Great deal using Priceline.com.....

[greep]

On Monday evening I bored so I decided to bid a price for a 3 star hotel in downtown Toronto South. My bid was $89, surprisingly my offer was not only accepted but upgraded to a four star hotel- The Hyatt Regency (which is regular $220/night)

I think if you wait till after 6 pm the special deals kick in. Because I tried it earlier on a 3.5 hotel and there were no deals.

[Rockheart]

On Monday evening I bored so I decided to bid a price for a 3 star hotel in downtown Toronto South. My bid was $89, surprisingly my offer was not only accepted but upgraded to a four star hotel- The Hyatt Regency (which is regular $220/night)

I think if you wait till after 6 pm the special deals kick in. Because I tried it earlier on a 3.5 hotel and there were no deals.

You were bored so you bought a hotel room?
Can I borrow a few bucks?

Actually hotwire will give you similar pricing without all the bidding.
I've stayed at the Intercontinental on front street for $65 (4.5 star)
Sheraton center for $49.

Hotwire is better because you can usually figure out what hotel you are getting before u pay.
Hotwire and priceline do not work in small cities.
Toronto is really the only city in Canada where they work well.
Montreal sometimes but they have so many run down 4 star hotels in Montreal you are really taking your chances.

However, as a frequent traveller, I have gone from finding the cheapest rooms to building loyalty with the hotels for points and better service.

I pay higher price per night but get points and other benefits.
Those high end hotels don't mind giving you a cheap room if it's empty but then internet is 14.95 and they tempt you with the convenient over priced mini bar. Plus the discount room are assign on arrival which means you get usually get the room that works out the best for them, not you.
You also get no points or stays on your club membership with these rates.

I'm a platinum member with Intercontinental and I get automatic upgrades and confirmed rooms well in advance. Free internet, turn down service and sometimes parking. Plus 4pm check out, points and more.

At Delta I get room upgrades, free internet, turn down, welcome gift, confirmed room, 6pm checkouts and free breakfast for everyone in my room plus Aeroplan miles.

The money I save on extras pays for the difference in price.
Plus I don't get treated like riff-raff like I often did on the discount rates.

[greep]

I live Hamilton, so for me to come to TO in the evening I would need a hotel room. I dont like paying $190 for a 3.5 star hotel, so when I scored a 4 star hotel at $89 I thought it was a steal.

So, I met a buddy we went to Brassrail had a drink, then I went to Goodhandys (thats a whole other story),lol. I kinda didnt like the fact the Hyatt is a little out of the way- I prefer the Delta, excellent location for someone who doesnt drive.

Next time Im going to try Hotwire, I like to know what hotel I get before I pay. if I can get the Delta at $89 Ill come out every week.

6pm checkout? thats pretty awesome.

do you find the deals get better later in the day?

[tgluver]

Priceline is better

I've used both but Priceline is usually better..especially on business...great for upgrading at a lower price