Howire and Priceline

[journalmom]

I know some parents use Hotwire and Priceline to get hotels and flights and they love it. I'm skeptical about the hotels I'll end up getting since I don't want to be far from the venue. I don't want to rent a car or have to take a cab to the venue. I like the convenience of being right next to it but there's no guarantee with Priceline and Hotwire where the hotel is going to be. But the 50% discount on the rising cost of lodging is appealing. Any thoughts? Have you had successes with using Priceline and Hotwire? Are they worth the risk of getting a hotel far from the venue?

[noodle]

hotels.com will give you names and maps of the hotels. i use them exclusively for every trip i make, because location is important to me.

[CadetVet]

I always use hotwire (unless I'm reffing). I usually pick a hotel on the ring road (the beltway, loop or whatever) - usually about 10 miles from downtown. I can usually pick a neighborhood in the mall area (for places to eat, wander aimlessly, etc.) - where the hotel standards are more consistent. Also, I can get to a grocery (bananas/gatorade/etc.)

I also rent a car through hotwire - and have purchased a $200 portable nav - useful for getting around.

As an example, Columbus was $160-180/night for the venue hotel. Add 50 to 60 in cab fare - then you're looking at about $400 or so for ground expenses for 2 nights.

Using Hotwire, I got the hotel for 2 nights for $110 (total). The rental car was $40. Gas was $10 and parking was $7. Total ground expenses - $167. The difference paid for the leon paul x-change mask that I bought for my daughter.

I've done this in nearly every city - but it is particularly useful in Atlanta - where the venue hotels are a hike from the venue - and mid sized cities with light traffic, etc.

[Phincer]

A clever friend taught me this trick- use Tripadvisor.com to find out the star ratings of hotels in an area and then book through Priceline, etc.

For example, we know there is only one four star hotel near a certain venue- the Hyatt. So when she books, she asks for the 4-5 star level, knowing full well the only one in that area is the Hyatt. Saves a load of money.

This part of being the Travel Agent can be so tedious, but I really enjoy saving money! Good luck.

[brtech]

I use priceline a lot. It works pretty well as long as you know how to use it. You do need a car to be able to drive to where they put you. Priceline has a map feature that lets you narrow the area where they will search for hotels. You can use that to avoid being far away. I usually only use Priceline for 3-4 star hotels, not the real cheap rates. I have had Priceline get me in the headquarters hotel for about 65% of the USFA rate. Usually, you get something a few miles away.