Friday, March 30, 2012

Hotwire? Priceline?

Spending one night in Indy, after flight in early Sept. It will be my friend %26amp; I, but meeting her husband there, (so 2 rooms), while I%26#39;ll be attending a conference the next day. Thinking of staying downtown or Keystone Crossing area. Want to be in walking distance to shopping, restaurants etc.



I%26#39;ve not used Priceline or Hotwire before, so any suggestions would be appreciated. Is it better to try now or wait till date is closer?



Are all Hotwire/Priceline downtown hotels in walking distance to Circle Center? My key requests are safe, clean, comfortable room %26amp; Circle Center location. How many stars? Both 3.5 %26amp; 4 stars show same features, same radius, just different price.



What is the best way to get from airport to downtown? Would a cab or Carey service be more budget friendly?





THANKS for any suggestions!!!



Hotwire? Priceline?


Be very careful. University Place %26amp; Conference Center is rated with Priceline to be a 4 star. I bid on a four star. Then I got that hotel. Ugh, the first time I bid on a four star hotel, I got the Omni, which was fantastic. The University Place %26amp; Conferece Center, is not a 4 star, in my opinion, and not walking distance to downtown, especially late at nite. We found it hard to find a cab after leaving Slippery Noodle late at nite. I%26#39;d bid on a 3 star or 3.5, and hope they don%26#39;t upgrade you to a four star which Ive heard they do. I love Indy, but, the best is when you stay downtown. Its great to walk everywhere, Good Luck...... Priceline is great, but, you have to do your homework.......



Hotwire? Priceline?


Thanks Cindy... I have read that on these posts %26amp; was thinking of doing 3.5 stars for that reason. Didn%26#39;t realize they might bump up, tho! I do have a seminar the next day at IUPUI but that would be no fun for my friends %26amp; I, the evening before...



Is it better to book now or wait a few weeks, for an early Sept date?



Do Hotwire %26amp; Priceline both use the same hotels?




Sorry... I meant Cincy.....




I did Priceline, it was last year, when they gave me University Place. It is scary to use those websites, as when you make your bid, and they take it, thats it, no refunds. But, the savings are grand!!!! But, when you know your going, plus, you have a meeting at University Place, it might be nice to wake up %26amp; not have to jump in cab. So, if I was you, Id bid now, I wouldn%26#39;t wait too long, google Indys tourism website, check upcoming events dates. Rooms might be tough to get, if theres alot of things happening at the time you want. Go to Biddingfortravel. Hit Ohio, then Indianapolis, great info there. Whatever you do, post here, Im curious. You have nothing to lose since your meeting is at UP. Plus, they do have a free shuttle from UP, goes up till 11pm, I think. I would bid 3.5 star. You might get Crowne Plaza downtown or Hyatt. Indy is a great fun city, so many places to have fun. I suggest Slippery Noodle to hear great music. Plus dancing..... have fun :)




The rates and amount of people depend on the convention center schedule and home football schedule. If the University Center fits your wants stay there. If not I would look at getting a good deal from one of the downtown hotels websites. It is for only one night. Have a great stay. I second the Slippery Noodle for a great blues night. Great food and drinks there %26amp; really make everyone feel like their welcome what some bars don%26#39;t even try to do.




Someone mentioned they heard problems with Hotwire - when arriving at the hotel, they don%26#39;t have the reservation, etc. Has anyone encountered this?



Also, when using Priceline, do you still make your choice only by location %26amp; ';star'; rating?




Yes, you bid on location and star rating on Priceline. I%26#39;ve never bid more than a week out prior to travel. I%26#39;ve never had luck getting a low price earlier than that. Again, it depends on when you are coming to town, and yes home game schedule of the Colts.



As far as budget transportation to downtown hotels, Indygo bus service has non-stop service called the ';Green Line';. It%26#39;s $7 pp one way. Go to the Indygo.net website to check specific schedules and stops.




Stay downtown for the most fun. Try The Hampton Inn, Marriott, Hilton, or Embassy Suites. They are all right in the middle of downtown. Downtown to airport cab or carey is fine. It%26#39;s a quick 10 minute drive.




Any idea of cost to take cab from airport to downtown?



THX!




I paid $39.00 for a room at the Hyatt Place at Keystone at the Crossing through Priceline, when I did it the night before my stay. It was a wonderful room. Best of luck.


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