Hotwire Hotel: 5* Las Vegas (Strip South) Aria

[paolo]

My story so far:

I went on Hotwire to look for a Las Vegas Strip hotel for 3 friends and I to stay at and decided to pursue a listing for a 5* hotel in the south strip (amenities were resort, casino, fitness center, pool(s), restaurant(s), business center, high speed) for $199. The same entry (i.e. amenities, area, stars) showed up on a search for 3 people as well but at $166. However, this entry did not show up on a search for two people. Using this website, I was able to correctly identify the hotel as Aria and proceeded to book the three person reservation at $166.

Now for my list of questions:

1. The fact that our deal showed up for a 3 or 4 person search but not a 2 person search strikes me as odd. Does this imply any kind of increased likelihood that our room will have two queen beds?

2. I've read a few horror stories specific to Aria where a group that need 2 queens received a king room and was then unable to get their room changed. What can I do to increase our odd of being able to change? Arrive closer to check in time rather than later at night? Maybe drop a 20 at the check-in table?

3. Assuming we are stuck in a king room and they are unable to bring us a rollaway (which I've read has also happened), I have heard cases were groups were able to get a free upgrade or have one of their nights comped. Who within the hotel has the authority to do this and what is the best way to approach them about an upgrade or comp?

4. If all else fails, I understand Hotwire will guarantee for me that at least 3 people have bedding since I booked for three. Should I just contact Hotwire customer service and inform them of this mishap? What do they do in that case?

Whew i know that was a long read so thanks a lot for any advice you guys can give.

[dahammer]

While we welcome both positive and negative experiences, please keep in mind that the spirit of this message board is helping users.

If you have a complaint, problem, or question with a recent or upcoming Priceline/Hotwire stay, we will be happy to do what we can to help, but please be considerate of the board's primary goal of helping others and first post the details of your 'win.'

It is important for everyone to know when problems and customer service issues arise, but the majority of the users come here to see winning bid information... so please oblige them with this information before asking for them for help.

Thanks! :)

[paolo]

Details of my win have been highlighted in my op for your convenience. Reading back over the post I'm realizing it was 1:30 in the morning and I forgot to include dates so here they are:

Check-in on 7/23/10

Check-out on 7/25/10

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

You booked for triple occupancy so you will get a room which can accommodate 3 people. If you receive a room which only contains one bed (no rollaway, sofabed, etc) then first point out to the check-in clerk that you booked for triple occupancy and one bed does not constitute triple occupancy. If you are not provided a room for triple occupancy call HOTWIRE customer service and they will handle the situation for you.

I wouldn't expect any problems or issues, but always a good idea to bring a copy of your purchase confirmation with you so if any problems do arise, any information is readily accessible (especially confirmation numbers, booking numbers, perhaps a misspelling of a name which is preventing the computer from finding a match, etc, etc)

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.

Enjoy your stay.