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Last edited by Joplin; 10-01-2008 at 04:13 PM.





I highly ( and I know I've posted about this tons ) recommend learning how to use priceline and hotwire. You don't know the exact hotel. You only know the star level and location. These sites are my travel secret and save me a TON of money every year. Check them out !





Restrict the star level, like carmen mentioned, and you won't find yourself in a fleabag.
If hotels are cheaper in RR you might find some of those to be much safer![]()





I generally do bids of $45-$60 ( higher for higher market areas like san francisco, lower for lower market cities like Denver ) for a 3 star hotel on priceline and they almost always get accepted. Places are nice - hitons, hyatts, marriots, double trees ect. You choose the location and the star level.
On hotwire, you can see the star level and the location and choose from there. I recommend doing only 3 star ( or 4 star if you are traveling with boyfriend or something ) and staying away from 2 star places. 2 stars might mean a best western or hampton ( great places, free breakfast ! ) , but they might also might mean an extended stay ( yuck, yuck, yuck .... no coffee in room, no shampoo just a soap bar .... did I mention these are nasty ? ). I stayed at an extended stay for a whole $30 a night in Denver and that's when I learned to stay away from the 2 star places - it's worth $20 or so to get a better hotel.
Here is what I do to get the best possible deal:
#1 - Go to hotwire and see what you can get there. For example, they might have a 3 star hotel for $50 in the area you want. Then , go to priceline and do a bid for $10 or so less for that star level and area. If it's gets accepted, great, you just saved $10 a night - free lunch for you. If it doesn't , just go back to hotwire and grab the one you want.
I also always bid at the last minute. These sites sell out unfilled rooms. They are not going to offer the best deals days in advance. I book my hotel right before I leave for the airport leaving only a few hours before I arrive. Obviously , this can't work for someone who isn't flexible or needs to know exactly where they will be.





Here's a good website where you can see what it will take to get a successful bid on Priceline and what specific properties you're likely to get. Then you can take a look at the neighborhood and see if its safe.
http://www.biddingfortravel.com/
Based on this...
http://p198.ezboard.com/Texas--Austi...abiddingaustin
...I'd say getting 3 star lodging in Austin can be done for under $60/night quite easily.
Former SCJ now in rehab.
I live an hour north, and I get sick of driving all the way home. I don't usually work Friday nights but we;re about to go on a week long vacation to Cancun so I've been thinking of doing Fri and Sat nights one weekend.. I'd definetely split the hotel cost with you![]()
Animals are my friends, and I don't eat my friends.- George Bernard Shaw





Or y'all could both stay at my house![]()
^ Only if we can all "sleep" naked in your bed?
Animals are my friends, and I don't eat my friends.- George Bernard Shaw










seriously seriously?
Cause I'm open any time. I'm about 20 minutes from your club.





yep I've got a pole! Ima go buy a bed this week and fix up my guest room. I just moved her so things aren't perfect yet.
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