bbbb, basically I just wasn't trying hard enough. I hadn't exhausted my options or even started as low as I probably should have; I wasn't being an informed priceline user, just looking to do better than the open market. (The win was on the first rebid, and I gave the complete bidding history in my post.) That said, I really am pretty happy about the $65 rate, even if I could have had a 4* or paid a bit less. For San Diego, I'm going in with a different attitude, though, and will try to actually win the lowest possible rate, especially with all your help! :)