Timothy Mao

1st bid @ $75, denied. Added Stony Plain zone (no 3*s in that area) and upped bid to $80, win.

Amenities include: Complimentary Breakfast Fitness Center Pool(s) Restaurant(s) Laundry Facilities (self-service) High-Speed Internet Access Golf Nearby

Most other travel sites rate this property as 2* rather than 2.5* so I guess we'll see if it deserves the extra 1/2* through Hotwire. Savings of about $10/nt compared to the open travel sites should cover lunch at Tim Horton. Aloha, TM

That is a great deal for the Mauna Lani as their rates usually start around $395. It's not like the usual chain property, much more relaxing and reminds of the old Hawaii that lots of us veteran tourists miss. Hope you enjoyed your stay. Aloha, TM

Calling this place a "resort" is a stretch. It's more like a condo complex with a mix of timeshare guests, snowbird vacation homeowners and local renters. There's minimal sound insulation between floors so if you get a ground unit and someone is upstairs, you'll definitely know it. And listing it as Kohala Coast is really misleading as the nearest beach is 7 MILES and 1000ft elevation away. The good news is there's a village market within 10 minutes walking distance (uphill) that should supply all of your vacation needs. Just don't freak out at the $8 carton of OJ, enjoy the $3 pass-o-guava juice instead. Aloha, TM

Looking at HOTWIRE's named hotel list, the only 4* that is "near the beach" not on the beach, is the Marriott Resort. Bidders are winning this hotel for $102-106 on Priceline in March and April. Cheers, T

Haven't pulled the trigger yet but noticed this discrepancy while bidding for a rental car for Calgary: Priceline quotes $221 all taxes and fees included for a 10-day $14 compact bid. Hotwire quotes $211 all taxes and fees included for a 10-day $17 compact with guaranteed rate. So is Priceline pocketing the $30+$10 difference or what? Needless to say, I'll be going with HOTWIRE this time. TM