opaque vs. prepaid at hotel site?

[RedmondFrank]

I really like the Embassy Suites So.S.F. (although very disappointed that they seem to be charging $15 for self parking...was free for years.)

for oct.29-nov.1 I can tell that the property with amenities Airport Shuttle, Complimentary Breakfast, Pool(s), Restaurant(s), High-speed Internet Access, Kitchenette and 3.5 star Tripadvisor... is the Embassy ...

at hilton it's listed at $115 for prepaid FULL PAYMENT IN ADVANCE. NON REFUNDABLE.

unfortunately for the last night of the stay the hotel advance payment goes to $125... so the total there is

364.85

Taxes 43.79

Total 408.64

vs. hotwire total for those dates $327.00

Tax recovery charges& fees: $52.61

Total price: $379.61

so is it worth $29 savings to take the opaque path via HOTWIRE? probably.

[dahammer]

just a couple of thoughts....if you book directly, using the Hilton link on the board, of course, you will get your Hilton HHonors points for this stay as well as double dip and get airline miles too, so it depends on how you value your points. You may also ask for a room upgrade by booking directly.

I'm not a big fan of the HHonors program as it seems like the redemption "cost" for Hilton's lower end properties such as Hampton Inns is 20,000 points or greater. However, for my double dip, I choose to get .5 Southwest Air credit for each stay, so I have to factor in the value for this as well.

Let us know how you make out.