123slb

Hello, Can you share what happened? Did you end up purchasing a hotel room in Valdosta, Georgia? Thanks!

I had the misfortune to leave behind a Petzl headlamp and paperback book between the pillows of my bed at the Peabody Hotel in Orlando last week (not a Priceline stay). Despite 4 chats with the maid and friendly notes left with daily tips during my stay, she apparently did not turn over my property. After reporting the items left behind to the hotel's "security" their "investigation" revealed and resulted in zippo. I checked with them three times. Now, we're only talking about $50 or so to replace these things, but I cannot understand why they were not recovered. The maid seemed a lovely person and it is absolutely impossible that she did not find them on the last day. Did the security people glomm on when they have their hands on them? Did they fall prey to higher up in housekeeping after they were turned in? I'm left wondering, and seething! I was just so sure that I'd get them back!!

Most of the resort properties at which I've stayed appeal to families, but there is frequently a quieter spot that is designated for adults. It'll be the pool that doesn't have the waterslides and timed fountains, and it'll be the restaurant that doesn't have a kid's menu. I've seen hot tubs that were age restricted, etc. Lots of resorts have spas on property that have quiet and relaxing amenities and you'll rarely see kids (although there is an increased effort to market to little girls), but you'll pay extra. Also consider timing . . . if you make use of the pool really early, or during dinner hours, or if you eat much later at night, you'll see calmer conditions. In my opinion, the resorts have more to see and do on property and that makes up for the increase in family traffic, but Jason's Storm is dead right about the extra fees!

How tempting! I'm usually able to get to NY only during Christmas season, though. Still, if you build it, they will come . . .

Made a reservation with the Ocala Comfort Suites (using your support page) instead of bidding PRICELINE or buying HOTWIRE. It looks like a nice property.

Thanks for your help. I wish more people posted on stays in Ocala! I'm leery of getting a dive, but I'll keep you posted -- especially if I feel a sudden burst of courage! HOTWIRE's bad enough in terms of guessing; also there's scant body of evidence for recent wins on PRICELINE . . . sigh. :)

Yes, today those amenities are included, and the price is now $109. However, it may not be the same property . . . the percentage of savings is different and I know those two amenities were not listed when I first asked my question. Anyway, I'm losing interest in the 3* because I can book directly (using your link) with the Country Inn and Suites for $99 and get free breakfast. Any guess on the 2.5*? Hotwire's still asking $44.

Can you help with an ID for this property? Thanks! May 31, 2008 3* Ocala, Florida $106 Fitness Center Pool(s) Restaurant(s) Business Center High-speed Internet Access Golf Nearby Tennis Nearby Or for this property? May 31, 2008 2.5* Ocala, Florida $44 Complimentary Breakfast Fitness Center Pool(s) Laundry Facilities High-speed Internet Access

Hey everybody! Thanks so much for these suggestions. If anyone has more, keep 'em coming! Thereuare: your idea is exactly what I was looking for. Thank goodness there's no "blah!" among the strange city names of the world. haha

Thought I'd ask if there is any resource for determining a statewide overview of what cities PRICELINE offers bid-able rooms. Let's say one wants to stay somewhere in Colorado mountains but knows nothing about the towns that might have PRICELINE possibilities. Can anyone think of a way (short of grabbing an atlas and guessing by entering towns, one-by-one) to determine where Priceline has "Name Your Own Price" participation? Or maybe one can go to Hawaii but haven't a clue what islands have towns with Name Your Own Price? Is there a better way to uncover nice deals in unfamiliar towns on a statewide basis?

What is the problem, if you've been told the format? Whenever I travel in countries using another date configuration, I simply adapt. Seriously, I can't see why anyone would moan about a set-up after it's been operating for five or more years consistently! If you're scanning postings for dates, just focus on the area of the date that's most important to you. Frequently, I'm looking for the month, and so it's helpful that month appears first. Others may be searching mostly day, so train your eye to look after the first slash. How tough?

Doesn't Hotwire consider the Peppermill to be 3.5*? It seems strange that PRICELINE would show a higher star rating than HOTWIRE -- it's usually the other way around!!

All your incidental expenses at the hotel do qualify for points, though. And Marriott does count each night of your Priceline stay as a credit toward status level.

I can reserve the La Quinta North fully refundable for $54 so I'll just pay the extra $10 in case I change my date or decide to get closer to the capitol. Thanks for all your help!

Do you know what these hotels might be? 1. 2-star hotel in Downtown - Florida State University $49 Amenities: Complimentary Breakfast Pool(s) High-speed Internet Access 2. 2.5-star hotel in Tallahassee North $44 Complimentary Breakfast Pool(s) High-speed Internet Access

Won this on Priceline for $40 a night late December thru New Years Day. This 2.5* hotel is clean and and the staff is very friendly. It is located less than 2 miles from the historic district and even closer to Busch Gardens (but we didn't go). The hotel lobby is small, and includes two free internet stations and a nice seating area with a really warm gas fireplace. It was nicely decorated for Christmas. They have fresh-baked cookies which are offered as you check in. The room is big enough and furnished with two queen beds that are very comfortable (with one nightstand between), a large six-drawer dresser on which sits the TV, a desk with chair, and a comfortable chair. There is plenty of room lighting but the twin lamps between the beds are mounted high on the wall and one can't read discreetly while someone in the other bed tries to snooze -- there's just too much light. The AC/heater is an under-the-window unit that runs smoothly. The bathroom area has what I really adore - a separate sink outside of the toilet/sink/bathtub room. When you're traveling with others, a separate sink and mirror to use while someone's in the bath is nearly priceless! The towels were fluffy and there was not a single thing lacking in this room. Everything was in clean, good working order. Breakfast is included with your room price and is served from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. It's got a little something for everyone but, ooooooo, those Krispy Kreme donuts! Every morning they stock fresh ones in three varieties, but the original warmed for 7 seconds in the microwave is blissful. The only non-carb choices are bacon, sausage patties and the boiled eggs, which can be split, buttered and microwaved. I ate sausage and eggs every day and was quite contented. There are two waffle makers. The coffee is very weak, but you can shoot down the street about a tenth of a mile to Starbucks if you're a diehard. Other choices are apples, instant oatmeal, instant grits, bagels and cream cheese, fruit cups, fruit flavored yogurt, three cereals, danish and sliced breads. Two mornings we didn't make it down until nearly 10 a.m., and they were out of some items (including the KK donuts, arrgh), but there was still plenty to make a meal. We came to learn about Jamestown and Williamsburg, but by chance we were in town on New Year's Eve. We were delighted to take part in "First Night Williamsburg" for $12 each. There were more than 40 venues featuring over 80 acts -- everything from jugglers to top-notch musicians -- all clustered about the campus of William and Mary College, and you go wherever you please. It was simply fabulous, and they capped it off with great fireworks at midnight.

Whoops! Never figured out the detail about the minimum star level and rebids until now - but no harm done. Through Savingsbarn I picked 2.5* Historic and bid $40. Accepted! Country Inn and Suites Williamsburg East (Historic - Busch Gardens) 7135 Pocahontas Trail Offer Price: $40 Number of Rooms: 1 Number of Nights: 4 Subtotal: $160 Taxes and Service Fees: $32.84 Total Charges: $192.84 So I got my free breakfast. Their website says the cheapest room is $75.60 a night. Wish it had an indoor pool - but can't have everything. Now if the current weather in the 70s would just last 'til New Year's Day! Thanks again for all the support.

No luck tonight, but a strange thing happened. Used Savingsbarn.com and: Chose 2* outlet, bid $30 - rejected Closed browser, opened up and chose 2.5* historic, bid $38 - rejected, but told try again now by raising $10 Opened new browser and chose 2.5* outlet, bid $38 - offer considered a duplicate and not processed! I wasn't expecting that . . . it wasn't a duplicate! :) Clicked back to window with the try again now and added 2.5* outlet, bid $39 - rejected. I'll try again with higher bids tomorrow, but why did it consider my bid a duplicate? Can you only choose a star level below your last bid for it to be considered a change?

Thanks for outlining the strategy! It looks good, but I'll change the last step from "Historic" to: Select 2* Outlet bid $30. I'll tell you how I fare.

I'd consider bidding 2.5* in "outlet" too, since that affords another opportunity to bid on any given try. But that's a complete unknown in terms of properties, as there is no history of wins in that area at that level. (I've gotten so spoiled with previous wins where I received exactly what I expected because of this board's tremendous support.) My party is three, 2 adults and 1 nine-year-old. It did occur to me about the bed, but I'm willing to risk it, as we've actually all piled in a king together before, and I consider it a minute probability of getting only one bed that's smaller than a king. A calculated risk . . . I really appreciate your patience in helping me figure out what I want. So, with your help, I'll progress to bidding!

You're right, I'm ambivalent. My decision is . . . . oh, heck, I don't know. For simplicity's sake (and my pocketbook's), I'll forget the 3 star and stick to "historic". I looked around some more and the Four Points is booking cancelable rooms directly for $70. So I think if I bid 2.5* up to $45 in the Historic district, I'll win that property. But if not . . . then I will switch to 2* "outlet" and bid up to $45 also, because I'll probably end up with free breakfast for the family if I score a win, and the hotels seem newer and nicer in that zone at the two star level. Hey, wait a minute! Maybe I just figured out a strategy! Then if neither of these ideas score anything, I'll rethink it some more, right? I am trying to keep the hotel cost below $200, if possible.

Zones: Williamsburg Historic is first preference but without knowing the area, Williamsburg Outlet seems acceptable. We really don't want to go to Hampton, Newport News or Virginia Beach. On closer inspection, the 2* Springhill Suites (posted wins on the board) would serve nicely, so max for 2* and 2.5* $45 and for 3* max of $55. But then, the lower star class often has a free breakfast, which makes it the better deal altogether! There's a 3* on HOTWIRE for $53 that is probably the Sheraton Four Points or the Holiday Inn, judging from the amenities (fitness center, restaurant, pools, laundry facility).

My daughter is studying Colonial history and we thought a trip to Williamsburg would be great during the break over Christmas vacation. I wonder if Priceline is a viable option for the dates from Dec. 28 to Jan. 1 since there's no history of wins during that period. Also, there aren't any free rebid zones, so if you don't get accepted, you wait 24 hours, right? We'd be comfortable in properties 2.5* and higher. Any info, advice or suggestions?

Thanks! When I saw your post originally, I jumped at the chance and also booked Vista Cay for 3/15 - 3/19. We stayed at the Rosen Shingle Creek last summer and were so impressed with everything -- this should be more of the same! We're using this condo for 4 people, but I think we'll still have plenty of room.

Vista Cay by Millenium 9902 Universal Blvd. Orlando, Florida 32819 Amenities: Resort Fully-equipped Kitchen In-Room Laundry Pool(s) Front Desk Golf Nearby 2-Bedroom Suite Free Parking Fitness Center Business Center High-speed Internet Access 1 room @ $116 per night x 4 nights $464.00 Taxes and fees: $68.75 Total Cost: $532.75 Had to snap this up after reading MickMick's post today. Hope we get a pool view!