NVTravelers

I meant to add that I did use the forum to start my bidding. It is a habit now when I am looking for a hotel. Next up will be Hawaii. Retirement is grand. :)

We were looking for a nice hotel at a good price near LAX. We booked this one, guessing it was the Raddisson. I didn't know anything about Custom Hotel, but after reading recent reviews feel pretty excited that it will be a nice experience. It is rated higher than the Raddisson on Trip Advisors. The reviews are mixed, but recent reviews are better. They underwent a renovation in June 2011. Our son, who live in L.A., thinks we will love it. The price with taxes for two nights is $155. Amenities: Smoke Free Rooms Pool(s) Airport Shuttle (one of our major requirements) Business Center Fitness Center High-Speed Internet Access

Rate per night is $46 + $13 taxes for a total of $59. We were just looking for an inexpensive but decent night in a hotel before flying out the next day. We booked thru the HOTWIRE link on this site. Thanks Amenities: Fitness Center Pool(s) Restaurant(s) Business Center Laundry Facilities (self-service) High-Speed Internet Access

Holiday Inn Santa Monica Beach at the Pier Amenities: Walking distance to beach Restaurant Fitness Center Laundry Facilities Pool High speed internet The least expensive price I found for this online was $183 a night. It's perfect for us due to its location. It had an 85% approval rating on Hotwire. There was also a 3.5* with a 75%, but I went with this due to the 85% rating. I'm wondering if the ratings are lower with the 3.5 due to expectations, so I'd like to know if anyone has a comment about this. In looking at reviews elsewhere, I found mixed results. As long as people were above the 2nd level of the hotel, they were very happy. Also, we usually stay in Santa Monica twice a year. We've paid more than double this on other occasions for similar or even lesser hotels in this area, using sites like Hotel.com, etc. I did go thru this site to look/book at HOTWIRE.

I had heard this hotel was going for $85. I started at $65, and got it at $75.

Sorry. I'm new at this. Used Priceline and Hotwire for the first time today. Smoke free rooms Fitness Center Pool Restaurant Business Center High Speed Internet

85% recommended 5 miles to Port Everglades 12 miles to airport - checking on shuttle cost We did book thru link on this forum. So much useful info in here. Thanks.