KenOH

Used free rebids to inch up dollar by dollar; finally successful at $65 (received counter-offer of $73 at $52 bid.) This zone was my second choice. I originally bid in the Worthington - Polaris - Westerville area (my preferred place) for a 3 1/2 star property. I gave up once I got to $65 and finally got a counter-offer for $87. Didn't want to pay in the mid-$70's (my guess of where I'd have to go) to get something there, so started over in the airport area. I'm hoping the renovations at this Courtyard are completely finished and the issues in the earlier TripAdvisor reports have been addressed. Prices seem a little higher than normal in all Columbus zones (no matter how you look - hotel website, Hotwire, etc.) - I'm thinking it's probably due to the Ohio State Fair, which starts 7/24 and runs through 8/4. Online prices for this property are $179-$199/night for 7/24-25.

Worked my way up by $2 from $46 with free rebids. Failed at $50, successful at $52. Was offered $58 when I bid $46 & $48.

Started at $31 and rebid in $2 increments. Counteroffer of $48 at the $33 rebid level, then won for $37. Online rate $99 ($89 AAA)

2 rooms, 2 nights = $47 per night per room ($224.32 with taxes & fees). Started at $40 and used free rebids to inch my way up dollar by dollar ($42 was rejected with no counter-offer. My $43 bid received counter-offer of $58.) Website price for these dates at Hyatt Regency (Film Festival + Steelers game 11/14) is $149/night.