Well, then maybe I'll need to move down to a 4*. I noticed that the 5* is most likely the Conrad Hilton which is too far from where I'll be (NYSE). So maybe if there is a 4* or 4.5* near NYSE, that would be better (and could lower the pricetag). I don't really know how to work the Hotwire system, but maybe that would be a better way to go. I've always used Priceline via Betterbidding, And to answer your question, my max bid is $250. So I'd like to be within a few blocks of the NYSE and then pay the cheapest I can for a 4* (if I can get a 4.5* for under $250 and it's really close to the NYSE, I'll take it - otherwise, I'd rather pay less for the 4* and be closer to the conference).