Priceline Hotel: 2.5* Orlando (WDW) Hampton Inn Lake Buena Vista

[Mikado]

I've been "researching" Hotwire (and other sites) for a week or so now, and a few properties consistently come up for my travel dates which I either can't identify, or am unsure about. Any help would be appreciated.

For August 15-19, 2006 (four nights), in the Universal zone, I get a 2.5 star hotel with fitness, pool, and laundry icons. The closest match on the list would be the Amerisuites Convention Center, but the business icon is missing if that's the case. I haven't used Hotwire in a while - didn't they used to sometimes omit icons on purpose, and does this still happen? In other words, is this property probably the Amerisuites, or something else not on the hotel list yet?

Second, I get a 3-star in Lake Buena Vista with restaurant, fitness, business, & laundry. That looks a lot like the Doubletree Club, but that's listed as a 3.5 star here on Better Bidding.

I also show what appears to be either the Barcelo and/or Clarion at Universal (pool, restaurant, 3-star) and the Peabody (4-star) in the same zone. Over at LBV, I see what appears to be the Hyatt Grand Cypress for way too much money...

Any ideas, or do I seem to be one the right track?

Thanks,

Mikado

[runNgun]

my opinions:

the 2.5* is NOT an amerisuites as the "suite icon" was missing. I'd stay away from the Clarion or Barcelo. Which zone do you really prefer?

[thereuare]

More importantly...

Which of the above are you considering and within your price range?

[Mikado]

I'm primarily interested in the Lake Buena Vista area, 2.5 or 3 star - Universal is kind of a fall-back, as I wasn't seeing many choices (on Hotwire) in the LBV zone.

My real question was over the hotel identification. Thanks, runNgun, for your point about the Amerisuites. That hadn't occured to me.

I mention the Barcelo, Grand Cypress, and others just to describe what all I'm seeing on Hotwire - I'm not interested in those. Perhaps should one of the Universal resorts (or the Swan/Dolphin) show up at a good deal, then I might be persuaded to spend the extra money. Otherwise though, I'm shooting for the $50-$60 price range.

Hence, my curiousity about what that 3-star in LBV really is. Today, there's still a 3-star there for (about) the same price, but only showing restaurant and business icons now. Except for the star difference, I'd think it was the Doubletree, and maybe a tempting choice to book.

[runNgun]

I'd guess you could get the 3* in WDW within your budget and most likely before you hit $50. The Sheraton Safari usually hits in the $43 to $47 range. The Radissons (Celebration or Worldgate) are possibilities once you get in the $50 range as is the Best Western LBV and I once got the Doubletree Suites LBV for $51.

I'd bid $43 WDW 3 star only and use free rebids at $45, $47 and $49. I think you'll hit the Safari by $47.

Some Schools in Florida go back on August 9th so the crowds should be alittle smaller during your dates.

ps-

if you went for the what you think is the Doubletree I'd say your overpaying for it. If you willing to pay the $60 you should first try to win a Resort Star level in WDW since the Hilton sometimes wins for that price.

[Mikado]

I wound up going with Priceline (wasn't sure whether to post winning bid there or in this post?). I didn't bid for resort, though an excellent suggestion by runNgun, as the Hilton was $229 on 8-17, so couldn't see hitting at $60.

Bid 2.5-star WDW area, 8-16 to 8-19, initially $33 as this was the lowest price I could enter without getting the pop-up message that my bid has little chance (does that really mean anything?). Rejected but with $9 counter-offer, upped bid with free rebid zone to $36 (as others have hit recently at that price). Got the Hampton Inn Lake Buena Vista - I'm quite pleased with that.

I'm now looking for someplace to stay on the drive to/from Orlando. Maybe Lake City, FL or Cordele/Tfiton, GA - not sure yet. I'll post any Priceline or Hotwire results I get and bid using the links on this site.