drjbo3

Oh, certainly...I believe it is consistent with your description from the listings posted. It was also listed for $139 when I just checked. I was wondering if I would have gotten two different rates if I had done one night at a time.....Hmmm...I'm going back to check. Anyway, here are the amenities as listed: South Strip Hotel "Customer Favorite" This Hotel features the following amenities: Casino Property offers a full-service casino accessible from the lobby. 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. Golf Nearby Property is located within walking distance or a short drive of at least one golf course; an extra charge typically applies. Tennis Nearby Property is located within walking distance or a short drive of at least one tennis court; an extra charge typically applies. Spa Services Guests have access to a spa facility or spa services; an extra charge typically applies.

Follow-up: FWIW, I ended up booking the Excalibur using the BB HOTWIRE link last night for $149. I could identify it based on the 3* South Strip location and "Customer Favorite" status. It was listed earlier, for $129, so my indecision cost me another $40 for my two night stay. However, it was as high as $159. There were other lower and higher cost options, but thought the Excalibur would be a safer bet. My observational adviced based on this experience is to book when you see a good rate at a place you want to stay, especially if your stay will include a Friday or Saturday night. If you are going on Sunday through Thursday, you may want to gamble a bit more. J Bo

We just got back from a weekend in Burlington, VT (6/28-7/1/07) where we were able to book the Sheraton (3*) for $69 a night. We were there for the Vermont Quilt Festival, and the block of reserved rooms for $125 a night were already taken. The hotel is still undergoing some major renovations, but it did not effect our stay...in fact it appeared that we got an already updated room. Nice indoor pool, indoor and outdoor courtyard with a convenient bar. For $69 a night, I don't know where you could find a better deal on a busy weekend. Located right off exit from I89. Would highly recommend. Amenities are listed as follows 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. Golf Nearby Property is located within walking distance or a short drive of at least one golf course; an extra charge typically applies.

I would like to pay 100-150 per night, and am fairly flexible about where to stay. I would prefer the strip but off strip and downtown would be just fine. Your hotel listing is very helpful for hotel identification. I prefer to use Hotwire over Priceline as I feel I get a better idea of what specific amenities are available. I recently lucked out waiting longer for a hotel in North Carolina, because my plans were not firm and got the Homewood Suites for $50 a night. I'm going over to check on the prices now using your HOTWIRE link. :-)

My husband and I are flying in a couple of days before my business meeting and now need to book a room for a few additional days. We are staying at the Platinum during the conference, but I didn't want to plunk down another $500 for two additional nights there...especially since we will be arriving after midnight on July 21st. We would like to stay at a location that has a casino for those nights (20,21) since the Platinum is casino free. My question is...what is the best strategy for booking a nice room (3* or better) at the best price? Bid early??? or wait until closer to the date. I know the rates are higher for a Friday or Saturday stay, but would be willing to gamble ...a little...to get a good deal on a room, although would ~really~ hate to miss a good deal now. :-) I know...this is kinda how I feel about playing "craps"...I love it when I win, but HATE when I lose. :-) Any suggestions? TIA, J Bo

FWIW...Chapel Hill and Durham have now been changed to separate areas....so when you bid you have a better idea of where you are staying. I stayed at the Sheraton in August 2006 for $59 a night, and the clerk volunteered to move me to a better room! It pays to be nice to the folks at the front desk! The beds are ~really~ comfy, and a particularly nice feature is the free shuttle around town. This is particularly nice if you have business at UNC since it is not very parking friendly. The shuttle will take you in a five mile radius and pick you up when you call. They do not go to the airport, however. drjbo3

3* Homewood Suites 1room $49.00 per night x 8 night(s) Total:$392.00 Taxes recovery charges and fees $53.74 + Rental car 8 day(s) @ $21.95 per day This Hotel features the following amenities: Suite A guestroom designed for an extended stay and/or that more spacious than the average hotel room. Suites typically offer residential-style furnishings, as well as separate living and sleeping areas; some also offer kitchenettes. Complimentary Breakfast <amenity names only please... not descriptions> (very nice full breakfast with real juice, fruit, cereal, eggs, bacon, make your own waffles...also Monday-Thursday they have a manager's reception with free drinks (including beer and wine) plus a light dinner...I haven't sampled that yet!) 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. (pool is outdoors) Laundry Facilities <amenity names only please... not descriptions> High-speed Internet Access Guestrooms are equipped with high-speed Internet access; an extra charge may apply. (it's free!) Kitchenette Accommodations include a stovetop or microwave oven, a sink and a mini-refrigerator. (actually has small full fridge with a freezer and both a stovetop and microwave) I also stayed at the Homewood in December for 2 nights in December 06. Only complaint this time is that I was not able to get a non-smoking room. I understand they are not always able to guarantee a non-smoking room, but I checked on their web site and there are still rooms available. I was told, since I booked through Hotwire, ~if~ they changed me to a non-smoking room, I would have to be charged the full price! I may just waltz down to talk to the manager...but for now I have the windows open! :-) It is still a good deal for the $$$! FWIW...Hotwire has finally divided Chapel Hill and Durham into separate "areas". So the 3.5* in Durham is most likely the Millenium (or less likely the Hilton) and the 3.5 * in Chapel Hill is most likely the Sheraton.