stuseattle

Hi there. We're looking to stay for 2 nights in the Downtown area of Portland, Oregon and Hotwire came back with this: 3-star Hotel in Northwest Portland - Pearl District area Thu, Sep 07 - Sat, Sep 09 1 Room, 2 Adults 90% recommended Favorite! (98 reviews) $181 per night Free breakfast Free Internet Free parking Amenities Business center Fitness center Self-service laundry Smoke-free rooms While usually we prefer staying in 3.5 or above hotels, Portland is generally an expensive city and very few hotels offer Free Parking. Anyone have any thoughts which hotel this might be? stu

Hotwire had a 3.5* @ $58 so..... 1. Crystal City - 3.5 - $41 No -----> "add $15 to your bid right now and....." 2. Added Capitol Hill South - $46. No 3. Added Alexandria West. - $49 YES Sheraton Crystal City Hotel w/taxes and fees: $63.65

Since I went through the motions, I thought I'd share a failing bid . . . Need three rooms for a Saturday night in Ann Arbor. (There are three of us . . . 2 can share a room but one need own room . . .sometime it's easier/cheaper to just bid on three single rooms.) 1. 3.5* South $40 NO 2. Add North (doesn't have 3.5*) $44 NO 3. Add 3* $40 NO 4. Add West (no 3/3.5 hotels) $44 NO The reason I lowballed the bids, by the way, is that the Priceline fees start adding up after $45 or so. With all the taxes, we'd be looking at almost $180 and I think I can probably Hotwire 2 rooms for that much, including the possible charge for making sure one of the rooms has two beds. (It's been my experience that most hotels will let you change to a 2-bed room with Hotwire reservations, though not all the time, but I've had some problems with that with Priceline reservations . . . not sure why.) stu

In the middle of re-trying, which I'll get to in a second, a $66/night price show up on Google Search for hotels with the Country Inn/Suites at PDX . . . hit to book and it shifted to $72, still lower than anywhere else. Feeling about done with all this . . . $80/night is more than I want to spend but at least I know the hotel. Hit to book . . . sold out! Every other site shows the hotel sold out too. All right . . one more round of bidding. (Actually, two rounds but both were pretty much what I'm typing below.) PDX 3* $49 ADD Vancouver and 3.5 $53 ADD North Harbor at $56 ADD Convention Center @ $62 ADD North Vancouver (only goes to 2.5*) @ $65 No luck. stu

Yeah, but we REALLY don't want to go above $50. We'll push to $60 if we have to. One of my favorite hotels, the Staybridge Suites in Vancouver, has a 2-bedroom suite for $160 but, when you add the taxes, it's still over $90/night each. I'm going to take a stab at the 3* on Priceline, see what happens. There are a couple of 3* hotels in the Convention Center area and in Vancouver that I'd rather not get so I'm a little more limited. Part of it might be the two rooms thing too . .. we'll see and I'll update it here. stu

Thought I'd share a failed bid. Not sure if I was low-balling it too much or if it was trying for 2 rooms. I'll go back on later and try again. One note . . . there are a couple of 3* hotels in the area that I was trying to avoid. That's why I didn't move down where, price wise, I might have more success. Here's the info: Dates: TOMORROW (May 18-19) Location: Portland Airport ('cause I want free parking and the 3.5* hotels there mostly have it.) Bids: 1. Bid 3.5 at PDX NO @ $50 2. Add North Harbor/Jantzen (3* max) NO @ $50 3. Add Vancouver, lower price NO @ $48 4. Add North Vancouver: 2.5* Max - raise price a bit NO @ $53 5. Add NW Portland: 3* max NO @ $59 6. Add Clackamas: 3* max NO @ $62 Probably will start all over again with 3* at airport but then I can really only add North Vancouver. stu

$71/night + $32.62 in tax & fees: $174.62 ($87.31/night) Staybridge Suites 7301 Ne 41st Street Vancouver, WA, 98662 We were looking for a hotel in a pretty specific location, for an upcoming family function. Hotwire had a couple of 3* listings in the "Vancouver" area but only one had "100% people recommend" and a 4.5* Tripadvisor rating. A bit of exploring made it pretty clear that it was the Staybridge Suites, which would be great . . . great reviews and free breakfast/internet. The only other possibilities would have been Homewood Suites, great but actually a tiny bit out of the "zone", and the Residence Inn. which doesn't match up exactly. Made the reservation for 3 adults so that we were sure to get 2 beds. (Had a run-in with a hotel on the East Coast a couple of weeks back that said they only had 1-bed rooms for Hotwire reservations.) I'm sure we could have gotten something cheaper -- probably could have saves $15-$20 a night -- but really wanted this hotel. Placed the order . . got the Staybridge Suites. Pretty happy all in all. stu SOME DETAILS: Searched for Vancouver, BC - Selected only "Vancouver 6.5 mi" Region 3* Hotel Trip Advisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 (based on 66 reviews) 100% Hotwire Customers Recommend Amenities Listed Free Parking Laundry Facilities (self-service) Free Breakfast High-Speed Internet Access Fitness Center Kitchenette Pool(s) Business Center Accessible for the blind Accessible for the deaf Accessible path of travel In-room accessibility Accessible bathroom Handicapped parking Roll-in shower BTW - I know that Vancouver is in the "Portland" search zones but Portland is also in the "Vancouver" search zones. My preference is to post in the actual state forum

Hotwire was showing a 3* at $54 and it looked like the Phoenix which is really no more than a 2.5* and has had some mixed reviews. I bid Priceline at $48 and got the "we found a hotel that would take $57 if you'd like to rebid right now" thing. I figured it would either be the Residence Inn or Red Lion so I took it. It was the Red Lion which is all right . . not the Residence Inn but better than the Hotwire choice. I think the total with taxes/fees was $70.

Needed a room in this particular region. Went to PRICELINE (through Betterbidding, of course) and bid $43 on a 3 star. That was rejected so I added Benicia (which doesn't have a 3*) and raised my bid to $49 . . rejected. At that point, I didn't want to take a chance with a different region on PRICELINE, and the price would have been the same, so I took the HOTWIRE hotel. Price with taxes for all three rooms, $202.49.

$75.54 per room per night including taxes Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa Smoke Free Rooms, Fitness Center, Pool(s), Restaurant(s), Business Center, High-Speed Internet Access, Golf Nearby, Tennis Nearby I have to say I was a bit surprised . . I was watching this for a few days and was expecting the Hilton Sonoma County. To be honest, for $60 my greatest fear was that they would charge for parking . . . they don't. I'll report back after the stay. stu

At first I though maybe a hotel gained a star or lost a star but . . . Searched for 3/3.5* hotel for 12/13-12/15 Greater Downtown Denver area hotel Suite, Boutique, Fitness, Smoke Free Rooms, Restaurant(s), Business Center, Hi-Speed Internet, Kitchenette Any thoughts? We're trying to find rooms but are hoping to score something that might have free or discounted parking. (That's the problem with all the 4-star hotels in particular.) stu

This took a while and, actually, is a continuation of another session -- we needed two different nights -- but here's how the overall bidding went. First Session: 3/31/11 $40 4* DTW only REJECTED $45 4* Add Taylor REJECTED (Taylor only has 2* hotels) $35 Add 3.5* REJECTED Second Session: 4/3/11 $45 4* DTW only REJECTED $40 3.5* DTW only REJECTED $45 3.5* Add Taylor REJECTED Third Session: 4/7/11 $48 4* DTW only REJECTED $45 3.5* DTW only REJECTED $49 3.5* Add Taylor REJECTED Fourth (final) session: 4/9/11 $56 4* DTW only REJECTED (Got Priceline offer to rebid if I raise to $71 . . that was too high for me) $56 3.5* DTW only REJECTED $58 3.5* Add Taylor ACCEPTED w/4* property 4* Propoert - Westin Detroit Metro Airport Works for us!

I've also posted this priceline win separately, since it was a different session, but wanted to follow up on the first post: Went back, on April 7th, to try bidding on that first night again. Here's how it went: $48 4* DTW only REJECTED $45 3.5* DTW only REJECTED $49 3.5* Add Taylor REJECTED Went back today to try at a higher rate . . . since it's a Friday night we want and it's two rooms. This time, we got it . . .here's how the bidding went: $56 4* DTW only REJECTED (Got Priceline offer to rebid if I raise to $71 . . that was too high for me) $56 3.5* DTW only REJECTED $58 3.5* Add Taylor ACCEPTED w/4* property Westin Detroit Metro Airport stu

We actually need rooms for two different night, non-consecutive. The bidding process took a little while . . here's how it went: First Session: 3/31/11 Bidding on Friday, April 29th: $40 4* DTW only REJECTED $45 4* Add Taylor REJECTED (Taylor only has 2* hotels) $45 4* Change Night to Sunday, May 1st REJECTED $35 Add 3.5* Back to First Night REJECTED Tried to move back to second night, with the 3.5* category selected but Priceline was calling it the same session. Second Session: 4/3/11 Bidding on Friday, April 29th: $45 4* DTW only REJECTED $40 3.5* DTW only REJECTED $45 3.5* Add Taylor REJECTED -- opened new session in different browser, just in case -- Now bidding on the Sunday Night: $48 4* DTW Only - Sunday Night REJECTED $51 4* Add Taylor - Sunday Night REJECTED $48 3.5* - Sunday Night ACCEPTED EMBASSY SUITES Embassy Suites will be just fine for us . . plus, don't they have that breakfast buffet? I'll go back to try the Friday bidding again in a few days . . . might have to go a bit higher for the 3.5* Of course, we went to PRICELINE via Betterbidding.com . . . love this site!

Knarfie, Just wanted to let you know that we got the Renaissance, with a Priceline bid of around $80, just last week. The hotel was WONDERFUL. It's been completely remodeled, we stayed on the 21st floor, city side, and it was silent up there! The staff were really nice, didn't care we were priceline, and I think you'll be pleasantly pleased. We called ahead and asked for a quiet room, asked again when we checked in, and they said no problem. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised, stu

If you don't mind my asking, since we're keeping an eye on going to Lisbon next year, which B&B did you end up booking and how much did it cost? (I know this isn't officially a hotwire/priceline question but we're all looking for nice places and great prices.) stu

A follow up . . . I probably shouldn't complain about the distance . . . it's two block farther away than the other hotel and that's not a big deal in downtown Seattle. I did, however, want to follow up on the stay. The Renaissance had a remodel just last year and is lovely. I had asked for a quiet room, we're light sleepers. and was given a room on the 21st floor that faced the city (away from the Freeway) and was silent! The room was beautiful . . . nice decor . . .huge screen TV with complete media hookup area. (If you bring your own computer, there are all sorts of connections so that you can use the large screen with your own laptop or ipod . . .nice extra touch.) Mini-fridge . . . robe . . coffee maker . . . it actually earned the 4-star rating. Since it was a birthday stay, we decided to splurge and get room service breakfast -- ordered the night before -- and it was on time, hot, not TOO expensive, and with large portions. Also, it was all really delicious. Throw in the free Sunday paper . . . Anyway, although it wasn't my first choice when I originally bid, I wanted everyone to know it was a lovely hotel and that the staff was incredibly welcoming to us. (We've had a couple of experiences where the "priceline" thing worked against us.) I would be happy to stay there again! stu PS - Room 2103 is a quiet room with a nice view and a comfortable king bed.

Was hoping for the Sheraton or Westin, a little closer to where I wanted to be, but got the Renaissance, which is all right. I only bid at 4 stars 'cause I really didn't want to end up down at the Silver Cloud Stadium, which is really a different neighborhood. The bidding went as follows: 1. Downtown @ $58.00 ($74 w/tax) DECLINED 2. ADD Seattle Center @ $63.00 ($79 w/tax) DECLINED 3. ADD Lake Union @ $68.00 ($85 w/tax) DECLINED 4. ADD N. Everett @ $73.00 ($93 w/tax) DECLINED Went to Hotwire and looked at their 4 Star option. It wasn't a "boutique" hotel, so Monaco was out, so I thought I take one more shot at not getting the Renaissance and go for one more Priceline bid. 5. ADD University @ $78.00 ($97 w/tax) ACCEPTED Also offered additional nights at the same rate, if I wanted it . . which I don't. Anyway, the Renaissance is fine though, as I said, a few blocks farther away than I'd hoped . . . since it's a Saturday/Sunday thing, I'm hoping I'll be able to find some parking on the street. That's my bidding story. Of course, I bid through the PRICELINE link here on betterbidding.com! stu

Originally bid $35 on 3* plus $10 bonus cash . . . denied; Rebid $30 on 2.5*, forgetting no bonus cash under 3* . . . denied; Decided to bid for the 2* though I usually avoid under 2.5* with Priceline . . I've had good and bad results. The Priceline Hotel list, however, showed a 2* as the Broadway Inn which has gotten pretty good reviews everywhere, including Trip Advisor. Also noticed that Hotwire had a 2.5* (perhaps Broadway Inn) at $65 so I was pretty safe if I failed. Bid $40 on 2* and got the Broadway Inn, just as planned! With taxes and fees it's $50/night, which is a fine price. Thanks again to betterbidding for all the results and lists. stu

REALLY wanted one of their 2.5* hotels, and was planning on some careful bidding, but the "Bozeman Area" is pretty large and includes the airport, where I don't want to be, which also has a 2.5* hotel. Took advantage of the $50 cash reward offer listed in the "bidding advice" area and bid 3* $56 and got the Holiday Inn Bozeman which, though not my first choice, is just fine. stu

Tried the coupon and it worked . . . made a $56 bid a $66 bid and I got a 3* in Bozeman. Thanks, stu

We're looking to stay a few nights in Bozeman next week and were hoping to try and get the Windgate that someone else previously found. What's popped up is a 3* for $85/night. Amenities listed are Fitness Center, Pool, Restaurant, Business Center, Laundry, Hi-Speed Internet. Any thoughts? stu

We're back so I thought I'd add a bit of information. The hotel is massive. It's an old-fashioned kind of luxury and the staff was professional and polite. We requested a non-smoking room in a quiet area and, at first, I was really pleased to see we weren't put in "the priceline room," if you know what I mean. The room was huge, though the bathroom was a bit cramped, and extremely clean. The location was great and it was incredibly quiet...until... A few doors down from us, it turns out, was the "housekeeping supply room" so, when they started to clean the rooms, at 8:00 am, they kept slamming the door over and over again. This hotel has doors that slam shut, unless you're holding the handle from the inside, so every time they went in/out of a room, it made quite the noise. I asked them politely to try not to slam the doors and they said all right; then they slammed the doors anyway. I don't understand why they can't prop the door open a bit when cleaning a room, so that every trip to the supply cart doesn't slam the door, but it seemed beyond their capabilities. Anyway, when requesting a room, if you have any choice at all, you might keep an eye out for the supply closet! What else: They've eliminated the self-park option, even thought it's still on the web site and the check-in slip, so you have to do the Valet Parking @ $28/day. The hotel is one block away from the Metro, which cost us $1.35 to downtown...great! (Remember, all the museums are free in DC!) There are a lot of restaurants right in the area; the hotel food is unbelievably expensive thought they have a little cafe/stand that has sandwiches and salads for not too much more than normal. For the price, this was a great stay..I would definitely keep an eye out for the housekeeping supply room in the future. - stu

Used the PRICELINE link (and the advice) here on Better Bidding...of course. Wanted someplace near to downtown for two nights. We'll have a rental car so I was a little scared of the Hyatt Regency (Convention Center/Capitol Hill) 'cause of the $41/night charge. Still, that's closer than some other areas and the little extra for parking would probably even out with the cost of the Metro. That said: Selected 4 star only Bid $65.00 for Convention Center Only - Bid Rejected Added Dupont Circle/Woodley Park Bid $70.00 - Bid Accepted for Omni Shoreham The Omni Shoreham has parking for approx $28/day...we can live with that. The fact it's one block for the Metro -- we're mostly doing the Smithsonian -- is perfect. As always, thanks to all the advice.. - stu (Right now we have an amazing non-priceline car deal for the whole week we're going to be around. If we decided to see about getting a lower deal, we'll post that separately.)

We're going to be in the DC area in early October for a family event. We're staying in Bethesda for the first part of our trip but will have two days to run around the various museums and thought it would be great to either stay downtown, near the National Mall, or somewhere that really close to a Metro station. We will have a car with us -- I realize that the downtown hotels all charge for parking -- so we'd like to either get a really low price for something in DC or find a place near a Metro station that has free parking. We would prefer staying in something above 3 stars; there are two adults and one nine-year-old. Anyway, we're looking for two nights, checking in October 6th and out the 8th. If anyone could give us some advice about which DC areas are the best/closest/safest for hitting the museums or, perhaps even better, good hotels outside the area that are really close to the Metro line, that would be wonderful. We're pretty broke at this point, after covering three flights, 5 nights in Bethesda, one new suite, two new dresses....I'd love to low-ball this one if possible. Thanks, stu