grram1

Considering I'm traveling with my children, and it seems there are a lot of small, single-bed rooms in NYC I was scared to even try Priceline for this one. This was the hotel we expected thanks to the hotel list on this site. It has mixed Tripadvisor reviews (183 of 329), but for the price it was unbeatable... I couldn't find anything to even compete with this booking for the price and area. Sheraton has a net-direct (non-refundable) price of $249, AAA rate is $269. Now to figure out how we're going to park our Yukon!!! Looking at the garages it seems that (given it's a large vehicle) we'll be in for a minimum of $30/night... we may consider trying to find a garage in Jersey City and then taking a cab to the hotel. Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers (Customer Favorite) 811 Seventh Avenue New York City, New York 10019 (212) 581-1000 Check-in: Mon, Aug 7, 2006 at 3:00 PM Check-out: Thu, Aug 10, 2006 at 12:00 PM 2 Adults/2 Children 1 room(s) @ $143.00 per night x 3 nights $429.00 Taxes and Fees: $76.88 Total: $505.88 Restaurant(s) Fitness Center Business Center

Judging by the other winning bids I take it that this must be a prime travel season for Vermont. First the good news: After days of inching up my bids I know I got the best price I could have for the dates I'm staying and the time I'm bidding :) . Bid history on winning bid day: 3* - $69, $74, $79, $84... all rejected, out of free re-bids for the area I wanted to stay. +2.5* - $85 - got message "One time offer, add $22 you can re-bid now"... declined & added areas. - $89... rejected, $90... rejected, $91... price accepted. Also "good news" was the price turned out to be pretty decent (not earth-moving, but acceptable). The lowest fare I could find elsewhere was also from priceline.com for $125 (holiday-inn.com had a net-direct fare of $125.95, AAA was $126), so we managed to knock off 27%. Now for the not-so-good news: Tripadvisor rating was a miserable 9 of 10 :) . Although the reviews weren't quite as bad as the ranking would make it seem (maybe the other area hotels are just that much better?). Since there were no identified 2.5* properties on the pinned priceline hotel list I took a peak at what Priceline was offering direct. They had three 2.5* properties listed: Courtyard by Marriott - $119 Holiday Inn -$125 Residence Inn - $161. Given the options above, once I added the 2.5* option, I knew there was a chance I'd end up with the Holiday-Inn... I was hoping for the Courtyard by Marriott and figured I had a decent chance at it since it was the lowest priced direct purchase option (didn't really think I had a shot at the much higher priced Residence Inn). Anyhow, I'm sure this will suite us fine, and at least I can take comfort in knowing I couldn't have gotten it any cheaper. Note: In the area we wanted to stay Hotwire's only option (for the last week or so) was a 2* for $78. We wanted to stay in town and try for a 2.5* minimum. Hotel: Holiday Inn Burlington 1068 Williston Road South Burlington, Vermont 05403 United States 802-863-6361 Check-In Date: Sunday, August 13, 2006 Check-Out Date: Wednesday, August 16, 2006 Price: $91 x 3 nights = $273 Taxes/fees: $40.50 Total: $313.50

We are heading East and our first choice was actually Little Rock, Ar... but we had a lot of trouble finding a good hotel deal there (multiple failed Priceline bids of up to $60 for a 2 1/2*). The cheapest Hotwire 2* that had a pool was $42. We decided to push on another couple of hours to Memphis where Hotwire had this 2* w/pool for $34. AAA rate is $66.60, tripadvisor rating is average at 59 of 129. Booked this room through link at Savingsbarn.com :) Multiple times on this trip Hotwire has won our business over Priceline due to being able to list the kids and thus ensure a room with 2 beds. I still flirt with Priceline, but once I get within $15 or so of the Hotwire price I stop bidding due to this feature (I also like that I can see the hotel's amenities... like most kids ours love to swim, so knowing we'll have a pool is a plus). Ramada Inn Memphis Ramada Inn Memphis (Economy) 1585 Sycamore View Memphis, Tennessee 38134 (901) 388-4881 2 Adults/2 Children Check-in date: Wed, Jul 26, 2006 Check-out date: Thu, Jul 27, 2006 1 room(s) @ $34.00 per night x 1 nights $34.00 Taxes and Fees: $12.33 Total: $46.33 Complimentary Breakfast Pool(s) High-speed Internet Access

AAA price is $109, Tripadvisor rating is 2 of 5. Has mixed reviews on tripadvisor, overall seems like a good value. Sheraton Newton Hotel Sheraton Newton Hotel (Midscale) 320 Washington Street Newton, Massachusetts 02458 (617) 969-3010 2 Adults/2 Children Hotel 1 room(s) @ $71.00 per night x 3 nights $213.00 Taxes and Fees: $27.36 Total: $240.36 Restaurant(s) Pool(s) Fitness Center Business Center

Hotel is actually in Cherry Hill, NJ... but is only a few miles from Philadelphia and is on the Hotwire list as a Philadelphia area hotel. AAA rate was $107.99, Tripadvisor rating was good at 2 of 10. Seems like a good booking. Clarion Hotel And Conference Center - Cherry Hill, NJ Clarion Hotel And Conference Center - Cherry Hill, NJ (Midscale) 1450 Route 70 East Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08034 (856) 428-2300 2 adults/2 chlidren 1 room(s) @ $48.00 per night x 1 nights $48.00 Taxes and Fees: $13.58 Total: $61.58 Restaurant(s) Pool(s) Fitness Center Tennis Nearby Business Center Laundry Facilities

The post above pretty much nailed the description on this hotel. It should be listed as a 2* (unless major improvements are made). Negatives: We had a standard room which was old, outdated, had uncomfortable beds and furniture, was poorly maintained, A/C didn't work, and it had a musky/stale odor that febreeze didn't budge. Housekeeping was sub-par. There was old room-service dishes left in the hallway (never removed over the course of 2 nights in the hotel). Positives: The main lobby area was attractive, the staff was very friendly, the parking was free, and it's a reasonably short drive into downtown Calgary. Overall: Is barely serviceable as an over-night stay, would not knowingly book this property again.

Just wanted to follow up. Hotwire responded quickly to my complaint. They requested that I fax them my Hotwire itinerary along with the prices I got from holiday-inn.com (which I did). Their explanation was that the savings quoted was off of the "average 3* hotel in the area" (my research still shows this definitely is an exaggerated claim, even with the new definition). In any case, only 2 days after starting communications with Hotwire, they did credit my account with $25 in "HotDollars" (credits for future purchases) :) . Honestly this is much more than I expected. When I wrote them I even explained that I wasn't unhappy with the hotel, or even the price, just the exaggerated savings claim. I wasn't expecting anything, just wanted to make sure they knew how I felt.

I sent a similar e-mail to Hotwire as what I stated in my post. I had checked the hotwire lists before purchasing. Both this property and the Four Points by Sheraton were identified at 3* and have the same amenities. Given the price difference (and Hotwire savings claim) I was expecting the Four Points (although the Four Points didn't retail for $160 either... it did retail for much closer to that figure than the Holiday Inn), or possibly a new, not yet identified, hotel. I've made many Hotwire purchases over the last 5 years; sometimes the savings are great and sometimes meager... BUT this is the first time I'd ever had them exaggerate the savings so much. Like I said, I wouldn't have been upset but for their stated claim (usually they just have the low price guarantee and make no specific $$ or % claim on a particular property). I'm fine with the Holiday Inn, just not Hotwire's claim of 53% savings. Thanks for the tips.

Very happy with the $77 price for this Westin... 52% off of AAA rate of $159 :) . I've been looking at DC for over a week and this was the first time a low priced 4* was listed in this area during that duration. Carries a very high 4 of 49 tripadvisor rating also! Westin Arlington Gateway Westin Arlington Gateway (Upscale) 801 North Glebe Road Arlington, Virginia 22203 (703) 717-6200 2 Adults/ 2 Children 1 room(s) @ $77.00 per night x 3 nights $231.00 Taxes and Fees: $30.91 Total: $261.91 Restaurant(s), Pool, Fitness Center, High speed internet, Business Center

I paid $75/night before fees/taxes. Hotwire claimed a 53% savings over alleged $160 retail. After getting this Holiday Inn Williamsburg, VA. I went to holiday-inn.com and they had the same room for $84.95... after all taxes and fees I only save $6.70/night (only 7% savings). Granted this was a restricted rate, but even the unrestricted rate was only $105.95 (or 29% savings). I would not have been upset if this were not advertised as a "Best Value" and "53% savings off of $160 retail". I understand that Hotwire still maintained its lowest price claim... but this was some major false advertising (should not be allowed!!!). :) This hotel looks like it will suite us fine, I'm just upset at the way it was advertised. Holiday Inn Williamsburg-Dwntn (Busch Gardens) (Best Value) 814 Capitol Landing Rd. Williamsburg, Virginia 23185 (757) 229-0200 Check-in date: Sun, Jul 30, 2006 Check-out date: Thu, Aug 3, 2006 2 Adults, 2 Children 1 room(s) $75.00 per night x 4 nights Subtotal:$300.00 Taxes/Fees: $47 Total: $347 Restaurant, Pool, Fitness, Laundry

I'm a sucker for their "customer favorites", didn't even attempt a Priceline bid due to this and the price. the $72 was a great price for the time we're visiting. Lists for $198 on AAA (63% savings!). And is near the top of the Tripadvisor ratings (5 of 102!!!). Being able to list the kids is a BIG bonus... Priceline has lost many opportunities from our family due to lack of this feature (I only use priceline if I can save significantly over Hotwire, typically if I can't save $15 or more I'll just stick with Hotwire). Looking forward to this one. Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel (Upscale) 123 Queen Street West Toronto, Ontario M5H 2M9 Canada (416) 361-1000 1 room; 2 nights Check-in: Fri, Aug 18, 2006 at 3:00 PM Check-out: Sun, Aug 20, 2006 at 12:00 PM 1 room(s) @ $72.00 per night x 2 nights $144.00 Taxes and Fees: $28.29 Hotel total: $172.29 Restaurant(s), Pool, Fitness Center, Spa, Business Center

Got room for $47. Best price I could find eslewhere was $85. Tripadvisor had it ranked 16 of 44 (64 percentile). With a good ranking and a 45% savings it seems like a good deal. I tried several Priceline bids, but gave up once I hit $38 (with a maximum savings of only $9 on the table the relief I get from being able to list my kids on Hotwire, and ensure getting a room with 2 beds, was well worth it in this case). Holiday Inn Lincoln - Downtown, NE (Best Value) 141 N. 9th St. Lincoln, Nebraska 68508 (402) 475-4011 Check-in: Tue, Aug 22, 2006 at 4:00 PM Check-out: Wed, Aug 23, 2006 at 12:00 PM 1 room(s) @ $47.00 per night x 1 nights $47.00 Taxes and Fees: $12.79 Total cost: $59.79 Restaurant, Pool, Fitness Center, Laundry

For $33 it wasn't worth trying to bid on a lower price w/priceline (especially since I can list the kids and guarantee a room with 2 beds). AAA price was $67.49, so at %51 off it seems like a good deal (AAA lists it as a 3 diamond). Also ranked 18 out of 50 on tripadvisor (64 percentile). Baymont Inn & Suites Amarillo, TX 3411 I-40 West Amarillo, Texas 79109 (806) 356-6800 Check In Date:Tue, Jul 25, 2006 Check Out Date:Wed, Jul 26, 2006 2 adults/2 children 1 room(s) @ $33.00 per night x 1 nights $33.00 Taxes and Fees: $11.85 Hotel total: $44.85 Restaurant, Pool, Fitness Center

Had checked Hotwire a few days prior and they had a 4* in the same area for $88, when I was ready to book that deal was gone (best Howire deal at that time was over $120 for a 3*). Decided to try the area the 4* was originally offered for $88 and placed a bid of $80 with Priceline... won on first bid (always makes you wish you'd bid a little lower, but given the changes on Howire's pricing I thought the $80 bid was a low-ball bid). Best price I could find elsewhere was AAA for $154 the first night an d$134 the second night; so it seems I still got a good deal :) Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago Check-In Date: Sunday, August 20, 2006 Check-Out Date: Tuesday, August 22, 2006 North Michigan Ave - River North Area 163 East Walton Place Chicago, Illinois 60611 312-751-8100 Check-In Date: Sun, Aug 20, 2006 Check-In Time: After 03:00 PM Check-Out Date: Tue, Aug 22, 2006 Check-Out Time: 12:00 PM Your Offer Price: $80.00 Extend Your Stay Number of Rooms: 1 Number of Nights: 2 Subtotal: $160.00 Taxes & Service Fees: $32.91 Total Charges: $192.91

Happy to contribute. You're right, we have a pretty big trip planned. We'll be on the road for 3 weeks headed North from So. Cal. up through Vancouver BC., across the Canadian Rockies to Calgary and then back home through Montana, Utah, & Nevada. Should be fun! I wish I had found this website years ago... the information is great!

Correction... AAA had it listed at $220.21/night (not $161.21... that was a different hotel).

Red Lion Colonial Hotel 2301 Colonial Drive Helena, Montana 59601 (406) 443-2100 1 room(s) @ $71.00 per night x 1 night(s) $71.00 Taxes and fees: $11.95 Hotel Subtotal $82.95 Total Price $82.95 Check-in: Wed, Jul 27, 2005 Check-out: Thu, Jul 28, 2005 Adults: 2 Children: 2 amenities: Casino Airport Shuttle Restaurant(s) Pool(s) Fitness Center No previous bids were attempted on Priceline. The highest rated hotel priceline carried was a 2*... and I wasn't up to risking what I might end up with on a 2* in Montana? Anyhow, AAA had this hotel for $81.95 (when booking for 2 adults and 2 children). After booking fees we only saved a few bucks on this one (much lower savings than usual).

Check-in: Sun, Jul 24, 2005 Check-out: Wed, Jul 27, 2005 Adults: 2 Children: 2 1 room(s) @ $56.00 per night x 3 night(s) $168.00 Taxes and fees: $26.95 Hotel Subtotal $194.95 Total Price $194.95 Amenities: Airport Shuttle Restaurant(s) Pool(s) Business Center This booking on hotwire for the Radisson followed unsuccessful priceline bids of $56 for a 4*, $47 for a 3*, and $41 for a 2.5*. Deciding factor was that I could guarantee room that would accommodate a party of 4 and I stood to save $8 or less at this point by continuing on Priceline. AAA had this hotel listed at a rate of $106.10. I'm a little concerned though as it ranked 62 of 79 on tripadvisor! I found it odd although that the "average user rating" was listed at 1*... there were 3 posts; 2 gave it 1* with terrible reviews and the other one gave it the full 5* with a good review. Seems like the average user review should be 2*? Anyhow, hope this helps.

Check-In Date: Sun, Jul 17, 2005 Check-In Time: After 04:00 PM Check-Out Date: Wed, Jul 20, 2005 Check-Out Time: 12:00 PM Your Offer Price: $75.00 (US dollars) Number of Rooms: 1 Number of Nights: 3 Subtotal: $225.00 (US dollars) Taxes & Service Fees: $34.20 (US dollars) Total Charges: $259.20 (US dollars) Got the Hyatt on first bid of $75. Hotwire had a 4* in the same area for $97. AAA had it listed at $161.21 for the same nights. Guess I should have bid lower, but it seemed like a low-ball bid to begin with at 66% off AAA and $22 less than hotwire.

Check-In Date: Thu, Jul 28, 2005 Check-In Time: After 03:00 PM Check-Out Date: Sat, Jul 30, 2005 Your Offer Price: $52.00 Number of Rooms: 1 Number of Nights: 2 Subtotal: $104.00 Taxes & Service Fees: $20.47 Total Charges: $124.47 Had a failed 3* bid of $49 before the winning bid of $52 was accepted. The Peery hotel had a net-direct rate for the same nights at $69/night. Hotwire had it listed as a 3.5* Boutique "customer favorite" hotel for $60.

I've been doing this (and improving on my techniques) for about 4 years now. I thought I had every trick covered but reading your article was very useful. I particularly learned a lot from the very well illustrated section on how to optimize one's re-bidding options (I had closed out the server before in order to gain limited extra re-bidding options, but I'd never considered the total mathematical possibilities the way you demonstrate them). The main weakness I have is limited patience... you're guide really exploits the importance of being as calculated as possible. Thanks for the great tips!!!

Won bid for $83/night for 2 nights on a 2.5* in Canmore. Total cost with $18.03 taxes/fees came out to $184.03. This win followed many failed attempts over nearly 2 weeks to get a resort in the Banff area (each time I only got 1 "free" re-bid by adding Canmore), started bids at $90 and got up to $125/night before giving up and pursuing either a 3 or 2.5* in Canmore. Had a failed bid of $80 for a 2.5* 3 days before successful bid of $83 was accepted (following failed bids of $85 and $90 for a 3* on same day as winning bid). FYI, AAA rates this hotel as a 3 diamond and their rate for the same nights was $161.21/night.

Booked room for 2 adults, 2 children. 3.5* "customer favorite" with: Restaurant, Pool, Fitness center, High speed internet access & Business center. Got price of $69/night for 3 nights, $244.95 total after taxes/fees ($37.95 taxes/fees). AAA rates for same nights was $124/night. This is apparently a few miles from most of the attractions, but I wasn't getting anywhere with Priceline bids for the downtown areas and Hotwire didn't have what I considered any great deals in those areas either.

Following failed attempts on Priceline of $45,$50 & $55 chose to go with Hotwire on a 3* for $67. This was in the "Gresham" area and hotel features were: Suite, Complimentary Breakfast, Pool, Fitness Center, Laundry Services (self serve). The deciding factor is that I could chose accomodations guaranteed for 2 adults and 2 children vs. Priceline only guaranteeing a room that will accomodate 2 adults (though we have successfully risked that numerous times... for less than $12 it no longer made sense). The downside is that AAA had a rate of $72 for the same nights... so after booking fees we really only saved a couple of bucks without getting to outright chose the hotel. We've been using Hotwire and Priceline extensively for 4 years now and this is one of the rare times that we didn't save at least 25% over conventional booking (we figured out our average savings have actually been 45-50% vs. AAA over this time frame).

Won bid at $54 for 1 night, July 10, in Fresno CA. at the Radisson Hotel. Had failed bids of $40, $45, & $49 on same day before winning bid at $54 (there are 4 other zones to search and 3 of them don't have a 3* in them, so I got 3 "free" bids following the first standard bid). The AAA rate for the same night is $109. Hotwire had a 3* listed at $73.