xkiwi

I wanted to secure a 3* hotel in the coastal area. Started bidding at $62, which was rejected although I was offered the opportunity to rebid at $79. I decided to rebid at $71, and added a 'blank' sector (3* in Coronado). Bid was accepted. I think that $80 would have secured a 4* for these dates but I decided to avoid this category as in this location the 4* Priceline hotels can have some pretty steep additional charges e.g. Hilton San Diego Resort has a $22 per night parking charge - for self-park!

Described as 4-star hotel in Santa Rosa - Rohnert Park - Petaluma with the following amenities: Fitness Center Pool(s) Restaurant(s) Business Center High-speed Internet Access Also described as 4* on TripAdvisor ratings with more than 40 votes. Very happy with this price for Napa Valley on a Sunday. Hotel best available rate I found as $170 looking elsewhere on the Internet.

The amenites shown were Swimming Pool only.

Although not an absolute bargain, I thought this represented a good price compared to alternatives having looked at a number of options, particularly over a weekend in Santa Cruz which can be spendy. Notice that the Hotel description is Boutique, Gym, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Business Centre, Laundry, High Speed Internet, Tennis nearby. If you are bidding for this hotel, the location is a 4 mile drive outside Santa Cruz in a very appealing wooded area BUT if you really want to be in the heart of the Boardwalk action, then you will need your car. I thought that the 4* option (which includes Spa and Golf) is probably the Chaminade and the 2* might be the Travelodge but can't confirm these!

I am not sure whether to bid again as I went to the high end of my list. There are no rebid options for this area and I don't want a 4* as I am not a fan of the Chaminade. Think the 3 star will be either Coast (which would be great) or the Hilton (OK). Any suggestions on how high will I have to go?

I booked the above room for 2 nights at $65 a night plus taxes and fees and it was confirmed as the Carmel Lodge, which I believe is the name for the former Carmel Sands Lodge. The best alternative price for that room I found was $170 a night, so I am very happy with this outcome. Tripadvisor reviews are a little mixed but I believe the lodge has been refurbished recently.

I wanted to stay at either Hilton or Marriott so decided to bid only in 4* Regents Park-Baker St or Notting Hill - Bayswater. The London areas also worked for me for this trip. I looked at the going rate on Hotwire for that date and knew that anything less than