sage

Thanks, thereuare, for the clarification on HW and PL rate methods; it's useful info for understanding the behind-the-scenes of quirky pricing differences we've experienced (I've been using frequently for 5 years). The zbenye multi-night observations are the same as my own, but one cannot conclude the rate-determination method used from only that empirical information (hence my own inaccurate assumption on averaging). However, it does further support the point (which may have been lost) I was making for new users, which is that multiple bookings may be needed, and not to rely on just one source of information (i.e., PL or HW) or one set of dates. Lindabobhat's reply was excellent advice. Hotwire is a great tool for lodging, but it shouldn't be an exclusive one, especially in Vegas. New users can save $$ with PL or HW, but some bargains are better than others, and over time can be significant. I hope most other users would concur with this. And, of course, this forum is an excellent resource for getting the best bargains....

Please do report back. Priceline may still one of the best options, even if the V's site has the special $99 rates (for 1K+sofabed). For the Venetian, it seems for 4 persons it's trickier to use PL unless childen are quite young. I checked the V's 100-hr special again today (at bbbb's suggestion). Their rates dropped $20 overnight under the same Centennial special - guess they may release a little inventory each day. I booked a $189 rate (non-refundable) for 2Q+sofabed; Hotwire was still showing $241 (may change today if HW adjusts to V's rates). Just goes to show how volatile the rates are. BTW, V's new Venezia rooms have access to an additional pool (total of 4?), so you may want to ask for a room there when you check in.

It depends on the specific nights. The V's website shows a special on Tue-Thu (for July 19th-22nd), so that apparently matches up with Hotwire's $160 (4 people) and $114 (3 people). If V's website doesn't list a hotel special (as is not happening for the nights I'm needing), then Hotwire jumps to $241 (4) and $195 (3). I'm almost certain 4 persons are 2Qs+sofa, 3 persons are 1K+sofa; the Hotwire rate differences roughly match to V's rate differences between suite types. There's a great 100-hr Centennial booking special on until this Friday, but my dates aren't among those listed by V. Dates for stays extend into autumn. My extra $90 PL assumption was worst-case scenario of the V charging additional 2 x $35/person + taxes for more than 2 occupants when they saw our entourage. Booking directly with V ($209/night Venezia Bella) might end up being safest option for us, with the kids being the age they are. Thanks for the info, and hope this thread helps others....

July 26-28 (2 nights). Looks like Hotwire no longer has $160 for then (although the week before still does). Venetian direct site has $209 suite with 2Q beds. I'm afraid the "full" size sofa bed will not work well for the teens.

I've seen this situation before, when the hotel's own rates are very different (night-to-night) for the multiple night stay. What apparently happens is Hotwire bases its multi-night rate on the highest rate that the hotel offers, since Hotwire doesn't "split" or average nights. Thus, you got a good (and typical) discount on the first night, but were penalized on the second night (for convenience of one-stop shopping). Again, doing homework (on other sites) pays off. In this case, you could have gotten a Hotwire night for one night, and booked the other separately at the hotel's own website (I've had to do this before). Even after the Hotwire fee, you would have been well ahead of the hotel's own site for both nights.

Reminds me of our first family trip in England. The navigator wasn't thinking or mapping clearly after her redeye-2-hr-of-sleep flight. I got stuck in a Birmingham roundabout with no info on which direction to exit. :) :) We'll be trying a role reversal on this upcoming SW US trip, with her driving and my backseat navigating, so Blueskies' rationale hopefully won't be a truthful one. The Venetian scenario for late July (midweek) is so-far shaping up as this: a) almost assured $160 for two beds ($114 for one bed with foldout sofa) on Hotwire; or :o possible $100/night on Priceline + maybe $90 in extra person/bed fees when we get there (if available), or else sticking 2 teens in foldout sofabed; or c) $233 (with taxes) for 4 persons through another opaque service mentioned in this forum, maybe less if we check-in with only 2 persons and assume elevator guards have same cluelessness as most airport security Does that exhaust reasonable options?

We had a case in 2003 in Minneapolis where there were hotels with identical amenities in the same section of town (West). My associate and I, within 5 minutes time of one another, booked on Hotwire what we assumed were the same hotel on the same date. Wrongo. We ended up logistically-challenged at hotels 10 miles from each other. We now know to book multiple rooms in the same Hotwire transaction (then "treat" the non-paying person to dinners that week). I contacted Hotwire and the rep said they "rotate" three hotels booked (we learned are Holiday, Doubletree, Sheraton) under a single amenities/star listing. One sign of this situation is where a given hotel offered by Hotwire "changes" its amenities, indicating that there is only one hotel available (more amenities) or multiple hotels in the pot (fewer amenities, since they may not all share the same larger amenities set).

I've searched the posts but couldn't find a definitive answer for the following: If one wins a Priceline bid (5* on Strip), will the Venetian charge extra for 4 persons (parents and 2 children under 16) once we arrive? Also, I've heard sometimes 2Q beds is surcharged (compared with 1K). Any actual experience shared is very much appreciated...

Oh yeah, and since this is a Priceline/Hotwire forum, I've typically found similar or slightly better rates with internet specials on rental companies' own website than on Hotwire. One notable exeption is NYC area, where specials exclude LGA/EWR/JFK such that all compact were $80 daily rate, but Hotwire was half that. I cannot speak (type) to Priceline's rental bidding. Anyone field that one?

The most consistent lowest rate rentals I've found in US are (in no particular order): - Budget (check their website for internet and last minute specials) - Enterprise (when you use them, they soon email you discount codes for future rental; but takes longer to get car, though often you can easily get goodwill upgrades like a convertable) - Alamo (check their website for internet specials) - Dollar (check their website for internet specials; can be slower to get and drop off, may request gas receipt) For the UK, I highly recommend 1car1.com. Great rates and service. They deliver the car to you at the airport (or wherever) bringing the paperwork with them. One-ways are not a problem.

The amenities for Embassy Suites were complete as of 13 months ago. I haven't noted their recent list since a Suite-style with Comp Breakfast hasn't appeared for my searches recently (been to CLE less frequently). The amenities for Hilton are more dated. 18 months ago they were Restaurant, Pool, Fitness Center, Spa, Business Center, and Laundry. I don't believe they have changed due to the remodelling, but the price for what appears to be Hilton (and possibly a second similar hotel) has risen from the $50s to quite a bit higher. When the Spa disappears from the Amenities list and the price drops below $100, it makes me think there is a second similar hotel in the mix, so one cannot be certain to get the Hilton unless Spa appears.

A wonderful Crowne Plaza. I'd rate 3.5 with the very nice room furnishings. :) Amenities are Shuttle, Restaurant, Breakfast, Pool, Fitness Center, Golf, Tennis, Business Center. Shuttle (free) leaves on half-hours starting at 5am.

2 stars with Kitchenette and Laundry. I've gotten for $31 and $35 on other stays. Decent suite-style with easy access to restaurants and the Interstate 271. Don't count on their on-site pantry being stocked however. Coffee served in lobby. Call ahead if late arrival to ensure staff at desk. In Beachwood area, the 3 or 3.5* is typically the Hilton but is pricier ($80+) on Hotwire since they finished the remodelling. Embassy Suites is 3.5* (Suite, Breakfast, Business Center, Laundry) and I have gotten for $74 on weekdays.

First time trying Priceline. Forum provided great information. Bid through Savingsbarn for three night stay (Sun-Wed). Bid $39 for 2.5* in Bridgewater/Somerville, hoping to get Summerfield or Sierra Suites - rejected. Bid $43 adding Somerset/Piscataway - accepted for 3* Marriott at exit 10 off Interstate Enjoyed the savings (compared to $170 website rate). Hotel was very nice, but room was just okay; ask for a room away from the Interstate (preferably pool view) or traffic noise will be quite annoying.