grunlowen

Stayed here 4/19/11. Bid 47 and was offered to up by 15. I added Stone Mountain and bid 51. Accepted. (64 w/ tax) Extended my stay for one night. Wanted to extend for another night, but was not given the option, so I had to re-bid. Bid 47 again, thinking it would not take it, but it did! So, saved 4 bucks and was again offered to extend my stay. So 4/19 - 4/21 so far. FYI - The DoubleTree is across the street. The Courtyard is just fine. Pool is only open in summer, but there is an indoor whirlpool and a small (very small) workout room. Walls are thick, although by 9:30 I was hearing some doors closing, etc in the hallway. The fan in the room puts off some decent white noise when set on high. 42 inch flatscreens and comfy beds. For myself, a single traveler, my room with a king works great (loveseat and desk in it). Also, great Chinese place right next door called Lucky Key. Old school joint with some crabby old Chinese ladies working the front and great food. Local fixture from what I understand. Also a Magic Mushroom pizza joint. Starbucks and a Jason's Deli is 1/2 a block in the opposite direction. And a Kroger/Publix/Captain D's just past there.

The hotel was alright, but not great. Thin walls, so-so beds, etc. I saw a flat screen in one of the rooms (mine had a tube) and was told that the hotel was being updated (and might change to a Marriott if the guy working on the room was correct.) I only stayed one night, and now I am at the Courtyard in Northlake. 10 minutes out, but I prefer it. If you stay at this Holiday Inn, the Brick Store pub is only a few feet away. Worth getting a beer there, as they have hundreds from all over. And they serve food till 11 during the week.

Listed for $37 and 80% recommended. Amenities (bunch of them): smoke free, complimentary b-fast, fitness center, pool, restaurant, business center, laundry, and Internet. Searching through the forum, I can't find anything similar.

Thought I had put the dates, but guess not. Checking in on the 4-18-11 for one night. Total with tax was $62. I also found out that they charge 8 bucks to park, so that's a bummer. On the plus side it is in the middle of Decatur and near a bunch of restaurants and bars. I'll be in the area for several days, so I will either extend my stay or try my luck with Priceline again.

I bid 42 for a 3 star, and then was offered to up my bid to 57. I bid $48 and it was accepted. Used the PRICELINE link.

CA Palo Alto Creekside Inn - Bought as a 3 star (not 3.5) on Hotwire. Easy to match amenities to those listed in the guide. Also, a 4 on Tripadvisor is advertised. Liked the hotel. Off the main track, but clean. Little pricey (paid 135 for the 169 weekday room) but no other deals in area that day. (I have gotten the Westin for 110 on Priceline b/f). Free parking. 5 minutes to Stanford. Nearby are Super 8, Comfort Inn, and Quality Inn. The last 2 are alright, basic hotels. The Super 8 looks crappy, seeing as it is right on El Camino (the main street). Creekside is a big step up. I liked it better than the Sheraton, although it is not as close to downtown (5 min away). The Westin is my favorite so far, but this place wasn't bad. Fish Market is 3 blocks down, and many other places to eat (Mex, Chinese, Boston Market, etc.). btw - The Silver Slipper Hotel (near the Quality Inn) looks scary. :) bbtw - The Quality Inn and Comfort Inn are basically the same hotel. (same staff, rooms are identical, etc.) bbbtw - The Palo Alto Motor Lodge (also nearby) sucks.