skippy

Ok, Kids...First off, Thanks for this forum--I had forgotten how tricky it can be to try to outsmart Priceline/Hotwire when not in "training!" :) Here's what I did: Looking at Hotwire, the cheapest things in this area were 2* for $38. I was hoping that the Sugarland area would have the tell-tale signs of the Embassy Suites up for grabs, but to no avail (Clearlake/Nasa is where I need to be; but for the sake of familiarity, free drinks, and big breakfast, I am willing to commute!). I decided to try my luck with Priceline, figuring I would take a 2* since many seemed to be Candlewood Suites, but wanted a pricebreak more than just the $38 rate. Priceline, I bid $20 first for a 2.5 star (hoping to get a little more bang for the lot less buck). It laughed at me, and I used the rebid zone strategy (as of now, Conroe, Cyfair, and Houston East zones only have 1 & 2 star options). Doing this, I managed to bid up to $31, get really anxious-feeling while bidding, and wonder why I had so much caffeine to exacerbate this :) ...meanwhile, I opened a new window with Priceline and tried for a 2* in the Clear Lake area ONLY at $25 (realizing I was running out of options here and cannot wait 72 hrs). As my bid for $31 for a 2.5* was going through, the other window said if I upped by $6 on my $25 2* bid, I had a chance greater than a snowball in a hot place of biblical mention. I waited for Priceline to affirm or deny the $31 on 2.5*, got shot down, and went for the $31 on the 2* bait. (Figured I was out of chances to bid higher on the 2.5, and really didn't want to spend much more) Bottom line--Priceline took the $31 for the 2*. Comfort Inn NASA 11/09-11/12. Total with taxes is $116.75. I'll post an update after the stay to let y'all know how this property is. Apparently, it has an indoor pool, continental breakfast, fitness room, and is all interior-corridor rooms. Their posted internet rate was something like $58 dollars...so I guess that's nearly half off with Priceline, and figure what I save over 3 days...not too shabby. Thanks!

Amenities: Suite property, Exercise facilities, Complimentary breakfast, Kitchenette Booked at 4:30 am Thurs., 15 July Note this property does have a pool (indoor), and that it was Not listed with amenities. Listed as $44 per night. A great deal for a suite property, I decided after 2 days of obsessively rereading all Texas finds on Hotwire and PL, trying to "figure out" what it was through HW and PL's packages (that disclose hotels and star ratings in areas) to be sure I was OK with their ideas of a 3 star suite; also spent a lot of time comparison shopping the local suites going rates, Expedia, and PL's partner page's rates. I saved at least $45 off the published rate! This particular property was the one I wanted to outright purchase, as I'd stayed many times before and know the quality of the property and the area. But prices ranged from 89-100+...I didn't really need a suite and that level of comfort. I suspected that the $44 suite property in Southwest Htown *might* have been Embassy...I also suspected the 3.5 *, suite for $56 in Galleria area to be the other Htown E.S. (I first saw these 2 listed Tues. night). Had it still been available Wed. afternoon, I may have checked on buying that. Feeling cheap, I first bid $20 for 3* on PL. I used the rebid zone strategy to max out at $30 (First bid in Southwest Htown, then Clearlake, then Conroe). The idea was, if I could save at least $30 from the HW 3* suite price, I'd sacrifice the suite guarantee. PL hotels scoffed, and I took HW up on their offer. Glad I did (More money to spend on the good seats to watch the Astros attempt not to embarrass themselves during my celebration of my brother's b-day!), and very glad for the board. :)You guys helped me score a wonderful Embassy Suites in Boston last Fall. I will post on the appropriate board.