Diamond Dog

The previous Mon-Thurs (20-24, 4 nights) was available at the same price - but not at the weekend. Just in case anyone was looking?

Price, to be honest. I'd be happy with any of those areas, really. So I'm looking for the least expensive 3.5* in those zones.

I'm looking to stay in LA for just the one night - my preferred choice of areas is: Beverley Hills Hollywood Brentwood Santa Monica LAX Redondo in that order. Which all have at least 3 1/2* properties, I believe? I do not want to stay in Downtown LA, Culver City or Lawndale.. I don't really want to spend more than $75, in total. Is this feasible for a Saturday stay (it's only me staying, by the way)? If so, what should my bidding strategy be? If it isn't - what amount would be a reasonable expectation? Or, alternatively, would introducing 3* properties (for the above areas) into the mix help? Maybe including Pasadena? Sorry to be long winded - I hope I've explained myself?

Just used your HOTWIRE booking thingy - got the MGM Grand for $63 per night for three nights (Sunday July 26, checkout Wednesday July 29) = $189 + taxes & charges ($23.78) = Final Total $212.78. I think it's a pretty good deal - thanks for the hotel list (that I used to confirm the hotel). The amenities were : Casino Fitness Centre Pool Restaurant Business Centre Internet Access Golf Tennis Spa Again, top marks to this site for bagging me another bargain! **Forgot to add, this is (obviously) south strip**

Which aanyone should use, if they're going with www.lastminutetravel.com My point was will this board be offering advice for that website, as it does for the other two websites - or, at least, keep an eye on it? Maybe start a thread where people can report wins?

Yeah, the prices look bad - the info provided is quite interesting though ; it actually had the name of two of the hotels in the write ups!! Not very opaque, one might say?! When was that sale - I've just seen there's one due this week too?

I've just received an email from www.lastminute.com saying that, as of today (1st Feb 09) they are becoming a completely 'opaque' seller, similar to Hotwire & Priceline. I'm not sure if you guys are interested, but have you thought of including them on your site, as they're offering similar services to the two websites you track now?

Being from the UK, I'm not sure of the legal questions in the US. But, make no mistake, this is most definitely not a mistake. As others have alluded to, this is classic 'bait & switch', simple as that - get the rooms booked and then continue to sell them at higher prices. Fairly sure, in the UK at least, this would be unlawful. Although it isn't Hotwire that are to blame, they are the people that sold you the room. Ethically, they should offer their customers a refund - as has been very clearly pointed out, Trump does not have comparable amenities to Wynn, it is not a 'like for like' switch at all. One thing I would ask - how can Trump charge a resort fee on Hotwire bookings, when their amenities do not list 'resort fee'?

That must have changed - maybe that Wynn 'match' sold out? They particularly wanted The Wynn - so I don't think they'll be pursuing this now. Thanks for your help, everyone.

This 5* property: Casino, Restaurant, Pool, Fitness, Business, Golf, Tennis, Spa is coming out at $115 per nights ($898 in total) for seven nights, starting Thu 22nd Jan. It's for a friend on another forum, which they need to book very quickly. Is this The Wynn, or The Venetian (or could it be another property)? There are no other icons when you view all the amenities, and it is not a customer favourite. There is also no Trip Advisor rating? All help greatly appreciated?

For info, what is the pool area like? And, if you walked to The strip, how long did it take you, please?

Sorry, wasn't sure they were really connected. Well that may be 3.5* by Tripadvisor's ratings but, boy, do the reviews stink! And when you find HIE themselves are selling it for $80 per night for the same period........thanks for the help guys, but I think I'll look elsewhere (and/or wait).

Hello there, just seen this come up: Need help with ID 3* Palm Springs (2 ads2 kids) Rancho Mirage-Palm Desert 07/16-07/20 Comp Breakfast Fitness Pool Laundry Internet Access Tennis Golf. I'm looking at a rate of $76 per night for 4 nights (before taxes & charges) for 2 adults & 2 kids. Trip Advisor rating is 3.5*, from 20+ reviews. Is this the Holiday Inn Express? Another question, is there much difference between this area and Palm Springs- Cathedral City?

You don't need to enter the year on HOTWIRE, do you?

There appears to have been a change to the areas in Palm Springs - three areas : La Quinta - Indian Wells Palm springs - Cathedral City Rancho Mirage- Palm Desert. These are new, aren't they?

You guys are just the best! I had looked at that hotel, never thinking it was Humphrey's Half Moon - I'd seen such glowing reviews of it, I didn't equate it with a room for $99. But........... Went ahead and booked the room from Mon 13 July 09, checkout Thur 16 July 09 (3 nights). 2 adults, 2 kids. $99 per night - total (including charges & taxes) = $337.33. Amenities as listed above by Colfax. It was Humphrey's Half Moon & Suites!!!! Currently available on their own site at $239 + taxes (just over $260 per night). With Expedia, Hotels.com, Lastminute.com etc it's going for around the same price. By my reckoning, their own website would be $780 (all in). You've just helped us save about $443, for three nights!! Again, I can't thank you enough - I, of course, used your HOTWIRE link provided. And may there be many more!

Interesting - I'll bear that in mind, thanks.

If you're saying don't book the HIE, I'll take your word for it. It has a poor Trip Advisor rating too. I'm thinking I may do better to leave this until later on. The exchange rate isn't favourable at present and I already have the Best Western Lamplighter Inn as a refundable booking, should nothing else materialise. Thanks for your help guys & sorry to waste your time.

Not really. There is a 2.5* in Sea World-Mission Bay- Shelter Island for $95 though. Amenities are: Comp Breakfast Gym Pool Laundry Hi Speed Internet Golf Tennis. Any ideas on this (the breakfast appeals at that rate, and the area is fine too)?

Thanks guys. The kids will be 13 & 10 - I'm thinking this is the major issue. As it's our first night, and we'll have flown in from the UK, we won't have a viable option really, if we get given one bed. I'm thinking it over, but this may be the stumbling block. In answer to Colfax - yeah, a 3.5* or 3* would have been okay, and I thought that budget may not be enough for a 4*. You've confirmed it. Having considered everything, I think it will be a HOTWIRE effort from now on. What would you say we can look for as a realistic budget for a 3.5* or 4* in the area that includes La Jolla or Sea World, in July next year?

Okay, I know it's a long way out, but I'm thinking of bidding on Priceline for a room for 07/13 - 07/16 (3 nights) next year. Although I need to be able to secure a room for four, I'm wondering what you think a 4* room is likely to cost (and whether it's feasible to go down the Priceline route)? I want to stay in the La Jolla area, which is the San Diego Coastal area on Priceline. I can only see three other areas (of 14) that have 4* properties, so I believe that means I have 10 free rebid zones? Could you give me an idea on strategy - my budget isn't huge (around $100 per night, which -hopefully- will include charges & fees!). Is this realistic? Any advice greatly appreciated - should I leave the bidding to later? What are the chances of contacting the hotel after the bid and asking for a room with 2 doubles (I've successfully done so with my LA bid with the Crowne Plaza)? Thanks.

I've emailed the Crowne Plaza and they have noted my request for 2 double beds. Hopefully, we'll be okay? :) The tone of the response has been very pleasant & professional (they even got their concierge to email me, regarding transport to LAX) - I'm looking forward to the one night stay!

Could he also change it to "Plaza" not "Plaze"!! :)

No - I was originally looking on Hotwire and actually had found Sheraton in Santa Monica for $133, but the Hotwire site went down before I could complete and, when it was back up, that was no longer available. So, in a fit of pique ( :) ) I went via the PRICELINE route and got the Crowne Plaza for the same night (July 29th 2009) - at a total of $23 less than the Sheraton!! I'm very happy - the Crowne Plaza is in an excellent location and we can still get to the beach & airport pretty easily.

Booked through your PRICELINE link, the above for one night. $110, $133 after taxes & charges. This should, of course, read Crowne Plaza. :) The room on their own website is $217, $248 with taxes etc. So it seems to be a decent deal? Anyone any experience of the hotel? Thank you.