Amaranthine

I used the PRICELINE link to book the 3.5* Marriott in Detroit (Southfield) for 5/27 to 5/29/11. My bid for $52 was accepted after quite a bit of searching. I started with 4* and $56 for Dearborn, and then added Southfield (bid to $62), and Southgate (bid to $70). When neither of these options came through with anything, I checked the list and added 3.5* and dropped my bid back to $52. I have snatched up the Southgate Westin for $67 through Priceline before but I'm very happy with the option of the Marriott. Not only is it pretty close to where I want to be, the reviews on TripAdvisor and here speak highly of comfy beds and good staff on hand.

Used the PRICELINE link to bid on a 4* in downtown LA for 5/20 to 5/22/11. My initial bid of $72 was rejected; I increased by adding another area that only went up to 2* or 3*, and increasing bid to $80. It didn't get anywhere, so I added one more area and jumped to $90 (as I only had the next day to successfully get a bid) and came up with a room at the Hilton Checkers. This is a great 4* with free parking. I'll pop a review in the appropriate place. Very happy with the bid, the hotel is gorgeous and it was worth the money even if the bid was a bit higher than I originally hoped.

FWIW, there's a new Priceline zone for Detroit called Southgate - Lincoln Park that doesn't seem to be on the pinned list for Priceline. :)

It takes a bit of effort to locate this hotel as it is not immediately off of the freeway, tucked back on a road. A very nice property and well-worth the money, though! I didn't have any "Priceline-itis" from the reception staff, and they put me in a room on the second floor near the back of the building. It was a fair walk to the elevator but good fitness for me, and the back lot is dead silent. I didn't hear a peep out of the other guests the entire time I was there. The room itself was spacious, comfortable, and offered free DSL. I didn't try the wireless. Super bed, and very nice pool/fitness center. The only flaws are minor quibbles if you have a car - not much in the way of restaurants within walking distance, and the entrances for parking are scattered a bit haphazardly in the building.

Ended up bidding through the board's PRICELINE link for the 4* hotels in downtown Portland. I was watching prices for the Nines sail all over the place on the board. Very useful information all in all. Hoped for the Benson, Heathman or Nines, but this is still cheaper than usual. Some of the reviews about the Westin from Priceline indicate it's really not a 4* property and quite dated. Hope this won't be the case. Dates: 2/26 to 2/28 Price: $71/night Criteria: 4*, Portland downtown

The public buses are a fantastic deal. I have used them to get downtown, to Pike Street, Pine Street, Union Station -- they are quick, reliable, and the bus drivers are an enormous help. Tell them where you want to go and that you are not from Seattle, they will make it a point to announce your stop and help you get where you need to be.

Bid through PRICELINE for $50, originally was going to do $46, but upped it. I got the Courtyard by Marriott. Stay 1/21 to 1/23.

I understand I can't bid on a specific hotel. If I choose Troy-Madison Heights area, there is the 3* option maximum. I think most of the bids clock in around $46. I'm still looking to see how the others compare - I'd really like the Marriott due to a function there, but the best I can do on Marriott's website is $89+tax. I figure it's worth a shot.

I hope this is the right place to post this! I am trying to see if I can get the hotel Marriott Troy for 1/21 to 1/23 on PRICELINE or HOTWIRE. I think it's on PRICELINE's list and someone successfully got it last November for $46/night. There is no longer a 3.5* rating on Priceline for the Troy/Auburn Hills area, though, and I would prefer to be at the hotel over others if possible. Could anyone please advise how I should go ahead?