Hotwire Hotel: 2* McDonough-Locust Grove Ramada Limited Locust Grove

[slater195]

Heading to McDonough for an overnight to visit friends next week, 8/8-8/9. I know the area well - we used to live there - but a lot has changed in the five years I've been gone. I didn't see a hotel list for this area, so I assume that means we have no idea what the hotels in each star category might be? I'm going to have my two kids with me, so I'm hoping to find a nice mid-level hotel, one that would ideally have a pool. I started bidding for 3* but realized that might actually be better suited to the business traveler than us. We'd be perfectly happy at a 2*, but I know there are (were?) a couple sketchy older hotels in the area that I don't want to end up with.

There is currently a 2* on Hotwire for $44 that I think may be a Quality Inn & Suites or Country Inn & Suites (maybe?), and that would be fine. If I can't narrow down the options on Priceline we may go this way. I don't want to be in that scary Super 8 right down the road from our old house!

Any expertise anyone else can offer would be appreciate.

[slater195]

Scratch that on the $44 Hotwire hotel ... I am wondering now if that's not one of the ones I would consider older and kind of sketchy in Locust Grove (Red Roof Inn, I'm talkin to you). But it has a 100% rec rate? Maybe some people like older Red Roof Inns? I'm befuddled and don't know which way to turn!

[thereuare]

For starters...

PRICELINE only guarantees double occupancy, after that it's at the discretion of the hotel, and you could receive a room with only one bed. While you can call the hotel you win and request a room with two beds, the hotel may not be able, or willing, to honor your request. Is this a risk you're willing to accept?

For the HOTWIRE hotel you're referencing, what are the amenities associated with this property? How many adults/children are you including in your search?

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

[slater195]

I know we aren't guaranteed two beds, and I'm willing to take the chance. My kids usually end up preferring to make pallets on the floor and sleep there, so even one bed wouldn't be a hardship.

As for what i've searched so far on Hotwire, it's 8/8-8/9, one adult and two kids, McDonough, GA. The property I'm referencing is a two star for $44/night with complimentary breakfast, pool and high-speed internet. Based on that I think it must be Ramada Limited?

I also did a few Priceline requests last night in McDonough at 3* level and was counteroffered from $46 on up to $54 (counter was $63). Feeling pretty certain I could get it for $55ish but wasn't willing to take the chance not knowing what it might be or what amenities it might have. The kids really want a pool and I would love to get breakfast included, neither of which I'll know til I pay, I understand. So now I'm trying to decipher which hotels they are and decide if that's what we want.

[Romelle]

If you look at the retail side (direct purchase) of Priceline, you can at least get some general ideas of what might be available on the bidding side. There can be hotels on either side that don't appear on the other, but it is a start. The star level indications are the same.

Romelle

[slater195]

I'm embarrassed to admit how long it took me to realize I could do exactly what you suggested, Romelle. There are two 3* hotels listed in McDonough, Ga -- the Hilton Garden Inn and the Courtyard by Marriott. So I assume it would be one of those, but I know that's not necessarily a given.

[slater195]

This is now in the wrong forum, but I did decide to go with the Hotwire rate, since it was better and offered all the amenities we needed. Here's what we got, to add a new category to the master list - McDonough/Locust Grove hotels.

2* Ramada Limited, Locust Grove, 8/8-8/9 - $44

Amenities - breakfast, pool, high speed internet

[Romelle]

When a transaction is finished, as yours is, the moderators move it to the right forum. Not to worry. Lots of people cross back and forth between Hotwire and Priceline. The idea is to have the whole story all together.

It does sound like you found a nice solution, and a good deal too. I usually use PL when booking for myself, but Hotwire does work better when I need specific things for accompanying grandkids.

Glad you worked things out to your satisfaction. A new addition to the hotel lists is ALWAYS welcome!

Romelle

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your success!

Hope you're pleased with the results and this property works well for your plans this trip.

Thank you for sharing your win with the board and helping us add this property to the Hotwire Hotel List.

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

Enjoy your stay.