Desirees

oops...I actually did not, completely relied on another posted...I am so glad you pointed that out. Well, I guess I got lucky, I would have been quite unhappy with a 2 star one. Anyway, thanks, and also I would like to mention how much a pleasure posting in this board...and the moderator (s) help make it so. :) D.

3* Sheraton Reston ($45), IAD, 1/16-1/17 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sheraton Reston Priceline quality level: 3* Priceline zone: Dulles Airport (IAD) Dulles Airport (IAD) 11810 Sunrise Valley Drive Reston, Virginia 20191 703-620-9000 Check-In Date: Sunday, January 16, 2005 Check-Out Date: Monday, January 17, 2005 Offer Price: $45.00 Number of Rooms: 1 Number of Nights: 1 Travel Insurance : 5 Subtotal: $50.00 Taxes & Service Fees: $12.11 Total Charges: $62.11 I had initially started out with choosing just Dulles and bid $40 and was rejected. Knowing that Sterling does not have a 3* property based on a previous poster I chose it and Dulles the second time and upped my bid to $45, and it got accepted. The hotel website has the lowest rate during that time as $119. D.

Hi Cdike, We were there exactly the same days, maybe we passed each other...the Indian couple with two kids...looking stressed (just kidding!). Do read my review of the hotel in the hotel review section. I think you were lucky to be checked in by some other employee who was not the horror we had. In fact while we were being checked in, I noticed another front desk employee being super friendly to another couple checking in...oh well... Glad to know you enjoyed staying there, so did we and will definitely return... D.

Just got back from a stay at Hilton Head, here are some observations about the resort. Bellhop services amazing, even though they were very busy, each one was polite and smiling, ever-ready with advice on where to go and with directions. When we checked in, as well as when we were leaving, service was prompt and efficient. Checking-in went very bad. After receiving the incredible service by the bellhops, we went into the lobby enveloped in a warm haze, and stood in line for about 3 mins and then were asked to come up to the desk. The employee did not smile, did not look up, and simply asked for our name. I gave her mine and she started typing stuff (checking us in) and asked for a credit card. As I was taking it out I asked her if an oceanfront room was available. She said "You paid for a standard room and that is what you will get". I will not be able to explain exactly the tone but it was very very condescending...I asked her if we could get an upgrade and how much would it be, she said $80 per night. While she was doing all the stuff needed to check us in, no eye contact was made at any time, no smile, basically nothing to make us feel welcome. Completely taken aback by the behavior ( I had read about treatment like this meted out to HW and PL customers but had never experienced this) I then asked again if , after we went to the room and decided we would like to upgrade do we need to call down? She again stressed it would be $80 per night, making sure we knew that it would be more. Once we reached the room we were pleased with the layout. It is really nice, the king bed was very comfortable, they brought in a crib within 5 mins and housekeeping showed up in 10 mins to make the bed on the sofa for my son. The kitchenette consisted of a microwave, coffeemaker and there was a toaster in one of the cupboards. There were 4 glasses, 4 cups, plates and flatware for 4. For some reason, I had assumed there would be a stove as well, but it was no big deal, the kitchenette really served my purpose. The countertops were granite, was very nice. There were kitchen towels as well as dishwashing detergent. The bathroom was really nice, had a lot of towels, and had Neutrogena toiletries. Friday morning, when I woke up and realized I was still smarting from the behavior received from the front desk employee, I called the Hilton Perfect Stay hotline. Not sure how they would take my comment, however was very pleasantly surprised when the executive manager interrupted me just as I finished mentioning the line "you paid for a standard room,etc" with a "that is terrible, I am so sorry you had to hear that". I pointed out that not only did I hear that but a lot of other guests standing around also heard it. She offered to move us to an oceanfront room immediately, however I had already decided that I did not want to move since my main point of complaining was not to move to a better one but to make sure the employee did not behave like this to future HW or PL guests...The executive manager apologized profusely on her behalf and assured me this wont happen in the future. We came back in the evening to a very elaborate fruit basket left in our room and a note from the front desk manager apologizing again for the behavior of one of our employees. I feel this was very well handled. I did, however tell the executive manager about the wonderful service provided by the bell hop and housekeeping...housekeepers were very cheerful, friendly and prompt about cleaning. Housekeeping was good most of the time. The first day was very good, everything done right, second day they forgot to replace the bag in the ice chest and refill the coffee and the creamers; we had to call and ask for it. They did call in an hr wanting to know if everything got to us ok. Did not go to any of the restaurants at the resort so cannot say anything. Very pretty layout, really beautiful. Parking got tight during Fri night and sat night; in fact Sat night we used the valet service since parking was full. Valet is complimentary, $6 per day is charged for parking. Concierge was very helpful supplying us with maps and literature or anything we wanted to know. There is a business center with internet access which was free even though it said there would be charges. This is a good place to stay with kids, and the room is nice. Management handled my complaint very well and I will stay here again. Hope I have touched on everything, please let me know if there are any more questions about the place.

Thank you for the response. I was very comfortable with the $81 rate, and after I read all the reviews, decided to go ahead and get the room. I was also looking into Priceline and saw that one of the 4* resorts they offered was the Crowne Plaza which did not have a kitchenette which the Hilton has, so even though in the long run PL might have been cheaper decided to go ahead with this so that I am sure I am getting Hilton and not Crowne. So, for $272.95 we got a room at the Hilton Head Hilton Oceanfront Resort. This is the second time we went with HW and am quite happy. Thanks for your help, D.

Hello, Thanks for replying. We are looking at the same offer...the amenities are Beachfront, Restaurant(s), Pool(s), Fitness Center, Kitchenette, Business Center, Golf Nearby, Laundry Facilities (self-service). But I was looking at the Hotwire list of hotels in HH and see that Westin is listed to be offered at the 4* level and thought that was what I was looking at. What other resorts are available at the 4* rating? And, should I wait a bit more or go ahead and get the room? I have ample time since we will be driving there and dont need any detailed planning. Thanks again, D.

Hello all, Am really interested in booking this deal through Hotwire since Westin is one of the hotels I might get. Can anyone tell me whether I should wait or go ahead and book the rate Hotwire is offering. Westin website tells me $159 per night, Hotwire today gave me $81. It was $98 about 4 days ago. Any help would be appreciated. Also, has anyone gotten any other hotels other than Westin when choosing the 4* rating? Thanks, Desiree.

This was an excellent choice for a hotel, and we just loved it. Check-in was at 3pm but we got there around 2pm. The wait for minimal, and the desk agent was very helpful. We were all set to try the $20 trick but then I mentioned this was a special trip and whether we could get an upgrade. He offered us a strip view room at the Venetian, or a room on the 11th floor of the Venezia tower (which is actually the 22nd floor since the tower's lobby is situated atop the garage which is till the 10th floor. We chose the Venezia tower and it was wonderful. I had comments about the long walks to the rooms, but this was not bad. Any big hotel will have a long walk to the room, and if the room is anything like the one we stayed in, then why not? Absolutely beautiful, very big, beautiful furnishings and the bathroom was just gorgeous. The staff was very friendly. The desk agent came around and carried the suitcase to the bellhop. The bellhop was very helpful and talked about the attractions of LV then entire way up. Housekeeping was efficient, and everytime we got back to the room (at all times of the day) it was already cleaned. Security made sure everyone had their keys, concierge was knowledgeable and helpful. We ordered room service once and even though they said it would take 40 mins, it was there within 15 mins. We had purchased the room via Hotwire but it was just wonderful and this was a great experience. The lobby was wonderful, we were taking pics of the fountain and someone was works there (I think he was a manager) walked up to us and offered to take a pic of the two of us which was a nice gesture. The casino was nice but I loved the coffee they served at the food court there. The prices were also very reasonable.

Excellent, Pomcoach. That is a great rate. I was wondering how your travel plan was going, and then read your post... D.

Thanks, AEMgee, for the info. We are leaving for Vegas next Sat and the tips will be handy. I am noticing the rates fluctuating a lot on Hotwire. I had booked 3 nights initially for $526 and then per the Venetian website I saw they were charging $143 a night and I put in the DD form, so they refunded me $102. I still check Hotwire for the same dates to see whether I should have waited to get the rooms till the last minute and the rates have gone up to $179. It could still go down but at this point I am glad I did not wait...the unsurety(SP!) would have gotten to me...lol. D.

Thereuare is right about the entire stay price for DD. I had purchased 3 nights at the Venetian for $160 a night, and then called V and they gave me a non refundable rate of $143 per night for all three nights. Their website however had a suite special for $135 for two out of the three nights. The first night was $199. I called the customer service line and they told me HW would not honor the website deal since it is only two days out of three. They look at the entire stay as opposed to per day rate. So, I submitted the DD form with the call-in rate and heard back from them within a day with the refund info. D.

I think that PL is higher, though. I had booked through HW a room at the Venetian for $160 per night for 3 nights and was charged $46.95 for taxes. Then later when I found the hotel offering a cheaper rate, they are refunding me $102. So, I decided to play around with PL and when I put in $160 for room rate, the next page with all the taxes showed they are charging $60.82 in taxes alone. Is that normal? I always thought eveyone charged the same amount. Quite an eye opener. Posting it to see what the others think... D.

Hi! Just got an email back from Hotwire, and they will be refunding me back $102. That was quick considering that it says on their website that it would take 3 business days for them to get back to me. I was also quite wary of the fact that I did not have any written proof of the special, and am quite relieved with the refund. Vegas, here I come!!! D.

Hi Pomcoach, Looks like we are on at the same time. So here's the deal. After I called the hotel last night and they gave me a rate of $143 per night, I sent in the form for DD. However I was reading that people were printing off the rates as proof that the prices were lower and in this case Hotwire would need to call to get the lower rates. So, this morning I called Hotwire right after I posted the first email. Kim there assured me that I qualify for the DD, and she said that when the form gets sent it, there is a time stamp put on it. So all HW has to do is call the hotel and ask then what they were offering for the room at that time. She said since I put it in within 48hrs it should be all right. At this point, I do hope I will get the DD since this is the first time I am using HW and want this to be a pleasant experience. Hope you guys get into V as well, if you see an Indian couple walking by in their early 30s, smile...thats us. D.

So, should I just send Hotwire the link, so should I cut and paste the rates off the Venetian and send it to Hotwire? I have till Sat morning, however want to do it as soon as possible. Thanks, D.

Pomcoach, I just called the Venetian website and they are having a suite special rate for $143 6/6-6/9. Just thought I will let you know since you are looking for the rates. I however could not find the $135 rate on the website. Also, to the others, do you think I have a chance at getting "double the difference" since it has only been 24 hrs since I booked the rates? Thanks, D.

Pomcoach, Where did you see the $135 rates on the V website? Thanks, D.

...had an idea it was going to be Venetian from reading the boards, however even it wasn't, I would be fine, since there are not many 5 stars on the strip and that is what I had specifically chosen. By the way, it is $160. Hope this helps, D.

I have been trying to bid via Priceline for quite a few times, however they would not accept upto $179 per night which was my limit. Hotel website was $249 minimum and the cheapest I could find through travel sites such as i4vegas.com was $229 per night average. On 5/10 Priceline offered me $204 per night, when I checked Hotwire it was $205. Today I checked Hotwire and it gave me $160. I went ahead and got it since I did not want to wait...peace of mind I guess knowing I will be staying at the Venetian... Hope I did the right thing. I might have saved more if I had waited, but I prefer knowing I will be staying at the Venetian, instead of hanging there. Thanks, D.