12/7, at the Crowne Plaza at Newton Corner for $82 (using the betterbidding HOTWIRE link, of course). I had looked at this the night before and it was $80, so I jumped on it before it went any higher. Regular rate is $154 prepaid plus tax; $160 prepaid with parking and breakfast, plus tax; flexible (non-prepaid) rate is $179 plus tax, so this is a GREAT deal. Hotwire's taxes and fees came to $47.57 for the three nights, so it's still under $100/night including taxes and fees. I had booked this hotel in June, so thought it was a good chance to be the same one, based on the rating and amenities. Amenities: Free Internet Smoke Free Rooms Pool(s) Business Center Indoor Pool(s) Fitness Center Restaurant(s) Internet Access Accessible for the Blind TripAdvisor rating of 3.5 This is a decent enough hotel, though they did not come through on several requests we made by telephone before our previous stay, including for a king-size bed and non-foam pillows (had to go buy some for my wife's neck issues; they said they could furnish them, so she didn't bring her own, then when we arrived they said they didn't have any). NOTE ALSO: Parking is not included and I think they charge $12/night. There is plenty of street parking; directly outside the hotel, if you will be leaving by around 9:00 a.m. (I think; check the meters), or, one block up Center Street (turning left out the front door of the hotel, rather than right, as the car drive goes) there is free 2-hr. street parking that allows you to leave the car overnight until 10:00 a.m. But if you plan on going into the city, you're better off paying the $12/night and take the express bus, rather than paying Boston parking prices. If you stay here, check out the pizza/sub place 1/2 block up Center Street (turn left out of hotel, down steps, and cross major thoroughfare). It has been there since I lived in the area as a child over 40 years ago. I usually pick up some pizzas to bring home along with a sub to eat on the plane.

The hotel list for Portland lists NO 2-star hotels, so I have no idea what this HOTWIRE hotel may be; searched for 8/14 for 1 night, got $69 for 2-star in Portland Meadows/Jantzen Beach area; amenities are: Free Parking Free Breakfast Fitness Center Laundry Facilities (self-service) High-Speed Internet Access I've never had this much trouble with Portland before; perhaps it's a busy summer tourist time. Hotels that are normally in the $50-60 range are going for double that. I tried PRICELINE (optimally I'd like to be in Northwest, but there are only 3 hotels there, one of them [HE Express] is sold-out, and the others are asking $125-$240 on their websites and my PRICELINE bids (always done through links here) up to $90 have all been denied (including for 2-star). Any suggestions? Thanks!

Yes, "free internet" was the only amenity listed on HOTWIRE, which matched this hotel in the forum list of Hotwire hotels.

Thanks to betterbidding, I was able to ID this hotel (only amenity was free internet, so was easy match). Although we would have preferred Times Square, the prices were ridiculous and, with me being 6'5", we didn't want to risk getting a double bed. This hotel appears to have mostly king beds, so we'll make the extra subway trip to save a couple of bills and have a comfortable bed. Great reviews on TripAdvisor. Used the betterbidding link to access HOTWIRE; always do that to help our friends who help us!!! To reiterate: Dates - June 10-14 4-star Empire State Building Area Amenities -- Free Internet Price -- $287/night (plus taxes and fees) Thanks betterbidding!!

Can anyone help ID 4-star hotel in Times Square area for June 10-14; following amenities: Pet friendly Fitness Center Restaurant(s) Business Center High-Speed Internet Access Accessible for the blind Accessible for the deaf Accessible path of travel In-room accessibility Accessible bathroom Handicapped parking Roll-in shower A bit of a conundrum, as the only one I saw with 'pet-friendly' was 4.5 stars (which I assume would be Inter-Continental). Any ideas on this one? Hotwire says 90% recommended. Thanks for any help.

I remember John's from my days of living in NY in the early '70s (I'm dating myself); their Sicilian is excellent. But what's become my go-to place is Bella Napoli at 150 W. 49th between 6th and 7th; my favorite mid-town pizza and also not a bad place for a pre-show dinner (their full menu is just that... FULL... and everything is delicious). A few years ago, my wife attended a conference at a school downtown (south of Canal, west of Broadway) and there was a tiny pizza joint in the retail portion of an apartment/condo block; they had an eggplant pizza that was outrageous!!! Like the eggplant in eggplant parmigiana (breaded and fried) laid on top of great NY pizza. Sorry I don't remember the name. I'd just avoid Ray's; everyone talks and raves about it, but it does nothing for me, when compared with all the other great places mentioned. I'd forgot about Lombardi's.... will have to try to get downtown and check it out again on my next trip.

If it's a nice day, grab a slice of pizza to go (Bella Napoli on 49th between 6th & 7th would be my choice) or some Italian ice and stand in line at TKTS in Times Square. Can't beat the prices, though choice of shows is limited and changes daily.

The dates were for June 7-10 (sorry, thought I'd included that).

I wanted very much to stay at the Crowne Plaza in Newton, as it's only 3 blocks from my (95-year-old) mother's house. I kept re-checking Hotwire, but the amenities didn't seem to match up, and even saw the Crowne Plaza had been removed from the list. I checked again today and saw it was back on the list with multiple amenity descriptions, which matched the $128 offer on Hotwire. To double-check, I looked at Hotwire's 'named' hotels and saw the amenities matched again. Amenities showed: Free Internet, Indoor pool(s), Smoke Free Rooms, Fitness Center, Pool(s) When clicking "see all amenities": Free Internet, Indoor pool(s), Smoke Free Rooms, Fitness Center, Pool(s), Restaurant(s), Business Center, High-Speed Internet Access, Accessible for the blind, Accessible for the deaf, Accessible path of travel, In-room accessibility, Accessible bathroom, Handicapped parking, Roll-in shower I took a stab and booked and, sure enough, got the Crowne Plaza in Newton! I used the HOTWIRE link on BetterBidding, of course. Thank you BetterBidding!!!

Many thanks! I clicked both links, now I'll try your other idea. BTW, just searched again and there are more choices, but the 3-star with ONLY "restaurant(s)" is still there if you scroll down. -- S

This is a tough one.... I searched for Vancouver (then have been sorting by various areas, as I'm not tied to being downtown) for 11/26-27 (1 night); the first hit was for 3-star $70 ($110 'other sites'), but the only amenity listed is "Restaurant(s)"; cross-checked in the hotel list and everything shows other amenities. It does say recommended in 85% of Hotwire reviews. While we're on that subject, does anyone know where to find the Hotwire reviews? I've completed them after my stay, but I can't find them on the website. Perhaps they don't publish them so people like us can't cross-check :). I'm trying to get something walking distance to the Rogers Arena so I don't have to pay for parking TWICE. Thanks to all for any assistance. (P.S. I always book by using the BB PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links :D )

Thanks to the Admin's assistance, the hotel was pegged as either SpringHill Suites or Holiday Inn; though I was hoping for SpringHill, HI may end up being better, as SH had queen beds and it looks like HI has king beds (no queens) for single-bed rooms (I'm very tall, so appreciate the larger bed). The hotels seem to be very close to each other (1 Newbury vs. 43 Newbury), so convenience should be equivalent. I'm a bit leery due to less-than-stellar reviews (even though Hotwire said it was recommended by 85%); will follow-up. Total was $97.91 including taxes and fees; would have been over $150 for advance purchase on hotel website. I don't mind saving $50+ :D.

Omitted dates: 8/11-8/12

Thanks!! Will post if/when I book (and will search and book through your PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links)

Okay, I did not realize about the updating wins nor had I ever scrolled all the way down to see the car rental forum. I posted my two latest wins, one car, one (repeat) hotel. I will keep these posting now that I know that it helps. Regarding my questioned hotels, they're for Danvers/Peabody area, September 17-18: 3* $81 -- recommended by 85% of Hotwire reviews (wherever those are -- and I think this is down from 90% when I looked a few days ago); Amenities: Indoor pool(s), fitness center, pool(s), Restaurant(s), Business Center, High-Speed Internet Access, Accessible for the deaf, Free Parking, Accessible path of travel, In-room accessibility, Accessible bathroom, Handicapped parking, Roll-in shower 2.5* $87 -- still gathering reviews; Amenities: Restaurant(s), Business Center, High-Speed Internet Access, Accessible for the deaf, Free Parking, Accessible path of travel, In-room accessibility, Accessible bathroom, Handicapped parking, Roll-in shower 2* $67 -- recommended by 55% of Hotwire reviews; Amenities: Indoor pool(s), Accessible for the blind, Accessible for the deaf, Free Parking, Free Breakfast, Free Internet, Accessible path of travel, In-room accessibility, Accessible bathroom, Handicapped parking, Roll-in shower

This was for a stay in April (20-22); had not posted because I had previously posted for this same hotel, but the Admin said it was a good idea to re-post new winnings, even for same hotel, so I'm posting this a bit late. This Holiday Inn is almost always on Hotwire for the $50 range 3* Portland Airport area. It's quite a serviceable hotel, with upgraded WiFi (was not very good on my previous visit), pool (which makes the entire huge lobby area smell of chlorine), and small, but usable, workout room. Beds are extremely comfortable, but there ARE trains that come by through the night; may want to try to get a room just before the end-wing, where the building shields some of the noise (on my previous stay I heard nothing, but this stay, heard them all the time, and my room was in the end wing). If you have a car, you're better off here than downtown; free parking and everything is within 10-15 min. drive.

I could not believe this deal.... we could have got a mid-size car for $7.95 (plus fees), but we decided to spring for a full-size car for $2 more. Entire thing, including all fees, was $21.61/day... pretty amazing, I thought. Of course, it IS Medford... good luck getting a similar price in a major city <g>. Car company was Enterprise, in-terminal.

First, I always go through your link when I am ready to buy; I was not aware that it helped you even for the searches. If such is the case, I will from here on out go through your link to search. I have used better bidding and Hotwire to scope out hotels, but have only actually purchased the same hotel (in Portland) multiple times, and did not think it useful to repeat the same information over again. I have also used Hotwire for auto rental, but I did not see a forum for posting that result.

Although I've been using Hotwire (with much assistance from betterbidding, thank you :) ) for many years, one thing I haven't been able to quite discern is whether it's better to make a reservation in advance or if it's better to wait until close before the trip date to get the best deal on the best room (one of the hotels I was eyeing just went from $81 to $84 in a matter of 10 min.). Also, anybody have any idea about hotels listed on Hotwire for Danvers as follows: 3-star $84 70% recommended Amenities: Indoor pool(s), Fitness Center, Pool(s), Restaurant, High-Speed Internet, Business Center, Accessible for Deaf, Free parking... and several accessibility items 2-1/2-star $87 Amenities: Free parking, free breakfast, free internet, indoor pool(s), accessibility items 2-star $67 55% recommended Amenities: Free parking, free breakfast, free internet, pool(s), high-speed internet Also, where do these 'recommended' percentages come from? I looked on Hotwire for reviews and couldn't find any. Many thanks!!!