Here's another one contributed by reader David, who is fast becoming an expert on California BRG opportunities. If you're interested in becoming a contributor, all this takes is an email to me for your finds. As we slowly build the network, we'll have thousands of eyes criss-crossing the country looking for BRGs, and thus have many more opportunities to choose from. So, thanks for keeping these coming, David.
Hotel Address: 915 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA, 92802-1842 US
Competitor Website: http://www.reservetravel.com
Sample Date: All dates available in summer 2008 and possibly well beyond.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: General Manager's Special Rate / Many room types available.
Rate variation: 10% less than WR rates.
Special Comments: Many confirmed approvals. David, the contributor, tells us that out of the two times he's stayed here on a BRG, he was charged tax for one of the two stays. Expect to be charged. There will be a post in the coming weeks about taxes on BRG stays, and what to do if you're charged - so keep your eyes out for that.
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Super 8 Motel Dartmouth - Halifax, Nova Scotia
This one was submitted to me earlier today by reader James. It hasn't been confirmed as valid, and has no confirmed approvals, but I'll list it here as a YMMV opportunity. Worth a shot, right? Let us know if you do get one of these approved. I literally have no time to investigate this for all of you, as my flight to Colombia leaves early in the morning and I need sleep.
Hotel Address: 65 King Street, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, B2Y 4C2
Competitor Website: http://www.reservetravel.com
Sample Date: June 6-7, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: Romance special; further room details not specified in contribution.
Rate variation: $89.00 CAD Reservetravel.com, $109.00 CAD WR
Special Comments: Located across the harbor from downtown Halifax on the Dartmouth side of the city. Convenient to all of metro Halifax and eastern Nova Scotia. Hotels here don't come cheap, so this is a good chance to visit one of the nicest cities in North America, if you haven't yet had the opportunity to visit. Click here for information about Halifax.
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
Hotel Address: 65 King Street, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, B2Y 4C2
Competitor Website: http://www.reservetravel.com
Sample Date: June 6-7, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: Romance special; further room details not specified in contribution.
Rate variation: $89.00 CAD Reservetravel.com, $109.00 CAD WR
Special Comments: Located across the harbor from downtown Halifax on the Dartmouth side of the city. Convenient to all of metro Halifax and eastern Nova Scotia. Hotels here don't come cheap, so this is a good chance to visit one of the nicest cities in North America, if you haven't yet had the opportunity to visit. Click here for information about Halifax.
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Super 8 Meadow Wood/Reno Airport - Reno, Nevada
Here's one courtesy of George. Thanks for another great contribution, George.
Hotel Address: 5851 S Virginia St, Reno, NV, 89502 US
Competitor Website: http://www.tripres.com
Sample Date: August 23, 2008 / August 31, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: All room types.
Rate variation: $80.00 Tripres.com, $89.00 WR
Special Comments: This shows up as a "Standard Room" on Tripres, but the details offer either a King or a 2 Double Beds Room. Confirmed BRG claim approval.
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
Hotel Address: 5851 S Virginia St, Reno, NV, 89502 US
Competitor Website: http://www.tripres.com
Sample Date: August 23, 2008 / August 31, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: All room types.
Rate variation: $80.00 Tripres.com, $89.00 WR
Special Comments: This shows up as a "Standard Room" on Tripres, but the details offer either a King or a 2 Double Beds Room. Confirmed BRG claim approval.
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
Days Inn Hospitality Lane - San Bernardino, California
This one was submitted by one of our new contributors, David, who promises "many more" in the future. Welcome to the BRG Blog, David.
He submitted this to me on Wednesday, so it might be gone. I apologize for dropping the ball on posting these in a timely manner - I've been without internet for the past couple of days.
Hotel Address: 1909 Business Center Dr, San Bernardino, CA 92408
Competitor Website: http://www.travelocity.com
Sample Date: June 6-7, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: Standard King / Two Doubles / Standard One King+One Queen
Rate variation: $65.62 Travelocity, $69.99 WR
Special Comments: Located near the hospital on Hospitality Lane in San Bernardino.
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
He submitted this to me on Wednesday, so it might be gone. I apologize for dropping the ball on posting these in a timely manner - I've been without internet for the past couple of days.
Hotel Address: 1909 Business Center Dr, San Bernardino, CA 92408
Competitor Website: http://www.travelocity.com
Sample Date: June 6-7, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: Standard King / Two Doubles / Standard One King+One Queen
Rate variation: $65.62 Travelocity, $69.99 WR
Special Comments: Located near the hospital on Hospitality Lane in San Bernardino.
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Days Inn Cincinnati Airport - Erlanger, Kentucky
This one comes to us from Bobby. Thanks for another great opportunity, Bobby.
Hotel Address: 599 Donaldson Road/I-75, Erlanger, KY 41018 US
Competitor Website: http://www.hotelsatanywhere.com
Sample Date: July 1-2, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 1 King S/NS, 2 Queen Beds S/NS, 1 King S/NS (Business)
Rate variation: $55.96 hotelsatanywhere, $59.95 WR (2 Queen NS)
Special Comments: "Central location offers guests quick and convenient travel times to local attractions: Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, the Great American Ballpark, Paul Brown Stadium, Kings Island Amusement Park, the Newport Aquarium, and the Kentucky Speedway." - Bobby
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
Hotel Address: 599 Donaldson Road/I-75, Erlanger, KY 41018 US
Competitor Website: http://www.hotelsatanywhere.com
Sample Date: July 1-2, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 1 King S/NS, 2 Queen Beds S/NS, 1 King S/NS (Business)
Rate variation: $55.96 hotelsatanywhere, $59.95 WR (2 Queen NS)
Special Comments: "Central location offers guests quick and convenient travel times to local attractions: Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, the Great American Ballpark, Paul Brown Stadium, Kings Island Amusement Park, the Newport Aquarium, and the Kentucky Speedway." - Bobby
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
How to file a BRG Claim lesson edited - Check out the new version
A reader tipped me off to the fact that a large portion of my lesson was missing - I never knew about this because I did write it and click "publish" but after that, who knows what happened. Case in point, it wasn't showing up on the post.
I changed around text sizes (which looks awkward now) but it now has all information, including approximate wait times.
Thanks to Optix for pointing this out.
Click here to see the proper post.
I changed around text sizes (which looks awkward now) but it now has all information, including approximate wait times.
Thanks to Optix for pointing this out.
Click here to see the proper post.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
3 New Florida BRGs: Melbourne, West Palm Beach, and Fort Myers
These come to us from reader Adrian, and all are great opportunities around the state of Florida (there are some great vacation opportunities here, as long as you don't mind moving around each night - I sure don't mind - I'm on my 14th free night here tonight).
Days Inn Hotel - West Palm Beach, Florida
Hotel Address: 2300 45th Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33407
Competitor Website: www.hotelsatanywhere.com
Availability: Sample date: Dec 30-31, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: e.g. King Bed Room
Rate variation: $91.20 hotelsatanywhere.com, $95.00 WR
Special Comments: Confirmed approval.
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
Super 8 Motel - Melbourne, Florida
Hotel Address: 1515 S Harbour City Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901
Competitor Website: www.hotelsatanywhere.com
Availability: Sample date: Dec 29-30, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: e.g. Queen Bed Room
Rate variation: $59.19 hotelsatanywhere.com, $59.99 WR
Special Comments: Confirmed approval.
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
Days Inn South/Airport - Fort Myers, Florida
Hotel Address: 11435 S Cleveland Avenue, Ft Myers, FL 33907
Competitor Website: www.hotelsatanywhere.com
Availability: Sample date: Dec 27-28, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: e.g. 2 Double Beds Room
Rate variation: $49.46 hotelsatanywhere.com, $52.99 WR
Special Comments: Confirmed approval.
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
Days Inn Hotel - West Palm Beach, Florida
Hotel Address: 2300 45th Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33407
Competitor Website: www.hotelsatanywhere.com
Availability: Sample date: Dec 30-31, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: e.g. King Bed Room
Rate variation: $91.20 hotelsatanywhere.com, $95.00 WR
Special Comments: Confirmed approval.
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
Super 8 Motel - Melbourne, Florida
Hotel Address: 1515 S Harbour City Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32901
Competitor Website: www.hotelsatanywhere.com
Availability: Sample date: Dec 29-30, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: e.g. Queen Bed Room
Rate variation: $59.19 hotelsatanywhere.com, $59.99 WR
Special Comments: Confirmed approval.
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
Days Inn South/Airport - Fort Myers, Florida
Hotel Address: 11435 S Cleveland Avenue, Ft Myers, FL 33907
Competitor Website: www.hotelsatanywhere.com
Availability: Sample date: Dec 27-28, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: e.g. 2 Double Beds Room
Rate variation: $49.46 hotelsatanywhere.com, $52.99 WR
Special Comments: Confirmed approval.
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
Ramada Limited ABQ Airport - Albuquerque, New Mexico
This one comes to us from Bobby, who is fast-becoming a regular contributor here on the BRG blog. Thanks again, Bobby, for another great deal! Perfect for those transiting through ABQ or for those early morning flights for those of you who live there.
Hotel Address: 1801 Yale Blvd SE Albuquerque, NM 87106
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com (also Cheaptickets.com)
Availability: Sample date: June 25-26, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 2 Double Beds S/NS, 1 King Bed S/NS 1 King Bed Suite NS
Rate variation: $66.17 Orbitz.Com $69.00 WR (2 Double Beds)
Special Comments: There is also a 2 Double Beds NS Room "Poolview Room" which also has a Balcony good for this BRG. This Ramada is only 4 miles from downtown Albquerque and the Albquerque Convention Center, and 5 miles from Old Town Albuquerque with its famous plaza, and the beautiful, historic church of San Felipe de Neri.
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
Hotel Address: 1801 Yale Blvd SE Albuquerque, NM 87106
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com (also Cheaptickets.com)
Availability: Sample date: June 25-26, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 2 Double Beds S/NS, 1 King Bed S/NS 1 King Bed Suite NS
Rate variation: $66.17 Orbitz.Com $69.00 WR (2 Double Beds)
Special Comments: There is also a 2 Double Beds NS Room "Poolview Room" which also has a Balcony good for this BRG. This Ramada is only 4 miles from downtown Albquerque and the Albquerque Convention Center, and 5 miles from Old Town Albuquerque with its famous plaza, and the beautiful, historic church of San Felipe de Neri.
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
Super 8 Motel Jax Center - Jacksonville, Florida
This one comes to us courtesy of Bruce - thanks again, Bruce. One of many Florida BRGs we've seen over the past month or so. Keep them coming in.
Hotel Address: 2228 Phillips Hwy, Jacksonville, FL
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com
Availability: Sample date: June 6-7, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: King and 2 Doubles S/NS
Rate variation: Orbitz 54.27 WR $55.00
Special Comments: Confirmed approval.
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
Hotel Address: 2228 Phillips Hwy, Jacksonville, FL
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com
Availability: Sample date: June 6-7, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: King and 2 Doubles S/NS
Rate variation: Orbitz 54.27 WR $55.00
Special Comments: Confirmed approval.
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Days Inn Fort Benning - Columbus, Georgia
This one was submitted around ten minutes ago by Bobby. Thanks again, Bobby. Keep them coming.
Hotel Address: 3170 Victory Drive, Columbus, GA 31903
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com (also Cheaptickets.com)
Availability: Sample dates: July 1-2, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 1 King Bed Room S/NS
Rate variation: $63.74 Orbitz.Com, $67.99 WR
Special Comments: "Nightly rates do show that Orbitz.Com and Cheaptickets.Com have cheaper rates for 2 Double Beds S/NS, but once tax and fees for these sites are added the total price is higher. That is why only the King Rooms are quoted. While staying at the Days Inn Columbus Fort Benning, you can visit great attractions such as Callaway Gardens, Chattahoochee River Walk, Coca Cola Space Science Center, Columbus Museum, Heritage Corner, National Infantry Museum, Jimmy Carter national Historical Site and much much more."
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
Hotel Address: 3170 Victory Drive, Columbus, GA 31903
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com (also Cheaptickets.com)
Availability: Sample dates: July 1-2, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 1 King Bed Room S/NS
Rate variation: $63.74 Orbitz.Com, $67.99 WR
Special Comments: "Nightly rates do show that Orbitz.Com and Cheaptickets.Com have cheaper rates for 2 Double Beds S/NS, but once tax and fees for these sites are added the total price is higher. That is why only the King Rooms are quoted. While staying at the Days Inn Columbus Fort Benning, you can visit great attractions such as Callaway Gardens, Chattahoochee River Walk, Coca Cola Space Science Center, Columbus Museum, Heritage Corner, National Infantry Museum, Jimmy Carter national Historical Site and much much more."
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
Ramada Limited - Anchorage, Alaska
Personally, this is the holy grail of BRGs - I've been looking for an Alaska hotel for a long time. So, a big thank you goes out to reader Bobby for finding this.
Hotel Address: 207 Muldoon Rd Anchorage, AK 99504
Competitor Website: http://www.hotels.com
Availability: Sample date: July 1-2, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 2 Queen Beds S, NS
Rate variation: $180.00 Hotels.Com $189.00 WR
Special Comments: Many confirmed approvals. Still available as of the time of this post.
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
Hotel Address: 207 Muldoon Rd Anchorage, AK 99504
Competitor Website: http://www.hotels.com
Availability: Sample date: July 1-2, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 2 Queen Beds S, NS
Rate variation: $180.00 Hotels.Com $189.00 WR
Special Comments: Many confirmed approvals. Still available as of the time of this post.
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
Ramada Florida City (Everglades National Park), Florida
This is a great opportunity for those who want to explore the Everglades and don't want to be caught in traffic all day trying to get there. This hotel is right on US 1 in downtown Florida City, only a few miles east of the main park entrance gate.
This one was found by myself, and also contributed by reader Bobby and reader Adrian. What can I say? Great minds think alike. This is another example of why its important to search suburbs independently of the main cities (in this case, Miami). I found this only when searching Kayak for "Homestead, Florida". It didn't come up in a Miami search - so, pull up a map and get creative when searching Kayak, and stuff like this will come up for you. Enjoy.
Hotel Address: 124 East Palm Drive Florida City, FL 33034
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com (also Cheaptickets.com)
Availability: Most dates are available through summer 2008. Sample July 1-2/08.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 1 King Bed S/NS, 2 Double Beds, S/NS 1 Double Bed S
Rate variation: Orbitz.Com $102.51 WR $109.00
Special Comments: Also convenient to Homestead Air Force Base and the Entrance to the Florida Keys. Many confirmed approvals.
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
This one was found by myself, and also contributed by reader Bobby and reader Adrian. What can I say? Great minds think alike. This is another example of why its important to search suburbs independently of the main cities (in this case, Miami). I found this only when searching Kayak for "Homestead, Florida". It didn't come up in a Miami search - so, pull up a map and get creative when searching Kayak, and stuff like this will come up for you. Enjoy.
Hotel Address: 124 East Palm Drive Florida City, FL 33034
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com (also Cheaptickets.com)
Availability: Most dates are available through summer 2008. Sample July 1-2/08.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 1 King Bed S/NS, 2 Double Beds, S/NS 1 Double Bed S
Rate variation: Orbitz.Com $102.51 WR $109.00
Special Comments: Also convenient to Homestead Air Force Base and the Entrance to the Florida Keys. Many confirmed approvals.
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Yes, I am still alive...
For the past two weeks, I've been enjoying my vacation here in the Southeastern USA, riding on some killer roller coasters, touring historic sights, eating some excellent seafood, and enjoying FREE HOTEL ROOMS every night. With all the fun, I have had only an average of 20 minutes per day on the computer. Not enough time to get things posted, that's for sure.
Thank you all for giving me an inbox full of ripe BRG deals. I will hopefully get a chance to post them all tomorrow night. Cross your fingers that they won't be gone by then (I'm sure they'll still be there, as by the looks of it, only a couple of them have been cross-posted on other forums/websites). They range from Alaska to Florida to Tennessee and everywhere in between.
Also, for everyone who has emailed me with your questions/comments, thank you for keeping in touch. I always welcome emails from my readers looking for tips/advice or submitting contributions. Please do allow at least 3 or 4 days for a reply, though, as the emails are coming in faster than I can read them, but I do appreciate them and I will sit down and respond to each one individually here soon. Feel free to send in tips about what you'd like to see on the blog, and let me know how useful it has been to you, personally. I'd like this site to be the place for people to come for tried and tested BRG deals, and its inching its way towards that goal. Again, comments are appreciated and encouraged (even negative ones!):
Click here to send me an emailSo, again, be prepared for a BRG onslaught. It's coming soon!
Travelodge Burbank-Glendale - Los Angeles, California
This one was contributed by reader Wesley today. Thanks for the tip!
Hotel Address: 1112 North Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA, 91505
Competitor Website: http://www.hotelsatanywhere.com
Availability: Sample date: June 16-17, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 2 Double Beds Room Non Smoking
Rate variation: $98.90 Hotelsatanywhere, $105.95 WR
Special Comments: Confirmed approval.
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
Hotel Address: 1112 North Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA, 91505
Competitor Website: http://www.hotelsatanywhere.com
Availability: Sample date: June 16-17, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 2 Double Beds Room Non Smoking
Rate variation: $98.90 Hotelsatanywhere, $105.95 WR
Special Comments: Confirmed approval.
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Ramada Hotel - St. Petersburg, Florida
This one was contributed by reader Bobby. Thanks, Bobby. AND a special thanks for sending me this info in the format I requested - you made my life much easier by doing that!
Hotel Address: 5005 34th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33714 US
Competitor Website: http://www.hotels.com
Availability: Mid summer, sample: July 14-15, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 2 Doubles (S & NS), One King (S)
Rate variation: $67.00 Hotels.Com $75.00 WR
Special Comments: Three miles from downtown St. Petersburg and the Salvador Dali Museum. Four miles from Tropicana Field.
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
Hotel Address: 5005 34th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33714 US
Competitor Website: http://www.hotels.com
Availability: Mid summer, sample: July 14-15, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 2 Doubles (S & NS), One King (S)
Rate variation: $67.00 Hotels.Com $75.00 WR
Special Comments: Three miles from downtown St. Petersburg and the Salvador Dali Museum. Four miles from Tropicana Field.
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
Ramada New York Plaza Hotel - New York City, New York
This EXCELLENT find was posted by reader Jay. Not sure if this one is still working or not, but I'll post it regardless. As a disclaimer, anything I post between now and June 13 is likely not checked for validity because I am on vacation and don't have the time to do so. Please check validity for your dates, and as always, cross your fingers, as YMMV!
Hotel Address: 481 8th Avenue, New York, NY
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com (or Cheaptickets.com)
Availability: Sample date: 6/10-6/11, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 1 Queen Bed Room
Rate variation: $329.02 Orbitz/Cheaptickets, WR: $359.00
Special Comments: Confirmed approval. Located in downtown Manhattan.
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
Hotel Address: 481 8th Avenue, New York, NY
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com (or Cheaptickets.com)
Availability: Sample date: 6/10-6/11, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 1 Queen Bed Room
Rate variation: $329.02 Orbitz/Cheaptickets, WR: $359.00
Special Comments: Confirmed approval. Located in downtown Manhattan.
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official website.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Travelodge Motel - Austin, Texas
This one was contributed today by reader Emilio. Thanks for making my life easy, Emilio, and letting me enjoy my vacation by being a contributor. Readers, keep the tips coming in.
Hotel Address: 6200 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, TX 78752 US
Competitor Website: http://www.hotels.com
Availability: Sample dates: June 09-10, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 1 King Bed Standard Room/NS
Rate variation: $59.00 Hotels.com, $84.99 WR
Special Comments:
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official (yet very, very basic) website.
Hotel Address: 6200 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, TX 78752 US
Competitor Website: http://www.hotels.com
Availability: Sample dates: June 09-10, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 1 King Bed Standard Room/NS
Rate variation: $59.00 Hotels.com, $84.99 WR
Special Comments:
Click here to read Tripadvisor reviews of this property
Click here to visit the hotel's official (yet very, very basic) website.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Super 8 Motel - Laredo, Texas
This one was contributed today by reader Linda. Thanks for the great opportunity, Linda.
Hotel Address: 2620 Santa Ursula Ave, Laredo, TX 78040
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com/
Availability: Sample date: May 28-29, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons (may work for other occupancies, according to the contributor)
Room Details: 2 Queen Beds Standard Room
Rate variation: $54.22 Orbitz, $56.69 WR
Special Comments: Located right off of I-35 near the Mexican border.
>Click here to search Tripadvisor reviews of this property
>Visit this hotel's official website
Hotel Address: 2620 Santa Ursula Ave, Laredo, TX 78040
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com/
Availability: Sample date: May 28-29, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons (may work for other occupancies, according to the contributor)
Room Details: 2 Queen Beds Standard Room
Rate variation: $54.22 Orbitz, $56.69 WR
Special Comments: Located right off of I-35 near the Mexican border.
>Click here to search Tripadvisor reviews of this property
>Visit this hotel's official website
Days Inn Inner Harbor - Baltimore, Maryland
This one comes to us from reader Amanda.
Hotel Address: 100 Hopkins Place, Baltimore, MD
Competitor Website: http://www.hotels.com
Availability: Sample date: June 6-7, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: Standard Queen
Rate variation: Hotels.com: $197 Days Inn: $237
Special Comments: Thanks for the great opportunity, right in downtown Baltimore on the inner harbor.
Click here to read reviews on Tripadvisor
Visit this hotel's website
Hotel Address: 100 Hopkins Place, Baltimore, MD
Competitor Website: http://www.hotels.com
Availability: Sample date: June 6-7, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: Standard Queen
Rate variation: Hotels.com: $197 Days Inn: $237
Special Comments: Thanks for the great opportunity, right in downtown Baltimore on the inner harbor.
Click here to read reviews on Tripadvisor
Visit this hotel's website
Saturday, May 17, 2008
The label cloud & Hotel Reviews: Advice needed
For those of you who may not have noticed, the Best Rate Guarantee blog has a "label cloud" on the sidebar to help you find posts about the topics you are interested in. Sometimes searches can be tedious, so I've added this as a time saver to you.
Here's where to find it in the sidebar, and what it looks like:
The larger the text, the more posts about that topic. Pretty easy to understand.
I am planning on removing labels for dead BRGs so that only current deals appear in the label cloud.
I figure it is not much use to you to be referred to long-dead BRG opportunities, unless you have a sheer curiosity about which BRGs have been available in the past. My guess is that you'd rather have access to the most current of information.
I'm also planning on reviewing individual BRG properties I've stayed at, which would become part of the permanent label cloud.
I'd provide photos, descriptions of the room, amenities, and other tour-like documentation about these properties. If they've appeared once, they may appear again, so it might be good to keep a record of our experiences.
Please let me know what you think by email, or by commenting on this post.
Thanks
Here's where to find it in the sidebar, and what it looks like:
The larger the text, the more posts about that topic. Pretty easy to understand.
I am planning on removing labels for dead BRGs so that only current deals appear in the label cloud.
I figure it is not much use to you to be referred to long-dead BRG opportunities, unless you have a sheer curiosity about which BRGs have been available in the past. My guess is that you'd rather have access to the most current of information.
I'm also planning on reviewing individual BRG properties I've stayed at, which would become part of the permanent label cloud.
I'd provide photos, descriptions of the room, amenities, and other tour-like documentation about these properties. If they've appeared once, they may appear again, so it might be good to keep a record of our experiences.
Please let me know what you think by email, or by commenting on this post.
Thanks
Friday, May 16, 2008
Excellent discount code from National Car Rental (especially for the college crowd)
I recently ran into these National Car Rental discount codes that bring rental costs down to approximately $24.00 per day including full LDW insurance, free underage driving, and unlimited miles, as well as most taxes. Just $24.00 gets you off of the lot and down the road in a rental car of your choice.
The general consensus around the internet is that these are "complimentary codes" that originated with a UK-based travel agency. Many people (thousands) have reported success using these codes with no questions upon check in.
The codes are 8572957 or 8572967. Both seem to work in exactly the same manner.
NOTE: This code must be entered into the "CONTRACT ID" field on the website
These can also be coupled with free day coupons and other bonus coupons through your favorite airlines.
Many of us have no car insurance, are underage, or like to take rental cars across state lines where mileage may not be included. We all know how expensive cars can become when the $25.00 underage fee, the $25.00 LDW, and the mileage is added - a one day rental can easily exceed $100.00.
Don't fret about high rental car costs when planning your next trip. Just type in 8572957 and worry no more.
The general consensus around the internet is that these are "complimentary codes" that originated with a UK-based travel agency. Many people (thousands) have reported success using these codes with no questions upon check in.
The codes are 8572957 or 8572967. Both seem to work in exactly the same manner.
NOTE: This code must be entered into the "CONTRACT ID" field on the website
These can also be coupled with free day coupons and other bonus coupons through your favorite airlines.
Many of us have no car insurance, are underage, or like to take rental cars across state lines where mileage may not be included. We all know how expensive cars can become when the $25.00 underage fee, the $25.00 LDW, and the mileage is added - a one day rental can easily exceed $100.00.
Don't fret about high rental car costs when planning your next trip. Just type in 8572957 and worry no more.
How to file a Best Rate Guarantee Claim - The Newbies Guide
Many of you have asked me to do a lesson on the most basic of basics, the bare essentials, the starting point for a lifetime of free hotel rooms: How to file a Best Rate Guarantee Claim.
Finding a BRG Opportunity
Step 1: Start your search for a price inequality between WR and a competitor.
We provide links to the best tools for doing this on our front page.
Primarily search Kayak, in conjunction with a HotelsCombined search.
Click here for my last post on how to properly search Kayak/HotelsCombined for BRGs
Step 2: Search Kayak, and find a BRG
After searching Kayak, you seem to have found a BRG in Nashville, TN
Kayak shows a price difference, shown here:
$89 versus $100 is promising - let's check it out.
Step 3: Verify that the rate exists on the competitor site
Remember to click the specific hotel room type you want, all the way to the booking page.
This confirms that the rate exists and is bookable:
It shows up as "Standard Room" for $89.00.
This can be a problem for you if there is no mention of the room type you will recieve.
But, this one says "One King or Two Doubles".
Therefore, either of those room types will work based on the smoking preference
you specify (if you were to book on Hotels.com, that is).
Step 4: Compare competitor info to the Wyndham brand rates
Kayak will open the specific hotel and dates automatically for you, saving you time.
First, we need to find out which room types match up. This is the most important step.
This hotel has many room types, specifically:
5 x 1 King options (NS/S Standard, NS Handicapped, NS/S Executive)
3 x 2 Double Beds options (NS/S Standard, S Executive)
1 x 1 Double Bed option (NS Executive)
Hotels.com shows "Standard Room" - any executive/handicapped rooms are out.
Now, we have the following choices left:
2 x 1 King options (NS/S Standard)
2x 2 Double Beds options (NS/S Standard)
Both of these look like they'll work for a BRG claim (and I can verify that they do).
All of these rates go for higher rates than Hotels.com: $99.95/night.
We have a valid BRG. Now, what to do next?
Filing a Best Rate Guarantee Claim
Step 1: Book the room on the hotel brand website (eg. DaysInn.com)
Within Kayak, click the rate quote that Wyndham provided.
This will bring you to the booking page. Next, book the property as per normal on this page.
Make sure you book a Best Available Rate that (preferably) is REFUNDABLE.
If you do non-refundable, they cannot be refunded for any reason if the claim is denied.
Note the cancellation policy on the booking page:
Step 2: Go to the brand's claim form (check here for a list) and fill it out completely.
After filling out the form, click submit. You will see the following:
The Waiting Game
After filling out the claim form, you will have to wait.
Here are the approximate wait times.
On average, you will wait between 8 and 24 hours for a response.
This is in the form of
"If you file on this day.....Expect your claim to be answered by this day"
Saturday.........Monday AM
Sunday.....Monday PM
Monday AM.... Tuesday AM
Monday PM......Tuesday AM
Tuesday AM.....Wednesday AM
Tuesday PM...Wednesday AM
Wednesday AM......Wednesday PM
Wednesday PM.....Thursday AM
Thursday AM......Thursday PM
Thursday PM......Friday AM
Friday AM.....Friday PM
Friday PM......Monday AM
If they're late, don't worry - just do the following:
Late 24 hours from above times: Do nothing, give this extra day
Late 2 days from above times: Resubmit your claim, wash, rinse, repeat
Late 3 days from above times: Call and inquire
Late more than 7 days: Call and ask for a Supervisor.
Now, meet the claims staff. Get to know these names, they're only a few of them.
I won't post their full names here out of privacy/respect, but only their initials.
I'll order these in terms of honesty/tenure:
Very honest/reliable claim agents:
K.M.
D.W.
C.O.
B.T. (recently upgraded to the honest list!)
Agents with a notoriety of dishonesty:
A.S.
J.S.
I strongly suggest contacting a supervisor if you ever face problems with one of the latter. Sometimes things ARE YOUR FAULT, though, so don't always blame them.
If you are filing a valid claim, then you can raise some heck.
But, if there are problems with your claim, and you don't understand the rules, you won't win.
Your best bet: Know the rules, and know your rights.
If you found this lesson to be helpful, or need further clarification,
please feel free to email us!
Step 1: Start your search for a price inequality between WR and a competitor.
We provide links to the best tools for doing this on our front page.
Primarily search Kayak, in conjunction with a HotelsCombined search.
Click here for my last post on how to properly search Kayak/HotelsCombined for BRGs
Step 2: Search Kayak, and find a BRG
After searching Kayak, you seem to have found a BRG in Nashville, TN
Kayak shows a price difference, shown here:
$89 versus $100 is promising - let's check it out.
Step 3: Verify that the rate exists on the competitor site
Remember to click the specific hotel room type you want, all the way to the booking page.
This confirms that the rate exists and is bookable:
It shows up as "Standard Room" for $89.00.This can be a problem for you if there is no mention of the room type you will recieve.
But, this one says "One King or Two Doubles".
Therefore, either of those room types will work based on the smoking preference
you specify (if you were to book on Hotels.com, that is).
Step 4: Compare competitor info to the Wyndham brand rates
Kayak will open the specific hotel and dates automatically for you, saving you time.
First, we need to find out which room types match up. This is the most important step.
This hotel has many room types, specifically:
5 x 1 King options (NS/S Standard, NS Handicapped, NS/S Executive)
3 x 2 Double Beds options (NS/S Standard, S Executive)
1 x 1 Double Bed option (NS Executive)
Hotels.com shows "Standard Room" - any executive/handicapped rooms are out.
Now, we have the following choices left:
2 x 1 King options (NS/S Standard)
2x 2 Double Beds options (NS/S Standard)
Both of these look like they'll work for a BRG claim (and I can verify that they do).
All of these rates go for higher rates than Hotels.com: $99.95/night.
We have a valid BRG. Now, what to do next?
Filing a Best Rate Guarantee Claim
Step 1: Book the room on the hotel brand website (eg. DaysInn.com)
Within Kayak, click the rate quote that Wyndham provided.
This will bring you to the booking page. Next, book the property as per normal on this page.
Make sure you book a Best Available Rate that (preferably) is REFUNDABLE.
If you do non-refundable, they cannot be refunded for any reason if the claim is denied.
Note the cancellation policy on the booking page:
Step 2: Go to the brand's claim form (check here for a list) and fill it out completely.
After filling out the form, click submit. You will see the following:
The Waiting Game
After filling out the claim form, you will have to wait.
Here are the approximate wait times.
On average, you will wait between 8 and 24 hours for a response.
This is in the form of
"If you file on this day.....Expect your claim to be answered by this day"
Saturday.........Monday AM
Sunday.....Monday PM
Monday AM.... Tuesday AM
Monday PM......Tuesday AM
Tuesday AM.....Wednesday AM
Tuesday PM...Wednesday AM
Wednesday AM......Wednesday PM
Wednesday PM.....Thursday AM
Thursday AM......Thursday PM
Thursday PM......Friday AM
Friday AM.....Friday PM
Friday PM......Monday AM
If they're late, don't worry - just do the following:
Late 24 hours from above times: Do nothing, give this extra day
Late 2 days from above times: Resubmit your claim, wash, rinse, repeat
Late 3 days from above times: Call and inquire
Late more than 7 days: Call and ask for a Supervisor.
Now, meet the claims staff. Get to know these names, they're only a few of them.
I won't post their full names here out of privacy/respect, but only their initials.
I'll order these in terms of honesty/tenure:
Very honest/reliable claim agents:
K.M.
D.W.
C.O.
B.T. (recently upgraded to the honest list!)
Agents with a notoriety of dishonesty:
A.S.
J.S.
I strongly suggest contacting a supervisor if you ever face problems with one of the latter. Sometimes things ARE YOUR FAULT, though, so don't always blame them.
If you are filing a valid claim, then you can raise some heck.
But, if there are problems with your claim, and you don't understand the rules, you won't win.
Your best bet: Know the rules, and know your rights.
If you found this lesson to be helpful, or need further clarification,
please feel free to email us!
Wyndham Hotel - Phoenix, Arizona
Here is a Wyndham (not Wyndham Rewards) BRG. For my newbie readers, the Wyndham BRG is substantially different from WR's and I don't really delve into these because they are only valid on prepaid, non-refundable "Wyndham Webrates". If your claim is denied you will be responsible for the full cost of the room. YMMV.
Also, you cannot use the WR BRG claim form - you must use Wyndham's form on Wyndham.com.
This comes to us courtesy of reader Monica. It looks good, and has little chance of being denied, so I leave this one in your cautious hands.
Hotel Address: 50 East Adams Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Competitor Website: http://www.phoenixhotel.com
Availability: Sample dates: May 25-26, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: Standard Room Non-Refundable
Rate variation: $89.00 Phoenixhotel.com, $116.00 Wyndham.com
Special Comments: Be careful!
Also, you cannot use the WR BRG claim form - you must use Wyndham's form on Wyndham.com.
This comes to us courtesy of reader Monica. It looks good, and has little chance of being denied, so I leave this one in your cautious hands.
Hotel Address: 50 East Adams Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Competitor Website: http://www.phoenixhotel.com
Availability: Sample dates: May 25-26, 2008
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: Standard Room Non-Refundable
Rate variation: $89.00 Phoenixhotel.com, $116.00 Wyndham.com
Special Comments: Be careful!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Howard Johnson Inn Heritage Park - Kissimmee, Florida
This one was submitted by reader Jay. Thanks for the lead, Jay!
Hotel Address: 201 Simpson Rd Kissimmee, FL 34744
Competitor Website: http://www.expedia.com
Availability: Many dates available. Sample June 7-8, 2008.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 2 Double Beds Room Non Smoking Pool View (possibly others)
Rate variation: $54.00 Expedia, $59.99 WR
Special Comments: Couple this one for the many, many others in the Orlando area.
Hotel Address: 201 Simpson Rd Kissimmee, FL 34744
Competitor Website: http://www.expedia.com
Availability: Many dates available. Sample June 7-8, 2008.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 2 Double Beds Room Non Smoking Pool View (possibly others)
Rate variation: $54.00 Expedia, $59.99 WR
Special Comments: Couple this one for the many, many others in the Orlando area.
Wingate by Wyndham Midtown Manhattan - New York City, NY
This one comes to us from reader Jackie. This is still unconfirmed, but she'll let us know how she fares. I won't be trying for this one as I'm not headed to NYC this year, so it's YMMV on this one.
Wingate by Wyndham Midtown Manhattan
Hotel Address: 235 West 35th Street, New York, NY
Competitor Website: http://www.reservetravel.com
Availability: Sample date: May 24-25, 2008.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 2 Double Beds, Non-Smoking
Rate variation: Reservetravel $339.99, WR $359.99
Special Comments: Good location if you can get this one approved. Expect a struggle - with rates like these, hotels will get a bit antsy regarding free rooms.
Wingate by Wyndham Midtown Manhattan
Hotel Address: 235 West 35th Street, New York, NY
Competitor Website: http://www.reservetravel.com
Availability: Sample date: May 24-25, 2008.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 2 Double Beds, Non-Smoking
Rate variation: Reservetravel $339.99, WR $359.99
Special Comments: Good location if you can get this one approved. Expect a struggle - with rates like these, hotels will get a bit antsy regarding free rooms.
Bonaroo Bonanza - Nashville BRG opportunities
A reader sent me two BRG opportunities for Nashville, TN just in time for Bonaroo (these may be coupled with others I've found/others contributed a while back, if they're still around for your dates).
The Days Inn Downtown I posted here last Wednesday, so it may be a re-post for some.
Days Inn Downtown Nashville
Hotel Address: 211 North First Street, Nashville, TN, 37213 US
Competitor Website: http://www.hotels.com
Availability: Many dates through the summer, sample June 11-12 (in time for the Bonaroo music festival, if Nashville is on the way for you)
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: All room types
Rate variation: $89.00 Hotels.com, $99.99 WR
Special Comments: Great location in the heart of downtown Nashville. Enjoy.
The reader also contributed Super 8 Nashville - Museum. I cannot confirm that this BRG is still available, though. No time today to investigate, the beach is calling me, so I leave it in your hands.
The Days Inn Downtown I posted here last Wednesday, so it may be a re-post for some.
Days Inn Downtown Nashville
Hotel Address: 211 North First Street, Nashville, TN, 37213 US
Competitor Website: http://www.hotels.com
Availability: Many dates through the summer, sample June 11-12 (in time for the Bonaroo music festival, if Nashville is on the way for you)
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: All room types
Rate variation: $89.00 Hotels.com, $99.99 WR
Special Comments: Great location in the heart of downtown Nashville. Enjoy.
The reader also contributed Super 8 Nashville - Museum. I cannot confirm that this BRG is still available, though. No time today to investigate, the beach is calling me, so I leave it in your hands.
Vacation time: What to expect over the next four weeks
Well, it's time for another vacation here, all free on the BRG (25 nights in total).
I will have internet access during the time I'm gone and should still be able to bring you content, but I am relying on YOU (yes, that's you reading this) to bring me BRGs to post. I won't have the time (nor the desire!) to spend valuable vacation time searching for BRGs (but I'm an addict, so we'll see).
If you'd like to submit a BRG you've found while I'm away, email it to me at bestrateguarantee @ gmail . com
I've set plenty of auto-posts (mostly lessons on how to maximize BRGs as well as some good travel deals I've found). These should cover my daily readers while I'm away. I will be checking my email, though, and you can expect every submission to be posted. I'll try to make it seem like I haven't even left.
Bon voyage,
The BRG Blog
I will have internet access during the time I'm gone and should still be able to bring you content, but I am relying on YOU (yes, that's you reading this) to bring me BRGs to post. I won't have the time (nor the desire!) to spend valuable vacation time searching for BRGs (but I'm an addict, so we'll see).
If you'd like to submit a BRG you've found while I'm away, email it to me at bestrateguarantee @ gmail . com
I've set plenty of auto-posts (mostly lessons on how to maximize BRGs as well as some good travel deals I've found). These should cover my daily readers while I'm away. I will be checking my email, though, and you can expect every submission to be posted. I'll try to make it seem like I haven't even left.
Bon voyage,
The BRG Blog
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Learning to use Kayak for BRG searches, step by step.
I've long lauded Kayak as THE BEST way of finding BRGs. Coupled with a HotelsCombined search, it's really all you need to consistently find BRGs time and time again. Neither is completely perfect - Kayak searches many sites that HotelsCombined does not (ie. Wyndham), while HotelsCombined searches many sites that Kayak does not (ie. Priceline). Searching Kayak is necessary to get the Wyndham rates to appear next to competitors - and HotelsCombined can be loaded side by side for even more search results (as it does not compare anything to Wyndham, but just compares between competitors).
For those pressed for time and want consistent BRG finds (like myself), Kayak and HotelsCombined are time savers (especially for Orbitz since its next to impossible to compare that site on your own - so tedious). It's especially easy to find and locate BRGs on these sites, because you don't need to sift through mountains of rates for Holiday Inns, Best Westerns, and other non-Wyndham brands - all you need to do is check the "Wyndham" icon, and your search is instantly narrowed down on either site.
The following lesson provides step by step instructions on how to properly search Kayak to find free rooms. We've found over 900 free rooms thus far using Kayak, and it hasn't disappointed us yet.
HotelsCombined is essentially the same in every way, except as I mentioned before, the Wyndham rates do not appear in HotelsCombined - you need to compare them to the Wyndham rates shown in your Kayak search. Might take a bit longer, but you will find yourself with heaps of free hotel rooms if you do so!
First, click the Kayak banner to do your search.
This supports the blog and helps keep it online, at NO COST to you.
Thank YOU for your heartfelt support of our work!
Now enter your search terms.
Then narrow your search results to ONLY the Wyndham Hotel Group.
Note that the above photo says "Triprewards" but it has since been changed to "Wyndham Hotel Group".
HotelsCombined's interface requires you to select "Wyndham"
and then click a small "go" button, to the right.
Now look through the search results and compare rates.
We found one BRG right on the first page!
Another BRG is lurking on the second page. This one's a good catch.
Now we need to verify that the rates actually exist.
So, open the links in a new window.
Orbitz shows a King Bed room for $154.81
Ramada has the same room for $169.99
For those pressed for time and want consistent BRG finds (like myself), Kayak and HotelsCombined are time savers (especially for Orbitz since its next to impossible to compare that site on your own - so tedious). It's especially easy to find and locate BRGs on these sites, because you don't need to sift through mountains of rates for Holiday Inns, Best Westerns, and other non-Wyndham brands - all you need to do is check the "Wyndham" icon, and your search is instantly narrowed down on either site.
The following lesson provides step by step instructions on how to properly search Kayak to find free rooms. We've found over 900 free rooms thus far using Kayak, and it hasn't disappointed us yet.
HotelsCombined is essentially the same in every way, except as I mentioned before, the Wyndham rates do not appear in HotelsCombined - you need to compare them to the Wyndham rates shown in your Kayak search. Might take a bit longer, but you will find yourself with heaps of free hotel rooms if you do so!
Let's begin the lesson right on the front page of the Best Rate Guarantee Blog.
First, click the Kayak banner to do your search.
This supports the blog and helps keep it online, at NO COST to you.
Thank YOU for your heartfelt support of our work!
Now enter your search terms.
Then narrow your search results to ONLY the Wyndham Hotel Group.Note that the above photo says "Triprewards" but it has since been changed to "Wyndham Hotel Group".
HotelsCombined's interface requires you to select "Wyndham"
and then click a small "go" button, to the right.
Now look through the search results and compare rates.
We found one BRG right on the first page!
Another BRG is lurking on the second page. This one's a good catch.
Now we need to verify that the rates actually exist.
So, open the links in a new window.
Orbitz shows a King Bed room for $154.81
Ramada has the same room for $169.99
YOU'VE JUST FOUND TWO BRG'S IN LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES!
If you follow these steps, you're sure to find many, many BRGs.
Begin your search on Kayak right now. Simply click here to begin.
and/or
Click here to begin your HotelsCombined search
Begin your search on Kayak right now. Simply click here to begin.
and/or
Click here to begin your HotelsCombined search
Expedia 24 Hour Sale Opportunties for May 14, 2008
Not too many this week, but good choices for how few there are.
Remember to make screenshots, especially today. These rates won't be here tomorrow and if the WR claim staff don't get to it today, you're claim will be denied - so attach the screenshot if you have a webserver of your own, or respond after the denial.
Remember how to make a screenshot?
Without further ado:
Travelodge by the Space Needle - Seattle, Washington
As predicted, here it is again for those who wrote me about the sad news that their claims were denied due to lack of screenshot. Second chances are rare, so make sure your claim is flawless.
Same terms as last week, pretty much
Wingate by Wyndham Tampa North - Tampa, Florida
Set in front of Flatwoods Nature Preserve, this hotel is within a 3-mile radius of several golf courses and 8 miles from Busch Gardens.
30% off today only on Expedia. Sample date: June 7-8, rates $91.00 Expedia, $130.00 WR
Enjoy, folks!
2 Hours from now (9:00 AM Eastern Time), come back here for a detailed lesson (with photos) on how to properly search Kayak and maximize your chances of finding a BRG.
I'm in the sky right now, high above North America, so forgive me if I don't get to your emails before tomorrow (Thursday).
Remember to make screenshots, especially today. These rates won't be here tomorrow and if the WR claim staff don't get to it today, you're claim will be denied - so attach the screenshot if you have a webserver of your own, or respond after the denial.
Remember how to make a screenshot?
Without further ado:
Travelodge by the Space Needle - Seattle, Washington
As predicted, here it is again for those who wrote me about the sad news that their claims were denied due to lack of screenshot. Second chances are rare, so make sure your claim is flawless.
Same terms as last week, pretty much
Wingate by Wyndham Tampa North - Tampa, Florida
Set in front of Flatwoods Nature Preserve, this hotel is within a 3-mile radius of several golf courses and 8 miles from Busch Gardens.
30% off today only on Expedia. Sample date: June 7-8, rates $91.00 Expedia, $130.00 WR
Enjoy, folks!
2 Hours from now (9:00 AM Eastern Time), come back here for a detailed lesson (with photos) on how to properly search Kayak and maximize your chances of finding a BRG.
I'm in the sky right now, high above North America, so forgive me if I don't get to your emails before tomorrow (Thursday).
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Ramada Downtown - Seattle, Washington
Hotel Address: 2200 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98121 US
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com
Availability: Sample dates: June 4-5, possibly many more. Check yours on Kayak.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: Any room type - they're all cheaper.
Rate variation: Sample: King is $156-ish on Orbitz, $169.99 WR
Special Comments: Excellent location in the heart of downtown. Enjoy.
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com
Availability: Sample dates: June 4-5, possibly many more. Check yours on Kayak.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: Any room type - they're all cheaper.
Rate variation: Sample: King is $156-ish on Orbitz, $169.99 WR
Special Comments: Excellent location in the heart of downtown. Enjoy.
Days Inn - Arlington, Virginia (Washington DC Area)
This one comes to us from my friend Rick at FrugalTravelGuy.com. Thanks Rick!
Hotel Address: 2201 Arlington Blvd, Arlington, VA, 22201 US
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com
Availability: Sample date: May 19-20, possibly many more. Check your dates on Kayak.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 1 Queen Bed Room Non Smoking
Rate variation: $129.01 Orbitz, $159.00 Wyndham
Special Comments: There is a shuttle to a local metro station, but if you book this one, its probably best if you have your own car.
Hotel Address: 2201 Arlington Blvd, Arlington, VA, 22201 US
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com
Availability: Sample date: May 19-20, possibly many more. Check your dates on Kayak.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 1 Queen Bed Room Non Smoking
Rate variation: $129.01 Orbitz, $159.00 Wyndham
Special Comments: There is a shuttle to a local metro station, but if you book this one, its probably best if you have your own car.
Travelodge Seattle North Aurora - Seattle, Washington
This one was contributed by a reader earlier today. I originally thought this was the same hotel I listed a couple of days ago, but its different for my readers who are also caught off guard by the North Aurora aspect. The reader tells me this is right on a main transit line into downtown Seattle (Express Bus 358).
Hotel Address: 8512 Aurora Ave North, Seattle, WA, 98103 US
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com
Availability: Not specified, but check for your dates. YMMV.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: Not specified, I assume the most basic room.
Rate variation: $74.07 Orbitz, $79.99 WR
Special Comments: Consider coupling this with the other North Aurora property I listed on the weekend.
Hotel Address: 8512 Aurora Ave North, Seattle, WA, 98103 US
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com
Availability: Not specified, but check for your dates. YMMV.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: Not specified, I assume the most basic room.
Rate variation: $74.07 Orbitz, $79.99 WR
Special Comments: Consider coupling this with the other North Aurora property I listed on the weekend.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Save 15% on your next Orbitz hotel stay
I recieved this offer from Orbitz today. It seems anyone can use it.
Enter code EMSAVE15 to save 15% on your next hotel stay.
Book by May 26, 2008 to save on travel through July 31, 2008.
Not a bad deal if you HAVE to buy a hotel where BRGs don't exist (international/Hawaii)
Enjoy.
Enter code EMSAVE15 to save 15% on your next hotel stay.
Book by May 26, 2008 to save on travel through July 31, 2008.
Not a bad deal if you HAVE to buy a hotel where BRGs don't exist (international/Hawaii)
Enjoy.
(Probably dead) Reader contributions - Atlanta, Georgia and San Antonio, Texas
I'm not able to confirm that these are still working, as the WyndhamRewards website is undergoing maintenance right now. I'll list them here as YMMV.
Hotel Address: 3450 Venture Pkwy, Atlanta/Duluth, GA 30096
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com
Availability: Undeterminable right now. Check your dates.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: Not specified by the contributor.
Rate variation: $68.00 Orbitz, $80.00 WR
Special Comments: Sample date was May 31, but Orbitz isn't offering the hotel on that date. This one may be dead, but check your dates just in case.
Hotel Address: 3817 I H 35 North, San Antonio, TX
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com
Availability: Undeterminable right now. Check your dates.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 2 Double Beds non -smoking.
Rate variation: $65.32 Orbitz, $69.99 WR
Special Comments: Sample date was June 12, but Orbitz isn't offering the hotel on that date. This one may be dead, but check your dates just in case.
Wingate by Wyndham - Gwinnett Place Mall (thanks Carly)
Hotel Address: 3450 Venture Pkwy, Atlanta/Duluth, GA 30096
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com
Availability: Undeterminable right now. Check your dates.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: Not specified by the contributor.
Rate variation: $68.00 Orbitz, $80.00 WR
Special Comments: Sample date was May 31, but Orbitz isn't offering the hotel on that date. This one may be dead, but check your dates just in case.
Howard Johnson - San Antonio, Texas (thanks Rick)
Hotel Address: 3817 I H 35 North, San Antonio, TX
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com
Availability: Undeterminable right now. Check your dates.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 2 Double Beds non -smoking.
Rate variation: $65.32 Orbitz, $69.99 WR
Special Comments: Sample date was June 12, but Orbitz isn't offering the hotel on that date. This one may be dead, but check your dates just in case.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Howard Johnson Inn - Cincinnati, Ohio
Here's another Cincinatti hotel that can potentially be coupled with the Days Inn I listed a couple days ago for a multiple night stay.
Hotel Address: 5410 Ridge Avenue/I-71, Cincinnati, OH 45213 US
Competitor Website: http://www.hotels.com
Availability: May 2008 and possibly many more dates, check for yours with a simple Kayak search. Sample date: May 15-16.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: One Queen (S/NS) or Two Doubles
Rate variation: ($53.00 Hotels.com, $56.00 WR)
Special Comments: Right on I-71 at exit 8.
Hotel Address: 5410 Ridge Avenue/I-71, Cincinnati, OH 45213 US
Competitor Website: http://www.hotels.com
Availability: May 2008 and possibly many more dates, check for yours with a simple Kayak search. Sample date: May 15-16.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: One Queen (S/NS) or Two Doubles
Rate variation: ($53.00 Hotels.com, $56.00 WR)
Special Comments: Right on I-71 at exit 8.
Days Inn North Aurora - Seattle, Washington
This one comes to us from reader Shawn. Thanks again, Shawn, for the great opportunity. If you were lucky enough to book other Seattle properties, this one can easily be stacked for a nice little vacation.
Hotel Address: 8512 Aurora Ave North, Seattle, WA, 98103 US
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com
Availability: Sample dates: June 9-10 (possibly many more). Check for yours.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 1 Queen Bed Room
Rate variation: $83.44 Orbitz, $89.99 WR
Special Comments: This one was working as of 4:25 AM EDT. Auto-posting at 9 AM EDT. Get your screenshots and claims in while you can.
Hotel Address: 8512 Aurora Ave North, Seattle, WA, 98103 US
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com
Availability: Sample dates: June 9-10 (possibly many more). Check for yours.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 1 Queen Bed Room
Rate variation: $83.44 Orbitz, $89.99 WR
Special Comments: This one was working as of 4:25 AM EDT. Auto-posting at 9 AM EDT. Get your screenshots and claims in while you can.
Screenshot Advice: How to rescue yourself from disappearing rates
********************************************
PLEASE NOTE:
AS OF NOVEMBER 13, 2008 SCREENSHOTS ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTED BY WYNDHAM DUE TO FRAUD.
Red Lion and possibly Wyndham Hotels and Resorts may still accept them, so we will leave this post as is. Please do not attempt to send a screenshot to Wyndham Rewards staff, as it will not be looked at.
There is currently no way to prove that a lower rate ever existed for Wyndham Rewards hotels.
See the post here for that announcement, and why.
And see the post here for Wyndham's official statement on the matter.
*********************************************
The original post:
Screenshots are absolutely essential to make sure your claims go through - cheaper rate or no cheaper rate.
What is a screenshot?
A screenshot is just that, a snapshot of your computer screen. It proves that the rate was visible to you and available for booking.
What page do I take a screenshot of?
Only the final booking page. Anything else is irrelevant and not valid at all.
What information do I need in a screenshot?
Your screenshot can have nothing less than the following. Miss any of this, and you're screwed. You need: 1) Hotel Name (and preferably address), 2) Room Rate before taxes, 3) Number of people in the room, 4) Date of check-in/check-out, 5) Credit card entry area (the worlds "enter credit card information" will suffice"), 6) Date and time of the screenshot (you need to hover over your computer's clock or raise the window bar up to show the date and time).
How can I make a screenshot?
You can either download a screenshot program (Google search 'screenshot program') or do it my preferred way, the old fashioned way. Simple get the information you need on the screen, then hit "PRT SCR" on your keyboard. Nothing will seem to happen, but you have taken the photo. Now, go into a photo editing software (ie. Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Paint) and paste it in. The screenshot will magically appear. Now, save it.
Now what do I do with the screenshot?
That all depends on if you have a web server or not. If you have a website or web address, then upload the picture file to the internet and refer the claims staff to that file on your website in the "Special comments" box of the claim form. If you don't, you'll have to wait to be denied before being able to attach the picture file and send it to them via e-mail.
Here are some examples of good and bad screenshots:
Example: Expedia.com, June 1-2, 2008, at the Days Inn Colby Kansas
PLEASE NOTE:
AS OF NOVEMBER 13, 2008 SCREENSHOTS ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTED BY WYNDHAM DUE TO FRAUD.
Red Lion and possibly Wyndham Hotels and Resorts may still accept them, so we will leave this post as is. Please do not attempt to send a screenshot to Wyndham Rewards staff, as it will not be looked at.
There is currently no way to prove that a lower rate ever existed for Wyndham Rewards hotels.
See the post here for that announcement, and why.
And see the post here for Wyndham's official statement on the matter.
*********************************************
The original post:
Screenshots are absolutely essential to make sure your claims go through - cheaper rate or no cheaper rate.
What is a screenshot?
A screenshot is just that, a snapshot of your computer screen. It proves that the rate was visible to you and available for booking.
What page do I take a screenshot of?
Only the final booking page. Anything else is irrelevant and not valid at all.
What information do I need in a screenshot?
Your screenshot can have nothing less than the following. Miss any of this, and you're screwed. You need: 1) Hotel Name (and preferably address), 2) Room Rate before taxes, 3) Number of people in the room, 4) Date of check-in/check-out, 5) Credit card entry area (the worlds "enter credit card information" will suffice"), 6) Date and time of the screenshot (you need to hover over your computer's clock or raise the window bar up to show the date and time).
How can I make a screenshot?
You can either download a screenshot program (Google search 'screenshot program') or do it my preferred way, the old fashioned way. Simple get the information you need on the screen, then hit "PRT SCR" on your keyboard. Nothing will seem to happen, but you have taken the photo. Now, go into a photo editing software (ie. Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Paint) and paste it in. The screenshot will magically appear. Now, save it.
Now what do I do with the screenshot?
That all depends on if you have a web server or not. If you have a website or web address, then upload the picture file to the internet and refer the claims staff to that file on your website in the "Special comments" box of the claim form. If you don't, you'll have to wait to be denied before being able to attach the picture file and send it to them via e-mail.
Here are some examples of good and bad screenshots:
Example: Expedia.com, June 1-2, 2008, at the Days Inn Colby Kansas
Bad Screenshot....Just the search results
Another Bad Screenshot... Just the rate details
Getting closer - the final booking page,
but missing the current date and the room details
Voila - the perfect screenshot.
Room details, and current date and time, and Payment info field.
Enjoy making screenshots!
They're guaranteed to get you more free hotel rooms. I promise!
And as always, please BE HONEST with your screenshots.
Another Bad Screenshot... Just the rate details
Getting closer - the final booking page,
but missing the current date and the room details
Voila - the perfect screenshot.
Room details, and current date and time, and Payment info field.
Enjoy making screenshots!
They're guaranteed to get you more free hotel rooms. I promise!
And as always, please BE HONEST with your screenshots.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Hard drive supposedly now fixed...
I ran my Windows XP recovery CD and the computer seems to be in tip-top shape now. Looks like I'm back in business and ready to bring you new BRGs.
Hard drive crash & a quiet weekend
Don't expect too much this weekend as my hard drive crashed this
morning (karma?) and I'm using my iPod touch to post this.
morning (karma?) and I'm using my iPod touch to post this.
I'll still post deals if I recieve any leads from you all, but done
expect anything fancy until my new hard drive is installed tomorrow or
Sunday. This iPod seems like one step above an old telegram machine
Thanks everyone
Thursday, May 8, 2008
MGM Grand 10-day Blowout Sale - Rooms from $68
George tipped me off to a great deal that the MGM Las Vegas is having.
From May 26 through June 8, you can get rooms from $68 and suites for less than $100 on weekdays.
Click here to check out the sale
From May 26 through June 8, you can get rooms from $68 and suites for less than $100 on weekdays.
Click here to check out the sale
Days Inn - Port Orchard, Washington
This one comes to me courtesy of Shawn. Thanks for the great find, Shawn.
Hotel Address: 220 Bravo Terrace, Port Orchard, WA 98366 US
Competitor Website: http://www.travelocity.com
Availability: Many dates available. Sample June 9-10.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: Standard King Smoking (ask for a non smoking upon check in or call in after the rate is zero if this is a problem)
Rate variation: $99.00 Travelocity, $99.99 WR (for the King smoking)
Special Comments: Shawn says this one's good to go. Enjoy. Located on the Kitsap peninsula just south of Bremerton, within an hour's ferry ride from Seattle.
Hotel Address: 220 Bravo Terrace, Port Orchard, WA 98366 US
Competitor Website: http://www.travelocity.com
Availability: Many dates available. Sample June 9-10.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: Standard King Smoking (ask for a non smoking upon check in or call in after the rate is zero if this is a problem)
Rate variation: $99.00 Travelocity, $99.99 WR (for the King smoking)
Special Comments: Shawn says this one's good to go. Enjoy. Located on the Kitsap peninsula just south of Bremerton, within an hour's ferry ride from Seattle.
Wingate by Wyndham - Charleston, West Virginia
This one was contributed today by my friend Rick. Thanks, Rick, for the great opportunity.
Hotel Address: 402 Second Ave, South Charleston, WV 25303 US
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com
Availability: Most dates seem to be available. Check yours. Sample June 4-5.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: All basic room types (eg. 2 Queens standard)
Rate variation: Around 7% off on Orbitz. ($92.82 Orbitz, $99.00 WR).
Hotel Address: 402 Second Ave, South Charleston, WV 25303 US
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com
Availability: Most dates seem to be available. Check yours. Sample June 4-5.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: All basic room types (eg. 2 Queens standard)
Rate variation: Around 7% off on Orbitz. ($92.82 Orbitz, $99.00 WR).
Knights Inn - Charleston, West Virginia
Here's another Charleston BRG. I found this one while verifying the availability details for the Wingate from Rick.
This is the first Knights Inn BRG opportunity on the blog. Now I've featured them all.
Hotel Address: 6401 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304 US
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com
Availability: Many dates available (sample June 4-5)
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: Any room type.
Rate variation: Just shy of WR's rates - around 5% off. ($52.79 Orbitz, $54.99 WR)
Special Comments: Good to use in conjunction with the Wingate.
This is the first Knights Inn BRG opportunity on the blog. Now I've featured them all.
Hotel Address: 6401 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304 US
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com
Availability: Many dates available (sample June 4-5)
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: Any room type.
Rate variation: Just shy of WR's rates - around 5% off. ($52.79 Orbitz, $54.99 WR)
Special Comments: Good to use in conjunction with the Wingate.
Days Inn Near Sea World - San Diego, California
Here's another San Diego hotel, courtesy of George. Anyone want to go to San Diego?
Hotel Address: 3350 Rosecrans Street/I-8, San Diego, CA 92110 US
Competitor Website: http://www.tripres.com
Availability: Mid May (sample May 17-18), and probably many more. Check yours.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: One King Bed Suite (or two double beds)
Rate variation: $120.00 Tripres, $159.00 WR
Hotel Address: 3350 Rosecrans Street/I-8, San Diego, CA 92110 US
Competitor Website: http://www.tripres.com
Availability: Mid May (sample May 17-18), and probably many more. Check yours.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: One King Bed Suite (or two double beds)
Rate variation: $120.00 Tripres, $159.00 WR
A couple of San Diego BRG Opportunities courtesy of George...
Both are in San Diego's famous "Hotel Circle", in the center of everything. Looks like these are guaranteed BRG opportunities. Thanks, George.
Days Inn Hotel Circle - San Diego, California
Hotel Address: 543 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92108 US
Competitor Website: http://www.tripres.com
Availability: Scattered dates in June, mainly weekdays. Sample: June 6-7
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 2 Queen Beds with Kitchenette
Rate variation: ($160.00 TripRes, $182.00 WR)
Special Comments: Hurry on this one - other TripRes sourced-BRGs have disappeared quickly once Wyndham had discovered them.
Ramada Plaza Hotel Circle South
Hotel Address: 2151 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92108 US
Competitor Website: http://www.tripres.com
Availability: Sample dates in mid May (16-17) and possibly many more. Check.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 2 Queen Beds (Standard Room or Business Room)
Rate variation: Business class ($129.00 TripRes, $159.00 WR)
Special Comments: Hurry on this one - other TripRes sourced-BRGs have disappeared quickly once Wyndham had discovered them. George says that the room description matches up perfectly.
Days Inn Hotel Circle - San Diego, California
Hotel Address: 543 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92108 US
Competitor Website: http://www.tripres.com
Availability: Scattered dates in June, mainly weekdays. Sample: June 6-7
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 2 Queen Beds with Kitchenette
Rate variation: ($160.00 TripRes, $182.00 WR)
Special Comments: Hurry on this one - other TripRes sourced-BRGs have disappeared quickly once Wyndham had discovered them.
Ramada Plaza Hotel Circle South
Hotel Address: 2151 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92108 US
Competitor Website: http://www.tripres.com
Availability: Sample dates in mid May (16-17) and possibly many more. Check.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 2 Queen Beds (Standard Room or Business Room)
Rate variation: Business class ($129.00 TripRes, $159.00 WR)
Special Comments: Hurry on this one - other TripRes sourced-BRGs have disappeared quickly once Wyndham had discovered them. George says that the room description matches up perfectly.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Super 8 Motel University/Downtown - Austin, Texas
This one was found on Slickdeals earlier today. The poster reports that they've recieved 3 rooms already and 1 is pending. Good location.
Hotel Address: 5526 N IH-35, Austin, TX, 78751 US
Competitor Website: http://www.hotels.com
Availability: July 2008 sample date, possibly many more - check for your dates.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: Standard room types.
Rate variation: $99.00 Hotels.com, $99.99 WR
Hotel Address: 5526 N IH-35, Austin, TX, 78751 US
Competitor Website: http://www.hotels.com
Availability: July 2008 sample date, possibly many more - check for your dates.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: Standard room types.
Rate variation: $99.00 Hotels.com, $99.99 WR
Kayak Tip - Finding "hidden" BRGs
Usually, I play it fast trying to find BRGs on Kayak, since I'm in a rush to keep this site updated with new content. I find the obvious, but I probably miss a lot. I don't usually mind missing a lot, though, since I can't be expected to find everything.
Why do I miss a lot? Because Kayak likes to round up, and "hides" some rates.
If a room is going for $90.20 or $90.50, it will call this $100. If WR is $99.99, you could get a BRG, but Kayak will show:
$100 Hotels.com $100 Daysinn.com etc.
To see all rates quick and easily (without visiting the websites to look at the rates, which would take forever) just click the "Details" link on the hotel you are viewing. It will pop up a box showing the actual rates with dollars and cents, which you can easily click out of and continue down the list. It's worth doing, even if your chances of finding one of these oddities is probably 1 in 50.
Just a suggestion. I'll be doing this for cities I care about/need to find BRGs for, but in general, I find enough as it is that I'm happy to leave a few undiscovered. I'm not a sadist, after all :)
Why do I miss a lot? Because Kayak likes to round up, and "hides" some rates.
If a room is going for $90.20 or $90.50, it will call this $100. If WR is $99.99, you could get a BRG, but Kayak will show:
$100 Hotels.com $100 Daysinn.com etc.
To see all rates quick and easily (without visiting the websites to look at the rates, which would take forever) just click the "Details" link on the hotel you are viewing. It will pop up a box showing the actual rates with dollars and cents, which you can easily click out of and continue down the list. It's worth doing, even if your chances of finding one of these oddities is probably 1 in 50.
Just a suggestion. I'll be doing this for cities I care about/need to find BRGs for, but in general, I find enough as it is that I'm happy to leave a few undiscovered. I'm not a sadist, after all :)
Days Inn Downtown At The Stadium - Nashville, Tennessee
Here's another Nashville one, this time contributed from reader 'xanthuos'. Nashville seems to be a great place to head for a BRG run. I hope you like country music.
Property Website: Click here
Hotel Address: 211 North First Street, Nashville, TN, 37213 US
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com
Availability: All dates are available through EOS, according to Matthew
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: All room types should work
Rate variation: One cent cheaper on Orbitz.
Special Comments: Guaranteed BRG with many approvals
Property Website: Click here
Hotel Address: 211 North First Street, Nashville, TN, 37213 US
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com
Availability: All dates are available through EOS, according to Matthew
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: All room types should work
Rate variation: One cent cheaper on Orbitz.
Special Comments: Guaranteed BRG with many approvals
7 New BRG Opportunities: 24 Hour sale and otherwise
I have realized that some of these aren't limited to 24 hours, but for some reason they group them with the "24 hour sale" hotels, so the today-only claim requirement might be bogus for some of these. I'll point out the ones that specify the sale is TODAY ONLY.
I've also noticed WyndhamRewards has been very good at eliminating the slews of 24 hour sale opportunities I used to get. I'm smart enough to know that people from Wyndham read this blog and act upon it, and I'm sure they started encouraging properties to stop making these 24 hour deals with Expedia - they'll make more money in the end, not having to eat the free rooms. They're getting few and far between - let's hope that this is just a lull and my hunch is incorrect.
If you want to support this blog at absolutely no cost to yourself, consider using Kayak for your BRG searches (click this link and it will open in a new window - neat!). Even if you access these BRG opportunities through Kayak's referral instead of just typing in "Wyndham Rewards.com" you are supporting me and my work, and allowing me to maintain this website. That, and the fact that Kayak is awesome. Thanks in advance, I appreciate all of you.
Without further ado, here they are. Some repeats, but they might be useful to my newer readers:
Sample dates were all midweek in May and early June. Check for your dates.
These were listed in the 24 hour sale (but some are available daily):
Days Inn East - Cincinnati, Ohio
10% off on Expedia ($45.00 Expedia, $40.50 WR). All room types will work.
Wingate by Wyndham - Savannah, Georgia
30% off on Expedia ($69.30 Expedia, $99.00 WR). One King or Two Doubles. No Suites.
Baymont Inn & Suites Garden City - Savannah, Georgia - TODAY ONLY
30% off on Expedia ($62.30 Expedia, $89.00 WR). All room types will work.
Travelodge By The Space Needle - Seattle, Washington
10% off on Expedia ($89.10 Expedia, $99.00 WR). All room types should work.
Not sure if this will work for anyone. It's a pesky Wyndham, and not a webrate - but in this case, there is no webrate. It remains to be seen if they'll honor it. I'd give it a shot, since the Wyndham rate does not need to be prepaid:
Wyndham Cypress Palms Vacation Rental - Orlando, Florida
10% off on Expedia ($107.10 Expedia, $119.00 Wyndham.com). One-bedroom apartment.
These ones I found on my own, independent of the 24 hour sale:
Super 8 Nashville Downtown - Nashville, Tennessee
10% off on Expedia ($49.50 Expedia, $54.88 WR). All room types should work.
Baymont Inn and Suites Nashville/Whitebridge - Nashville, Tennessee
20% off on Expedia ($76.00 Expedia, $95.00 WR). Standard King or Double.
Enjoy the deals, everyone!!!
I've also noticed WyndhamRewards has been very good at eliminating the slews of 24 hour sale opportunities I used to get. I'm smart enough to know that people from Wyndham read this blog and act upon it, and I'm sure they started encouraging properties to stop making these 24 hour deals with Expedia - they'll make more money in the end, not having to eat the free rooms. They're getting few and far between - let's hope that this is just a lull and my hunch is incorrect.
If you want to support this blog at absolutely no cost to yourself, consider using Kayak for your BRG searches (click this link and it will open in a new window - neat!). Even if you access these BRG opportunities through Kayak's referral instead of just typing in "Wyndham Rewards.com" you are supporting me and my work, and allowing me to maintain this website. That, and the fact that Kayak is awesome. Thanks in advance, I appreciate all of you.
Without further ado, here they are. Some repeats, but they might be useful to my newer readers:
Sample dates were all midweek in May and early June. Check for your dates.
These were listed in the 24 hour sale (but some are available daily):
Days Inn East - Cincinnati, Ohio
10% off on Expedia ($45.00 Expedia, $40.50 WR). All room types will work.
Wingate by Wyndham - Savannah, Georgia
30% off on Expedia ($69.30 Expedia, $99.00 WR). One King or Two Doubles. No Suites.
Baymont Inn & Suites Garden City - Savannah, Georgia - TODAY ONLY
30% off on Expedia ($62.30 Expedia, $89.00 WR). All room types will work.
Travelodge By The Space Needle - Seattle, Washington
10% off on Expedia ($89.10 Expedia, $99.00 WR). All room types should work.
Not sure if this will work for anyone. It's a pesky Wyndham, and not a webrate - but in this case, there is no webrate. It remains to be seen if they'll honor it. I'd give it a shot, since the Wyndham rate does not need to be prepaid:
Wyndham Cypress Palms Vacation Rental - Orlando, Florida
10% off on Expedia ($107.10 Expedia, $119.00 Wyndham.com). One-bedroom apartment.
These ones I found on my own, independent of the 24 hour sale:
Super 8 Nashville Downtown - Nashville, Tennessee
10% off on Expedia ($49.50 Expedia, $54.88 WR). All room types should work.
Baymont Inn and Suites Nashville/Whitebridge - Nashville, Tennessee
20% off on Expedia ($76.00 Expedia, $95.00 WR). Standard King or Double.
Enjoy the deals, everyone!!!
Save $33 on your next Spirit Airlines ticket
It's sure not the $0.00 error like last week, but it's still pretty decent.
SAVE33 will take $33 off of the roundtrip price of any ticket in the system.
Enjoy.
SAVE33 will take $33 off of the roundtrip price of any ticket in the system.
Enjoy.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Ramada Wilshire Center - Los Angeles, California
Perfect location for Los Angeles, near almost everything. $5 parking fee, for those bringing their wheels. This one comes to us courtesy of one of my readers. Thanks!
Property Website: Click here
Hotel Address: 3900 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90010 US
Competitor Website: http://www.reservetravel.com
Availability: Most dates in 2008. This is not so much a competition as a rate that is simply not available on Wyndham Rewards' website.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 1 King, 1 King Suite, 2 Double Full Beds
Rate variation: 15% off through "Manager's Special". 2 Double: $97.75 Res.Tra., $115 WR.
Special Comments: Look for "Manager's Special" in the room rate description. You can also find this through a simple Kayak search.
Property Website: Click here
Hotel Address: 3900 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90010 US
Competitor Website: http://www.reservetravel.com
Availability: Most dates in 2008. This is not so much a competition as a rate that is simply not available on Wyndham Rewards' website.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 1 King, 1 King Suite, 2 Double Full Beds
Rate variation: 15% off through "Manager's Special". 2 Double: $97.75 Res.Tra., $115 WR.
Special Comments: Look for "Manager's Special" in the room rate description. You can also find this through a simple Kayak search.
Howard Johnson Inn and Suites - Jacksonville FL
This comes to us from TJKid on SD. Looks like a good BRG opportunity, with several confirmed claims.
Property Website: Click here
Hotel Address: 4300 Salisbury Rd North, Jacksonville, FL, 32216
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com
Availability: Most dates are available, even into fall 2008 and beyond.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: King/Double Bed Rooms and 2 Room Suites - pretty much any room type
Rate variation: Just a few pennies cheaper on Orbitz - between 2% and 5% off.
Special Comments: Right on I-95, perfect for your next road trip, and convenient to the south side of Jacksonville.
Property Website: Click here
Hotel Address: 4300 Salisbury Rd North, Jacksonville, FL, 32216
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com
Availability: Most dates are available, even into fall 2008 and beyond.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: King/Double Bed Rooms and 2 Room Suites - pretty much any room type
Rate variation: Just a few pennies cheaper on Orbitz - between 2% and 5% off.
Special Comments: Right on I-95, perfect for your next road trip, and convenient to the south side of Jacksonville.
Travelodge Ambassador Strip Inn - Las Vegas, Nevada
This one comes to us courtesy of "RutgersKittyn". Not the best motel on the strip by far. Be cautious, given my experiences (bodily fluids around the room, exrement on the walls at the Knights Inn Las Vegas Airport). But, it's worth booking just in case its liveable.
Property Website: Click here
Hotel Address: 5075 Koval Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89119 US
Competitor Website: http://www.expedia.com
Availability: Every day through September 3, 2008.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: Standard Room with 1 King or 2 Double Beds
Rate variation: Up to 30% off on Expedia (green slash rate)
Special Comments: Enjoy?
Property Website: Click here
Hotel Address: 5075 Koval Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89119 US
Competitor Website: http://www.expedia.com
Availability: Every day through September 3, 2008.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: Standard Room with 1 King or 2 Double Beds
Rate variation: Up to 30% off on Expedia (green slash rate)
Special Comments: Enjoy?
Days Inn Hospitality Lane - San Bernardino, California (Los Angeles area)
Here's a good location in the east suburbs of Los Angeles. Anyone who wants to beat the traffic of LA on their way out one morning to Vegas (or vice versa) will find this useful.
Property Website: Click here
Hotel Address: 1909 South Business Center Dr, San Bernardino, CA
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com
Availability: Sample dates: June 26-27, 2008. Check for your dates on KAYAK, comparing the Orbitz rates side by side with the WR rates. They'll pop out at you.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 1 King, 2 Doubles, or 1King/Queen combo
Rate variation: Around 7% cheaper on orbitz ($140 vs. $150 or so)
Special Comments: Enjoy.
Property Website: Click here
Hotel Address: 1909 South Business Center Dr, San Bernardino, CA
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com
Availability: Sample dates: June 26-27, 2008. Check for your dates on KAYAK, comparing the Orbitz rates side by side with the WR rates. They'll pop out at you.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 1 King, 2 Doubles, or 1King/Queen combo
Rate variation: Around 7% cheaper on orbitz ($140 vs. $150 or so)
Special Comments: Enjoy.
Monday, May 5, 2008
News: An update on the $0.00 Spirit Airlines Fare Mistake
I take great pride in the fact that I was the first person on the internet to find and announce the great $0 Spirit Airlines fare mistake. It truly makes me happy getting you all FREE TRAVEL and deals that will make your friends' heads spin.
There were reports that the story was picked up by the Orlando and Miami news bureaus and broadcast. It was fun to be a part (and an instigator) in one of the best mistake fares to ever hit the USA.
I'm glad to report that a Flyertalk member verified today that he was able to check in successfully and fly on the free ticket with no questions asked. Spirit Airlines is either clueless or has chosen to honor these invalid fares. This is good news for me, as I booked 5 ticket in excess of $250 in value.
FT member "The Lurker" posted the following this morning at 6:00 AM:
It's good!
All is well that ends well, folks. Enjoy your free tickets.
There were reports that the story was picked up by the Orlando and Miami news bureaus and broadcast. It was fun to be a part (and an instigator) in one of the best mistake fares to ever hit the USA.
I'm glad to report that a Flyertalk member verified today that he was able to check in successfully and fly on the free ticket with no questions asked. Spirit Airlines is either clueless or has chosen to honor these invalid fares. This is good news for me, as I booked 5 ticket in excess of $250 in value.
FT member "The Lurker" posted the following this morning at 6:00 AM:
It's good!
No problems this morning, checked in online and boarded without any problems or questions.
Thanks for the free trip OP!
P.S. None of the mandatory taxes applied.
Thanks for the free trip OP!
P.S. None of the mandatory taxes applied.
All is well that ends well, folks. Enjoy your free tickets.
Days Inn Mission Bay/Sea World - San Diego, CA (YMMV, Potentially already gone)
This one has been verified to work as of earlier today, but when I just searched for my sample date (which was approved) it was no longer there at the lower rate. But, I list it here as convenience, since it may be for your dates. YMMV.
Property Website: Click here
Hotel Address: 4540 Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA, 92109, US
Competitor Website: http://www.travelworm.com
Availability: Good question. I verified scattered dates in June as of this morning. Don't hold you breath for this one, but I'm glad I got a room approved.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: Standard Room with 2 Queen Beds
Rate variation: $149.00 Travelworm, $189.00 WR
Special Comments: Good luck
Property Website: Click here
Hotel Address: 4540 Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA, 92109, US
Competitor Website: http://www.travelworm.com
Availability: Good question. I verified scattered dates in June as of this morning. Don't hold you breath for this one, but I'm glad I got a room approved.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: Standard Room with 2 Queen Beds
Rate variation: $149.00 Travelworm, $189.00 WR
Special Comments: Good luck
Days Inn San Francisco Airport West - San Bruno, California
This one comes to us courtesy Ming. Thanks Ming. This one is not bad if your travels bring you to SFO in the near future.
Property Website: Click here
Hotel Address: 1550 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA, 94066, US
Competitor Website: http://www.expedia.com
Availability: Very strong availability across entire year of 2008. Every date I checked was available. Sample (5/25 - 5/26)
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 1 King Standard.
Rate variation: Example: $83.00 WR, $75.00 Expedia. Expedia shows $75 for every day of the year.
Special Comments: Not the best property in America by any means, but well worth your trouble for a foolproof BRG.
Property Website: Click here
Hotel Address: 1550 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA, 94066, US
Competitor Website: http://www.expedia.com
Availability: Very strong availability across entire year of 2008. Every date I checked was available. Sample (5/25 - 5/26)
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 1 King Standard.
Rate variation: Example: $83.00 WR, $75.00 Expedia. Expedia shows $75 for every day of the year.
Special Comments: Not the best property in America by any means, but well worth your trouble for a foolproof BRG.
Wingate by Wyndham - Henderson, NV
This one was emailed to me today by reader Ming. Thanks Ming for the great opportunity.
Link to Property Website: Click here
Hotel Address: 3041 Saint Rose Parkway, Henderson, Nevada, 89052 US
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com
Availability: Appears to be available every day through September 24, 2008
- Sample dates (5/19-5/20)
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: All standard rooms, and the 1 King Suite
Rate variation: 15% cheaper on Orbitz for all dates. Sample: $126.65 WR, $119.21 Orbitz
Special Comments: While this does not win points location-wise for those visiting Las Vegas and want to be near the strip, it's a decent choice for business travellers and people passing through the Vegas area. Bring a car if you plan on using this.
Link to Property Website: Click here
Hotel Address: 3041 Saint Rose Parkway, Henderson, Nevada, 89052 US
Competitor Website: http://www.orbitz.com
Availability: Appears to be available every day through September 24, 2008
- Sample dates (5/19-5/20)
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: All standard rooms, and the 1 King Suite
Rate variation: 15% cheaper on Orbitz for all dates. Sample: $126.65 WR, $119.21 Orbitz
Special Comments: While this does not win points location-wise for those visiting Las Vegas and want to be near the strip, it's a decent choice for business travellers and people passing through the Vegas area. Bring a car if you plan on using this.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Days Inn Fashion Square Resort - Scottsdale, Arizona
This one's a good choice if you're heading to the Phoenix area sometime soon.
Hotel Website: Click Here
Hotel Address: 4710 North Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ, 85251 US
Competitor Website: http://www.expedia.com
Availability: Spring/Summer 2008. Scattered weekdays in July and August do not work. Sample working date: May 9-10, 2008.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 2 Double Beds Standard Room.
Rate variation: 10% off on Expedia during "summer sale".
Special Comments: Excellent location right beside the Fashion Square.
Hotel Website: Click Here
Hotel Address: 4710 North Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ, 85251 US
Competitor Website: http://www.expedia.com
Availability: Spring/Summer 2008. Scattered weekdays in July and August do not work. Sample working date: May 9-10, 2008.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: 2 Double Beds Standard Room.
Rate variation: 10% off on Expedia during "summer sale".
Special Comments: Excellent location right beside the Fashion Square.
Ramada Gaslamp/Convention Center - San Diego, California
This is a stunningly excellent location, in the heart of downtown San Diego. You don't often see the higher end Wyndham Rewards hotels available for a BRG, so jump on this one if you can.
Hotel Website: Click here
Hotel Address: 830 6th Avenue, San Diego, CA, 92101 US
Competitor Website: http://www.hotels.com
Availability: Extremely hard to find. Very scattered. Sample (working): 6/27 - 6/28.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: Standard One Queen / Standard Two Queens.
Rate variation: Two queens: $249.00 WR, $219.00 Hotels.com
Special Comments: Consider yourself lucky if you get this!
Hotel Website: Click here
Hotel Address: 830 6th Avenue, San Diego, CA, 92101 US
Availability: Extremely hard to find. Very scattered. Sample (working): 6/27 - 6/28.
Occupancy: 2 Persons
Room Details: Standard One Queen / Standard Two Queens.
Rate variation: Two queens: $249.00 WR, $219.00 Hotels.com
Special Comments: Consider yourself lucky if you get this!
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