San Francisco, California - Encore Express Hotel

The newly renovated Encore Express Hotel is centrally located near Van Ness and Union Square shopping districts. The hotel features 18 guest rooms with a mix of shared hall bath and private bath guest rooms. Each room includes a vanity sink, work station, and a cable TV. Shared bath guest rooms include all the same amenities found in the deluxe rooms. Showers and restrooms are found in four convenient locations just down the hall from the bedrooms.

Hotel Address: 1353 Bush Street, San Francisco, CA 94109

BRG valid for:


Competitor Website: Easyclicktravel.com

Sample Dates: 2/17, 3/13, 4/20 (and many random others!)

Room Details: Double Room - Shared Bath

Rate variation (for sample date 4/20):

Easyclicktravel.com - $30.24 / Expedia.com - $38.25

Official Hotel Website

Tripadvisor Hotel Reviews

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New Orleans, Louisiana - Empress Hotel

In the heart of Downtown New Orleans and within walking distance to the city's most famous attractions, this boutique hotel provides cozy accommodations in the center of the action.

Only steps from the Empress Hotel's front doors are all of the attractions that this historic city is famous for. The cafes, restaurants and bars of Bourbon Street, the historic French Quarter, and the mansions of the Garden District are all just moments away.

Guests at the Empress can start their morning with a complimentary cup of coffee or browse the internet with the hotel's *wireless internet access.

* = common amenity matches

Hotel Address: 1317 Ursulines Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70116

BRG valid for:


Competitor Website: Booking.com

Sample Dates: 2/17, 3/20, 4/20 (and many random others)

Room Details: Standard Room (shown to be 1 Double Bed)

Rate variation (for sample date 4/20):

Booking.com - $45 / Expedia.com - $64

Official Hotel Website

Tripadvisor Hotel Reviews

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Salt Lake City, Utah - Courtyard Hotel Salt Lake City Airport

This Courtyard by Marriott hotel is located approximately 1 mile from Salt Lake City International Airport and 35 miles from various ski resorts. This hotel is also 6 miles from Delta Center and LDS Temple, and 12 miles from Hogle Zoo and Liberty Park.

Hotel amenities include: the Courtyard Cafe (full-service restaurant), room service, cocktail lounge, pool, hot tub, exercise room, laundry room, and complimentary parking.

All rooms feature: *high-speed Internet access, cable TV, work desks, two-line phones, voicemail, dataports, weekday newspaper delivery, complimentary in-room coffee, irons and ironing boards, and hairdryers.

* = common amenity matches

Hotel Address: 4843 W. Douglas Corrigan Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84116

BRG valid for:
AND

Competitor Website: Easyclicktravel.com

Sample Dates: 2/17, 4/20 (and many random others!)

Room Details: Standard King

Rate variation (for sample dates shown):

Easyclicktravel.com - $83.98

Expedia & Travelocity - $114.95 (Non-Refundable)

Expedia & Travelocity - $129.95 (Refundable) - Book this rate

Visit this hotel's official website.

Read Tripadvisor reviews of this hotel.

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Munds Park, Arizona - Motel in the Pines

Located in Munds Park, Arizona, directly off Interstate 17, this 22-room motel is just minutes from the Pinewood Country Club and a short drive from the attractions in Flagstaff.

The Motel in the Pines features guestrooms with cable TV and air-conditioning. Select rooms offers cozy wood-burning fireplaces and private patios with views of the forest.

The area surrounding the Pines Motel is filled with opportunities for activities such as hiking. Guests can explore the Red Rocks of Sedona or take a day trip to the beautiful Grand Canyon.

Hotel Address: 80 West Pinewood Road, Munds Park, AZ 86017

BRG valid for:


Competitor Website: Booking.com

Sample Dates: 2/20, 3/20, 3/31 plus...

most any date in February or March!

Room Details:

Standard Room - contains *2 Queens

Kitchenette Room - contains *2 Queens, *microwave, *refrigerator

* = common amenity matches

Rate variation (for sample date Saturday 2/20):

Booking.com - $42.99 / Expedia.com - $43.99 (Standard Room)

Booking.com - $42.99 / Expedia.com - $57.32 (Kitchenette Room)

Official Hotel Website

Tripadvisor Hotel Reviews

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Montgomery, Alabama - Rodeway Inn Montgomery

This Rodeway Inn is situated on I-65 Exit 168 in Montgomery, Alabama, near Auburn University Montgomery.

Several restaurants, cocktail lounges, and shops are within walking distance. The surrounding area boasts a variety of recreational activities including biking and hiking. A number of beautiful golf courses are in the vicinity. Afternoon tea is served daily.

This property was completely renovated in July 2008. Rodeway Inn Montgomery provides a *complimentary continental breakfast and *free wireless Internet access. Other amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool and a 24-hour front desk.

* = common amenity matches

Hotel Address: 1288 West South Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36105

BRG valid for:
AND

Competitor Website: Booking.com

Sample Dates: 2/22, 3/20, 3/24, 4/20...

(and many others in February, March, and April!)

Room Details: Standard King (nsmk & smk)

Rate variation (for sample dates shown):

Booking.com - $34.95 / Expedia.com - $50

Official Hotel Website

Tripadvisor Hotel Reviews

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The Priceline Guarantee and our first attempt at it: Jacksonville, Florida - Knights Inn Jacksonville

Many of you probably weren't aware of it, but Priceline offers a fairly decent BRG, similar to Travelocity's. You may wish to check it out.

Here's what Priceline offers:
the usual price difference refund plus a $50 coupon (it's valid for a 2-night future booking) - sound familiar? It's certainly not very original, but at least Priceline has jumped on the bandwagon! Unlike Travelocity, you'll be calling in your claim in the same way you would with the Expedia BRG. Let's hope the wait times are much shorter!

So now's your chance to become familar with Priceline's Best Price Guarantee. To start you off, here's our first attempt at it with this Florida Knights Inn:

This Jacksonville, Florida hotel is convenient to Interstate 10 and the Jacksonville Landing shopping and dining complex. The hotel offers a *free continental breakfast and *free internet access.

Knights Inn Jacksonville features a *microwave and *refrigerator in every guest room. All rooms also offer cable television with movie channels and coffeemakers. Guests at the Jacksonville Knights Inn can also take advantage of the outdoor swimming pool.

Osborne Convention Center and Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, home of the Jaguars football team are nearby this property.

* = common amenity matches

Hotel Address: 460 Lane Avenue South, Jacksonville, FL 32254

BRG valid for:

Competitor Website: Booking.com

Sample Dates: 2/13, 2/27, 3/17, 4/22 (and many random others!)

Room Details: 2 Double Beds Room

Rate variation (for sample date 2/13):

Booking.com - $45 / Priceline.com - $55

Official Hotel Website

Tripadvisor Hotel Reviews

Please support our work, at no cost to yourself, by booking the BRG using the link below:

San Francisco, California - The Opal - San Francisco

Built in 1908, the Opal Hotel is conveniently located at Van Ness Avenue and Geary Street in the Civic Center-Cathedral Hill neighborhood of Downtown San Francisco. It is located within walking distance of Symphony Hall, Opera House, City Hall, and the Asian Art Museum. The Opal is just 4 blocks from the Historic Cable Car Line and 15 minutes from San Francisco International Airport.

A *complimentary continental breakfast buffet is included in the room rate. The spacious lobby features a baby grand piano, stained glass windows, and period antiques. Additionally, reception hosts a complimentary wine hour every Wednesday. The hotel also offers laundry facilities, parking (extra fee), free USA Today newspapers, and 24-hour front desk service. On-site dining is available at Mel's Diner, just off the lobby.

Guestrooms include: complimentary *high-speed internet access, private bath, central heating and air conditioning with individual controls, work desk with data port lamps, alarm clock radios, hairdryer, iron/ironing board, coffeemaker, and free local calls.

* = common amenity matches

Hotel Address: 1050 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94109

BRG valid for:
AND

Competitor Website: Easyclicktravel.com

Sample Dates: 2/17, 3/6, 4/20, 5/11 (and many random others!)

Room Details:

Deluxe 1 King (non-smoking)

Deluxe 2 Doubles (smoking)

Deluxe 2 Doubles (non-smoking)

Rate variation (for sample date 2/17):

Easyclicktravel.com - $43.92 / Expedia - $61 (Deluxe King)

Easyclicktravel.com - $63.53 / Expedia - $86 (Deluxe 2 Dbls-smk)

Easyclicktravel.com - $67.45 / Expedia - $91 (Deluxe 2 Dbls-nsmk)

Official Hotel Website

Tripadvisor Hotel Reviews

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Detroit, Michigan - Corktown Inn

This recently renovated, former Holiday Inn is located in the heart of historic Corktown. It is conveniently located just off either I-75 or M10 and 30 minutes away from Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The Corktown Inn provides lodging in the heart of Detroit near the casinos, the 2 stadiums (Ford Field and Comerica Park), Greektown, Cobo Center, the Henry Ford Museum, and Windsor, Canada.

Room includes: TV with premium cable channels, daily complimentary newspaper, hairdryer, telephone, iron/ironing board (on request), climate controls

Hotel Address: 1331 Trumbull Street, Detroit, MI 48216

BRG valid for:


Competitor Website: Booking.com

Sample Dates: 2/15, 3/15, 4/27 (and many random others!)

Room Details: King Bed (Standard) / 2 Doubles

Rate variation (for sample dates shown):

Booking.com - $70 / Expedia.com - $94 (1 King)

Booking.com - $75 / Expedia.com - $100 (2 Doubles)

Official Hotel Website

Tripadvisor Hotel Reviews

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1000 Bonus Air Canada Aeroplan Miles for New Members after First Flight

Air Canada is offering 1000 Bonus Aeroplan miles for new members (defined as having joined between July 1, 2009 or will join before the end of 2010) that book one flight before the end of the year, and fly on that flight before March 31, 2011. They're giving new members ample time to get in on this offer. Aeroplan has never been particularly generous with bonus offers, so this is definitely one worth getting in on if you are flying to or from Canada at any point in the coming 13 months.

Air Canada Aeroplan miles have incredible value compared to the miles of its peers. View from the Wing's Gary Leff explains why in this 2008 post.

Hat tip to View from the Wing.

United Airlines introduces One-Way Award Tickets and a Miles & Money option

On February 1, United Airlines became the latest airline to improve the value of its miles by implementing one-way award ticket redemptions. For those of you who might have paltry United balances, they just made it half as difficult for you to use your miles. This competitive move follows American Airlines' implementation of one-way awards in May 2009. The rules are simple enough - fly the most direct routing, without stopovers. Taxes are especially cheap on these one-way tickets, with most domestic routings pricing out at a mere $5.00. Award tickets are priced at exactly half of their round-trip counterparts - domestic travel starts at 12,500 miles one-way.

United has also implemented a Miles & Money award option, which gives you a monetary discount on your ticket in exchange for a disproportionate amount of miles. We don't consider this a stellar value by any means. You are far better off saving up your miles for a one-way award.

Some of you might wonder why anyone would want to fly one way. Well, the answer is flexibility. Without a set return ticket, you are free to make your own schedule without having to worry about change fees - simply book a return ticket when you're ready to go home. Or, combine your low balances on United, American, Alaska, or British Midland to create a custom-made award ticket.

Kudos to United for stepping up to the bat and making travel with them easier. This is a good move. Now, why isn't Delta joining in the party? I'd love to see that in 2010.

San Luis Obispo, California - The Madonna Inn

A historic landmark on California's Central Coast for over 45 years, the world-renowned Madonna Inn is uniquely decorated with a special theme and color scheme - no two are alike! Each of the Inn’s 110 rooms is decorated with an individual attention to detail. Choose a romantic honeymoon suite with European-style luxury, the novelty of a Western, Old Mill, or Merry-Go-Round theme, or a memorable stay in one of the famous rock grotto rooms with waterfall shower.

Enjoy the fresh baked pastries, your favorite meal, and outstanding hospitality of the Copper Cafe. Dine in the award winning Alex Madonna Gold Rush Steakhouse, and dance to live entertainment in the Silver Bar Cocktail Lounge during your stay. Shopping is offered onsite in the specialty stores such as the Classic Gourmet and Wine Shop, My Favorite Things Boutique, and The Brass Tower Men's Clothing Store.

An all new state of the art pool and fitness center is now open at the Madonna Inn. The 90 foot long European-style pool is designed in a configuration that allows for 50 foot lap swimming, a unique 30 foot beach-style entry, as well as a 45 foot cascading waterfall that flows into a lagoon below. Two jetted spas, one at the edge of the bluff and the other tucked back near the gazebo and waterfall, provide relaxation for guests. The nearby fitness center provides the latest in exercise equipment.

A separate 3500 square foot building hosts a day spa with numerous treatment rooms, two set aside just for couples!

Hotel Address: 100 Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

BRG valid for:

Competitor Website:

Sample Dates: 2/20, 3/6, 3/15, 4/17, 5/15 (and many others!)

Room Details: Economy King / Standard (themed) King

(These room types appear to be the best matches)

Rate variation (for sample dates shown):

Travelocity.com - $180 / Expedia.com - $181.39 (Economy King)

Travelocity.com - $209 / Expedia.com - $211.79 (St. King-Themed)

Official Hotel Website

Tripadvisor Hotel Reviews

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Austin, Texas - Comfort Suites Austin Airport

This comfortable Austin hotel offers many full-service features and amenities within 1 mile of the Austin-Bergstrom Airport, and minutes from the 6th Street downtown entertainment district.

Comfort Suites boasts a complimentary shuttle service to the airport daily from 5 AM until 11 PM. Enjoy the hot daily *breakfast and fresh coffee brewed in the lobby, and a complimentary weekday newspaper.

The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum, the Austin Zoo, the Austin Convention Center and the Texas Capitol are all located nearby the Comfort Suites.

Guestrooms offer flat-panel televisions, *complimentary wireless Internet access and sofa beds. Rooms also include *refrigerators, *microwaves, and coffee/tea makers.

* = common amenity matches

("microwave" within hotel description on Expedia)

Hotel Address: 7501 E. Ben White Boulevard, Austin, TX 78741

BRG valid for:
AND

Competitor Website: Booking.com

Sample Dates: 2/17, 3/24, 4/8, 5/17 (and many random others!)

Room Details:

Non-Smoking King (Suite) with Sofabed

Non-Smoking 1 King and 1 Queen (Suite)

Non-Smoking 2 Queens (Suite)

Rate variation (for sample date 3/24):

Booking.com - $109.99 / Expedia & Orbitz - $119.99

(these rates are for ALL room types listed)

Official Hotel Website

Tripadvisor Hotel Reviews

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