scampi

We stayed here for 4 nights Jan. 18-22nd, 2005 after a cruise on an $85 PL winning bid. I had called in a request for 2 beds, non smoking & a room on a high floor. I also let them know that there would be 3 people. I gave them our Marriott Number and asked for an early check-in as we would be disembarking early. The registration desk personnel offered us an upgrade to the executive level with access to the executive lounge (Australian $99 for 2, $140 aud for 3). As Southbay noted, it was an excellent buy! We had our breakfasts, the snacks in the evening were enough for a meal & there were plenty of hard & soft beverages in the lounge plus excellent desserts. Also there was an all day cappuccino, cafe latte, coffee, chocolate machine & we were encouraged to take bottled water on our excursions. We had a great view of the Harbour Bridge from our 29th room floor, lots of amenities, great service & the location in Circular Quay as described before was excellent! We were steps to the ferries, the Opera House, the Rocks, & took the train from the Quay to downtown & to the Blue Mtns. Also, we arrived at the hotel at 8:45 a.m. and were in our room within 30 minutes! Definitely a 5 star experience!

Bid on October 24, 2004 for a 5 star hotel in Sydney, Australia using Priceline. Noticed today there is only 1 area, the city centre for bidding. If I recall there was another area that didn't have a 5 star hotel & I used it as a freebid. First offer of $75 for dates 1/18-1/22/05 was rejected. Added a freebid area and increased the offer to $80 and was rejected. Changed my dates to 1/18-1/20/05 & raised the offer to $85 and was accepted. (& given the Marriott Sydney Harbour.) Then made a new bid for 1/20-1/22/05 for $85 & was accepted and also was given the Marriott Sydney Harbour Hotel. (This was a very risky action I learned later because when I spoke to Priceline they said I could have requested 2 more nights before or after my dates at the same price.) I called the Marriott to request non-smoking, 2 beds, etc. & the first receptionist was rude & said I had to call Priceline for these (untrue). Called the next day & had a very polite & helpful receptionist who noted all my requests including my request for the highest room possible so that we could have some view. Had a wonderful stay. Was offered an upgrade for executive level for $99 Australian a nt. Well worth it - We had an excellent Harbour View room on the 29th floor, hot breakfasts, daily coffee, water, sodas & a dinner time snack (almost a meal) with cocktails, beers, wine, dessert, etc. each day! Great toiletries, turn down service, robes & slippers & wonderful service! Great location at Circular Quay by the ferries, trains, the Rocks, the Opera House, etc.

Needed 2 rooms for the weekend Fri. Dec. 17 to Sun. Dec. 19, 2004 (2 nts) Tried $50 on Priceline for a resort in North Phoenix on Nov. 25, 04 Rejected Added Phoenix West and bid $55 Rejected Added Tempe and bid $60 Offer was accepted for The Buttes Wyndham Resort. Went on-line & joined Wyndham ByRequest (There's a place where you can post your confirmation numbers and request for ex. non-smoking, 2 beds, & I also requested rooms in the 6000 building, goodies, etc.) We received all our requests except for the "goodies." Each of our rooms faced the freeway (quite hidden from 6000 bldg) but they didn't have a patio. One of our rooms hadn't had the bathroom cleaned - Called the desk & they graciously asked where we would like our room & we asked for a room close to the spas & we were accomodated. The resort was a terrific buy even though all their pools were drained. We used the spas, however. The hotel was decorated beautifully for the holidays & our grandchildren were in awe of the lights, the lobby decorations and the special attention they received in the restaurants, etc.

Bid on 2/13/05 for 2 rooms in a Resort in North Phoenix for the weekend of Friday 2/25-Sunday 2/27 (2 Nights) through Priceline First bid of $60 was accepted. 2 rms at 2 nts $240 plus 40.24 Taxes & Service Fees _________ $280.24 Total Charges The going rate with AAA or AARP discount is $199 night plus tax. Called the hotel to request 2 beds in each room, non smoking & rooms near children's pools. The receptionist wrote down my requests, was courteous & most helpful.