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For the price, it was fine. It ended up being very convenient to my daughter's camp at VCU. (Right down the street, actually.) The daily parking rate of $18 makes it not such a great bargain, but that cost is typical in the downtown area. It is an older building, but the room was comfortable and updated. The best thing about the hotel is the staff. Everyone -- from bellhops, front desk, maintenance, waitress -- was super friendly, helpful and polite. We had an issue with our tv reception; maintenance arrived immediately and resolved it. Every staff person that we met in the hall or the elevator greeted us in a very engaging way. That goes a long way!! There is free wifi. The rooftop pool is a little bit hard to access (only one of the elevators goes to the top), but we enjoyed a lovely sunset up there. Also, they have coke and pepsi products in the vending machine, although they alternate from floor to floor. I don't know why, but I liked that there was a choice. Few hotels offer both. Thanks for the help!

3.5* Richmond (Downtown) Double Tree Hotel Downtown Richmond $49 7/21/2010 - 7/22/2010 This hotel has terrible reviews on TripAdvisor, so I am a little bit scared. I was hoping for the Marriott or the Wyndham in Glen Allen. :) We'll see how it goes!

Thanks. Can you explain what that mens "non-opaque"?

4* Dates are July 11-13, 2010

Rome West Area Hotel $94 per room per night Recommended in 80% of customer reviews Amenities: Complimentary Breakfast, Pool, Restaurant, Business Center, High Speed Internet Access Thanks for any info!

That's what I am guessing. If we decide to go through with it, I'll let you know what turns up.

August 11, 2007 for one night. Thanks.

Thanks - I updated my post about San Diego. Any advice about Vermont?

We ended up not using Priceline. My husband booked the Gaslamp Marriott on his own. It was lovely; I'd definitely recommend it for a stay in San Diego.

Anyone know what hotel might be classified as a 4* in the Essex Junction zone for Stowe, Vermont? We are looking for something near Stowe. This is the only zone that includes a 4*. Thanks for any info.

Good point! Probably $150 -- knowing that we can get a "sure thing" for $203 with Hotwire, it would have to be a significant savings to take the chance with Priceline. Thanks for any tips!

Thanks for the feedback. You make good points - I'm so glad to have this input before making a decision. I have looked at Hotwire. I get: 4* $203/night (regularly $285.67) with the following amenities: Fitness Center, Pool(s), Restaurant(s), Business Center, High-Speed Internet Access I am guessing that is either the Hilton, Hotel Solamar, or Omni San Diego. The website rates are: $289/night for Hilton, $259/night for Omni and $379/night for Solamar) 3* $236/night with Fitness Center, Restaurant(s), Business Center, Laundry and Tennis Nearby. I can't figure out what that would be, and certainly it doesn't make sense to pay more for a lesser-quality hotel. 2.5* for $169/night. No amenitites listed. That's scary and not something we're going to consider. Recent Priceline bids have been $90-$125, so we could save almost $100 night over Hotwire. For that amount, it wouldn't be a bad deal to have a hotel that was several blocks away. Yes, we'd need a car, but we will be renting one for a portion of the stay anyway. Priceline would make sense if the gamble works in our favor. However, you bring up several good points that indicate it might be too risky. Thanks for any further perspective or advice!

We have never used Priceline or Hotwire before, so I am a little bit nervous. I am finding these boards very informative and helpful. I've been doing lots of research, but would like a bit more advice before I bid. I am going to be attending a conference in San Diego in March. The meetings will take place at the Hotel Solamar in the Gaslamp Quarter. Ideally, it would be great to stay there, but room rates are currently $379. So, I would like to find a hotel in the vicinity. I'd like a 4* for under $200, checking in Thurs 3/8/07 and checking out Sun 3/11/07. First question: At what price should I start bidding? I've seen recent wins as low as $95. Should I start there? Priceline does not have a Gaslamp zone, but rather the zone is defined as Downtown San Diego and Harbor Island. Among the 4* hotels that are included in that zone are a couple that would be inconvenient (Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina and Westin Horton Plaza), but several that would be desirable and very close to the Solamar. I am thinking that I should bid just for the first night of the stay, which would be before the conference actually starts. That way, if the hotel is not convenient, I can make other arrangements, but would have saved a considerable amount on at least one night of the stay. However, if the winning bid secures a reservation at the Omni, Hilton Gaslamp or Marriott Gaslamp, I will want to extend my stay. Second question: Is this a recommended strategy? Is it possible to add the extra nights at the same rate? Thanks for any advice!