Hotwire.com

[Fidatelo]

Anyone used this site for hotels? If so, did the hotel meet your expectations based on the star rating?

I'm going to Minneapolis in a couple weeks and see that there is a 4-star in the downtown area for $83 a night. Seems too good to be true...

[JPhillips]

A few years ago my wife got a four star in Pittsburgh that was great.

[molson]

A 4-star is a 4-star, hotwire doesn't determine that at all.

If you're there midweek, that's not suprising at all. Or if its a weekend and the rate is non-refundable.

[Fidatelo]

Originally Posted by molson

A 4-star is a 4-star, hotwire doesn't determine that at all.

Really? A couple of the things I read on the internet were that Hotwire often rates all of their stuff a half-star higher than it appears on other travel sites (once you know what one it is).

[molson]

Originally Posted by Fidatelo

Really? A couple of the things I read on the internet were that Hotwire often rates all of their stuff a half-star higher than it appears on other travel sites (once you know what one it is).

Interesting - I assumed it was all the same, but found this on a quick search:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/colum...3-column_x.htm

But it should be easy enough to google your hotel and see what AAA says, etc. I'm sure a even "hotwire 4-star" is a classy joint.

[Danny]

Just remember, no refunds or changes at hotwire.com no matter what.

[Fidatelo]

Originally Posted by molson

But it should be easy enough to google your hotel and see what AAA says, etc. I'm sure a even "hotwire 4-star" is a classy joint.

You can't google it because you don't know the name of the hotel until after you purchase your stay. Which leads into...

Originally Posted by Danny

Just remember, no refunds or changes at hotwire.com no matter what.

[John Galt]

For information about how to use Hotwire and about which hotel you might be getting, definitely check out Betterbidding.com (although I see that the Minnesota information may be dated).

Edit: Generally speaking, if you look at the amenities and the area of town, you can often find the exact hotel you will be getting. I've used Hotwire quite a bit with the help of Betterbidding.

[Fidatelo]

Thanks John! That site is great, I'm guessing it is likely the Hilton Minneapolis & Towers, which looks pretty fantastic at that price. Even if I'm wrong, every other 4-star on the list at BetterBidding seems like it would be good value.

I think I'm going to take the plunge!

[Suburban Rhythm]

I used it a few years ago...might be like 5-6 now.

Like JG said, I kind of snooped around. Once I saw what was being offered, I did similar searches on Orbitz and other sites which gave the hotel names/locations, and tried to match up based on location and amenities.

I also call BS...I don't think there is a 4 star hotel in Pittsburgh!

[Fidatelo]

I was correct, it is the Hilton Minneapolis & Towers! Sweet! Thanks everyone, this has worked out great!

[John Galt]

Originally Posted by Fidatelo

Thanks John! That site is great, I'm guessing it is likely the Hilton Minneapolis & Towers, which looks pretty fantastic at that price. Even if I'm wrong, every other 4-star on the list at BetterBidding seems like it would be good value.

I think I'm going to take the plunge!

I'm happy to help. Your post reminded me that I had to book a hotel in DC for a night. I went to Hotwire, BetterBidding, and TripAdvisor (for reviews) and booked a night at the Donovan House for $79 + tax ($96 total). According to TripAdvisor, the room normally goes for $348/night. As usual, I'm happy with the outcome (because I knew what I was getting before I booked my reservation).

[JPhillips]

Originally Posted by Suburban Rhythm

I used it a few years ago...might be like 5-6 now.

Like JG said, I kind of snooped around. Once I saw what was being offered, I did similar searches on Orbitz and other sites which gave the hotel names/locations, and tried to match up based on location and amenities.

I also call BS...I don't think there is a 4 star hotel in Pittsburgh!

I don't remember the place, but it was downtown and was an old hotel that had been updated. The room was nice and was probably the largest non-suite room I've ever been in.

[lordscarlet]

Originally Posted by John Galt

I'm happy to help. Your post reminded me that I had to book a hotel in DC for a night. I went to Hotwire, BetterBidding, and TripAdvisor (for reviews) and booked a night at the Donovan House for $79 + tax ($96 total). According to TripAdvisor, the room normally goes for $348/night. As usual, I'm happy with the outcome (because I knew what I was getting before I booked my reservation).

Let me know how it is -- the Donovan House is a block (ok, maybe 2 blocks) from my house, and it looks really nice. It's very swank and modern. They just finished a huge renovation a few months ago. If you need any recommendations in the area, let me know.

[John Galt]

Originally Posted by lordscarlet

Let me know how it is -- the Donovan House is a block (ok, maybe 2 blocks) from my house, and it looks really nice. It's very swank and modern. They just finished a huge renovation a few months ago. If you need any recommendations in the area, let me know.

Will do. It looks nice on the website and for that price, I'm happy to be there (even though I'm not paying the bill). I'm from DC so I probably don't need any recommendations for such a quick trip (one night), but if you know of a nice quieter bar within short walking distance, I'd appreciate it. Otherwise, I will surely end up at Buffalo Billiards playing bad pool all night.

[sooner333]

I really like using Hotwire. The only thing is that usually you get one bed, so if you need two separate beds, the thing to do is call the hotel later in the day to make your special requests...worked every time.

[lordscarlet]

Originally Posted by John Galt

Will do. It looks nice on the website and for that price, I'm happy to be there (even though I'm not paying the bill). I'm from DC so I probably don't need any recommendations for such a quick trip (one night), but if you know of a nice quieter bar within short walking distance, I'd appreciate it. Otherwise, I will surely end up at Buffalo Billiards playing bad pool all night.

Stoney's across from Whole Foods (14&P) is a great bar. It can get a little crowded, but it's still very "neighborhood bar." Veranda opened at 11 & P recently; I haven't been there, but it's never very crowded. It's a little more off the beaten path, and its supposed to have a great beer selection.

There's also Bar Pilar and Saint Ex a little farther up 14th (around "T" St.) that I would recommend, but they can get fairly crowded. If you want to get obliterated, I would recommend Fox & Hounds/Trio's at 17th & Q -- the mixed drinks consist of a glass full of alcohol and a small glass bottle of mixer to add to it.

[st.cronin]

Most of the time you can get a better deal by calling the hotel direct.

[John Galt]

Originally Posted by lordscarlet

Stoney's across from Whole Foods (14&P) is a great bar. It can get a little crowded, but it's still very "neighborhood bar." Veranda opened at 11 & P recently; I haven't been there, but it's never very crowded. It's a little more off the beaten path, and its supposed to have a great beer selection.

There's also Bar Pilar and Saint Ex a little farther up 14th (around "T" St.) that I would recommend, but they can get fairly crowded. If you want to get obliterated, I would recommend Fox & Hounds/Trio's at 17th & Q -- the mixed drinks consist of a glass full of alcohol and a small glass bottle of mixer to add to it.

Thanks! I'm just meeting up with an old friend and am doing a presentation the next day, so I'm just hoping for a quieter place to have a drink or two. I appreciate the tips.