mcgervey

I wanted either the Marriott or the Embassy Suites, preferably Embassy (it's much newer than Marriot, right next door to Marriot, and much nicer and all suites, though the Marriott is nice too, as this was for a romantic encounter with a former GF in Charleston, and daddy was child free this weekend. I bid this same level for four days straight. Starting the first day, 4 days before the stay, at $50, 3*, Failed, 3 days before $50, 3*, Failed, 2 days before $55, 3*, Failed. Bid the day before the stay, upped to $60, 3* and was successful. I should note I have also been successful bidding this property from the parking lot just before checking in at 3*, $50 at 8pm and gotten it before too, but that was on the work expense account and a weekday. Weekends seem to only have success at $55 and $60 for 3* in CRW, and that's not a guarantee. I often end up at the HI Express, Best Western, or Wingate in South Charleston at 2.5* and 2* in the $40-$55 range in CRW on weekends. All are accceptable/decent. Thankfully, the old Holiday Inn on the Blvd, which has lost it's HI franchise, was in bankruptcy, and Priceline moronically put into the 3* cat for 6 months on the sole basis that it had a restaurant and puny bar I guess, despite my complaints directly to PL, got removed 6 or 7 months ago and was downgraded. I would much rather have had a 2* or 2.5* in CRW than that aging decrepit place. If that was a 3* then Marriot and Embassy were the Taj Mahal. It is now the Ramada Inn Charleston House, and apparently based on current reviews has not been upgraded yet. It is NOT worth the money, either at Priceline rates or other deal rates. AVOID if possible. Thankfully it seems to not be a player at any level on Priceline. It could be a nice property again, and has a lot of potential. Outdoor pool, restaurant/lounge, but is extremely dated and not well kept up, the staff can be very unpredictable and downright rude, and what could be a great riverfront view from your room can very quickly turn disappointing if it's hot. The a/c and heat do not keep up. If for some reason you ever get this hotel, if it's winter, request a river view (sun side), if it's summer, request the city side (north facing). With a little money and pride, this could be a nice property again, but as it is, it's very poorly run. The Wingate in South Charleston also is a player from time to time at *2.5 in Charleston, and is a very nice property, but when it is a player it's in the $60-$70 bid range, and isn't there much. Very nice hotel though, with pool access to adjacent and same company owned Ramada Inn (SC), and a recently renovated hot tub. Don't count on it on PL though. Country Inn & Suites at Elkview is also a nice property, if you can get into one of their deals, not on Priceline or Hotwire though. They do have specials. The Charleston market can be easy or tough. Marriott/Embassy at the 3*, Wingate at 2.5*, Best Western or HI Express at 2* are all good properties and the usual suspects. Embassy is the price of this lot though. If Priceline fails you, stop at Shoneys or the rest areas and get the coupon books and don't hesitate to go in and negotiate when you get there. If all else fails, hit the Best Western. It doesn't look like much, but recent updates have made the rooms nice. LCD tvs, desks, nice bedding, chairs, good free breakfast, outdoor seasonal pool. The downside, the bathrooms are tiny and bring your own shampoo. Usually it can be had for $70-$80 in the coupon book if PL fails you. Be sure to walk across the parking lot to Sushi Atlantic if you're into that sort of thing, or Asian Cuisine, it's a little gem. If not, walk a few minutes back towards the interstate and hit Soho's for some upscale but casual atmosphere Italian, or the Capitol Fish market for the Big Fish sandwich and slaw, or some good caffiene at Capitol Roasters. Peace.

First Bid 3.5* Pittsburgh Airport, $55, Failed. Second Bid 3* added Greentree, $55 Failed. Third bid 3* added South, Accepted. Just needed something nice for my toddler and I before a birthday party for a cousins toddler. Wanted to try for pool, unsuccessful at that, but this was a nice property, right next to South Hills Village (one of Pittsburgh first malls, if not THE first, which is now MUCH larger, and the mall my parents shopped at in my youth... I miss the three story huge birdcage and parrots though). Worked out well though, as there was a nice toddler play area, games and rides, and my girl was happy, we had some very pretty snow, and the room was nice and well appointed, if on the small side. Easy check in, ample parking, free internet. On site nice restaurant and bar, though we did not partake, we ate at mall. You can take the LRT downtown from this location too, it's the southern terminus for the LRT, or drive downtown in 15 minutes.

Tried for 2 days at my usual bids from 3.5* on down in Airport, downtown, Greentree, South Hills, North Hills. There was a lot going on in Pgh this weekend. So I'll take this rare disappointment in Pgh on PL with a grain of salt. Convenient location, free parking and internet. Tiny rooms, spartan feel, small bathrooms, hotel was jam packed, as was parking, ended up having to park almost right next to front door, along with others. Only my second stay in a Microtel ever, and I don't like them. I tend to get spoiled with Marriots, Sheratons, HI Expresses, at $65, so Microtel is a let down. But it is what it is. Only the second time I've been disappointed in Pgh Airport PL hotels (Holiday Inn at the Airport is horrible now too)... Days Inn Airport is also horrible, but that was booked late night, after Priceline was shut down for that night, on Expedia. Days Inn Airport was worst hotel stay I've ever had, and I ended up complaining (about 11 things, the least of which was a recently pool flooded room with dehumidifiers everywhere), and the company refunded my money. Thankfully, Days Inn Airport appears to NOT be on Priceline. I doubt I bid 2* in Pittsburgh again anyway. I once got the Extended Stay Suites on PL, 2* PGH Greentree, and that was disgusting too. Peace.

First bid success at $50, 3.5* level. The Airport Hyatt seemed to be the only player at 3.5* in the Airport area for a while, and the Marriot is a welcome addition. Very nice hotel, and adds ample free parking over paying $15 for parking at the airport, and the check in then park at the airport can be tiresome, plus in/out is much more difficult, and a longer walk. No issues with that here, and it's free parking. Nice pool and hot tub that toddler enjoyed. Nice courtyard area. Had a problem at check in too, gave me wrong room keys, sleepy naptime toddler, etc., then upgraded us free to a brand new suite with pocket french doors, etc. and gave us coupons for free breakfast. Well done. I haven't seen the regular rooms at this property, but I'm sure they are well worth $65 total. The Suite was exceptionally nice, but doubtful available on PL bids. Might be an upgrade available though, and I would pop $20 on occassion if available to upgrade to one of THESE suites. Kitchenette, fridge, microwave, two doors into bathroom from bedroom and hallway area, large living room with large LCD tvs in LR and BR, pocket french doors, closets. Very well done. I'll probably just check out the regular rooms if I win again though. :)

$80 for a crummy Travelodge in one of worst Frederick locations, but we were on our way home from vacation, tired, late, and pickings for this area seemed to be slim at this time of night. Probably would have been better off walking in somewhere and negotiating. Travelodge is about one of the worst hotels you can get on Priceline. Right up there with Days Inn, and to pay $80 is adding insult to injury. But we slept. Had their crummy continental breakfast, free newspaper, and left. There was an in-room fridge and microwave. Small bright spot. Only two bed option was 2 fulls.... Again, downer. Beware 2* Frederick bids.

First bid, 3*, $50, Failed. Second bid, 2.5*, $40, Failed. Third bid, 2.5*, $45, success. I generally won't spend much on Charleston, as it's only 122 miles from home, and I have other options as far as friends I could possibly stay with if need be there. But I do like to hotel stay there when I have early business there to avoid driving at 6am, or sometimes when having to exchange custody of my little girl, whose mom lives in Charleston. Have gotten this property a lot over 3 or 4 years on PL at the $40 to $50 level. Often have success here when I've failed for days. Generally I like to try for the Marriot or Embassy Suites at 3* $50-$60 level, but when I fall to the HI Express, I'm not unhappy, and saves me money on parking and free breakfast. No pool though. Older property, no frills, tube TVs, but clean, decent, comfy beds, working HVAC, best free breakfast in WV with hot and cold, sausage or bacon, bisquits/gravy, eggs, yogurt, fruits, cereal, waffles, juices, nice teas, etc. Friendly staff, restrooms in lobby, business comp with printer, only one though. Ample free parking, free wifi, located right in town walking distance to most anything. Free shuttle to capital and airport areas. Had a wifi problem and it was down for a few hours in the evening, but that was the first hitch at this hotel in many stays.

I can't recall but I think I bid 2.5 or 3* first, at $45 and $50 levels, then went down and upped by bid a few dollars each time. I was thinking Holiday Inn, which is a nice older Holiday Inn property in town I've stayed at long ago, but was VERY happy with this win. I've tried again to get this hotel near this pricepoint on a few weekends since and failed. Probably this great deal due to being a weekday, was in the area for work. A friend said he got this hotel at a $70 bid on a weekend after my stay though. This is a VERY nice property for a 2*, and one of the nicer Fairfield Inn & Suites I've stayed at. Only a few years old, if that, sits right on the C&O Canal Trail in town, almost under the interstate bridges cutting through town, you can walk the rail trail over into town and there are some art shops and bar/restaurants right off the trail a stones throw from the hotel and you can see them from the hotel property. The hotel will also give you a discount coupon for the nice restaurant next door. Rooms were on the small side, but VERY nice with flat screen LCDs, mini-fridge, chair and comfy beds, closet, nice bathroom. The hotel had a very nice pool with a hot tub with a waterfall out of the tub into the pool. Very nice. The breakfast area and lounge are also very nice, and there is a nice computer area with several computers and a printer for free use, and a small convenience store area with snacks, sandwiches, nuts, chips, juices, soda etc that seemed reasonably priced. Internet is free, as is continental breakfast. I seem to recall there was some hot breakfast options too. Parking is nice, convenient and ample. I left my car after check out and went into town for hours. The front desk said it isn't a problem, as parking is ample, and the front desk lady was very nice and helpful. Very well run hotel and I hope to return sometime. I would give this a 3* rating for accomadation quality, convenience, location, recreation, pool/hot tub, restaurants next door including full service bar/rest (not on property, but RIGHT next to it, as is the river and C&O Trail), good small NY style pizza by the slice at the ice cream joint next door, and an art co-op... All right next door, as are bike rentals, the historic train station also featuring a restaurant, and a 5 minute WALK into downtown.

First bid, success. Parking $21, Internet $10 for the slow, $13 for fast, I just used by iphone. Tried to request a comp of net, got the "We're a full service hotel" crap. Yeah. Shove your full service. Didn't even ask about parking, drive around block first to scout out and had a few options. Translation, we want to rip you off because we have valet parking and a restaurant/bar/lounge. I parked just down the street in a huge vacant lot near the Radisson for free, after check in, 2 minute walk back to the hotel. There appeared to be ample metered street parking too, which is free sundays, but pay for 9-5 Sat I believe. The big undeveloped lot looked like a winner, with others parked there, some looked long term, and it was. Probably will be another hotel or apartment sitting there in a year or two, but for now it's nice free parking. A few restaurant options within walking distance too, and a 7-11. In room water bottle, $4.... Gotta love the craziness. Very nice, seemingly recent property though.

First attempt, 3.5*, $50, Crystal City, FAILED Second attempt, went to 3*, added Georgetown, $50, FAILED Third attempt, 3*, added Convention Center/Capital hill, $55, FAILED Fourth attempt, 3*, added Arlington, $55, ACCEPTED. Friday, Jul 8, 2011 Check-Out Date: Saturday, Jul 9, 2011 Offer Price Per Room, Per Night: $55.00 Subtotal: $55.00 Taxes & Fees $15.00 Total Charges for Original Reservation*: $70.00 I was happy with the hotel. After some friendly talk with the night clerk, without asking, he gave me a parking pass for free ($21), and then comp-ed me the internet too ($13). So my stay was excellent. He and the night watchman apparently are a skeleton crew on weekends, so you may have similar success if nice to him. I didn't even ask, but we had some conversation about me being there to see the Dalai Lama, and he apparently is a fan. Didn't seem the type, 50-ish white male, conservative looking, but looks are deceiving, and I looked just like a casual working class type too. I tried to extend my stay a night for the same price, but it wouldn't take it. Since I had a free parking pass and internet, Priceline offered me to extend my stay at $73 bid level, ($90 total for second night), and I took it rather than change hotels, where I may have had to pay $20 to park anyway, and deal with moving. So total stay for 2 nights in DC, 1 block to the Metro, was $160, and that's acceptable for a nice quality 3* hotel. Parking was easy and convenient underground from the hotel, and elevators led directly to the garage (as opposed to some in CC that you have to change elevators, Sheraton for example). This is only 1 stop removed from Crystal City though, so is a good option if CC bids fail. There is some on-street parking that could be used in-lieu of hotel parking as well, though I think the meters there were pay meters for sat afternoon, and only free on sunday, so be sure to read the meters. Overnight should be ok though if checking out early.

Not real pleased with this win. Good for the money. Would have preferred the Courtyard. This property has become pretty dumpy for a 3* HI. Pool area is not well maintained, hot tub reeked/stunk and water was discolored... took 4 requests and a half hour to get towels to the pool, rooms are substandard based on more modern 3* hotels. Did not accomadate king bed request, despite this same hotel doing numerous times in past. Front desk worker not very good, unprofessional, ignored guest while doing something else in computer, then answering phones, without even saying hello or otherwise stating she even knew I was standing there. No bellhop/bellboy, no even offers of other service assistance (not that I would want any, but)... This hotel has seen much better days in so far as quality and service. I recall having a few good meals there, but this was a trip I was so disgusted with the quality of amenities and guest attention, services, I couldn't wait to leave, lest I chew people out. Lady that eventually, after 30 minutes, brought towels to myself and my freezing daughter, a second before I was about to go down to the front desk dripping wet with an upset child, said no one from the front desk had called for towels (despite me requesting 3 or 4 times). Maintainence worker that just happened to come into area stated that the discoloration was from the chemicals. NOT.. nor was the stink. I own a 500 gallon Royal Spa, and have owned hot tubs and pools. That thing was unsanitary, and should have been shut down as a health hazzard. The pool, also, was freezing... My daughter wouldn't leave the steps area, and I wouldn't have let her anyway because she is 2.5, and I wasn't getting in (and I can handle a lot of cold water some people can't.. not that pool)... It's a shame, because we used to enjoy this hotel, and it is a nice BIG old style hotel pool with 10 foot deep end, (that used to have a diving board once upon a time), and a large outdoor patio area. Most people that have seen/read my past comments on hotels will note that I am NOT that hard to please, and I will RARELY gripe at a hotel and/or staff. This hotel deserves it. If I get this hotel ever again, I might need to go up to 3.5* as my minimum for the Airport area, and/or bid more, accordingly. Priceline should downgrade this property. Holiday Inn Pittsburgh Airport Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) 8256 University Blvd Coraopolis, Pennsylvania 15108 412-262-3600 See Hotel Website View Map and Directions Check-In Date: Mon, Sep 6, 2010 / After 03:00 PM Check-Out Date: Tue, Sep 7, 2010 / 11:00 AM Your Offer Price Per Room, Per Night: $35.00 Subtotal: $35.00 Taxes & Fees: $12.21 Total Charges*: $47.21

First bid 3*, $50, again trying for Embassy or Marriot, which I prefer, failed. no areas to add for Charleston... Second bid 2.5*, $50, failed. Third bid, 2*, $40, expecting HI-E or Best Western, success. Thankfully it appears the Charleston House Holiday Inn has been removed from Priceline. It had been listed as a 3*, which was insulting and ridiculous, and I made many complaints to Priceline. I would rather stay at the 2* HI-E than the Charleston House at any stars, which has been let to become a DUMP, and then tries to charge you $7 for parking. Nice property, great breakfast, great breakfast lady, nice lobby and public spaces, no pool, decent rooms though a tad dated (older tvs, etc, no fridge). King beds hard to come by under request, and rooms with two beds are doubles, not queens. Conveniently located downtown, ample parking, friendly staff. Holiday Inn Express Charleston Civic Center Charleston 100 Civic Center Dr Charleston, West Virginia 25301 304-345-0600 See Hotel Website View Map and Directions Check-In Date: Sun, Oct 24, 2010 / After 03:00 PM Check-Out Date: Mon, Oct 25, 2010 / 12:00 PM Your Offer Price Per Room, Per Night: $40.00 Subtotal: $40.00 Taxes & Fees: $12.27 Total Charges*: $52.27

First bid, 3* Airport, $40 failed (I have had success in past with $40 at 3* and getting Courtyard, so tried). Added Greentree, $45 bid (which if got Greentree would only be Radisson or Holiday Inn, both acceptable, but prefer Greentree), success. Prefer Airport 3* hotels and Radisson at Greentree if have my daughter, for indoor/pools, but not a trip with toddler, so didn't matter. Got hotel with indoor pool anyway, but... Courtyard was in the middle of some EXTENSIVE renovations. Half of hotel shut down (thus the likely higher price, though makes little sense to me, but I guess less rooms available). Whole hallways shut down, tools, materials, stuff everywhere. Lobby closed, temp lobby facility in former conference room, with 2 computers and printers and a tv, snack bar items and drinks. First room wasn't ready to be rented, major internet issues.. modem not hooked into wall, and no power supply. When brought a power supply, still didn't work, had to change rooms to get internet. Seriously, in 2010?!!? This hotel should have wifi... Ridiculous. Should have been first step in renovation. New rooms are going to be nice, as I'm sure hotel will be, once finished. Again, easy access to airport, Coropolis, Robinson Town Center mall and shops/IKEA, 15 minutes to downtown, good convenient location, budget price, good history of satisfied stays at this property, despite this somewhat disaster of a night. Courtyard By Marriott Pittsburgh Airport Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) 450 Cherrington Parkway Coraopolis, Pennsylvania 15108 412-264-5000 See Hotel Website View Map and Directions Check-In Date: Sat, Oct 30, 2010 / After 03:00 PM Check-Out Date: Sun, Oct 31, 2010 / 01:00 PM Your Offer Price Per Room, Per Night: $45.00 Subtotal: $45.00 Taxes & Fees: $13.79 Total Charges*: $58.79

First bid Airport, 3*, $45, failed Second bid, added Greentree, $50, failed Third bid, added 2.5*, $45, failed. Fouth bid, added downtown, $50, failed. Fifth bid, added Pittsburgh South, upped bid to $55, success. I don't think I've ever bid 5 times before, and more than $50, to get a 2.5 to 3* in those areas. There was a Penguins game, and black friday weekend shopping going on. Guess just a busy weekend. Nice property, typical newer HI-E with nicer than normal pool, located just off I-79 and 10 minutes from downtown/airport, nice work out room and very nice atrium pool. No hot tub. Nice rooms with tube tv, but fridge and microwave. FREE WIFI and C-Breakfast, wonderful and sweet breakfast lady, TV's in lobby, computer w/ printer for use in lobby. Extended check out time to noon and granted King bed requests with no issues. Very friendly. Holiday Inn Express Pittsburgh-Bridgeville Pittsburgh South 3053 Washington Pike Bridgeville, Pennsylvania 15017 Check-In Date: Sat, Nov 27, 2010 / After 04:00 PM Check-Out Date: Sun, Nov 28, 2010 / 11:00 AM Your Offer Price Per Room, Per Night: $55.00 Subtotal: $55.00 Taxes & Fees: $15.36 Total Charges*: $70.36

Originally bid on one night, 12-13-10, then when weather looked bad, extended check in date backwards a day to arrive early. Total costs were $134.34 for both nights. Nice property but in middle of renovations, someone intrusive (ripping up floors, workmen taking up half the hallway) during daylight afternoon hours. Nice breakfast and decent rooms, rooms offer both fridge and microwave, and free wifi, with a business center in lobby. Actually located in South Charleston just off I-64. Nice continental breakfast and lobby. Flat screen TV's in room. Property has a newer hot tub and nice gym, and side door access to the indoor atrium pool at the Ramada across the parking lot, owned by same owner as the Wingate. Where there is also an older hot tub. Spacious atrium area with live plants, wifi, and access to the Ramada's bar and restaurant, public areas, and a hotel parrot. :) Check-In Date: Sunday, December 12, 2010 Check-Out Date: Tuesday, December 14, 2010 Offer Price Per Room, Per Night: $55.00 Subtotal: $55.00 Taxes and Fees: $14.17 Total Charges for Original Reservation*: $69.17

First bid $50 at 3*, failed, then $50 at 2.5* failed. Decent hotel, budget type, but free wifi, friendly staff, business center (COLD in winter, wear a coat), former downtown Super 8 renovated) free breakfast, coffee, tea. Fridge in rooms and 32" LCD tvs. Will accomadate king or two queens on Priceline reservation. If travelling alone, get a king for more room space, which comes with chair and ottoman. Best Western Charleston Plaza Hotel Charleston 1010 Washington Street East Charleston, West Virginia 25301 304-345-9779 Check-In Date: Tue, Dec 14, 2010 / After 03:00 PM Check-Out Date: Wed, Dec 15, 2010 / 12:00 PM Your Offer Price Per Room, Per Night: $45.00 Subtotal: $45.00 Taxes & Fees: $12.78 Total Charges*: $57.78

First bid at 3*, $50 trying for Embassy or Marriot (have often gotten those). Not willing to go higher or chance nights because I'm just in town to sleep and pick up daughter Christmas morning. Rebid $50 at 2.5* failed. Added 2* figuring I would get Best Western (decent hotel after remodel) or HI-E. Lowered to $40. Sucess. Had more expected the Best Western, as I usually get it when I go as low as $40. Rarely the HI-E. But happy. Both BW and HI-E offer free WiFi and nice breakfast options. HI-E is a more attractive property, though BW has better appointed rooms (fridge in room, flat screen AOC 32" TV's) than the HI-E though. Both have very friendly staff's, a business center with printer, and a work out facility. The BW does have an outdoor pool, while the HI-E has no pool, which is of little relevance in December. Holiday Inn Express Charleston Civic Center Charleston 100 Civic Center Dr Charleston, West Virginia 25301 304-345-0600 Check-In Date: Sat, Dec 25, 2010 / After 03:00 PM Check-Out Date: Sun, Dec 26, 2010 / 12:00 PM Your Offer Price Per Room, Per Night: $40.00 Subtotal: $40.00 Taxes & Fees: $12.25 Total Charges*: $52.25

First bid failed at one night (12/31/10) @ $50. Added second night (1/1/11) and rebid at $56. Rebid at $56 because PRICELINE offered me a chance to rebid without changing anything at $64, so I split the difference minus a dollar, at random, and added the second night, as I was thinking about staying that long anyway as I will be in the area. Looks like a nice hotel, indoor atrium pool, which I needed travelling with a toddler, and 5 miles from downtown, all highway. Doubletree Hotel Charlottesville 990 Hilton Heights Road Charlottesville, Virginia 22901 434-973-2121 Check-In Date: Fri, Dec 31, 2010 / After 03:00 PM Check-Out Date: Sun, Jan 2, 2011 / 12:00 PM Your Offer Price Per Room, Per Night: $56.00 Subtotal: $112.00 Taxes & Fees: $20.74 Total Charges*: $132.74

I also got the Crowne Plaza for these same two nights at a $38 bid, see other posting (had family join, needed another room). Check-In Date: Saturday, September 5, 2009 Check-Out Date: Monday, September 7, 2009 Hotel Name: Courtyard By Marriott Pittsburgh Airport 450 Cherrington Parkway Coraopolis, Pennsylvania 15108 412-264-5000 Here is the itinerary for your original reservation. Please remember that you have two separate reservations that make up your total stay. Offer Price Per Room, Per Night: $40.00 Subtotal: $40.00 Taxes and Fees: $12.95 Total Charges for Original Reservation*: $52.95 Here is the itinerary for your additional nights reservation. Check-In Date: Sunday, September 6, 2009 Check-Out Date: Monday, September 7, 2009 Offer Price Per Room, Per Night: $40.00 Subtotal: $40.00 Taxes and Fees: $12.95 Total Charges for Add. Night Res.*: $52.95

Total for the two nights was $94.52. First bid at 3*, Airport area. Sorry this post is a bit late, just putting it out there to document and reference: Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh Airport *** Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) 1160 Thorn Run Road Coraopolis, Pennsylvania 15108 412-262-2400 Check-In Date: Sat, Sep 5, 2009 / After 02:00 PM Check-Out Date: Mon, Sep 7, 2009 / 12:00 PM Your Offer Price Per Room, Per Night: $38.00 Subtotal: $76.00 Taxes & Fees: $18.52 Total Charges*: $94.52

$50 after taxes and fees. I went through a whole lot of bids trying to get a deal downtown, Oakland, etc. on 3.5 and 4*, was looking to stay on budget though, as we were just in town for a show but wanted something nice to sleep in. My first bid at 3* for the Airport area netted Embassy Suites for $38. Last time at this price point I got the Crowne Plaza. I also regularly get Courtyard Marriot. Embassy Suites is a welcome addition at 3* in this price range, and I welcome it! Very nice hotel for $50! I hope they keep listing rooms on PL!

$65 after taxes and fees. First bid at 3.5* for Pittsburgh Airport area. Have had success twice before with this same criteria. Must note that parking at the Airport Hyatt is $15 in long term airport parking. You can pull up to lower level to unload and check in, but you have to eventually move your car to airport parking. This Hyatt has very nice spacious rooms, comfortable bedding, a nice pool and hot tub, and I have been treated as a valued guest each time despite being a priceline customer. In past visits, they granted my request for a king bed twice. I was provided with a pack-n-play crib for my baby for free as well, with baby essentials, and they volunteered, didn't have to ask. Internet is also an additional charge at this property, whether you use the WiFi or the business center, have your credit card ready.

I noticed a few people asking why they were having bids rejected that usually would win. First, the Steelers are back in action, so you might want to look at the 2009 Schedule before bidding on downtown hotels, that will come into play. I've still had good luck during Steeler games getting deals at 2.5 to 3.5* out at the airport, but downtown and Greentree are going to be tougher. Seocond, Pittsburgh is hosting the G-20 Summit September 24-25, 2009... There are delegations from dozens of countries coming to Pittsburgh that have reserved HUGE blocks of rooms in ALL of the major Pgh motels. Then of course with the throngs of news media, politicians, etc., those dates, and probably some dates straddling those dates, are going to make finding a hotel within close proximity to Pgh more of a chore. Your best bet will be to avoid Pgh those dates if you're looking for a budget trip, or any trip really, unless you want to be part of the madness that will be the G-20 summit...

First bid $35, 2.5* rejected, second bid $40, 3* rejected, third bid 3.5*, $45 accepted. Use PRICELINE link to add second night. Next day decided to add another night (third night), rebid at same parameters and got third night. Not crazy about this property for $58. They did have a good mid-week continental BF, and Lakeview has a nice pool and fitness center you can use. It is a bit dated, a golf resort (not a golfer). Legends is a decent on-site restaurant. Used to be a 3* on PL, upgraded to 3.5*, though I really don't see why. I guess b/c it's a resort. The rooms are nowhere near as nice as any of the mid-level chain hotels (SH Suites/HI Express/Courtyard, etc). A very dated property when you get to the hallways and rooms. I could see The Waterfront being a 3.5* or even 4* property, but not Lakeview. All told, still a decent deal I guess at $58, considering it would cost me $55 to stay at the Super 8. Used to get Lakeview in winter months for $35 and $40 bids... Guess they're trying to recoup some of that remodelling money. In fairness, the public areas and Legends are nice. Internet signal can be sketchy depending on where your room is in the hotel. I passed guys standing in the hallway with their laptops to get signal. Some of the front desk staff are aware of this and can locate you better on request. They also offer an upgrade into the suites, which are a lot bigger rooms over the lobby, though this costs $20.

Few months ago, sorry for the late post. A good deal on a decent property, though this property is more dated and a little less convenient than others that I've gotten for this area. It remains a great deal for $35 bids, $47 total, and is the hotel I've gotten most in the airport area bidding. Nice small pool for the kids, courtyard is nice to walk around, outdoor patio area off poll, free WIRED internet, breakfast is not free. Small gym area. Will entertain requests including courtyard rooms, close to pool, etc. I've been booked into both King and double rooms, and they have switched to/from both upon request. Last time I needed a double and got a king, because they had no rooms left. No complaints about this property, ever. I do like a few of the newer offerings I've landed a bit better now though, especially the SH Suites (WELL worth the extra $5 I bid to get it). If this hotel is a 3* property, the SH Suites should be as well. This hotel is not NEARLY as nice as the SH Suites, and should be knocked back down to 2.5 stars (why in the world did PL raise this place to 3*????).

I had already tried to extend my stay the previous night at SH Suites Marriot in same area, and was unsuccessful. Bid $50 at 3.5* first bid as I was confident I would get this property, as I have twice before at the same settings. Likely could have rebid at 2.5 and 3 in attempts to get Courtyard and/or Holiday Inn, but there is the chance of getting the Sheraton Four Points and I had my kids and wanted the indoor pool just in case of rain (which it did briefly). The Sheraton is an outdoor pool and a harder property to get in and out of. The Hyatt is a very nice property. Drawback if you're not flying is you have to use airport parking, drive around and come back over to the hotel to park, though you can usually find parking close to the hotel, and take the moving walkway right to the main door. They had me booked into a king room, but changed it to two full beds without hassle upon request because they do not have sleeper sofas in the rooms and I had the kids. The room didn't seem as nice as the King room I had last time, likey due to it being a double bed room, but was still a nice room. Dislikes: Parking (see above, $11) Wifi is T-Mobile and is $9.95 Bloody Mary in bar $7 (not too bad tho b/c was decent drink) Nothing to do at the airport if you're not flying, and if you want to go in and out you have to deal with airport parking situation, which costs $$$. Nothing is free, no free paper, no free breakfast. Provided business computer area is $.30/minute, can print for free. Likes: Very nice rooms, comfortable bedding, lovely large pool and pool area, nice amenities, flat screen TVs, will give you a view of the runways if you ask (which I do, the kids dig it). Fast elevators x 3.