Karaokes

Dear jckesler, We just returned from Vegas and I must say that I am/was quite impressed with the El Cortez. There are 3 different types of rooms. 1 section is the tower and the other 2 sections are off to the side. We got a tower room with a view of the strip. From what I heard from some local customers in line, the tower rooms are the best and we wouldn't want to stay in the other rooms. We arrived at noon and were able to check in right away. The hotel restaurants and casino were not too bad either. I think we would stay here again and you were right about the neighborhood being improved. Thanks a bunch!

Well thanks for the silver lining. I sure hope its better. My main concern was for the area. We know some people that live near Downtown and they seem to think that is a major drug area. I hope you are right and thanks for posting.

In just 3 short days, I received an email from Hotwire regarding my double the difference. I will be receiving a credit in the amount of $51.40 WooHooo I'm thrilled. Thank You BetterBidding.com for all your valuable info. I would have not known this had it not been for this site. Karaoke Nadine

I called Hotwire immediately, and gave them my results and findings. I actually used $50 in hot Dollars and only $40 from my credit card. The difference from the hotel is about $20 so double that would be about $40 which I'm hoping would mean FREE for one night for me. I was told it should take between 3-5 days before I get an email back with the results. Today on Hotwire the 2* is now $66 El Cortez, (which is a total drug and hooker hotel and in a real bad area OFF Freemont St) is listed as 2* but on other websites its a 1* Learning is fun and I will be sure to post my results. Thanks!

You are right about that.....when I told my husband about it, he was soooo angry. His Mother lives near downtown about 3 blocks from El Cortez (still rather stay at El Cortez than with his Mother for FREE) and he says that that area is a total drug and prostitute area. It's a good thing we just have to sleep there for a few hours and then run out. He doesnt even want me to bring up my luggage in fear of roaches. We are staying at the Orleans for the rest of the week but added Sat night last min. Wish me luck!

I'm such a dork....I forgot to add the price I paid from Hotwire.....$77

I just used your HOTWIRE link and booked this 2* Room Downtown Las Vegas for Sat Aug. 18th 2007 (one night only). $77 Amenities: Casino - Restaurant I first looked at the hotel list for this area and the only 2* hotel listed was the Golden Gate and this is what I really wanted. When I booked it, I got El Cortez.....UGG! I then found this hotel for only $51.30 a night. How does the double the diff work here? Does it still count if I used hot Dollars? I'm dissappointed... :)

Miami Beach North - Sunny Isles Newport Beachside Resort Hotel This Hotel features the following amenities: Resort Resorts offer a complete destination experience. Facilities generally include a spa or fitness center, one or more swimming pools, and superior dining options. Depending on location, recreational activities may include water sports, golf, tennis or skiing. Coastal resorts usually boast ocean views or beachfront access. Note: A resort fee may be charged. Beachfront Property is located on the beach. 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. 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. 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. Kitchenette Accommodations include a stovetop or microwave oven, a sink and a mini-refrigerator. Spa Services Guests have access to a spa facility or spa services; an extra charge typically applies. Children's Activity Program Property offers supervised programs, events or activities for younger guests; an additional charge may apply.

Winning Bid - 3.5 * Ft Lauderdale Pelican Grand Beach Resort. $114 per night x's 2 nights. Sat June 30th til Monday July 2nd. NO resort fees. $12 valet parking. This hotel should be rated 4* It was just beautiful. Large rooms. Pool and lazy river. Great restaurant. Free internet use in business center. Free popcorn most of the day in bar. Ice cream parlor serving Starbucks. Verandah with rocking chairs all around. $15 umbrellas for the beach. Would LOVE to stay here again. Resort Resorts offer a complete destination experience. Facilities generally include a spa or fitness center, one or more swimming pools, and superior dining options. Depending on location, recreational activities may include water sports, golf, tennis or skiing. Coastal resorts usually boast ocean views or beachfront access. Note: A resort fee may be charged. Beachfront Property is located on the beach. 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. High-speed Internet Access Guestrooms are equipped with high-speed Internet access; an extra charge may apply.

My second winning bid was 4* North Miami Beach. Property located directly on the beach. $134 per night. $16 resort fee and $24 valet parking. Beachfront Property is located on the beach. 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. High-speed Internet Access Guestrooms are equipped with high-speed Internet access; an extra charge may apply. We paid for a 4* hotel but received a 1* room. Very very tiny room with no chairs to sit nor ice bucket or coffee machine. VERY DISSAPOINTED! Wont stay there again!

Ok Here is my winning bid with HOTWIRE on June 21st 2007. 3* North Miami (Sunny Isles) located directly on the beach. $49 We stayed at the NewPortBeachSide Resort. We have stayed there before and just loved it. Rooms are ok but the atmosphere is awesome. Add $10 for resort fee and then another $15 for parking. We would stay there again.

We stayed at the Pelican Grand Beach Resort in Ft Lauderdale on June 30th to July 2nd 2007. Booked off Hotwire for $114 per night. AWESOME stay! The hotel is rated 3.5* but could easily be rated a 4*. No hidden resort fee. The rooms were large and beautifuly decorated country cottage style. Bed was comfy. Free internet and printing office available. No resort fees. Verandah with rocking chairs all around. Ice cream parlor serving Starbucks coffee. Free popcorn in the bar all day. Lazy River and clean swimming pool surrounded with palm trees. Chef cooking BBQ hotdogs and ribs by the pool (a little pricey). $12 valet parking for all day. Staff was pleasant. Hotel located right on the beach. Hotel also offers some water activities. Great location. 7 miles from Ft Lauderdale airport. Not congested like Miami. Can't wait to stay here again.

Anyone able to get free upgrading on their HOTWIRE hotel purchse? We booked 3 different hotels via hotwire for June 21st-22nd (NewportBeachside Resort $49) and (Le Meridian June 22-23 $115) then again (Grand Pelican Resort June 30th-July2nd $135). I know we only get standard rooms but has anyone asked/persuaded for a better room? Any tips? Thanks The Karaokes Lee & Nadine

Looks like we will be bumping into the halls on one of your days. We booked this hotel via Hotwire for one day only (Friday, June22-23). Price* $135 We are really excited to stay here prior to boarding our Carnival Cruise. Have a great time!!! The Karaokes Lee & Nadine