thenewbie

Used the BetterBidding quick quote & won the HI Express LBV East for a 1-night reservation. Around $30 cheaper than best available rate. Formerly the La Quinta down in the outskirts of the LBV zone in Kissimmee. Amenities: Free Parking Comp. Breakfast Fitness Center Pool(s) Business Center Internet Access

Using the PRICELINE banner, first try at the 4-star level. Landed the Rafaelhoteles Atocha for $75/night + taxes. Not available directly from Rafaelhoteles but based on the major websites it's about a total after tax discount of $25. Accepted bid price was on par with some of the consolidator websites. <_<

No luck a few weeks ago bidding higher than currently, hit a counteroffer today with a starting bid of $105. Second bid at $111 was successful. Used the PRICELINE banner. Wish rates were at the prices of a couple years ago, but at $259 current best available, still isn't a bad deal for a nice airport hotel.

Used the PRICELINE link for a 4* in Arlington. Received counter-offers at $50 and $54. Bid accepted at $58. Best available rate currently $99/night.

Used the HOTWIRE link and wound up with the 2* Howard Johnson - Hadley. The tripadvisor score narrowed it down to this property. Updated amenities list: Complimentary Breakfast Fitness Center Pool(s) Business Center Laundry Facilities Golf Nearby Tennis Nearby

Used the BB PRICELINE link. Prior bids at $45, 48 & 50 all received counter-offers. Finally accepted at $52. Current best available rate is $169.

Previous bids of $50, $55 and $60 rejected. Finally accepted at $65. Lowest rate on the website is $189. Used the BB PRICELINE link.

Prior bid at $40 declined. Rebid $46 and accepted by the Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort. Of course, it didn't include the $7.99+tax nightly resort fee. Used the PRICELINE link.

First bid @ $35/night accepted. Best available rate for the Sheraton PVD Airport is currently $129/night.

A great deal for Homecoming weekend in the Valley. $66/night for the Econo Lodge Hadley. 2-Star Complimentary Breakfast, Pool, Laundry Facilities 329 Russell St Hadley, MA Best Available Rate: Saturday night $159.99 & Sunday night $89.99

First bid of $35 declined. Rebid at $40 accepted for Radisson. $102.60 is the lowest available direct rate. Used the PRICELINE banner ad link.

Successful bid at $65 after a rejection at $57. Lowest available rate for the Saturday night stay is $190.95. $65.00 + $15.79 taxes = $80.79 Holiday Inn Norwich Norwich - Uncasville 10 Laura Boulevard Norwich, Connecticut 06360

Used the BB PRICELINE link and started at $40. Rejected and given $52 counteroffer. Added Southbury (risky, as it's a live 3* area) and won the HI Waterbury at $43. $43 + $12.71 taxes = $55.71 total for 1 night

First bid of $40 for a 3-star was given a counter-offer. Second bid of $42 was accepted at the 3-star Courtyard by Marriott Chicago O'Hare. 2950 South River Rd Des Plaines, Illinois 60018 Bid $42.00 Taxes $13.59 Total $55.59

Hertz SLC Compact - First bid at $11/day. Taxes and fees were $8.76.

Would you be willing to stay in the Waterfront area? It's a short ride on the Silver Line from South Station (2 stops away). You should be able to win the Renaissance Boston Waterfront for around $105/night (see: Priceline Renaissance ). It's in the 3-star category on PRICELINE, but it's a 4-star property with rates normally $329/night.

Wasn't expecting this for a win at the 3-star level. Holiday Inn Salem, NH 1 Keewaydin Dr. Salem, NH First bid at $45/night and advance purchase rate is $107.99. At least the taxes are cheap. :)

After using the BB PRICELINE link and trying $64, I won the Marriott London Heathrow in the 4* category for $67. Lowest available rate online is 75GBP ($148) excluding taxes. Your Offer Price Per Room, Per Night: US$67.00 Taxes & Service Fees: US$19.36 Total Charges: US$86.36

First Bid for a 3* in the "Copley Square - Theatre District." I was hoping for the Hilton, but that didn't work out. I missed the newer maps for Boston as this is a new zone for the Park Plaza. As it's late: I think I forgot to use the SB link :) , likely started bidding too high, and didn't check the maps for changes since my last Boston bid many months ago. :) Subtotal: $65.00 Taxes & Service Fees: $15.89 Total Charges*: $80.89

With the Construction Expo in town, rates aren't cheap for this week. Decided to give Priceline a try, with previous rebids from $125 - $165, finally hit on $170. Taxes were $26.07 for a total of $196.07 for the 1 night. Rack rate for a Palazzo Luxury room is $449. Their $199 special is not available for this night. Thanks Priceline!

First bid for 2.5* Waikiki City Central Area. 2 Nights @ $65/night + $24.84 in taxes = $154.84 total Castle Ocean Resort Hotel Waikiki 175 Paoakalani Avenue Honolulu, Hawaii 96815

Can you please list your date(s) and the amenities shown on HOTWIRE.

One other advantage to a $ voucher is that you can usually earn FF miles on your 'free' flight, since you normally do not earn FF miles on a free r/t voucher.

Welcome! What are your actual dates? July 12 through when? Are you flexible in your departing date? What is your budget for this trip?

A HOTWIRE clearance fare can be any major airline that participates (United, American, Northwest, Continental, US Airways, America West, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian, Aloha or Midwest Airlines) and could have no more than one connection. If you need to fly on NW, using an opaque provider (PL or HOTWIRE) isn't your best bet. Keep in mind that HOTWIRE and Priceline purchases might not book into an upgradable or mileage earning fare class.