Rickspence

Boy, was that a waste of time. Booked a 2* Hotwire deal for two people for Jan. 24 for $60 (only amenity: breakfast). I had hoped it would be the Sleep Inn (reg rate $120/night). Got the Knight's Inn instead. Which looks okay, except that its rack rate for one night, for two people with 1 queen bed, is $69.99. The AAA rate is $62.99 - which, after Hotwire's $14.65 tax and fees, is LESS than the Hotwire rate. Not eligible for Hotwire's guarantee, of course. They only look at pretax rates. And they don't guarantee beating the AAA's 10% discount. Color me disappointed. However, I used the BetterBidding HOTWIRE link! Thanks....

I just checked it out on the Web. You can book a double-double room at La Quinta LAX in March for $64.28 (AAA rate). Is Hotwire getting less competitive or are rack rates getting more competitive?

Thanks. And sorry for not finishing off the previous trip - it's now done. Rick

Sorry for not following up. The Holiday Inn Express Chicago-Downers Grove had 2.5 stars. Booked for 3 nights, Aug. 24-27, 2009. Amentities: Complimentary Breakfast, Fitness Center, High-speed Internet Access Thanks!

I am also looking to identify this 2-star. It offers a room for $52 on March 11-14 for a family of four. Amenities are breakfast, pool and laundry. 80% positive rating among Hotwire customers. And a related question: does Hotwire post these reviews for public consumption? Thanks so much.

Well, I ended up waiting for a 2.5-star Kihei hotel at $85 that was on the beach, with fitness centre, laundry and onsite restaurant. Was encouraged by 80% positive review rate from Hotwire customers. (Has anyone ever seen these alleged reviews?) Turns out to be the Days Inn. Darn. Good thing I hedged my bets and booked only one night (July 30). Used your link, of course. Thanks for your help. FYI, the rate was slightly better than Pricelines's posted rate of $96. After Hotwire's taxes and fees, I think the rates are just about equal. Color me disappointed.

Done. Thanks for the reminder. Rick

Thanks, thereuare. Ended up getting $39 Holiday Inn Express in Downer's Grove. Great deal. You do great work here.

Sorry for not having closed the loop on this one. Ended up going to Chicago instead. Thanks so much for your help!

HOTWIRE is offering a 2-store hotel in Kihei HI, July 30-Aug. 2, for $79. (What can I say? We're on a tight budget.) Amenities are: * Near Beach * Pool(s) * Laundry Facilities * Tennis Nearby Any idea who this is? Thanks very much.

Two nights, Aug 24-25, 4-star hotel in Downer's Grove-Oak Brook area of Chicago. Rate quoted for four people. Amenities are: weight room, business centre, restaurant, Internet. Golf and tennis nearby. rated four stars out of 5 by TripAdvisor. Price = $59. Thanks!

Thanks, Aaron. Since we have no money, we were hoping to keep it under $130/night. Central Park/Upper West is our preferred locale.

Right. Sorry. Room for four (2 adults, 2 kids), Aug 24-25-26. Thanks

Hotwire is offering a 2-star hotel in "Central Park" area for $99 a night for three nights next week. No amenities at all are mentioned. Any idea what it might be? Any thoughts on the quality of two-star hotels in NYC? Thanks.