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First bid in that region, will not even use it overnight, but for hours of layover (family with two small children). I did check with rate drop and used BB PRICELINE links. Also checked with prior wins for MUC airport and express deals, which were $52 for PL and $54 for Hotwire (presumably the same property, as mentioned in the "Hot Rate Hotel" note). Excellent value I think.

Extremely happy to get the Dupont Circle hotel for under $200. That week proved to be horrible for booking and the four days' need perplexed matters even more I gather. Used the Rate.Drop and Hot.wire/Price.line tools, on the latter kept bidding for probably more than a month now, and we were close to calling it a day and doing Hotwire Hot Rates or PRICELINE EXPRESS or try and bid closer to the date, which is always tricky/risky. The Hot.wire and PRICELINE EXPRESS rates were all way into the 230-270+ range.

Thank you for consolidating items and excellent feedback. Location ideally would be w/i walking distance (we consider this several blocks, a mile, mile and a half, and anything beyond that we'd utilize metro links) b/t Pennsylvania and Constitution, several fed. services, Smithsonian/FTC. The problem in this instance with maps and hotels.com would be that the prices all over the vicinity are... respectfully obscene. I understand it is DC, however some consolation exists in some HW Hot Rates and PRICELINE EXPRESS samples of $125-175 (our range) for 3 or even 3.5* as per prior thread. The key Q in my mind becomes: Do we wait until the last 2-3 weeks, last week, or look to book earlier? We are just under the 60 days' mark, so ample time to monitor. Is there a good rule of thumb according to your experience? I gather no "sweet spots" one can decipher in certain short timeframe windows, that 30-60 day out timing for us is intriguing, but we're willing to wait if you advise that prices might rise a bit and then toward the last couple of weeks new inventory would become available at much lower rates... Judging by this week, prices actually fell dramatically from earlier in the week through this weekend, which I did not expect. Dynamic/variable pricing, random variables, new bookings, etc, or something else to add...? Thank you once more for the thoughtful insight and outstanding service!

This was somewhat unconventional... Given we needed three separate beds (two + rollaway) we searched for bed availability and we called prior to booking several places. We also utilized the usual Rate.Drop tools for PL and HW. In the past I was able to get some great deals via Betterbidding exchanges and discussions and the strategies offered here for PL and HW. I also had the good fortune to request separate beds when necessary after booking, although as folks know they are by no means guaranteed. Putting a request upon confirmation and following up frequently up to the date of arrival helped nonetheless. Ultimately, we proceeded along the input provided by thereuare recommending MAPS and HOTELS.com but here's the interesting twist with this: - Initially we found nothing that would accommodate bed requests online so we went old school and... - ... called the # provided on the hotels.com website and the kind lady in an overseas call center assisted in locating the only hotel that would accommodate the beds+rollaway need ("only" allegedly, but we trust it was, as we also called and presumably due to a few events and a big conference with overflow hotels we tend to believe that was the case). It turned out to be the Envy, however there was one more final twist to this; - the initial rate was higher than I would have liked for a 2.5* (Thursday night was quoted at $109 and Fri night at $169!) so I followed betterbidding precedent and advice, pursuant to securing a fully refundable rate (this via Hotels..com may be canceled w/o penalty up to a day prior to arrival!) I continued looking for better rates for pertinent hotel options, and saw the Envy on PRICELINE EXPRESS WITH the option of two beds (rollaway there always an option for +15/night) for a much lower rate, thus... - ...I utilized the Hotels..com best price guarantee, completed the very simple form, attached a screen shot, and in less than 24 hours we were extended a credit of over $70, which brought the total overnight avg (before fees/taxes) to 103.38. For a hotel costing about a third of the conference hotel per night, w/i walking distance, plus free WiFi, free breakfast, etc, and importantly ensuring the beds configuration we needed, we are content! Thanks again for all you do for cost-saving travelers.

Today the HOTWIRE Hot Rate on an intriguing option given proximity to key locations is: 3.5* White House-Downtown 5/10-14 $168/night (46% off "Spring Sale") 90% recommended Per Hotwire, the last successful bid yields the State Plaza Hotel. Full amenities: Free Internet, Fitness center, Restaurant(s), Business center, Internet access Obviously using RateDrop to monitor and have set ample alerts. Thanks once more.

And a quick follow-up I've been meaning to ask for some time: From your experience, is it true that it is better to book Tue-Wed as opposed to late in the week, weekends, with more options and better deals becoming available early/mid-week? Thanks once more.

Looking into 5/10-14 for some work around DC. Interested in 3-4* ideally around $125-175. This 3* today comes out to $152 in the Convention Center-Arts Dist. 70% recommended. Amenities: Free Internet, Smoke-free rooms, Fitness center, Restaurant(s), Business center, Internet access, Golf nearby, Tennis nearby, Accessible for visually impaired, Accessible for hearing impaired, Accessible path of travel, In-room accessibility, Accessible bathroom, Accessible parking, Roll-in shower As per Hotwire note, "The last person got the Hyatt Place Washington DC/US Capitol." 1) Could this be true, as this hotel appears to be in NoMa area? 2) This hotel offers free breakfast as well with each stay, can it be that sometimes these free amenities are not reported because it could very well be another option? Thank you as always for any input.

Star rating from 3-4* and range b't 75-150, however key is location by Inner Harbor/Little Italy. Needs to be walking distance to Marriott Waterfront. Free breakfast would be nice but certainly not at $200/night for 3*. That was just odd it appeared as an option, whereas HW actually offered same amenities for $40 less. Any leads/thoughts?

Any ideas on: 4* @ 146/night and Pet friendly, Indoor pool(s), Smoke-free rooms, Fitness center, Pool(s), Restaurant(s), Business center, Internet access, Accessible for visually impaired, Accessible path of travel, Accessible bathroom, Roll-in shower 3.5* @ 173/night and Free Internet, Smoke-free rooms, Fitness center, Restaurant(s), Internet access, Accessible for visually impaired, Accessible for hearing impaired, Accessible path of travel, In-room accessibility, Wheelchair accessible, Accessible bathroom, Accessible parking, Roll-in shower 3* @ 162/night (compared to 208 at PRICELINE EXPRESS with comparable amenities?) and Free breakfast, Pet friendly, Business center, Internet access, Accessible path of travel, In-room accessibility, Wheelchair accessible, Accessible bathroom, Roll-in shower Hot.wire Thanks for any and all help always!

Any clues as to: Downtown-Inner Harbor Baltimore and -- 4* @ 140/night and bed choice available + 8/10 rating and Indoor or Outdoor Pool, Pets Allowed, Fitness Center, Business Center 3.5* @ 171/night and bed choice + 7/10 rating and Fitness Center, Free Internet, Business Center 3* @ 208/night 7/10 rating and Indoor or Outdoor Pool, Pets Allowed, Restaurant, Free Internet, Free Breakfast, Business Center I wonder if the latter is the same on Hotwire Hot Rates, rather for 162/night... I will post an inquiry under the Hotwire thread for streamlining. Thanks always!

Thanks again for your service and efforts. Good news and some more info: PL returned nothing of the 3* and above variety all the way up to $89... Their loss! Today (is it still true it's better to book Tue-Wed?) Hotwire featured several intriguing options, and we pulled the trigger on the 2.5* which they did forecast prior to final booking to be the La Quinta (actually closer to Opryland than the other airport hotels and further away from airport noise for anyone interested in a shopping trip to Opry Mills...) Indeed it was, and it was more than half price off, at $62/night. Full list of amenities below. Amenities below: Free parking Free breakfast Free Internet Pet friendly Airport shuttle Fitness center Pool(s) Business center Self-service laundry Internet access Accessible bathroom Accessible parking

Any ideas on: 3.5* Airport East/Opryland south for 3/6-8. $85 today FULL AMENITIES: Free parking, Free Internet, Indoor pool(s), Airport shuttle, Smoke-free rooms, Fitness center, Pool(s), Restaurant(s), Business center, Internet access, In-room accessibility Thanks in advance and always!

Went 109 first and was allowed to bid at the same exact variables +$19, total 128/night. Feel like we lucked out, as conf. hotel is literally a stone's throw away! As always, thanks again for the service you provide to informed travelers.

Used BiddingHelper.com. A few bids earlier for West End and downtown, this one worked. 151/night, during Women's Final Four, not bad.

These are interesting options instead of the downtown rates; we are wondering if #3 below could be the Gaylord Opryland... #1 is an intriguing alternative, if it were to be the Loews Vanderbilt (which on its website has no availability for 4/4-6). We primarily are trying to keep the rate under $175/night. Appreciate any input: 1) Vanderbilt Univ. - West End - Music Row 4.5* 252/night FULL AMENITIES: Pet friendly, Smoke Free Rooms, Fitness Center, Restaurant(s), Business Center, Internet access 2) BNA Airport East / Opryland South 4* 174/night FULL AMENITIES: Free Internet, Resort, Indoor pool(s), Airport Shuttle, Smoke Free Rooms, Fitness Center, Pool(s), Restaurant(s), Business Center, Self service laundry, Internet access, Golf Nearby, Spa Services, Accessible for the blind, Accessible for the deaf, Accessible path of travel, In-room accessibility, Accessible bathroom, Handicapped parking, Roll-in shower 3) Opryland North 3.5* 151/night FULL AMENITIES: Free Parking, Indoor pool(s), Airport Shuttle, Smoke Free Rooms, Fitness Center, Pool(s), Restaurant(s), Business Center, Internet access, Golf Nearby

Correct, under no circumstances would we opt for these rates and parameters right now (or ever for that matter). We'll keep researching. Hence, this communication is highly appreciated as always! Here are the full amenities for these properties: 1) 3.5* $256/night Free Breakfast, Free Internet, Fitness Center, Pool(s), Business Center, Self service laundry, Internet access, Accessible for the blind, Accessible for the deaf, Accessible path of travel, In-room accessibility, Accessible bathroom, Handicapped parking, Roll-in shower 2) 1* $69/night Free Parking, Free Breakfast, Free Internet, Pool(s), Restaurant(s), Self service laundry, Internet access 3) 2* $157/night Free Breakfast, Free Internet, Indoor pool(s), Smoke Free Rooms, Fitness Center, Pool(s), Business Center, Self service laundry, Internet access Any thoughts or further ideas? We're also checking with friends on potentially safe and efficient locations away from downtown, as we can drive to it from STL. Presumably we'd get charged more than $20-25 for parking if we have to drive each day downtown. We can start looking into other areas to include in searches, it's just that we have no clue about Nashville and region options. Thanks as always!

I see three options for Apr 4-6 in Nashville downtown. Keep in mind these are the days when the NCAA Women's Final Four will be in town, so prices might be a bit higher, so let's see what we can find... 1) 3.5* $278/night 85% recommended Free Breakfast Free Internet Fitness Center Pool(s) Business Center Self service laundry Accessibility Accessible for the blind Accessible for the deaf 2) 1* $74/night 35% recommended Free Parking Free Breakfast Free Internet Pool(s) Restaurant(s) Self service laundry 3) 2* $164/night "still gathering reviews" Free Breakfast Free Internet Indoor pool(s) Smoke Free Rooms Fitness Center Pool(s) Business Center Self service laundry As always, grateful for any insight! Be well in this crazy winter we're having...

Not too bad, although I see previous wins were in the $46 range... oh well!

3* Courtyard By Marriott Bloomington, IN $67/night

First attempt at $50 came through, apparently the previous entry was at $46 so would have been great had I found this in advance. However the property still appears a bargain for $50. Dates are January 2nd through January 5th, first weekend of 2014, hopefully Chicago weather will allow for some fun around a wedding. We will have our kiddos, 7 and 5 years old, so any suggestions for family-friendly non-to-miss things would be highly appreciated. Before they came along we had done Shed Aquarium, but they are also into Children's Museums, zoos, Science Centers, and of course our 5-year-old daughter will need to find some time to hit the American Girl shop by the Water Tower, however otherwise we'd love kids-friendly suggestions. From prior entries around Chicago bids, folks appear to have a solid grasp on Chicago activities and offerings for families. Thanks in advance. For the record, I paste below the Hyatt's amenities.

Success! 9/20-23: 4* Downtown Indy University Place Hotel & Conference Ctr Indianapolis $84/night (HOTWIRE Best Value Rate) (7 rooms left as of 7:30p Central, 9/14) Amenities: Fitness Center Restaurant(s) Business Center Laundry Facilities (self-service) High-Speed Internet Access Golf Nearby Tennis Nearby Accessible for the blind Accessible for the deaf Accessible path of travel In-room accessibility Accessible bathroom Handicapped parking Roll-in shower As thereuare noted, Hotwire is the solution for folks with kids, guaranteeing quad occupancy. Moreover, the hotel was very accommodating (their site actually shows that Thursday as sold out...) and works on roll-away beds and accommodations for family needs. Location is outstanding, practically walking distance to pretty much everything in the downtown area and a short hop to Children's Museum. Reiterating, betterbidding overall has done a fantastic job! Keep it up, and map the whole country via Priceline & Hotwire! Thanks for the great work!

And one more Q: Is it possible to get the hotel to provide a suite after a successful bid on priceline (which only guarantees two adults) as it will be necessary for two children during this stay? Priceline has a note that suggests you need to talk to the hotel, but I was wondering whether someone actually did so and got a bigger room for kids after a successful bid on priceline? Thanks!

Any idea on this one? Sept 20-23. 4* Indy downtown recommended 95% Hotwire customers $154/night Indoor pool(s) Fitness Center Pool(s) Restaurant(s) Business Center High-Speed Internet Access Accessible for the blind Accessible for the deaf Accessible path of travel In-room accessibility Accessible bathroom Handicapped parking Roll-in shower There's also one more with the same amenities and 3 1/2 * 85% recommended $140/night Also downtown Indy... Any guesses? No luck with $66, 67, 69, 70 bids for 4* in Indy downtown for those dates on Priceline. Others landed lower bids for earlier dates... Any suggestions are welcome. Will keep trying.

OK, folks one more to plug-in, here's the conclusion: Priceline -- after all, and pls lmk if we need to move this to a different forum -- successful bid @ $85/night for this four-star property: Omni La Mansion Del Rio I am not sure if one can land a bid at $80 (the lowest Priceline allows you to bid for 4-stars at that locale and date), but worth a few tries. It is definitely the lowest I could find after quite some time, and Hotwire still gives a 4-star site at $99... Looks good. Thanks for the solid service and keep up the deals hunt!

Quick word of gratitude for the absolutely impeccable assistance today, impressive follow-through! Should conclude ASAP, will report the results of course... Thanks to everyone...