I read from several of you that you have used Priceline and received the Renaissance at $100 per night. Since you can't specify or select your hotel, does anyone have any tips for me so I don't end up with a hotel in a bad location or a low-end hotel? I would certainly be happy with the Renaissance.

Thank you.

The site allows you to choose by zones and thus you'll be able to avoid a less than desirable area. I got the Renaissance using this method (also picking 3 star hotel I believe) and was quite pleased. FYI-I do believe I got my room for $90.

Be sure to check out www.biddingfortravel.com for tips on how to bid, as well as bonus money (added to your bid).

The tip is to choose a category (based on the number of stars) that is likley to include a hotel that you'll find acceptable. As a general rule in most cities, provided the zone is not excessively large, you can research and find out in advance exactly what areas are encompassed within each bidding "zone" and act accordingly. I started using priceline recently and have been very happy with the results. I'm perhaps a bit more flexible and less risk averse - recently bid for a two star in Austin and was upgraded to three star - got the 6th Avenue and I35 Sheraton for $25 per night. Spoke to someone else who bid for higher star level and higher price and got the Omni in Austin for $40 per night. I'm going to Seattle for 5 nights over Labor Day weekend and just won a bid for a two and one half star but was again upgraded - received the downtown Crowne Plaza for $60 per night - a great deal in Seattle.

The important thing on Priceline is to keep your "stars" high--then you'll get a good hotel for the low price you'll be bidding. And you choose the zone you want to stay in.