infinite_dream

We [2 Adults and 2 Kids (8 & 9)] are going to be in New York for New Years (Dec 28 to Jan 4, which is Monday to Monday) Our first choice would be a hotel, but I am also looking at apartment rentals. I am realizing now likely I should have been looking a while back. One thing I noticed is the hotwire price for after new years (i.e. Jan 1 through the 4th) drops $50 to $75 per night, but this doesn't seem to be reflected in the overall price for the 28th to the 4th Our first trip to NY (some things we are thinking of doing): Big Apple Greeter (pending volunteer) and Subway Times Square Broadway show Souvenir Shopping + Toy/Candy Store (F.A.O. Schwarz, Toy R Us, Dylan's Candy Bar) Dim Sum in China Town Ice skating at Central Park Top of the Rock Grand Central Terminal Holiday Laser Show? Statue of Liberty Enjoying the Food! Any thoughts/recommendations?

used the savingbarn link 3* $50 Disneyland Area <-- Failed Bid 3* $55 + Anaheim Hills <-- Accepted Bid Marriott Anaheim Disneyland Area 700 W Convention Way Anaheim, California 92802 Check-In Date: Sat, Mar 24, 2007 Check-Out Date: Mon, Mar 26, 2007

yar I used that HOTWIRE link.

Holiday Inn San Diego Zoo Area 595 Hotel Circle South San Diego, California92108 (619) 291-5720 This was a day-of booking... and the rooms we received are standard (2 queens, non-smoking, etc) 3-star hotel in Mission Valley - Hotel Circle Customer Favorite! This midscale establishment offers more than just the basics in style, comfort and customer service... Fitness Center Guests have access to exercise equipment; an additional charge may apply. Pool(s) Property offers at least one pool area; hours and dates of operation may be seasonal. Restaurant(s) Property offers at least one restaurant on the premises; hours and days of operation may vary. Business Center Guests have access to business equipment and services; an additional charge may apply. Laundry Facilities &lt;amenity names only please... not descriptions&gt; High-speed Internet Access Guestrooms are equipped with high-speed Internet access; an extra charge may apply [FREE] oh yeah, parking is $10 per day unless you are a 'Priority Club' member [anyone can join I think], then it's 5$ a day

It was my first 'suite' experience and it worked out pretty well. The room has only 1 queen bed, but there was no issue with our boys (<12) crashing on the floor (queen-size air mattress). The room had been freshly cleaned when we arrived, and was in good ship other then the annoying freshener they had used... that subsided pretty quickly though. The hotel just put in (as in this week) new mattresses/bedding in all the rooms [all 3 candlewood locations in the Anaheim area were done at the same time apparently]. With the updated beds/bedding, the rooms looked pretty good. Issues some people may have: 1) once weekly scheduled cleaning... though you can borrow the vaccum etc if you want to do it yourself :) 2) no room service (though there are the std places to order from that deliver for a fee). 3) fresh towels, more blankets, etc are available, but you have to pick it up yourself at the frontdesk 4) instead of 2nd queen, you get the kitchen-ette... which comes stocked with some pots/pans, plates, cups, etc, but really only 2 of each. I don't think the dishwasher would be even half full if you put all the dishes from the room in it :) 5) the air conditioner and the fridge both made a little bit of noise when they were on ... pretty standard I think for such a small amount of space... but I know how picky some sleepers are [the ac/heat had a simple electronic control, and you can turn the ac off, at which point its quiet =) ]. Perks: 1) Free Parking 2) Free Laundry 3) ART apparently goes somewhere nearby (though it was cheaper for us to park our car at disney anyway then to ride ART for a family of 4) There is little to walk to in the area (Starbucks/Subway/BP Gas Stn store...) but plenty of stuff is within easy driving distance.

Check-In Date: Saturday, March 17, 2007 Check-Out Date: Wednesday, March 21, 2007 Hotel Name: Candlewood Suites Anaheim South 12901 Garden Grove Blvd Garden Grove, California 92843 714-539-4200 Bidding March 08, 2007 Check-in: March 17, 2007 Check-out: March 21, 2007 2 Rooms 3* $47 Disneyland Area <-- Failed Bid 3* $54 + Anaheim Hills <-- Failed Bid 3* $57 + Seal Beach <-- Failed Bid 3* $60 + Laguna Hills <-- Failed Bid checked the history on betterbidding for 2.5* and 2* hotels, as well was what was available on the various sites Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, etc] 2.5* $55? Disneyland Area <-- Failed Bid 2* $50 Disneyland Area <-- Accepted Bid I had checked the usual 3* winners a little over a week before (~mar 01), and they were all booked up (atleast online booking). I don't remember exactly what my 2.5* bid was but it was either 55 or 50. This was after futzing around some of the travel sites and not finding anything. I should'a took a breather at this point. I had intended to lower my bid for the 2* but I messed it up [first time using priceline for me, online reservation is ~115 so it's not to bad either way... I think most/all? rooms are queen with hideway couch though... alright for our two boys anyway] =( ah well, room is reserved so time to look forward to the vacation! Have a good one all!