slygirl

Too bad for the Wolverines and the Spartans. If Michigan had been playing in Madison Square Garden, we would have tried to get nosebleed seats on Sunday even though they were $150 a piece. I tried to convince my boyfriend we should go to a MI-friendly bar to watch the game but he doesn't really care for crowds, so we watched the game from our room. There was a pub called the District Tap House that just opened recently that had individual TVs in the booths that I was considering that I thought might be more "quiet". The weather was just icky on Sunday. The Doubletree was a decent overnight stay, and I would recommend it to anyone, especially for the price we paid! I had stayed at the Benjamin next door on a trip a few years back so I was familiar with the area. The only thing I did not like about our room was that the tub needed to be repainted. There were a chip or two and since the paint is wearing off, it looks like it needed a good scrub. Plus Housekeeping missed a few hairs on the shower wall from the previous guest. Otherwise it was a comfortable room with lots of pillows. We stored a few bags at check-out and when we returned a couple of hours later, the bellman had us look for our own luggage in their store room instead of referring to the ticket we gave him. Then he couldn't locate our umbrella but it was eventually found. I thought that was odd, and it wasn't exactly comforting to overhear an upset guest who was missing her own luggage talking to management or security. I hope she was able to find her things. Some small things: We enjoyed the cookies offered at check-in :) Complimentary wifi in the lobby but you have to pay for wifi in your room (per device). So there were lots of people in the lobby and bar area at all times. The bellman charged us $1/bag to store them after check-out. I work in hospitality myself and I only noticed this "policy" when I stayed here and at the Grand Hyatt at Grand Central. I have stayed at various other 4* hotels in the city as well as my employer's 5* sister property and haven't experienced the $1/bag policy. I usually tip $1/bag anyway, but I know guests don't like to be surprised with fees. I'm not entirely sure if that is an actual policy that those chains implemented, or if it's a way for the bellman to guarantee himself a tip.

Whoo! Michigan won today and I also booked an awesome deal through Priceline Express and an extra 5% off with the SPRING14 code. I had wanted to spend less than $125 because I had just visited NY last weekend. These were the amenities revealed before purchase: Star Rating: 4 Guest Score: 7.0/10 Guaranteed Amenities: Pets Allowed, Business Center, Fitness Center Priceline Express Price: $85 Total with taxes and fees: $111.88 Price paid after applying 5% SPRING14 code: $107.63 (Now to find a good bar to watch the Michigan game on Sunday and my man will be a happy camper.)

Amenities: Pets Allowed, Restaurant, Business Center, Fitness Center I will definitely check out Ess-a-Bagel. It's been on the to-do list for a while but for some reason I never get around to doing it...kind of like how I eat tons of Japanese food on my trips but never eat NY pizza! (P.S. Go Blue! :) )

Hello again! I used the PRICELINE link to book a room through Priceline Express. I used the discount code from the forum to receive 5% off. I ended up getting the Hyatt 48 Lex. It was a little higher than what I was accustomed to paying for 4*, but I liked the list of 4.5* that I saw for MTE so I was willing to pay a little more. This was my first time using PRICELINE EXPRESS and it was a good experience--a little less stressful than NYOP, so I would definitely recommend it if you are booking last minute.

Hi all, typing here from the Wynn. My friend queenfrostine used HOTWIRE again to add two extra days to our trip and we got the Wynn again, only this time for $138/night. At check-in we were originally booked for a non-smoking king but they accommodated us for double beds and were able to ensure that we stayed in the same room for the entire stay. No mention of Hotwire or snarky attitude and we are near the elevator but not next to it, either. There is also a $20/night resort fee which includes internet access and gym access (but alas no spa facility access, which is extra). As a consumer I don't like "resort fees" but as someone who works in hospitality I understand the "need" for it, as it is expensive to maintain certain areas like spa/gym. Otherwise, it is $13.99/night for internet. You are prompted when you open your browser to agree to the $13.99 charge but we called the front desk and confirmed that this charge will not be added to our bill. The room is well appointed. This is our third trip to Vegas and it is one of the larger hotel rooms I've been in. For two people it is perfect but it can comfortably accommodate 4 guests. We stayed at the Flamingo GO room last year and in '07 stayed in a suite in the Augustus Towers at Caesars. I think our room is part of a suite. The bathroom is on par with the one we had at Caesars. There is a glass stall shower, deep tub, two sinks with vanity and a separate closet with toilet. The tub at Caesars was a bigger jacuzzi tub but we're not complaining since they are huge compared to our dinky tubs at home. Beds are comfortable (well, queenfrostine is still sleeping). Pillows are a bit too fluffy for my liking. The upside is I think we are situated above the buffet so we'll be able to get there tomorrow before the lines get outta control. Also, watching the sun rise from the mountains from the window--beautiful!

My work told me to take 2 extra vacation days so we did HOTWIRE again and got $138/night for Sunday and Monday. We checked in earlier this afternoon and they have no problem giving us the same room for the duration of our stay. There is a $20/day resort fee which includes fitness center access and internet (normally $13.99 per day per computer). The hotel is very nice so far. Looking forward to a good night's rest.

Yay! I feel like we won the hotel lottery. Our Vegas trip is going to rock :)

There are lots of buses that go up and down M Street that stop near the Foggy Bottom Metro. The Circulator is the cheapest one at $1 one-way. The Metrobus (31, 32, 36, 38B) also stop near there, and it will cost you $1.35 since you don't have a SmarTrip card. I worked in Georgetown for nearly 3 years and never had an issue walking. It takes about 15 minutes. If you plan on taking the bus a lot, a SmarTrip card reduces bus fare to $1.25 and provides you with 3 hours of free transfer to bus (provided they are the same price). You also receive $0.50 off transferring from bus to rail and vice versa. This does not apply towards those double decker tour buses.

Stick with either Conv Ctr / Cap Hill 1-4 White House / Downtown 1-4 I used to live in Silver Spring and from that metro station, it takes about 25 minutes to get into DC. To switch lines and go the Smithsonian it is about 30-40 minutes. Keep in mind that the red line and the orange line have many delays. Being as it is a station that is fairly popular, you will probably not wait more than 5-8 minutes for a train to go into the city. I'm not sure how late you want to stay in DC before heading back to the hotel but the later it gets, the longer you wait for a train. Not much of an issue at rush hour. I always work closing shifts at my hotel so at 9 or 10pm I'll be waiting 10-15 minutes for a train. I used to work in Bethesda, too--coming from Silver Spring, it was faster to take a bus than to take the Metro. Bethesda's way near the end of the red line by way of Shady Grove. Getting there from Smithsonian would be a long trek. And from what I remember there are not too many hotels there. Mostly Marriott since that's their HQ. I use PRICELINE to book rooms in DC. I personally like picking Dupont Circle... it is on the red line, but it is only 3 stops away from Metro Center and there are lots of restaurants nearby. Foggy Bottom/Georgetown is another good one, but only if you are also interested in shopping/restaurants. Many people underestimate how much walking they will do in this fine city. I think your best bet is White House / Downtown.

My hotel is located near the SW Waterfront and is down the street from the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel. L'Enfant Plaza Hotel is considered Convention Center - Capitol Hill. There are many hotels near Metro Center, as it is a major hub on the subway where lines connect. The exits for this station include: SE corner 13th and G Sts. NW SE corner 11th and G Sts. NW NE corner 12th and G Sts. NW SW corner 12th and F Sts. NW Washington Marriott at Metro Center is right there at the station. Others include Grand Hyatt Washington, Renaissance Washington. The Willard InterContinental and W Hotel are also walking distance. There is also Hotel Harrington but that place is kind of old school motel looking. I always see hordes of school kids staying there for their trips to DC. While I haven't stayed at the Willard, the location is very nice. Their lobby is gorgeous and their Round Robin bar serves good drinks. Cafe du Parc, located next door, has a pretty outdoor area. The hotel is located near Old Ebbitt Grill, which everyone should dine in if they're in DC. There is also a Corner Bakery (service is so-so here) and Border's Books nearby for breakfast and free wi-fi. Other breakfast places include Cosi and Au Bon Pain, which also provide free wi-fi. Macy's, H&M, and other stores are a few blocks away. I don't know if that is helpful but at my hotel we always have guests who have kids who forget their bathing suits :) From this area, it is about a 20-minute walk to the Mall. If you take the Metro, I would say it is about 7-8 minute ride to Smithsonian metro station. You can take the orange or blue line and it is two stops away.

I work at a hotel walking distance to the Mall (not featured on Priceline, as far as I know) and it is very safe to walk around in that area at night. I usually close so I am in around that area at 9 or 10pm sometimes. When the weather is warmer out, walking to the monuments at night (like Lincoln) is very beautiful and you see some of the national treasures in a whole new light. Lincoln Memorial at night has a few security guards and is well-lit. The area around Metro Center is a ghost town around 8 and 9pm. Usually the only noise are from the homeless people outside the station. However, easily walkable (about 20 minutes) to the Mall. It'll be longer distances for monuments. I recommend that if you get a hotel near Metro Center, to walk to museums during the day and Metro home in the afternoon because you'll be exhausted! Crystal City is like a concrete jungle and is quiet (if eerie) once the 9-5'ers empty out. It is convenient to a metro and the airport but may seem like a long ride after doing museums all day.

Obviously, this date has passed :) but I forgot to post it. I booked a room through Priceline on Christmas morning, as I was working that night and there was forecast of freezing rain. I didn't want to go home on the Metro and bus all the way to Silver Spring and be home by 11pm. Alas, it ended up raining quite a bit, but no freezing rain. Since Priceline already charged my credit card, I figured that would be a good excuse to wake up early and go shopping! Melrose Hotel accepted my bid, and I was able to get an incredible rate of $65 plus taxes. Thank you, low occupancy! I checked in around 8:45pm that night and the front desk agent upgraded me to a one-bedroom suite (which I didn't know at the time--he said he would be sure I got a "nice big room to put all my shopping trinkets"). Generally Christmas tends to be slow for hotels in this area, so I'm not sure if he just upgraded because he could, or because we had chatted a bit and he knew that I worked in hospitality as well. The elevators here are super small. They can fit 2 skinny adults with luggage or 2 overweight adults with no luggage, or one of those humvee strollers, a child, and one parent. When I walked into my room, I was surprised at how large and spacious it was. There was a desk and chair, mini fridge, table with four chairs, a sofa and chair. There was a large flat screen TV as well. Then down the hall there was a bedroom with a queen bed, a safe in the closet, another TV, as well as the bathroom. I had called one of my friends to come hang out and spend the night, and we discovered the sofa was actually a sofa bed (already made up, oddly enough). Now I used to work in Georgetown, and I would literally pass the Melrose Hotel every day, twice a day, for close to two years. I always wondered what it looked like in there. The suite was like an apartment. On Priceline I had limited my hotel selection to 4-star properties in the Dupont Circle and Georgetown neighborhoods. I happen to work for a 4-star hotel, and suffice to say, based on the type of furnishings and amenities, the Melrose is NOT what I would consider 4-star. It is more like 3-star, tops. I was a bit worried, as I had read reviews on Tripadvisor and people were complaining about dirty carpet, mold, room temperature issues, and other things reminiscent of a 2-star motel. I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, the furnishings were a bit dated and needed to be replaced. But they were in good/fair (not great) condition. There were some oddities. For example, if you opened the TV stand, there was no DVD player or anything like that. It was just empty. Or there would be no hangers in the closet by the door, but there were some in the bedroom. And why have an ironing board but no iron? Why didn't housekeeping replace the toilet paper with a fresh roll? Mysteries. My room was clean. There were no spots on the carpet and there wasn't a lumpy ironing board (as one TripAdvisor review photo pointed out). The water was hot, and I was able to take a bath that night, too. The tub is standard and is not the garden tub variety, sadly. I had gotten a street view and it was a bit noisy, especially the ambulance at 7am. If you are a light sleeper, I would recommend asking for a quiet room or bringing earplugs. The walls were thin, as we can hear some guests in rooms nearby, but as it was Christmas, the noise was minimal. I got a fair amount of sleep but not as much as I thought. The bed was comfortable (pillowtop mattress) but I've slept in better hotel beds. My friend said the sofa bed was fine. Check out was at noon the following day, and I just returned the keys to the front desk. During my stay, I found the staff to be very friendly but I did not need any assistance with baggage or room service. For the price I paid and the type of room I got, I thought it was an amazing value. The location to the Metro and Georgetown can't be beat. However, I would not pay full price to stay here. I can't justify paying top dollar for a 4-star property that is only at best, 3-star. They are in need of a renovation in order to be able to draw in repeat guests. If you are looking for a hotel in Georgetown, there is plenty of game in town (Four Seasons, Park Hyatt, Grand Westin, just to name a few). If I could compare this hotel to another, it would probably be the Roosevelt in New York. It's a hotel that's seen its share of glam back in the day, but is now old and worn down, but continues to draw people due to its location.

This hotel is in a great location and is within walking distance from Dupont Circle metro station. Checking in was a breeze, and the front desk staff was polite and helpful. They gave me a King Executive Suite (Room 505), which overlooked P Street. Nice view, but you definitely don't want to walk naked in front of the windows, unless you are some kind of exhibitionist. This room was huge! With the right set-up, it could double as a meeting room. Although it is part of a suite, the other room was occupied by another guest and therefore the doors linking the two rooms were locked. The room was tastefully furnished with modern decor, but nothing too over the top. They have these really heavy animal print bath robes in the closet that you can wear during your stay (or purchase for $150). There was a wide screen TV with DVD player as well as a large executive desk that was very comfortable to sit at. Wi-fi had strong connection and I loved that you just use your email address to log in instead of your member number like other frequent hotel guest programs. The bathroom, as well as the tub, was standard and had Aveda amenities. Water pressure was good and I also had a nice soak in the tub. Baths are always nicer when you're not the one cleaning the tub afterward. They have a list of amenities that you might have forgotten that you can request at the front desk complimentary, and other bathroom items that cost extra, but nothing too expensive. For example, aspirin I think was $2 and when I went to CVS, it retailed for $1.99. Since everything around me was closed, I was pretty much forced to eat at their hotel restaurant, Urbana, which wasn't a bad thing. The great thing about this hotel was that the in-room dining menu prices weren't exorbitant and if you went down to Urbana, you would be paying the same price for the entrees, minus the service charge and the delivery charge. I went down to the restaurant and sat at the bar. It was fairly empty, but I had a pizza and a glass of wine. Being nearly empty, service was very good. James the bartender was great and I met a few interesting people. There is also an evening hotel social hour in the lobby where they serve olives and wine and guests of the hotel can meet one another (as well as their doggies!). I had a friend of mine stay with me and we both forgot our toothbrushes, so we went to the front desk to request them. They didn't have any floss, but the security guard said he would find some for us. Five minutes later, there was a knock at our door, and he had found dental floss and gave us mouthwash as well! We ordered in-room dining: a fruit plate, chocolate cake, and tea, which turned out to be expensive once you factored in the service charge and delivery charge, but it was good eating as we spent most the night watching a DVD she brought from home. The majority of the fruit was not ripe, but the sweetness of the cake balanced that out. In the morning, we found out the walls are thin as we heard TVs and kids screaming and sounds of "Housekeeping!" every 10 minutes. Also, the locked door that connected the room next door was open, even though I couldn't open it the night before, which I thought was weird. Checking out was also very easy. They slipped the bill under the door and since I didn't have any issues with the additional charges, I left my room keys at the front desk and was on my way. Overall, a really great way to spend Thanksgiving and I hope to return really soon!

What touristy historical sites are you planning on going to? There are a few hotels that are walking distance from the Smithsonian museums. For example, L'Enfant Plaza Hotel and Mandarin Oriental are about a 12-15-minute walk to the Mall, but they are usually not listed on Priceline/Hotwire. They're a bit pricey and the food options in that particular corner are limited. You may want to check these hotels out: - Renaissance Mayflower - Willard InterContinental - The Hay-Adams - W Hotel (right next door to Willard and Hay-Adams) - Grand Hyatt Washington These are about a 20-25 minute walk to the sites and there are more family-friendly food options available. You don't even have to pay for wi-fi because nearby there is a Borders and Barnes & Noble, not to mention Corner Bakery and Cosi, all of which offer complimentary wi-fi. If you are planning on going to the zoo, the Omni Shoreham or the Marriott (I forget the name of it) in Woodley Park is convenient, but it is not exactly walking distance to the other sites. You will have to use the Metro.

I live in Silver Spring but made 8:45pm dinner reservations at J&G Steakhouse at the W Hotel for tomorrow and didn't want to travel all the way home on Metro and bus late at night. I really wanted to stay at Hotel Palomar based on the previous threads here and bid just now for $75. Offer was rejected but rebid again with the suggested increase of $22. Hotel Palomar accepted my bid for $97. Not bad for a last minute booking. It is a bit more than I had wanted to pay for a night, but considering the hotel I work for charges $95/night for employees, it is all not that bad. I also signed up for Kimpton InTouch Loyalty Program so I can get free wi-fi in my room. Thank you for the valuable resource. We have used these forums to bid on hotels in NY and had good success.