7continentKaren

Got a good price but now reading the reviews in www.tripadvisor.com etc I see that we pulled a dump. There are warnings everywhere that if you bid on 3* Central Business Dist you could get this hotel. Black mold, dirty rooms, cockroaches, etc. I am going to try to get Priceline to give us our money back. I failed to check the reviews on all the possibilities before bidding. What a lot of work this is! At first I was so excited because it is on Canal St so the walk was not that far to the French Quarter.

For a mini vacation and a mileage run I got Four Points, same price both nights Dec 3 and Dec 7. I think Four Points should be 2* since the price is a lot lower than Hilton. I was somewhat disappointed but will only be sleeping there anyway. But the price was good anyway! Looking now for French Quarter for Nov 30 - Dec 3. Am a nervous wreck. You would think my life depended on my choice! Hotwire is coming up with categories you do not have listed. French Quarter 2.45 ($73) and 3.5 ($84). Wish I had some idea what to expect. Also offering 3* for $74. Likely the Holiday Inn, not a favorite. Of course, Cent Bus Dist is a crap shoot for location. Could be great like Fairmont or lousy like Hyatt. Will post results! Good luck to your WIFE with the baby!!

Hotwire's fee is lower than Priceline's so when I bid $15 on Priceline for a compact the total cost was $33. And they turned me down. In the case of Hotwire, the fee was just $15.15 for a total cost of $33.10. Midweek. Not so bad. Best other option was Payless for $26 plus for a total of $42 - and that was an economy. Budget is good.

You should have 3 free rebids since there is only one region with a 3* on priceline. Spearfish, Deadwood, etc have only 2 1/2*. I would not hold my breath although, as we tootled in yesterday, a number of hotels had vacancy signs. I would wait til the last minute. By the way, unless you have business in Rapid City, some of the other towns are a lot cooler since they are in the mountains. Really recommend Lead (pronounced Leed) or Deadwood. Smells like pines up here!

Golden Hills Inn is a good hotel BUT they changed the rate on me compared to what they quoted me on the phone. I don't like that in a hotel at all. I, unfortunately, did not get the name of the reservationist. You'd think I would know by now. They are honoring the first 4 days but hitting me with $15 more than agreed to for the last day. At least we have a king bed. Another piece of advice. Go the the Mineral Palace Casino in Deadwood first and join the gambler's club. Then Golden Hills Inn becomes $50/night.

Golden Hills used to be a Best Western so I am hoping. The cancellation policy in them thar hills is 7 days!! So, at this point, I am committed to the hotel in hand.

I have tried every trick in the book and cannot get a decent price in the Rapid City/Rushmore area. I have booked the Golden Hills Inn in Deadwood for $65/night and hope it is not too awful. I don't want to bid higher than $65 for a 2* since I think that is what I already have. Hotwire is $130 for both 3* and 2 1/2*. Yikes. I can do better with SideStep. I have gone up to $70 for both 3* and 2 1/2*. Nothing. Dates are 7/12-17. I have been bidding every three days for a month. Plus due to the cold winters, I guess, it is impossible to find an outdoor pool for my granddaughter and me. Since this area is so popular in the summer, you would think we would have more Priceline data points.

2* MSP Eagan Hampton Inn @$29 7/7 to 7/10. Big surprise, not mentioned before for this location. That goes for the competitor as well. Tried Eagan at 2 1/2* $40, turned down! Downtown 3* $50 NO! Tried SW 2*at $25 NO, added Eagan and bumped the bid to $29. BINGO! I am one happy camper!