okay folks. so i drove home from work, and then called the Ambassador East back to book the $159 room, and i was quoted $129! booked it.

thanks again.

Good for you Neo! That's a great deal.
I guess it depends on the time period.
I did check sites directly and Orbitz, etc.

I have always been impressed with hotwire and booked a lot of 4-5 star hotels in the East Coast USA for $70-$100, I was amazed at some of the hotels I managed to book.