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I bid early. Sometimes it works out, sometimes not. My new theory is that if Expedia has an "Expedia Special Rate" for the Hyatts on your dates, it is more likely to come up. I do not know if this is 100% true, nor do I know if there is a correlation between the Expedia rate and the lowest priceline bid. I may be completely wrong too. BillJ

Have you bid using the South Bank Vauxhall zone? If not, you could start again with that and run through it again. Personally, I'd suggest doing 4* Mayfair Soho + South Bank Vauxhall for $90 and you would hopefully get the Millenium Mayfair and be done. Slightly more money than you originally wanted to spend, but I have yet to hear anything bad about it and it is coming up a lot lately. BillJ

Don't forget, there is the free rebid with South Bank-Vauxhall. Overall though, $75 is possible conservative for 4*. You might want to consider adding $5 more before dropping down to 3*. That $5/night might make the difference. I will also point out that Mayfair-SoHo tends, but not always, to go for more than Bloomsbury-Marble Arch. While means that you may pay more for hotel in Bloomsbury than necessary because you start with Mayfair. BillJ

Taxes and fees on 3 nights were $35.94. Previous bid was $68. I am so used to getting and seeing the Hyatts for Union Square East that I am a little disappointed. I was avoiding the SOMA zone even though the Marriott often comes up at $55 and has a great location, just because I have liked my previous stays at the Park and Grand so much. Although I suppose I should expect this since I have yet to repeat a hotel on separate stays. BillJ

Taxes and fees on 2 nights were $22.07. First bid 4* at $55, 58, and 60. Then dropped down to 3* and first bid at $45. BillJ

Just helped a friend bid this. Since $55 is typical for LA Downtown 4*'s, started there for the 1st bid. Total was $132.36. BillJ

Nutshell: Would be happy to get this hotel again. First, the location of the Grand Hyatt is excellent on the NE corner of Union Square. Public areas were nice and the staff were friendly. My room was a tiny bit worn, but very large with more than adequate storage and comfortable. In comparison, I was more impressed with the Park Hyatt in terms of the room and service, but there was nothing wrong with my stay at the Grand and it is a better location than the Park. BillJ

Review in a nutshell: Will not bid this zone again unless I feel sure that I will not get the Bloomsbury. It really does not qualify as a 4*. The previous year we had received the Thistle Marble Arch and the quality of the rooms did not compare in any way. The Bloomsbury gave us a much smaller room with very uncomfortable beds. The beds were uncomfortable enough that we called the desk to ask for another room. We were told all the beds were the same throughout the hotel. I was not feeling well so we decided to stick with the room rather than trek back to the desk. Later I read a review elsewhere where someone had the same issue with this hotel, and was able to change to a better room. Oh well. Room was small, with only one upholstered chair and one regular chair beyond the 2 beds. A small writing table and a small end table. Bathroom was tiny. We really missed our room at the Marble Arch which was the complete opposite of this. Overall, the public areas were not as nice in comparison either. Fairly bland decor, and we had to go through several doorways to get to our room on the back of the '1st' floor. It as March, and the temperature between these zones would move between at least 60 and 80. It was very weird to be blasted by all these varying temperatures while walking down the hotel. The positives about this hotel revolve around its location. About 2 blocks from the British Museum and ~3 blocks from the Holborn tube station which several lines go through including the Piccadilly line to LHR. A good sized Sainsbury's was across from the tube. Other shopping and such around the hotel. Since we like being comfortable in our room, we will not be bidding 4* in the Marble Arch-Bloomsbury zone again unless this hotel is downgraded or we can duplicate someone else

(Decided that I will try to start writing reviews. Wrote this review for another site awhile ago.) Had room 381. Must have recently been redone as all was in good condition. Some of the wood furniture was scratched some, but that was the only blemish. Room was on an inner-courtyard with view of ducts, but that was fine as we wanted quiet. We also had 2 twin beds, but as we were both jetlagged, we didn't want to share a double either. Never heard noise from other rooms. Room had a good-sized sitting area with a love seat, coffee table, a writing desk and chair, and I think another chair. The TV sat on top of the minibar console and we were able to remove drinks from the minibar and add our own without being charged. TV was fine with some radio channels and at least german channels. Could see your bill online. I paid $66 before VAT on priceline. I saw that the rate including VAT was 50# (maybe 50.50#). TV welcomed me with my name on the screen as I came in the room. A good amount of storage with various closets and at least one drawer and a place to lay at least one medium/large suitcase flat. The bathroom was in good condition. Only a small door for the shower which meant some water spilled out and 2 separate hot/cold faucets at the sink, altough they were next to each other. The bathroom was good sized and not cramped at all. We noticed that we did not have quite enough towels the first night, but we got by and did not complain. The maid stocked enough towels the next day without us asking, so it was good that it was noticed. Check-in and out was fairly quick. It was obvious I was priceline as the check-in clerk pulled a sheet out which listed me and 3 other priceline customers checking in. Hotel entrance is on the backside, away from Oxford street. It was 1.5 blocks from the Marble Arch tube. It was 2 blocks from a Sainsbury's (just past the tube) which is a small grocery. A Marks & Spencers a couple of blocks the opposite (east) way on Oxford. I found myself loving the grocery stores in London and the ability to pick up cheap (2-3#) and good sandwiches to eat. Overall we were very happy with the hotel and we hope that we get it again when we go next year. BillJ

Since this usually comes up at $43, I started at $42 and went 1 dollar at a time. $12 counteroffer on first bid. Your Offer Price: $45.00 Number of Rooms: 1 Number of Nights: 2 Subtotal: $90.00 Taxes and Service Fees: $18.75 Total Charges: $108.75 BillJ

Taxes paid: $25.46 for the entire stay Date booked: Sometime in May 03 Helped some colleagues book this a few weeks back. BillJ

Well, unlike you, I really did not want to be that far south. It turned out ok, but I decided next time I will only bid 4* as I want to stay closer to the center of downtown. The one problem with 3* bidding in Portland with Priceline is the fact that the downtown zone includes the Lloyd Center area and the Doubletree out there. That would be a bit of a hike. I don't think Hotwire has this same problem. I would not necessarily bid higher start higher even though it is a holiday weekend. It seems that there are always hotels that load their 'normal' priceline rates without looking at holidays, especially when many months out. BillJ

Re: LGA / Bus & Subway / Metrocard The 1-Day Fun Pass is now $7 according to the MTA website. You can buy these from Hudson News in the airport. There are several locations throughout LGA, but not all of them may have the card so you have to ask. When we were in Terminal C last time, we found the 1-day card at the large Hudson News outside of security. BillJ

$36 failed. Cannot find tax rate for Fairlawn, so not sure if $37 would have worked. Taxes paid: $4.90 BillJ

Unfortunately, you have to make this request before you have check in (among other restrictions) and my parents did not decide this until they have there. BillJ

Parents called up and wanted to add 1 night to their stay. Was wondering if I'd get something other than the Adam's Mark now that we are closer, and sure enough I did. I believe $39 would have gotten this. They won't be thrilled to switch hotels, but the Mark wanted $85 for an extra night so they will be happy with the savings. Taxes paid: $5.07 BillJ

It has been used. (not by me, but I clicked to check.) BillJ

Told a friend to bid this a week or two ago. Calculated the $43 based on previous tax rates and he was accepted on first try. BillJ

Taxes paid: $6.67 Date booked: 7/19/02 BillJ

Renaissance Harborplace Hotel Taxes paid: $8.25 Date booked: 7/18/02 BillJ

Taxes paid: $5.04 Date booked: 7/5/02 BillJ

Taxes paid: $7.00 Date booked: 4/17/02 BillJ

Taxes paid: $11.66/night Date booked: 4/15/02 BillJ

Taxes paid: $10.59/night Dateb booked: 2/14/02 BillJ

Taxes paid: $7.70 Date booked: 2/3/02 BillJ