virginrose

After looking at other options currently available on Hotwire, decided to bid Kaanapali resort for the remainder of our stay. (Previous win for first days of trip are posted under Kannapali resort-Westin.) Initial bid based on previous winning bid: 1/25-1/27 Kaanapali resort 190 (was offered room at 230) rebid zone Kahalui 195 rebid zone Kehei 200 (accepted) Was offered 2 additional nights for same price. Am pleased that we will get to try out both of these resorts in high season for reasonable price.

Have been watching Hotwire for a few weeks for signs that this resort had rooms up for opaque bidding. Yesterday saw posting on Hotwire that suggested the Westin (it's where my 12 year old wanted to stay). Yesterday tried various booking strategies breaking up stay based on Hotwire listings. Bidding history as below. Note of explanation-I hate to win on first bid...feel like I have failed if that happens...so err on the opposite side with low balls until I finally win. That way I feel like I've gotten a real bargain! ;-) Won bid listed above tonight. Bidding last night was: 1/23-1/27 Kaanapali Resort 160 Kehei rebid zone 170 Kahalui rebid zone 180 1/20-1/27 Kaanapali Resort 180 (was offered room at 228) Kehei rebid zone 190 Kahalui rebid zone 195 1/23-1/27 Kaanapali resort 150 Kehei rebid zone 160 Kahalui rebid zone 165 Bidding tonight: 1/23-1/27 Kaanapali resort 175 (offered room at 228) Kehei rebid zone 185 Kahalui rebid zone 195 1/20-1/23 As above 180 190 Accepted at 200 Offered extra nights through the 25th. Will bid for the last 2 nights and post if win anything. Thinking about trying a different area. Will see how it goes. Good news...12 year old is ecstatic! Yay! The Westin!!!

Booked 12/4 First bid was 4* $65-rejected Rebid added 3.5* Accepted at $70 Expedia listed cheapest room at $109 Was given non-smoking King on the 8th floor (top floor of hotel). Hotel was nice enough although the room was cramped. Hotel was in the end stages of remodel. Staff was very friendly. Bed and bedding was very comfortable. Bathroom was miniscule. Barely room to turn around when closing door. Very close to Dupont Circle Metro, shops and restaurants. Easy walking distance to Mall. Nice view of street scene on Scott Circle. Very close to the African Wildlife Foundation if you care to make a donation in person. Insider tip: Visit Kramerbooks at 1517 Connecticut Ave NW, then stop in at the Firehook Bakery at 1909 Q. Street NW for a delicious bowl of homemade soup. If the moon is Full and at it's apogee, this is a great place for a romantic interlude.

Booked about 2 weeks prior to stay Started at $65-rejected with $17 counter offer Rebid adding White House/Downtown Accepted at $70 Hotel website listed room at $239 Was given a huge room on the 6th floor. 2 Queens, great bathroom, balcony overlooking jogging trail and Connecticut Ave. Bridge. Front desk was polite if not overly friendly. Overall, a great stay in a great hotel at a phenomenal price. Close to Metro, Zoo, National Cathedral and Rock Creek Park. Great romantic getaway. Insider tip: cross the street to 24th and have a beer at Murphy's Irish pub. Great atmosphere in this neighborhood hangout with a good pub menu although, I must admit, I only sampled the Guiness (both nights of my stay).