Scored this:
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Monday, August 20, 2012
Oh the Difference a Day Can Make!
Youngest Stepson is coming to town next month. He is flying to Raleigh from Minneapolis via Southwest Airlines. I watched airfares for awhile and they were looking painfully high...then Southwest put out one of their sales. (always always always make sure you're on all the email lists so you get notified of sales right away!) I managed to lock him in to a good rate when they put out one of their sales.
Scored this:
Scored this:
Saturday, August 13, 2011
One of my best air deals ever!
It really pays to get on all the travel email lists, and to have friends who know you like a bargain, who will forward you ones that you hadn't noticed.
Recently, my oh-so-astute co-worker Allison forwarded me one such bargain. It was for air between Raleigh and Las Vegas. Not planning on going to Vegas any time soon, I hadn't bothered to click on it. Oh my, good thing I did, because this was the bargain of all bargains...we ended up with round-trip air for BOTH of us (me and Husband, not me and Allison), for just....
(drum roll please)
...$287.30! For BOTH of us. Seriously, how could we not go? And, in case you're wondering, that's on Continental through Houston in early November.
Another co-worker who jumped on the deal quickly got the same fare for different dates. The trick is to act quickly when you see something like this. I literally lost the 11am flight time I was originally trying to get at that price WHILE I was booking it. Unfortunately we'll have to fly out at 6am, but hey, we'll get there earlier!
Recently, my oh-so-astute co-worker Allison forwarded me one such bargain. It was for air between Raleigh and Las Vegas. Not planning on going to Vegas any time soon, I hadn't bothered to click on it. Oh my, good thing I did, because this was the bargain of all bargains...we ended up with round-trip air for BOTH of us (me and Husband, not me and Allison), for just....
(drum roll please)
...$287.30! For BOTH of us. Seriously, how could we not go? And, in case you're wondering, that's on Continental through Houston in early November.
Another co-worker who jumped on the deal quickly got the same fare for different dates. The trick is to act quickly when you see something like this. I literally lost the 11am flight time I was originally trying to get at that price WHILE I was booking it. Unfortunately we'll have to fly out at 6am, but hey, we'll get there earlier!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Has it really been so long since I posted?
Almost forgot I had a blog! Life certainly took an interesting turn, with my husband moving to Washington, DC for a job, then yet another job. Travel has become for us, pretty much just between Raleigh and DC, and primarily for the purpose of seeing each other, and not vacation. Not to say that seeing each other isn't like a vacation, because it is.
Anyway, most of my travel bargains in the past year have been for other people. Here is the first of my two most recent deals. It is for my son. Three nights in DC shortly after Christmas. This is as posted at my favorite website: www.betterbidding.com:
Tried 4-star in several zones up to $70 first. Previous bid was $60 for 3 1/2 star in this zone plus White House & Dupont Circle.
Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel 3½ Star
Convention Ctr - Capitol Hill Area
999 9th Street Nw
Washington, District Of Columbia 20001
202-898-9000
See Hotel Website
View Map and Directions Check-In Date:
Thu, Jan 6, 2011 / After 03:00 PM
Check-Out Date:
Sun, Jan 9, 2011 / 12:00 PM
Amenities: Remote control TV w/ premium channels Radio Alarm Clock Business services Telephone w/ voicemail Iron and ironing board Hairdryer 24 hour front desk Full Service Restaurant Room service
Your Offer Price Per Room, Per Night: $65.00
Subtotal: $195.00
Taxes & Fees: $36.21
Total Charges*: $231.21
The second deal was for a friend who is going to Chicago in February. Again, as posted on Better Bidding:
Helped a friend get this. Was only bidding in this zone (with free re-bid zones, of course)...started at $50. Previous bid was $56.
Hotel Felix Chicago 4 Star
North Michigan Ave - River North Area
111 West Huron Street
Chicago, Illinois 60654
312-447-3440
See Hotel Website
View Map and Directions Check-In Date:
Fri, Feb 11, 2011 / After 03:00 PM
Check-Out Date:
Mon, Feb 14, 2011 / 12:00 PM
Amenities: Remote control TV w/ premium channels Telephone w/ voicemail Radio Alarm Clock Iron and ironing board Hairdryer Business services 24 hour front desk Full Service Restaurant Room service Bellman Concierge Fitness center access
Reservation and Billing Information
Your Offer Price Per Room, Per Night: $60.00
Subtotal: $180.00
Taxes & Fees: $36.48
Total Charges*: $216.48
That same friend I helped get the airfare about a month before. This was during an airline sale...no bidding involved...just being quick to jump on great airfares and her being a bit flexible with dates. As a result...for TWO...this was the total cost Roundtrip Raleigh-Durham to Chicago for this coming Valentine's weekend, 2011.
Anyway, most of my travel bargains in the past year have been for other people. Here is the first of my two most recent deals. It is for my son. Three nights in DC shortly after Christmas. This is as posted at my favorite website: www.betterbidding.com:
Tried 4-star in several zones up to $70 first. Previous bid was $60 for 3 1/2 star in this zone plus White House & Dupont Circle.
Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel 3½ Star
Convention Ctr - Capitol Hill Area
999 9th Street Nw
Washington, District Of Columbia 20001
202-898-9000
See Hotel Website
View Map and Directions Check-In Date:
Thu, Jan 6, 2011 / After 03:00 PM
Check-Out Date:
Sun, Jan 9, 2011 / 12:00 PM
Amenities: Remote control TV w/ premium channels Radio Alarm Clock Business services Telephone w/ voicemail Iron and ironing board Hairdryer 24 hour front desk Full Service Restaurant Room service
Your Offer Price Per Room, Per Night: $65.00
Subtotal: $195.00
Taxes & Fees: $36.21
Total Charges*: $231.21
The second deal was for a friend who is going to Chicago in February. Again, as posted on Better Bidding:
Helped a friend get this. Was only bidding in this zone (with free re-bid zones, of course)...started at $50. Previous bid was $56.
Hotel Felix Chicago 4 Star
North Michigan Ave - River North Area
111 West Huron Street
Chicago, Illinois 60654
312-447-3440
See Hotel Website
View Map and Directions Check-In Date:
Fri, Feb 11, 2011 / After 03:00 PM
Check-Out Date:
Mon, Feb 14, 2011 / 12:00 PM
Amenities: Remote control TV w/ premium channels Telephone w/ voicemail Radio Alarm Clock Iron and ironing board Hairdryer Business services 24 hour front desk Full Service Restaurant Room service Bellman Concierge Fitness center access
Reservation and Billing Information
Your Offer Price Per Room, Per Night: $60.00
Subtotal: $180.00
Taxes & Fees: $36.48
Total Charges*: $216.48
That same friend I helped get the airfare about a month before. This was during an airline sale...no bidding involved...just being quick to jump on great airfares and her being a bit flexible with dates. As a result...for TWO...this was the total cost Roundtrip Raleigh-Durham to Chicago for this coming Valentine's weekend, 2011.
| Airline Ticket Cost: | $141.40 (USD) per ticket |
| Airline Ticket Taxes and Fees: | $0.00 (USD) per ticket |
| Number of Tickets: | 2 |
| Airfare Subtotal: | $282.80 (USD) |
| Total Trip Cost: | $282.80 (USD) |
Friday, September 18, 2009
I really must catch up with this
Many bargains have been found and had...just been busy and haven't reported them. Maybe because I'm the only one who comes here anyway? LOL. I'm a travel bargain island. Lovely. However I'm still helping many friends and relatives. Glad to help if I can.
Monday, June 1, 2009
The Reality
Travel bargains are only bargains if you are paying outright for them. Paying interest rates really defeats the purpose, huh? Although it's better than paying full price AND interest.
sigh
I can help others better than I can help myself. What can I do for you? Please ask, as I really enjoy getting my thrills vicariously.
sigh
I can help others better than I can help myself. What can I do for you? Please ask, as I really enjoy getting my thrills vicariously.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Helping my Brother-In-Law
The day we got home from our Embassy Suites/birthday celebration (the day we came home to the blown water heater), my brother-in-law called from Omaha saying they were at a party and wanted to spend that night. Could I get them a deal on a room? Heck yeah! How about this? (as posted on better bidding.com:
Just helped a relative get a last minute room for tomorrow night in Omaha. Even though there were 4 re-bid zones available, I suggested we start the bidding process at $45, since regular rates were looking pretty high, and there would be no re-bidding in 24 hours.
First bid was accepted for: Courtyard By Marriott Omaha Downtown 4/19.
$45
Taxes & fees: $15.32
Total: $60.32
Lowest rate on Courtyard's website was $169
(Found out later that the hotel was very nice...they were very pleased!)
Just helped a relative get a last minute room for tomorrow night in Omaha. Even though there were 4 re-bid zones available, I suggested we start the bidding process at $45, since regular rates were looking pretty high, and there would be no re-bidding in 24 hours.
First bid was accepted for: Courtyard By Marriott Omaha Downtown 4/19.
$45
Taxes & fees: $15.32
Total: $60.32
Lowest rate on Courtyard's website was $169
(Found out later that the hotel was very nice...they were very pleased!)
Then the hot water heater blew
Right before our trip to Omaha/Sioux Falls, our water heater went out. So we did this: (as posted on Trip Advisor).
We "won" this hotel on Priceline at 8:00 at night, for that same night. (thanks to our water heater busting), for just $31. (The lowest price on the hotel's website for the same night was $129). Since we live in this area, we knew the Brownstone is old. Very old. So our expectations were for an old Holiday Inn 3-star. And that's exactly what we got. We also knew we would have free parking, which is always a plus, and LOOK free internet...grab the laptops and let's go!
The lobby of this hotel really needs a major overhaul, as it looks ancient. Feels ancient. Is ancient. I have heard through local gossip that the whole hotel is due for an overhaul in a year or so. It really does need updating.
Check-in was cordial. I asked if a King might be available. Type type type. Would the first floor be okay? Sure.
The room was exactly what one would expect from a 3-star Holiday Inn that's very old. Very okay. Clean. Is there hot water? Yes. We're happy. We both pull out laptops to utilize the free internet. To make a long story short...it never worked. For either of us. Not at night. Not in the morning. If we were staying there on business, this would not have made us happy.
Okay, I'll read then. Tried to turn on the light on my side of the bed. It won't turn on. Bulb perhaps? No. That's not the problem. Come to find out, it wasn't plugged in, because there isn't an outlet for it to plug into! Moral of this story? If you're by yourself, or on the left side of the bed, no problem. Right side? Bring a flashlight.
The bed was okay. Bathroom clean. Two bars of soap and one bottle of "Clean" shampoo/conditioner (that was the name of it)...NOT conditioner, however. It's shampoo. Just like most hotels, if you want real conditioner, bring your own. Shower pressure is okay and water was nice and hot. Just what we wanted!
In the morning, there was a USA Today at our door which is a nice touch. We did not eat breakfast at the hotel, but I will tell you that if you are staying at the hotel for lunch or dinner, and you like pizza, Ledo's is GREAT. This is not just a local hotel hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Ledo's is a chain. Perhaps you remember Oprah's show a few years ago, where her friend Gayle searched the country for the best pizza? Well, Ledo's was on her top list, and for good reason. It's different in that it is square, not round, but very tasty! We crave it sometimes, and go there when we do.
Now for some local tips...Besides being right by NCSU, if you go right out of the parking lot on Hillsborough Street, and stay to the right when the road bears off onto Morgan, you will find (on the right), Irregardless Cafe, which is a one-of-a-kind restaurant that is very good, and if you're a vegetarian, there are always vegetarian and vegan specialties as well as items for meat-lovers. Right past Irregardless is Goodnight's Comedy Club. They bring top talent to town. It can be a very fun place, depending on who is playing! There's a very casual restaurant in the basement called "Old Bar", and the top floor, called "The Grille" is fancier and more expensive.
If that doesn't sound good, go past Goodnight's, and turn left onto Glenwood Avenue. This brings you to a part of town called "Glenwood South". There are lots of restaurants, shops, and some art galleries here. Want Thai? Try Thaiphoon Bistro. Casual sports bar with a good happy hour and good food? Try Tobacco Road. Or High Five (where everything on the menu is $5). There are coffee shops, a Dunkin Donuts. Bogart's is a very good restaurant. So is Red Room for tapas. 518 West, if you want some homemade pasta. The list goes on and on.
Want to shop? At the Brownstone you are very close to Cameron Village. An outdoor shopping center, with a variety of shops, plus some interesting restaurants including "Flying Biscuit Cafe", "Carolina Cafe & Bakery", "Noodles & Company", "Cameron Bar & Grille", and others. From the hotel, Cameron Village is a couple blocks in front of it.
Now, if you go left out of the hotel, you'll be on the main part of Hillsborough Street. Best restaurant choices, imo are Porter's and Fraziers. Porter's being the more casual and less expensive of the two. Both are very good. Player's Retreat is an old Raleigh standard that is known for doing its' part to be Green. (also known for good food and good prices). Parking on Hillsborough Street is usually a problem, and if you park in the wrong placed you are very likely to get towed. Better off walking, if you're going left out of the Brownstone. To the right, you might want to drive.
You are also very close to Downtown Raleigh, which is full of great restaurants & entertainment. Raleigh isn't the sleepy Southern town it used to be. It is wide awake now. Enjoy!
We "won" this hotel on Priceline at 8:00 at night, for that same night. (thanks to our water heater busting), for just $31. (The lowest price on the hotel's website for the same night was $129). Since we live in this area, we knew the Brownstone is old. Very old. So our expectations were for an old Holiday Inn 3-star. And that's exactly what we got. We also knew we would have free parking, which is always a plus, and LOOK free internet...grab the laptops and let's go!
The lobby of this hotel really needs a major overhaul, as it looks ancient. Feels ancient. Is ancient. I have heard through local gossip that the whole hotel is due for an overhaul in a year or so. It really does need updating.
Check-in was cordial. I asked if a King might be available. Type type type. Would the first floor be okay? Sure.
The room was exactly what one would expect from a 3-star Holiday Inn that's very old. Very okay. Clean. Is there hot water? Yes. We're happy. We both pull out laptops to utilize the free internet. To make a long story short...it never worked. For either of us. Not at night. Not in the morning. If we were staying there on business, this would not have made us happy.
Okay, I'll read then. Tried to turn on the light on my side of the bed. It won't turn on. Bulb perhaps? No. That's not the problem. Come to find out, it wasn't plugged in, because there isn't an outlet for it to plug into! Moral of this story? If you're by yourself, or on the left side of the bed, no problem. Right side? Bring a flashlight.
The bed was okay. Bathroom clean. Two bars of soap and one bottle of "Clean" shampoo/conditioner (that was the name of it)...NOT conditioner, however. It's shampoo. Just like most hotels, if you want real conditioner, bring your own. Shower pressure is okay and water was nice and hot. Just what we wanted!
In the morning, there was a USA Today at our door which is a nice touch. We did not eat breakfast at the hotel, but I will tell you that if you are staying at the hotel for lunch or dinner, and you like pizza, Ledo's is GREAT. This is not just a local hotel hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Ledo's is a chain. Perhaps you remember Oprah's show a few years ago, where her friend Gayle searched the country for the best pizza? Well, Ledo's was on her top list, and for good reason. It's different in that it is square, not round, but very tasty! We crave it sometimes, and go there when we do.
Now for some local tips...Besides being right by NCSU, if you go right out of the parking lot on Hillsborough Street, and stay to the right when the road bears off onto Morgan, you will find (on the right), Irregardless Cafe, which is a one-of-a-kind restaurant that is very good, and if you're a vegetarian, there are always vegetarian and vegan specialties as well as items for meat-lovers. Right past Irregardless is Goodnight's Comedy Club. They bring top talent to town. It can be a very fun place, depending on who is playing! There's a very casual restaurant in the basement called "Old Bar", and the top floor, called "The Grille" is fancier and more expensive.
If that doesn't sound good, go past Goodnight's, and turn left onto Glenwood Avenue. This brings you to a part of town called "Glenwood South". There are lots of restaurants, shops, and some art galleries here. Want Thai? Try Thaiphoon Bistro. Casual sports bar with a good happy hour and good food? Try Tobacco Road. Or High Five (where everything on the menu is $5). There are coffee shops, a Dunkin Donuts. Bogart's is a very good restaurant. So is Red Room for tapas. 518 West, if you want some homemade pasta. The list goes on and on.
Want to shop? At the Brownstone you are very close to Cameron Village. An outdoor shopping center, with a variety of shops, plus some interesting restaurants including "Flying Biscuit Cafe", "Carolina Cafe & Bakery", "Noodles & Company", "Cameron Bar & Grille", and others. From the hotel, Cameron Village is a couple blocks in front of it.
Now, if you go left out of the hotel, you'll be on the main part of Hillsborough Street. Best restaurant choices, imo are Porter's and Fraziers. Porter's being the more casual and less expensive of the two. Both are very good. Player's Retreat is an old Raleigh standard that is known for doing its' part to be Green. (also known for good food and good prices). Parking on Hillsborough Street is usually a problem, and if you park in the wrong placed you are very likely to get towed. Better off walking, if you're going left out of the Brownstone. To the right, you might want to drive.
You are also very close to Downtown Raleigh, which is full of great restaurants & entertainment. Raleigh isn't the sleepy Southern town it used to be. It is wide awake now. Enjoy!
So much since the last post
Inspired by the Embassy Suites deal I got for friends, and with my husband's birthday to celebrate, I did this: (as posted on Trip Advisor)
It was my husband's birthday and I chose the Embassy Suites/Crabtree "American Idol" package for $114 per night. Note: the lowest price available was $109, but I decided the chance to win a trip to Hollywood was worth the extra five bucks, plus two Diet Cokes were supposed to be included in the package. How exciting is that? :)
I am a Priceline gal. Most of our hotel deals are Priceline. I did try to get a deal, but no 4-star was biting. The next best deal to me, was Embassy Suites. If one properly utilizes the manager's reception and full-cooked-to-order breakfast, than this is a great deal, imho.
I kidnapped my husband for our retreat, and we checked in early afternoon. Check-in was friendly. They were out of diet cokes, but offered to send them up to our room. Up we went to our 6th floor suite. How wonderful to see that they have renovated the room since our last stay in 2007! It is a huge improvement. The furniture is much more contemporary looking. Bed is comfy.
Now here's the biggest thing we learned...Raleigh is really a GIRL. I don't know why, but I always assumed Raleigh (the bird in the lobby) was a boy. At check-in we learned "he" is really a "she". Now most of you could care less, and I understand, but Raleigh has been around since I can remember, and I've been talking to him (her) for so many years, and that's okay, but now I'll reconsider how I talk to her. We get a kick out of trying to talk to Raleigh (speak softly, and still be ignored...but walk by Raleigh without saying anything at all and you might be spoken to)...anyway...whatever you do, DON'T be an energetic kid. At breakfast, we watched Raleigh pretend to sleep whenever an active kid approached. Kid would leave, and Raleigh would suddenly be wide awake. I know, this is all really irrelevant to the hotel's amenities, yet, to me it's all part of the hotel's charm.
One of the best features of this hotel is still LOCATION. Directly across from Crabtree Valley Mall. Besides shopping, look for two incredibly happy hours across the street: McCormick & Schmicks and Brio, both have great happy hours that start before the manager's 5:30-7:30 reception at the hotel. Do enjoy the reception, as it includes beer, wine, mixed drinks, soft drinks, chips & salsa. It is crowded. This is when you find out just how many people are staying in the hotel. How many kid's basketball teams.
Service was excellent, despite the huge crowds. We made sure to tip well for the great service.
Despite the full hotel, we found the night to be a quiet one. I don't know if we just got lucky, or if the design of the hotel (with bedrooms in the back of the atrium-style hotel) were the charm, but we found it to be quiet. Our diet cokes never did get delivered. No big deal. We got them on check-out.
Breakfast: 7-10am is a full cooked-to-order breakfast. GOOD. Be prepared for crowds. So have a strategy & be patient.
We enjoyed wonderful omelets, pancakes, bacon, sausage, fresh fruit, and more. Then went back to the room and watched a movie on HBO before we checked out.
It was my husband's birthday and I chose the Embassy Suites/Crabtree "American Idol" package for $114 per night. Note: the lowest price available was $109, but I decided the chance to win a trip to Hollywood was worth the extra five bucks, plus two Diet Cokes were supposed to be included in the package. How exciting is that? :)
I am a Priceline gal. Most of our hotel deals are Priceline. I did try to get a deal, but no 4-star was biting. The next best deal to me, was Embassy Suites. If one properly utilizes the manager's reception and full-cooked-to-order breakfast, than this is a great deal, imho.
I kidnapped my husband for our retreat, and we checked in early afternoon. Check-in was friendly. They were out of diet cokes, but offered to send them up to our room. Up we went to our 6th floor suite. How wonderful to see that they have renovated the room since our last stay in 2007! It is a huge improvement. The furniture is much more contemporary looking. Bed is comfy.
Now here's the biggest thing we learned...Raleigh is really a GIRL. I don't know why, but I always assumed Raleigh (the bird in the lobby) was a boy. At check-in we learned "he" is really a "she". Now most of you could care less, and I understand, but Raleigh has been around since I can remember, and I've been talking to him (her) for so many years, and that's okay, but now I'll reconsider how I talk to her. We get a kick out of trying to talk to Raleigh (speak softly, and still be ignored...but walk by Raleigh without saying anything at all and you might be spoken to)...anyway...whatever you do, DON'T be an energetic kid. At breakfast, we watched Raleigh pretend to sleep whenever an active kid approached. Kid would leave, and Raleigh would suddenly be wide awake. I know, this is all really irrelevant to the hotel's amenities, yet, to me it's all part of the hotel's charm.
One of the best features of this hotel is still LOCATION. Directly across from Crabtree Valley Mall. Besides shopping, look for two incredibly happy hours across the street: McCormick & Schmicks and Brio, both have great happy hours that start before the manager's 5:30-7:30 reception at the hotel. Do enjoy the reception, as it includes beer, wine, mixed drinks, soft drinks, chips & salsa. It is crowded. This is when you find out just how many people are staying in the hotel. How many kid's basketball teams.
Service was excellent, despite the huge crowds. We made sure to tip well for the great service.
Despite the full hotel, we found the night to be a quiet one. I don't know if we just got lucky, or if the design of the hotel (with bedrooms in the back of the atrium-style hotel) were the charm, but we found it to be quiet. Our diet cokes never did get delivered. No big deal. We got them on check-out.
Breakfast: 7-10am is a full cooked-to-order breakfast. GOOD. Be prepared for crowds. So have a strategy & be patient.
We enjoyed wonderful omelets, pancakes, bacon, sausage, fresh fruit, and more. Then went back to the room and watched a movie on HBO before we checked out.
Monday, April 13, 2009
The reason for that suggestion
When I was looking at hotels for them, there was a comparable suite that was a Hyatt Place for $113 per night. However, that didn't include anything else.
Compare that to $109 per night that included a manager's reception (FREE BOOZE), and a fully-cooked breakfast for each person (worth $10 per person, perhaps?)...I made it clear to them that this was a really good deal IF they made good use of the manager's reception and the breakfast. Still not a bad deal if they didn't, but especially good if they did. Say you have $20 worth of drinks and snacks at the reception, and even just $30 worth of breakfast...thus the room rate becomes $59 for FOUR...and a suite, with a separate pull-out couch. PERFECT for the teenage boy that doesn't want to touch another family member.
Note: Embassy Suites can be much more expensive. It just depends on the timing and the town. But it's often worth looking into.
Compare that to $109 per night that included a manager's reception (FREE BOOZE), and a fully-cooked breakfast for each person (worth $10 per person, perhaps?)...I made it clear to them that this was a really good deal IF they made good use of the manager's reception and the breakfast. Still not a bad deal if they didn't, but especially good if they did. Say you have $20 worth of drinks and snacks at the reception, and even just $30 worth of breakfast...thus the room rate becomes $59 for FOUR...and a suite, with a separate pull-out couch. PERFECT for the teenage boy that doesn't want to touch another family member.
Note: Embassy Suites can be much more expensive. It just depends on the timing and the town. But it's often worth looking into.
See-I CAN recommend something other than Priceline!
So, Saturday morning I get up and check my email. There's an email from a friend saying they would like to stay in Columbia, SC Sunday night. Family of 4. Visiting USC. Can I find them a good deal on a hotel? Uh, I don't know, but I'll try! Do some looking, and am not feeling the hotwire nor priceline thing for this area, considering they are a family of 4, with older children. Remembering back to when my boys were that age, the thing to look at, imo, was suites. Boys that age do not want to sleep in a bed together. Mine would curl up on the floor, in the bathtub, on a luggage stand...ANYthing first!
My suggestion, after much searching, to the family was: Embassy Suites, Columbia SC.
My suggestion, after much searching, to the family was: Embassy Suites, Columbia SC.
| Rate per night: | 109.00 USD | ||
| Total for Stay per Room: | |||
| Rate | 109.00 USD | ||
| Taxes | 11.99 USD | ||
| Total | 120.99 USD | ||
| Total for Stay: | 120.99 USD | ||
Rental Car Games
This was really weird. Tried for a few days to get a rental car deal in Omaha. I knew from past experience that it was unlikely that the deals would get better the closer to day of departure, as had happened in other cities.
Finally got this, (as posted on better bidding.com):
... I've been bidding for awhile now, particularly on compacts, and haven't gotten a win. Previously I had gone up to $17 for a compact. Oddly enough, I bid $18 for a compact first. Got rejected. Changed it to a mid-size and it got accepted. I see here that someone got a mid-size for $15 per day, so now I don't know if I could've done better leaving the compact out of the equation?
Your Offer Price: $18.00 (per day)
Total Rental Days: 5 days
Subtotal: $90.00
Taxes and Fees: $38.40
Total Charges: $128.40
Lowest Published Price: $344.99
Total Savings:* $216.59 (You saved 63%)
The thing to remember here is to keep in mind WHERE you're bidding. In hindsight, I remember that having gotten a rental car in Omaha before, we were offered a choice of TWO cars for compacts. Therefore, it's not crazy that a mid-size would be accepted when a compact would not. It's all about supply and demand.
I will say that I had bid this same bid a couple times and it had been rejected. Notably: this changed exactly two weeks before departure. Perhaps would've even gone done more a week before? That theory was tested last trip and it did not, for Omaha. It HAS for other cities. So, it really just depends.
It's all a GAME. A fun, fun game.
Finally got this, (as posted on better bidding.com):
... I've been bidding for awhile now, particularly on compacts, and haven't gotten a win. Previously I had gone up to $17 for a compact. Oddly enough, I bid $18 for a compact first. Got rejected. Changed it to a mid-size and it got accepted. I see here that someone got a mid-size for $15 per day, so now I don't know if I could've done better leaving the compact out of the equation?
Your Offer Price: $18.00 (per day)
Total Rental Days: 5 days
Subtotal: $90.00
Taxes and Fees: $38.40
Total Charges: $128.40
Lowest Published Price: $344.99
Total Savings:* $216.59 (You saved 63%)
The thing to remember here is to keep in mind WHERE you're bidding. In hindsight, I remember that having gotten a rental car in Omaha before, we were offered a choice of TWO cars for compacts. Therefore, it's not crazy that a mid-size would be accepted when a compact would not. It's all about supply and demand.
I will say that I had bid this same bid a couple times and it had been rejected. Notably: this changed exactly two weeks before departure. Perhaps would've even gone done more a week before? That theory was tested last trip and it did not, for Omaha. It HAS for other cities. So, it really just depends.
It's all a GAME. A fun, fun game.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Savannah Easter weekend
Helped a friend get this today. We started at $60 for a 4-star. Added 3 1/2, then added re-bid zones. Was at $85 with only one re-bid zone left, when I asked her if she wanted to go to $90 or $95 (knowing that the Grand Hyatt had been showing up at $95, and the Marriott at $90). She opted to go with the somewhat safer bet, to go ahead and get this booked.
Room Cost (avg. per room, per night): $95.00 (USD)
Number of Rooms: 1
Number of Nights: 1
Room Subtotal: $95.00 (USD)
Taxes and Fees: $21.39 (USD)
Total Room Cost: $116.39 (USD)
It is Easter weekend, so I don't know if we could've gotten it for somewhere in between $85 and $95. The lowest rate for this day on the Marriott website was $159.95, so it's still a deal and she's happy.
Room Cost (avg. per room, per night): $95.00 (USD)
Number of Rooms: 1
Number of Nights: 1
Room Subtotal: $95.00 (USD)
Taxes and Fees: $21.39 (USD)
Total Room Cost: $116.39 (USD)
It is Easter weekend, so I don't know if we could've gotten it for somewhere in between $85 and $95. The lowest rate for this day on the Marriott website was $159.95, so it's still a deal and she's happy.
Priceline Teamwork!
There are no free re-bid zones in Sioux Falls...thus, it takes teamwork. The Holiday Inn Centre City was showing up on Hotwire for these dates (my guess because of the amenities shown) as $56 per night. I decided to do a $41 bid on Priceline. (knowing that the 3-star could be the Holiday Inn, the Sheraton or the Residence Inn...any of which would've been okay with us. It came back with one of those notices that said if we upped our bid by $12 we could have it right away.
That's when I called my husband into action, and asked him to go in and bid $45. It was accepted.
$45 per night for $135. Plus taxes & fees $21.96.
Total: $156.96.
That's when I called my husband into action, and asked him to go in and bid $45. It was accepted.
$45 per night for $135. Plus taxes & fees $21.96.
Total: $156.96.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Note: that rate was via Travelocity for United Airlines via Chicago. I checked United's website before booking and rates were higher than that. We also discussed not checking bags, otherwise this rate would go up for checked baggage.
And now, the challenge will be car rental. That's not an easy thing for a small airport like Omaha. So I started tonight, and went to $13 for a compact. No go. That's okay, we all know rental car deals usually get better the closer the date. Although not necessarily for Omaha. We shall see.
And now, the challenge will be car rental. That's not an easy thing for a small airport like Omaha. So I started tonight, and went to $13 for a compact. No go. That's okay, we all know rental car deals usually get better the closer the date. Although not necessarily for Omaha. We shall see.
New Travel Challenge
So tonight I came home to a new travel challenge...the decision had been made as to a date for the Graduation Party for my Stepson. It would be Saturday, April 25th in Sioux Falls, SD. Yikes! That's not that far off...I knew I needed to get on it fast.
Sure enough, in the time it took me to book airfare, I saw it go up ten dollars per person. Not a lot, but STILL...
Of course, I checked for Raleigh to Sioux Falls. Would be great. But over $400 per person is not great. I knew Southwest was now flying to Minneapolis, so that sounded like it would be good. However, when checking for airfares, the lowest possibility was $99 each way before taxes. Again, not good, though better than Sioux Falls airfares. We were still talking almost $500. Checked Omaha next. Southwest. Same thing as Minneapolis. No lower fare than $99 each way. This wasn't looking good. Checked Hotwire, Orbitz, Expedia & Travelocity. Checked different dates, as we didn't care which days we travelled. Finally found a $175 rate Thursday through Saturday. Checked something else, came back and that had now gone up to $185. DARN. Oh well, booked it as this:
Sure enough, in the time it took me to book airfare, I saw it go up ten dollars per person. Not a lot, but STILL...
Of course, I checked for Raleigh to Sioux Falls. Would be great. But over $400 per person is not great. I knew Southwest was now flying to Minneapolis, so that sounded like it would be good. However, when checking for airfares, the lowest possibility was $99 each way before taxes. Again, not good, though better than Sioux Falls airfares. We were still talking almost $500. Checked Omaha next. Southwest. Same thing as Minneapolis. No lower fare than $99 each way. This wasn't looking good. Checked Hotwire, Orbitz, Expedia & Travelocity. Checked different dates, as we didn't care which days we travelled. Finally found a $175 rate Thursday through Saturday. Checked something else, came back and that had now gone up to $185. DARN. Oh well, booked it as this:
| 2 adults: | $275.34 | ( $137.67 per person) | |||
| Taxes & Fees: | $96.46 | ||||
| Total: | $371.80 | ||||
My review of the Wyndham Orlando
Again, as posted on Trip Advisor:
After "winning" this 3 1/2 star-rated hotel on Priceline for the rate of $49 for one night (3/24/09), I was very concerned to read the reviews on TripAdvisor. So concerned, that I wrote to Priceline to question their 3 1/2-star rating. They researched it and responded back that they stood by their rating. Reassured, I went into the reservation with an open mind and hopeful heart.
We arrived late at night after a full day at Animal Kingdom and Epcot. Check-in was friendly and quick. We were told we had a double on the first floor of building 11. I asked if a king might be available, and after some typing on the keyboard, we were given a room on the second floor of building 11. Seeing building 11, I was very glad we were moved to the top floor, as I don't know that I would've felt overly secure on the bottom level.
This "resort" is very large, land-wise. Having just stayed a few days before at the 3-star-rated Coronado Springs at Disney (which is also very large), I have to say there was no comparison in looks. Having read here on TripAdvisor that the Wyndham's landscaping was beautiful (one person even compared it to the Polynesian), I must admit I was expecting better. Instead, it was okay. Large. Plants all around. But the buildings are, well, old-looking and more motel-like than resort-like. Sorry, but that's what it seemed like to me. We pulled up in front of building 11, got out and looked for the elevator. Couldn't find one, so my husband carried our luggage up the stairs, past the old-looking laundry area. I was very pleased to see that a card-key was necessary to access the top floor. Our room overlooked the "courtyard" (parking lot), and had a balcony. Why anyone would sit on such tiny balcony and gaze at the parking lot, I do not know...(smokers perhaps?)
The room itself was definitely not one of the renovated ones. It had old carpeting, old furniture, but nothing bad, icky nor insect-infested as I have read about here. The bed was comfy and dressed as a 3 1/2-star hotel should be. The amenities book in the room indicated all the kinds of services one should expect from a 3 1/2 star...room service, business services, etc. It is a convention-center hotel, so many amenities are available, except for one great-big one...there's no internet access in the room! We couldn't find a free nor paid-for version. The bathroom, though obviously old, had a shower with nice-pressure and plenty of hot water. Towels were of 3 1/3-star quality.
A few years ago, I stayed at the Crowne Plaza that is within site-distance of this property. I believe it is also considered a 3 1/2-star property. That lived up to the star-ratings, and I would not hesitate to stay there again. The Wyndham felt nowhere near the same level, imho.
TripAdvisor has this place listed as a 4-star. I strongly suggest that is revised. It certainly has some 4-star characteristics, and is trying hard to fall into that league. Unfortunately, unless they tear down some buildings and re-build, I don't know how they could bring these motel-rooms up to that level. To compare (again): Disney's Coronado Springs, is also called a "resort" and is also really "motel-style". However, the major difference is, there is some kind of security, in the sense that you have to have a room key to get into the parking areas at Coronado Springs. This gives a sense of security that doesn't exist at this Wyndham. I also know that "resort" in Orlando usually means many motel-like buildings on sprawled-out property. It also usually means extra resort fees. Happily, not so at this Wyndham.
Good news: we were not charged a resort fee, nor parking fees. We got a good night's sleep. Driving by other buildings on the way out, I will say that some of the other buildings (such as building 5), looked much better from the outside, with extra fences, and such. My recommendation should you be staying there for more than a night like we did, is to make sure you get a room in an interior, renovated building, instead of an older non-renovated building on the outskirts of the property.
The morning we departed, we couldn't see online how to check-out, so we stopped by the lobby where there were two ladies working the desk. Both were busy with just one customer a piece in front of us. Must of been complicated issues, because it took forever! By the time it was our turn, there was a huge long line behind us. It took us ten seconds to check out, which would've been lovely to accomplish without the long wait. I don't know why we couldn't check out online, but we couldn't.
We love to travel, and most of the time we are sorry to leave a hotel we've stayed in. This time we were ready to go, and would rather not go back. Not because it was awful. It wasn't. It was actually just like these reviews have said. Both really okay and not what it should be. The Wyndham is trying hard to be what it wants to be...however, how they will achieve that without blowing up some old buildings and starting over, I really don't know. My rating would be that this is a 2-star with 3 1/2-star amenities, thus a compromise would be to call it a 3-star. And even then, my estimate would be that you'd still have some happy people and some very unhappy people.
After "winning" this 3 1/2 star-rated hotel on Priceline for the rate of $49 for one night (3/24/09), I was very concerned to read the reviews on TripAdvisor. So concerned, that I wrote to Priceline to question their 3 1/2-star rating. They researched it and responded back that they stood by their rating. Reassured, I went into the reservation with an open mind and hopeful heart.
We arrived late at night after a full day at Animal Kingdom and Epcot. Check-in was friendly and quick. We were told we had a double on the first floor of building 11. I asked if a king might be available, and after some typing on the keyboard, we were given a room on the second floor of building 11. Seeing building 11, I was very glad we were moved to the top floor, as I don't know that I would've felt overly secure on the bottom level.
This "resort" is very large, land-wise. Having just stayed a few days before at the 3-star-rated Coronado Springs at Disney (which is also very large), I have to say there was no comparison in looks. Having read here on TripAdvisor that the Wyndham's landscaping was beautiful (one person even compared it to the Polynesian), I must admit I was expecting better. Instead, it was okay. Large. Plants all around. But the buildings are, well, old-looking and more motel-like than resort-like. Sorry, but that's what it seemed like to me. We pulled up in front of building 11, got out and looked for the elevator. Couldn't find one, so my husband carried our luggage up the stairs, past the old-looking laundry area. I was very pleased to see that a card-key was necessary to access the top floor. Our room overlooked the "courtyard" (parking lot), and had a balcony. Why anyone would sit on such tiny balcony and gaze at the parking lot, I do not know...(smokers perhaps?)
The room itself was definitely not one of the renovated ones. It had old carpeting, old furniture, but nothing bad, icky nor insect-infested as I have read about here. The bed was comfy and dressed as a 3 1/2-star hotel should be. The amenities book in the room indicated all the kinds of services one should expect from a 3 1/2 star...room service, business services, etc. It is a convention-center hotel, so many amenities are available, except for one great-big one...there's no internet access in the room! We couldn't find a free nor paid-for version. The bathroom, though obviously old, had a shower with nice-pressure and plenty of hot water. Towels were of 3 1/3-star quality.
A few years ago, I stayed at the Crowne Plaza that is within site-distance of this property. I believe it is also considered a 3 1/2-star property. That lived up to the star-ratings, and I would not hesitate to stay there again. The Wyndham felt nowhere near the same level, imho.
TripAdvisor has this place listed as a 4-star. I strongly suggest that is revised. It certainly has some 4-star characteristics, and is trying hard to fall into that league. Unfortunately, unless they tear down some buildings and re-build, I don't know how they could bring these motel-rooms up to that level. To compare (again): Disney's Coronado Springs, is also called a "resort" and is also really "motel-style". However, the major difference is, there is some kind of security, in the sense that you have to have a room key to get into the parking areas at Coronado Springs. This gives a sense of security that doesn't exist at this Wyndham. I also know that "resort" in Orlando usually means many motel-like buildings on sprawled-out property. It also usually means extra resort fees. Happily, not so at this Wyndham.
Good news: we were not charged a resort fee, nor parking fees. We got a good night's sleep. Driving by other buildings on the way out, I will say that some of the other buildings (such as building 5), looked much better from the outside, with extra fences, and such. My recommendation should you be staying there for more than a night like we did, is to make sure you get a room in an interior, renovated building, instead of an older non-renovated building on the outskirts of the property.
The morning we departed, we couldn't see online how to check-out, so we stopped by the lobby where there were two ladies working the desk. Both were busy with just one customer a piece in front of us. Must of been complicated issues, because it took forever! By the time it was our turn, there was a huge long line behind us. It took us ten seconds to check out, which would've been lovely to accomplish without the long wait. I don't know why we couldn't check out online, but we couldn't.
We love to travel, and most of the time we are sorry to leave a hotel we've stayed in. This time we were ready to go, and would rather not go back. Not because it was awful. It wasn't. It was actually just like these reviews have said. Both really okay and not what it should be. The Wyndham is trying hard to be what it wants to be...however, how they will achieve that without blowing up some old buildings and starting over, I really don't know. My rating would be that this is a 2-star with 3 1/2-star amenities, thus a compromise would be to call it a 3-star. And even then, my estimate would be that you'd still have some happy people and some very unhappy people.
My review of Intercontinental Tampa
As posted on Trip Advisor:
What a shame to only have one night in this wonderful hotel! This was truly a fabulous Priceline "win" for $67 for the night of 3/23/09. Check-in was quick and friendly. We felt welcome. Our room on the 6th floor was clean, contemporary and comfortable. The large king-bed was high up and dressed with plenty of comfy-pillows. The shower was full-pressured, and the bathroom was stocked with everything we needed.
Parking is free and in a convenient deck right next to the hotel.
We didn't have time to hang out in the lobby or bar or restaurant, but would've liked to. It looked like it catered very nicely to the business traveler. We didn't have time to check out the fitness center, nor the pool either.
This is a 4-star hotel that not only lives up to its rating, but has free parking, and free internet, unlike most 4-stars of its' caliber. Can we go back now, please?
What a shame to only have one night in this wonderful hotel! This was truly a fabulous Priceline "win" for $67 for the night of 3/23/09. Check-in was quick and friendly. We felt welcome. Our room on the 6th floor was clean, contemporary and comfortable. The large king-bed was high up and dressed with plenty of comfy-pillows. The shower was full-pressured, and the bathroom was stocked with everything we needed.
Parking is free and in a convenient deck right next to the hotel.
We didn't have time to hang out in the lobby or bar or restaurant, but would've liked to. It looked like it catered very nicely to the business traveler. We didn't have time to check out the fitness center, nor the pool either.
This is a 4-star hotel that not only lives up to its rating, but has free parking, and free internet, unlike most 4-stars of its' caliber. Can we go back now, please?
Monday, March 16, 2009
Ready to Enjoy some Bargain Travel!
Getting organized for our upcoming trip on Wednesday. Once the bargain plans are made, the bargains are ready to be enjoyed. And we will.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
And now some Washington, DC FUN
Thrilled with her Baltimore success, my friend had me help out with the next night of Easter weekend in DC. What's a gal to do who doesn't want to pay $200 a night for a 4-star in the heart of everything? Uh...Priceline, of course!
After much research (better bidding, bidding for travel, orbitz, hotwire, expedia, travelocity), we decided to rule out certain areas. This is what we ended up with (as I wrote on better bidding):
Helped a friend get two rooms for the Saturday night of Easter weekend. Was bidding in the Downtown area, Dupont Circle and Capitol Hill areas. Previous bid was $75. Received counter-offer to raise it by $22. No thanks. Added free re-bid zone and upped it by $5 to $80.
Offer accepted for $80 per room. (2 rooms) $160 + $31.38. Total for both rooms is $191.38. Less than it would've been for one room on their website.
Renaissance Mayflower Hotels
1127 Connecticut Avenue Northwest
Washington, DC 20036
Started via the PRICELINE link from this website, as always!
My friend is very happy with the results!
After much research (better bidding, bidding for travel, orbitz, hotwire, expedia, travelocity), we decided to rule out certain areas. This is what we ended up with (as I wrote on better bidding):
Helped a friend get two rooms for the Saturday night of Easter weekend. Was bidding in the Downtown area, Dupont Circle and Capitol Hill areas. Previous bid was $75. Received counter-offer to raise it by $22. No thanks. Added free re-bid zone and upped it by $5 to $80.
Offer accepted for $80 per room. (2 rooms) $160 + $31.38. Total for both rooms is $191.38. Less than it would've been for one room on their website.
Renaissance Mayflower Hotels
1127 Connecticut Avenue Northwest
Washington, DC 20036
Started via the PRICELINE link from this website, as always!
My friend is very happy with the results!
More Baltimore Priceline Fun
Happy from her Priceline win in Baltimore, my friend has a friend decide to join them and wants to know if we can get them the same deal. Uh, we can probably get something comparable, but can we get the same hotel? Maybe, maybe not. I make it very clear what the possibilities are, and she's okay with the chances, so after more than 24 hours from the last Baltimore success, we bid again, using the same technique. Even though I have seen that others have gotten other hotels for a few bucks less (i.e. $72 for the Hilton), we decide to skip from the $70 bid, to the winning $75 bid, as we had done previously, to hopefully increase our odds at getting the Intercontinental again. And it worked!
This is what I posted today on better bidding.com:
Got the same deal as I got for my friend a couple days ago. Now that they have other people going with them, we tried for it, hoping to get the same hotel, although they knew it was possible to get a different one. Very happy to get the same deal. Bid the same way as the other day. Previous bid was $70.
$75+$18.07 for $93.07 total.
Intercontinental Harbor Court
550 Light Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Started via PRICELINE link on this website.
This is what I posted today on better bidding.com:
Got the same deal as I got for my friend a couple days ago. Now that they have other people going with them, we tried for it, hoping to get the same hotel, although they knew it was possible to get a different one. Very happy to get the same deal. Bid the same way as the other day. Previous bid was $70.
$75+$18.07 for $93.07 total.
Intercontinental Harbor Court
550 Light Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Started via PRICELINE link on this website.
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