Hi, I did the other post about rejected bids from 4/28 - 5/2 jazzfest.... I'm still trying. I did exactly what you were thinking....it was too "stressful" for me to not have accommodations (when I have airfare and KNOW i am going...) while trying priceline. So after searching around, i ended up reserving the Omni Garden via Hotels.com ... with a very reasonable cancellation policy. The nights are different prices but it averages out to 200 per night which is way more than I want to pay, but we have something. Then I will keep trying priceline up until the cancellation date....and hope for deals/cheaper. I also have 5 friends who have the starwood preferred credit card (they get friends to apply, and then get credit passed to one person for referring friends, for free nights) So they are using 2 free nights at the W , then Fri and Sat were sold out, so are moving to a suite at the windsor court across the street for a few nights, then back to the W. I know! a total pain, but for them with the free rooms and sharing with a group, it is only like 200$ for each of them for the entire stay..... Atleast 2 of them are on a super tight budget, so it works for them. A third strategy I have "heard" but never used, where money is an issue, is to try splitting up the stay via priceline. i.e. might be able to get a few nights at a low priceline rate, and then keep the more expensive hotel for the other nights. I have never done it, but i might try it, if my Traveling Companion complains about the current price of Omni. Just some thoughts, hope this was helpful, and Good luck!
