bradrob

Well, actually I only sort of was... I mean, I was looking for my own place, but since he had asked and I was looking for the exact same night, July 23rd, ... I figured I'd post my findings (though he asked another question... and no response since, so maybe he found what he was looking for long ago, unlike myself as I had pretty much just started a day or two ago now,) and respond to... since I KNOW an event is going on there for the day/night being commented on.But, if that was inappropriate and I should have started a new topic (or just kept my mouth shut, er... fingers from typing,) I apologize and I guess I'll try to remember to do that next time. Sorry to be a pest. :-(

Now: 2.5* - $53 - Comp. Breakfast, Internet The $89 price is no longer listed. Also, the Crowne Plaza amenities seem to match up very closely with the Hilton Springfield. Any way to tell the difference or if it actually even appears in Hotwire?

I see HOTWIRE showing: Springfield area Hotel 2* - $49 - Comp. Breakfast, Laundry, Internet, Golf 3* - $65 - Airport Shuttle, Fitness Center, Pool, Restaurant, Business Center, Internet 2.5* - $89 - Comp. Breakfast, Internet 3.5* - $99 - Comp. Breakfast, Fitness Center, Business Center, Laundry, Internet, Golf, Tennis It's interesting that the 3* is only $16 more than the 2* but the 2.5* is another $24 higher. Looks like they're all over the board. From the Hotwire Hotel List - Illinois I see: Springfield 3* Crowne Plaza Amenities: Shuttle, Restaurant, Pool, Fitness, Hi-Speed Internet, Business 2* Extended StayAmerica - Rockford East Amenities: Laundry (Though I'm not quite sure why the "Rockford East" is listed there except maybe it got slipped down because the "Rockford" list is just above the Springfield one.) Anyway, maybe the $65 is the Crowne Plaza based on this info? The Priceline list posted by AaronJB above shows another "3* Hilton Springfield" so it could be in there too but just hasn't been won yet I would guess. There is an event in the area the weekend you're looking for so I suspect this could be affecting the prices somewhat. I'm not sure which exact hotels these might be, but you can call some places directly and get like $59 or so, making these deals not the greatest, if you're picky about what you do get. I'm actually just starting to look for a deal myself, preferably in or near the Hilton, I think it's about $89 or so direct... wondering about that $65 one now.

I found an Extended Stay a few years ago with 2 Amenities listed: Kitchenette, Laundry Facilities (self-service). Also, when I inquired about internet access when I got there, I was told by the staff that the cost is $3.99 per stay, not per day, though that could have changed (many times over) by now.

Phew...I'm glad - didn't want to get booted on my first shot. :) Well, the weekend was great (except that it was too short.) The stay was fine (for the few hours I was there each day - basically sleeping only.) :D The two staff members I met at the front desk were friendly and helpful - explaining everything necessary. The queen, non-smoking room I received on the first floor seemed fine, but left a slight odor of something in my suitcase, etc., which I only really noticed when I got home. It wasn't that bad though. On their sign outside, they had a "Highspeed Internet" banner, which was not listed as an amenity. I did not see a port either so I inquired about it and they told me, as I figured, that it was wireless. I was told by the staff that the cost is $3.99 per stay, which I found interesting and respectable if it really does help keep the cost lower for those who don't need it, because most other hotels offer it: "Free" (which probably really means "We've added it to your room charge for you already; no need to pay us more.") $$ per day (often something like $9.99) $$ per use (whatever that might mean - each connection?? Maybe per minute or hour?) Then again..."Extended Stay" would make sense to be different. However I did not use it so I cannot attest to its availability/quality/speed. I would stay there again if I were to go back to the area. I hope this helps someone. I know I'll be back to this board for my future travels. :) (As long as these gas prices don't keep going up! :) These days we really need the savings on the hotels to make up for them to keep the total cost of our trips down. Maybe the large hotel chains need to join in the fight against increasing gas prices to encourage continued travel...just a thought.) Happy hotel hunting...and promote BetterBidding! :o

Purchased Saturday, 08/06/2005 through Hotwire. *** Expedia *** ESA Appleton-Fox Cities: Rate $59.99 ($59.99, $64.99, $69.99, $74.99, $79.99) *** Priceline *** Tried Priceline first. Bid up to $30 and down to 2* in both Appleton & Neenah, but rejected. Claimed following: Median retail price for a ...