Hotwire Hotel: 2.5* Newark (Jersey City) Candlewood Suites

[sweetevil]

The good news - last week (sorry, forgot to log this back then) put in a bid for $99 and got Candlewood Suites for 6/24-6/26 at 2.5* on Hotwire.

It was very tough to get a hotel anywhere around NYC this weekend with such short notice due to June tourists to NYC and especially because of Pride Parade I think, so I was glad to get this (tried to get in Manhattan, but could not for a reasonable price...)

The bad news - my mother went to check in this afternoon, and was treated like a 4th class citizen since this was a Hotwire reservation. I understand the hotel is crowded and yes we did pay less for the room, but if the hotel agrees to put their rooms up on Priceline/Hotwire, I think it's horrible that they will treat you this badly and try to shame and embarrass you since you didn't pay their rack rates.

If they don't want to give her and my 13 year old brother a rollaway and make them share a queen bed because they are overbooked then fine, but don't sneer at them about how they are lucky to have a room at all with a Hotwire reservation.

Is there a forum topic that lists places that treat people badly who check in w/ Hotwire or Priceline? I'd very much like to bid so that I don't give those kinds of places my business...

Thanks for listening to me vent.... going to try to enjoy the weekend now! :)

[sweetevil]

Also, I am very sorry that I didn't post my winning bid at the right time. I have used this board before, and I did post my winning bid right after I got it.

I'm aware that this board only works if you post your winning bids on time, so from now on, I'll post them right away - even if it is late at night!

[thereuare]

If you have the amenties shown before purchase can you please add them to your post (still viewable by going to Hotwire and clicking on the MY ACCOUNT link near the top of their home page).

While the treatment your mother received may have been uncalled for, you should know that none of the rooms at this hotel have two beds in them. The 1BR suites have a pull-out couch, but these rooms are more expensive than their 'standard' room and wouldn't be available for an upgrade (even for a fee) during a sold-out condition.

Thank you for passing along your purchase results and your mother's experience at the property.

[dahammer]

I have stayed here using Hotwire, and the hotel is in a great location with free parking. My only gripe is that they insist on making a photocopy of your driver's license for ID purposes, hopefully they shred this upon check out; although I asked for the copy upon check out.

Too late for your trip, but for anyone that plans on staying here, I recommend getting an inflatable bed at the Target store around the corner, they have a twin size with a built in fan for about $40.00. Very comfy and suitable for an adult, ask the desk for a spare set of linens, just tell them you are sleeping on the floor due to a bad back.

I don't make the rules for Hotwire, but I play by the rules and I won't accept poor service or negative attitude from anyone, especially a front desk clerk. Just ask for the manager on duty when this is encountered and make a complaint immediately. Most Holiday Inn chain hotels (for which Candlewood is) also list the name and location of the property owner. Write a complaint letter if you are not satisfied after speaking to the manager on duty.