Thanks Swag 3*FR.QTR $39

[Terry]

Glad I am on Swag's e mail list and that I am an early riser. Got hotwire deal thru Swag's website www.swagland.com for 3 star Holiday Inn in French Quarter for unbelievable $39 per nite is, or was available for both weekends.I am confirmed for 4/23-4/29. Yipppeee!!!

Thank you Swag

Terry

[PaulC]

Glad I am on Swag's e mail list and that I am an early riser. Got hotwire deal thru Swag's website www.swagland.com for 3 star Holiday Inn in French Quarter for unbelievable $39 per nite is, or was available for both weekends.I am confirmed for 4/23-4/29. Yipppeee!!!

Thank you Swag

Terry

that's just too great................

congrats terry,.. welcome to the quarter.....

[mwgirlonherown]

Barry, I got your voice mail!
Thank you. I'm confirmed for Friday the 25th thru Tuesday the 6th.

As Scoop would say "Woo Hoo!"

[BigDag]

Looks like we'll have a good Threadhead contingent at the HIFQ next year!

[freebo]

We're in too!

At $39 per night, it's almost obscene.

Four nights (Thurs thru Mon) at the Holiday Inn French Quarter... total cost: $193.66.

Suh-Weet!!!

Booked it thru your site, Swag.

Thanks to you and all the threadheads.

Man, what a great krewe!

[freebo]

Oh, wait a minute...

Did I just see PaulC gone be there, too?

Hmm... no wonder the rates are so LOW.

;)

[PaulC]

Oh, wait a minute...

Did I just see PaulC gone be there, too?

Hmm... no wonder the rates are so LOW.

;)

i was just finishin' up on the invites to the big soiree i was plannin' ,..

ya' just saved me one.... :p

and i may save a lil' something else for you this saturday....

[denideadhead]

Let's see role call so far ...looks like the T Heads will be representin for sure and there is strength in numbers :) and parties to be had...

JFCHIC, ABITAGIRL, ABITAGIRL'S FRIEND, BIGDAG, BELLE,ALMARCO, MCGREGOR,PAUL C,SWAG,MICHELINO,TERRY,MWGIRL,FREEBO
DENIDEADHEAD.......
Chas P, BLUESGIRL, TANGIE&JUDE, FESSPHAN, JOHNNYGOSPELTENT.....
Lester Leaps In, FestivalGirl, MightyRad, ChicagoFest Fan,
Cindy&DaveAKA KreweofCHew

[almarco]

Hmmm might be a bit early but that pool might be a pretty rockin place for fest.

[Chas_P]

Well Otay!!!!

Booked 12 nights 4/24 - 5/06 $566.58
Flights FF miles $ 20.00
--------
$586.58

Whoo the F*g whoo

Swag, you get much more than a beer outta this!!!!! You wanna cheeseburger????

We are not worthy!
:D

P.S. When are the grids up?

[ABITAGIRL1]

Just booked 5 nights (second Weekend) for Tangeldup and Jude. I called her in New Orleans and made her drag her hungover body out of bed to get her dates and give me a credit card number. She and Jude just couldn't believe these numbers. $240 for five nights, it's unheard of. So that's two more threadheads to add to the list.

[bluesgirl]

Count me in. 1st Friday to 2nd Monday.

Oh, yeah, last year I could have gotten out of the plane line last year and spent 2 more nights in the NOLA area with the hotel and transportation, etc. paid for. I thought I should get back to work, even though I had my laptop with me and I worked a little from NOLA. My boss told me to take the offer next time. :D

[AtPontchartrain]

Just booked 5 nights (second Weekend) for Tangeldup and Jude. I called her in New Orleans and made her drag her hungover body out of bed to get her dates and give me a credit card number. She and Jude just couldn't believe these numbers. $240 for five nights, it's unheard of. So that's two more threadheads to add to the list.

For that Holiday Inn, this does not sound good. Basically, they are willing to put people up for free next spring in return for getting a little money in the bank today.

[fessphan]

Booked! Thurs to Mon second weekend. As always : Swag - You Da Man!

[jonnygospeltent]

i'm booked for the daze between. i don't know which weekend i'll be going besides that.

[PaulC]

For that Holiday Inn, this does not sound good. Basically, they are willing to put people up for free next spring in return for getting a little money in the bank today.

ya' know i was thinking along those very same lines when i first saw this deal...

it can't be a good thing for them if they are settlin' for that much less money... i always felt o.k. with gettin' last minute great rates because the hotels had plenty of time to load up for fest time at double and triple their normal rates before i come along and help them fill in a few missing pieces at a little below normal rates.... this far in advance,.. accepting this kind of change,.. ain't a real cool sign for this property....

we need to be real good house guests and go real easy on the water and energy use,.. keep those towels working until they threaten to walk away.... and dink to your hearts desire at their bar,.. lots of profit in dinkin',.. for them,.. not our hearts.....

seriously though,.. i hope they have a solid plan to keep on keepin' on because this one seems iffy at best....

is hotwire responsible for alternative lodging if this property was to,.. say,.. not have their doors open next spring???...

[AtPontchartrain]

...

is hotwire responsible for alternative lodging if this property was to,.. say,.. not have their doors open next spring???...

There's usually a trip insurance for a few dollars more, and I always take it out when I'm making reservations for many months away. It won't cover simple change of plans, but illness, very bad weather that closes airports ... hotel out of business would seem to fit! Not that I wish it on these people of course. And anyway, I can remember when $39 WAS the rate for high class hotels, and the Days Inns were $8. Maybe this Holiday Inn is just into nostalgia.

[NOLA]

For that Holiday Inn, this does not sound good. Basically, they are willing to put people up for free next spring in return for getting a little money in the bank today.

Being the alarmist/pessimist that I sometimes can be, I have to agree this deal sounds almost too good to be true. Buyer beware.

I truly hope it works out for everyone who is booking, but a healthy dose of skepticism has always served me well...

Like AtP says, you might also want to double check your travel insurance to make sure a shut down or change of operator at your place of lodging is covered...

[LisaRI]

How long ago did the last few deals show up? I've been trying to get this and assumed it was sold out cause all that comes up are airport and metairie locations when I try for 4/24/ - 4/30. (and for more than 39) I am using the links from Swag's page... any ideas?

[almarco]

i just tried it again and it came up for me .

[ohio]

I got somewhat screwed by trip insurance just after Katrina. It did not cover the hotel or the flight. The agent told me (after the fact) that there are only two instances where you are covered:
1. Illness- confirmed by a doctor that you should not be traveling
2. Vacation cancelled by your employer (does not apply to those who own their own business).
Weather or other natural disasters are not covered.

In my case, I was told the airline was responsible for a refund if they cancelled the flight (and they did not cancell the flight). I was told the hotel was responsible for a refund if they couold not honor my reservation (they gave me a refund because the were full up with FEMA folks).

So basically, extreme illness is mainly all that trip insurance covers. I'll never buy it again.

[LisaRI]

I was typing in "MSY" in the location... it finally did appear when I typed in "New Orleans, LA". but now after reading some of these other skeptical posts I'm not so sure.

[AtPontchartrain]

How long ago did the last few deals show up? I've been trying to get this and assumed it was sold out cause all that comes up are airport and metairie locations when I try for 4/24/ - 4/30. (and for more than 39) I am using the links from Swag's page... any ideas?

I'd put in one of the downtown zip codes ... 70130 or 70112.

[ohio]

How long ago did the last few deals show up? I've been trying to get this and assumed it was sold out cause all that comes up are airport and metairie locations when I try for 4/24/ - 4/30. (and for more than 39) I am using the links from Swag's page... any ideas?
It still comes up for me, Lisa. Try this link: http://tinyurl.com/24rc3e

[almarco]

I did try for different dates in october and came up with the same rate.

[swag]

A couple of things for the wary.

First, just because we prepay Hotwire does not necessarily mean that Hotwire prepays the hotel. I'm not sure one way or the other. But this may not be a get-the-cash-now play for the hotel.

Second, I'm a lot more comfortable with the fact that this hotel is part of a large national chain. A small independent boutique hotel may go out of business. I'd be surprised if the HI FQ closes, but even if it does, Intercontinental Hotels / Holiday Inn Worldwide isn't going anywhere.

Third, the fact that we're going thru Hotwire would seem to give us extra protection. If we were booking this rate directly with the hotel, and it were a mistake rate, the hotel might try to back out (though chains often do honor mistake rates). But if this rate is a typo, the fight should be between Holiday Inn and Hotwire. I've never heard of Hotwire trying to back out of a confirmed deal based on price.

Finally, if there is any kind of pushback on this, I'd expect it to occur sooner rather than later. In other words, we'd hear about it this week, not when we show up in April. Absolute worst case, a week from now, we have our money back and have nothing lost. But I'd be pretty surprised if that happened.

[AtPontchartrain]

I got somewhat screwed by trip insurance just after Katrina. It did not cover the hotel or the flight. The agent told me (after the fact) that there are only two instances where you are covered:
1. Illness- confirmed by a doctor that you should not be traveling
2. Vacation cancelled by your employer (does not apply to those who own their own business).
Weather or other natural disasters are not covered.

In my case, I was told the airline was responsible for a refund if they cancelled the flight (and they did not cancell the flight). I was told the hotel was responsible for a refund if they couold not honor my reservation (they gave me a refund because the were full up with FEMA folks).

So basically, extreme illness is mainly all that trip insurance covers. I'll never buy it again.

That's a good point. The cancellation insurance is extremely limited and, to me, the biggest practical risk is the bad illness.

Here is the fine print from a recent Hotwire policy. The prepaid hotel was about $500, and the added cost of the insurance was $18:

Covers cancellation or interruption of Your Trip due to:

1. Any serious Injury or any unforeseen serious medical condition: a. Occurring to You or a Traveling Companion, which is so disabling as to cause a reasonable person to delay, can cel, or interrupt their Trip; b. Occurring to a Family Member that is considered life threatening or requiring hospitalization; or c. Occurring to a Family Member requiring Your care. For Trip Cancellation benefits, an actual examination by a licensed Physician must take place within 72 hours of the cancellation. For Trip Interruption benefits, this examination must take place during Your Trip.

2. Your death, the death of a Family Member or a Traveling Companion if the death occurs within 30 days prior to Your Scheduled Departure Date, or during Your Trip.

3. Financial Default of the tour operator, airline or cruise line provided that: a. On the Policy effective date, the tour operator, airline or cruise line was approved for the Financial Default Coverage by the Company. For a current list of approved suppliers refer to www.accessamerica.com, or call 1-800-284-8300; and b. The insurance was purchased within 14 calendar days of the initial Trip deposit or payment. The Company will not cover losses resulting from a Financial Default of the person, organization, agency or tour operator, or their affiliated companies, that solicited this coverage, and/or Your insured travel arrangements to You. Financial Default occurring on or before the Policy effective date or less than 7 days after the Policy effective date is not covered. The Company reserves the right to substitute a Trip of similar value in lieu of cash payment. complete cessation of services by the airline, the tour operator or the cruise line for at least 24 consecutive hours.

5. You or a Traveling Companion being hijacked or quarantined.

6. You being required to serve on a jury, served with a court order or subpoena.

7. Your home being made uninhabitable by fire, flood, burglary, vandalism, or natural disasters.

8. You or a Traveling Companion being directly involved in a traffic Accident while directly en route to a departure.

9. A terrorist act committed by an organized terrorist group
(recognized as such by the U.S. State Department) that results in property damage, Injury or loss of life. The incident must take place in a foreign city in which You are scheduled to arrive within 30 days following the incident and Your tour operator (if applicable) must not have offered a substitute itinerary. Coverage for travel to or through countries in which such a documented or reported incident has occurred in the 6 months prior to purchase of the insurance is excluded. Losses resulting due to the issuance of travel advisories, bulletin or alerts; war or acts thereof; civil disorder, riot or unrest; bomb scares or threats of terrorist activity; or terrorist acts against any Common Carrier (e.g., airline or cruise line) are not covered.

10. You or a Traveling Companion, who are on Active Military Duty in the United States Armed Forces: a.having Your personal leave revoked within 10 days prior to Your departure date (as long as such revocation is in writing by a superior officer and is not due to warrelated situations, invocation of the War Powers Act, base or unit mobilization, unit reassignment for any reason, or disciplinary action); or b.are personally reassigned within 10 days prior to Your departure date, whether temporary or permanent.

11. You or a Traveling Companion being the victim of a Felonious Assault within 10 days prior to Your departure date. A Felonious Assault may not be inflicted by You, a Family Member, Traveling Companion or Traveling Companion’s Family Member.

12. You or a Traveling Companion, after having been with the same employer for at least three continuous years, are terminated or laid off, through no fault of Your own, after Your effective date of coverage.

13. Your family or friends living abroad with whom You were planning to stay, are unable to accommodate You due to life threatening Illness, life threatening Injury or death of one of them.

14. A covered Travel Delay that results in the loss of more than
50% of Your scheduled Trip length.

[Lester_leaps_in]

Let's see role call so far ...looks like the T Heads will be representin for sure and there is strength in numbers :) and parties to be had...

JFCHIC, ABITAGIRL, ABITAGIRL'S FRIEND, BIGDAG, BELLE,ALMARCO, MCGREGOR,PAUL C,SWAG,MICHELINO,TERRY,MWGIRL,FREEBO
DENIDEADHEAD.......

Update: Chas P, BLUESGIRL, TANGIE&JUDE, FESSPHAN, JOHNNYGOSPELTENT

Ok, Lester just leaped in. Add me to the party for the whole enchilada. WooHoo. I'll keep my Hampton Inn reservation for now, just in case. But, what a savings!

Thanks, Swag.

[stlbarb]

A couple of things for the wary.

First, just because we prepay Hotwire does not necessarily mean that Hotwire prepays the hotel. I'm not sure one way or the other. But this may not be a get-the-cash-now play for the hotel.

Second, I'm a lot more comfortable with the fact that this hotel is part of a large national chain. A small independent boutique hotel may go out of business. I'd be surprised if the HI FQ closes, but even if it does, Intercontinental Hotels / Holiday Inn Worldwide isn't going anywhere.

Third, the fact that we're going thru Hotwire would seem to give us extra protection. If we were booking this rate directly with the hotel, and it were a mistake rate, the hotel might try to back out (though chains often do honor mistake rates). But if this rate is a typo, the fight should be between Holiday Inn and Hotwire. I've never heard of Hotwire trying to back out of a confirmed deal based on price.

Finally, if there is any kind of pushback on this, I'd expect it to occur sooner rather than later. In other words, we'd hear about it this week, not when we show up in April. Absolute worst case, a week from now, we have our money back and have nothing lost. But I'd be pretty surprised if that happened.

of course there are no guarantees, no matter who/how you book, that the hotel will not oversell (or people fail to checkout). folks have arrived at hotels in NOLA with prepaid reservations, only to be sent to other hotels, sometimes not very close in.
you probably have more bargaining power via hotwire if that happens.
i booked a prepay via AAA for orlando. the hotel closed for renovations. the booking service gave us a choice of a couple different places for the same low price. both nicer than what i had originally booked. so i think booking services are a good thing.

it seems the price is one that HIFQ uses with hotwire from time to time. maybe they have a new manager that doesnt realize those are jazzfest dates. or they are just trying to fill some of their B (or C rooms). we got an incredible deal in metairie last year. sometimes there are great bargains.

its a great price, you can take the streetcar to fest. and it has to be better than the Days Inn on canal. but for those of us with cars, the deal isnt quite as sweet. think we're gonna stick to the burbs - unless we can get a little closer to frenchmen (more parking and music options)

[swag]

Good point on the parking. At the HI FQ, the cost is $24/day.

[stlbarb]

Good point on the parking. At the HI FQ, the cost is $24/day.

and one of the tripadvisor posts hinted that their lot fills up. buy a club for the steering wheel and park on the streets, be prepared to walk a good ways. not sure what the overnight is on the flat lots around there.
up on the other end of the 1/4- Esplanade, Frenchmen & Elysian Fields area, there is monthly parking available (not sure of $$) and lots with a max of $5-8 per day.

[AtPontchartrain]

and one of the tripadvisor posts hinted that their lot fills up. buy a club for the steering wheel and park on the streets, be prepared to walk a good ways. not sure what the overnight is on the flat lots around there.
up on the other end of the 1/4- Esplanade, Frenchmen & Elysian Fields area, there is monthly parking available (not sure of $$) and lots with a max of $5-8 per day.

I'd suggest looking for a spot uptown along St. Charles in an area without residential parking "RPP" 2-hour signs (I don't believe there is RPP between about Jefferson and Jackson, though I'm open to correction) and take the bus back downtown.

[LisaRI]

thanks for the tips and links, I finally did get it to come up, but now I'm getting errors trying to pay on hotwire... waiting for a callback from them. so we'll see! what suspense!

[stlbarb]

I'd suggest looking for a spot uptown along St. Charles in an area without residential parking "RPP" 2-hour signs (I don't believe there is RPP between about Jefferson and Jackson, though I'm open to correction) and take the bus back downtown.

i dont think a car would last more than 2 hours between jefferson & jackson. :p

actually, we've found staying in metairie to be quite convenient to everything we do, with the added bonus of uncrowded restaurants. we drive to nola, so no need to rent a car. and we know our way around. plus we no longer go to the clubs every night. been there, done that, got the bad knees to prove it.

although we all miss the short term stays they used to offer at the cotton mill complex (next to the old mermaid lounge), even included parking. over the years, we have become quite dependent upon a fridge, with a preference for a kitchen. 2 bedrooms with private baths that share a living room kitchen is a great way to spend time with friends, and stay friends.

[McGregor]

actually, we've found staying in metairie to be quite convenient to everything we do,

We did this last year and I must admit, getting to and from the fest in 10 minutes is glorious.

Downside was the $25 cab ride back home at night. Well worth it for obvious reasons but the expense adds up about the same really.

And no more negative comments about our fabulous 5 star holiday inn hotel rooms. I heard they were the best rooms in all of new orleans, pillows stuffed with $20's and a bag of mints on your pillow! :) Yea, that's right!

[jonnygospeltent]

If Swag collected on every beer folks promised him for his amazing help and advice over the years , well he'd have an awful lot of beers.

[bluesgirl]

I plan to try to rent a car just on the few days that I'll want one.

[hogan20a]

Has anyone actually stayed here before and have some insight into that? I was at the other holiday inn last year and it was a good experience, any comparison to that one?

[ohio]

Has anyone actually stayed here before and have some insight into that? I was at the other holiday inn last year and it was a good experience, any comparison to that one?
Not as fancy. Rooms are similar quality. No outdoor spaces though, pool is indoor. Does have a bar, restaurant & large parking garage. I had no complaints when I stayed there.

[PaulC]

And no more negative comments about our fabulous 5 star holiday inn hotel rooms. I heard they were the best rooms in all of new orleans, pillows stuffed with $20's and a bag of mints on your pillow! :) Yea, that's right!

i made a few calls and put that corner room with the special mattress stuffed with $50's on hold....


with these rates the place may not be able to afford to keep the air runnin' so in addition to all the partyin' t-heads it promises to be a hot time...

still actually feel a twinge of guilt with these rates,.. more so than if i had secured a last minute deal.....

as for bookin' agencies,..we had hotels.com back out of a deal we got six years back for fest... the name escapes me,.. more of a quest house,.. it was a very small but cool place in the Garden District,.. only about six rooms above a dress maker....

after some interesting back and forth,.. they kept claiming the lodging establishment had severed their relationship... never thought to check with the actual lodging establishment.... i had to fight a lot harder than I would ever have imagined to get H.C to honor the same rate in a decent hotel....a month or so after we returned home we found many claims made by hotels.com to be less than the truth and with some righteous persistence on my part that turned into a free four night stay for Swamp Fest in the original place,.. paid for by hotels.com ...

anywho,.. at the time they put us in the ambassador for the same rate,.. which after one night we took a back door escape... me, "this isn't what we expected"... reason,.. it really wasn't and i had managed that very morning to find an incredible last minute rate in a very fine time share in the Quarter...

so we got a beauty for the fest and a free four night stay in the original place later that fall,.. all's well that ends well....

now,.. gotta call to have that tequila still installed in the room......

[festivalgirl]

We're Inn!! Tues. 4/29 - Mon. 5/5! :D

More money for Rostree's!

[festivalgirl]

If Swag collected on every beer folks promised him for his amazing help and advice over the years , well he'd have an awful lot of beers.

Probably just easier to buy a keg or two or three ......

[rosetree]

We're Inn!! Tues. 4/29 - Mon. 5/5! :D

More money for Rostree's!

I'm liking that!!!!!;)

If anyone needs a place to park their car during the Fest, just to keep it there and not use it instead of a parking garage, the block next to my studio is pretty safe, and no one will bother it. I would be able to keep an eye on it during the day....Just let me know!

[stlbarb]

I'm liking that!!!!!;)

If anyone needs a place to park their car during the Fest, just to keep it there and not use it instead of a parking garage, the block next to my studio is pretty safe, and no one will bother it. I would be able to keep an eye on it during the day....Just let me know!

excellent idea - i was sort of thinking that would be a good location, and just a short ferry ride and walk away.
and i suggest that people not drive in NOLA unless they know there way around, and can make u-turns & rights instead of lefts, and deal with the fact that no one knows how to merge. sobreity would be helpful too.

[mightyradgumbo]

and one of the tripadvisor posts hinted that their lot fills up. buy a club for the steering wheel and park on the streets, be prepared to walk a good ways. not sure what the overnight is on the flat lots around there.
up on the other end of the 1/4- Esplanade, Frenchmen & Elysian Fields area, there is monthly parking available (not sure of $$) and lots with a max of $5-8 per day.

That parking lot behind the Frenchmen is where I parked my vehicle last year when I stayed at the FQHI..It is a hike, but I was down on Frenchmen most nights anyway, so I just checked on my car every day or so. This is the best lot in the 1/4 IMHO. 16 bucks a day ($ I saved between that lot and the FQHI) for the 12 daze I stayed is a lot of beer.

[funkkjunkie]

Try to remember your suit this time, almarco.:p

[stlbarb]

We did this last year and I must admit, getting to and from the fest in 10 minutes is glorious.

Downside was the $25 cab ride back home at night. Well worth it for obvious reasons but the expense adds up about the same really.

And no more negative comments about our fabulous 5 star holiday inn hotel rooms. I heard they were the best rooms in all of new orleans, pillows stuffed with $20's and a bag of mints on your pillow! :) Yea, that's right!

i would have given you a ride for $10. :rolleyes:

[Terry]

of course there are no guarantees, no matter who/how you book, that the hotel will not oversell (or people fail to checkout). folks have arrived at hotels in NOLA with prepaid reservations, only to be sent to other hotels, sometimes not very close in.
you probably have more bargaining power via hotwire if that happens.
i booked a prepay via AAA for orlando. the hotel closed for renovations. the booking service gave us a choice of a couple different places for the same low price. both nicer than what i had originally booked. so i think booking services are a good thing.

it seems the price is one that HIFQ uses with hotwire from time to time. maybe they have a new manager that doesnt realize those are jazzfest dates. or they are just trying to fill some of their B (or C rooms). we got an incredible deal in metairie last year. sometimes there are great bargains.

its a great price, you can take the streetcar to fest. and it has to be better than the Days Inn on canal. but for those of us with cars, the deal isnt quite as sweet. think we're gonna stick to the burbs - unless we can get a little closer to frenchmen (more parking and music options)

I got a great deal last year at 3 star hotel, Radisson at Airport for $50 per night. I think it was thru Priceline, or maybe Hotwire.
Terry

[The Krewe of Chew]

Looks like we got here too late to join the party. I can't find that deal on Hotwire anymore.

But on the plus side, we like where we stay (a B & B on the edge of the Quarter). So even though we are spending more, at least we know that our money goes to a really nice local couple who got totally screwed by their insurance to do repairs after the storm. I'd rather give them money than Holiday Inn any time.

So we'll just come by to visit you guys at the Holiday Inn. You can buy us drinks in the bar with the money you saved!:D

Red Beans & Ricely Yours,
Cindy & Dave

[swag]

Looks like we got here too late to join the party. I can't find that deal on Hotwire anymore.



What dates are you looking for? I just checked, and it's still available both weekends (4/25-4/30 and 4/30-5/05). There may be a 3 or 4 night minimum. If you want a stay shorter than that, consider trying for a checkout a day or two later than you need. If you need 3 nights but have to pay for 4, that's still a bargain at these rates.

[mightyradgumbo]

Looks like we got here too late to join the party. I can't find that deal on Hotwire anymore.

So we'll just come by to visit you guys at the Holiday Inn. You can buy us drinks in the bar with the money you saved!:D

Red Beans & Ricely Yours,
Cindy & Dave

Cindy and Dave...I did mine tonight so I think it is still out there.

[ozzie]

Looks like we got here too late to join the party. I can't find that deal on Hotwire anymore.

But on the plus side, we like where we stay (a B & B on the edge of the Quarter). So even though we are spending more, at least we know that our money goes to a really nice local couple who got totally screwed by their insurance to do repairs after the storm. I'd rather give them money than Holiday Inn any time.

So we'll just come by to visit you guys at the Holiday Inn. You can buy us drinks in the bar with the money you saved!:D

Red Beans & Ricely Yours,
Cindy & Dave

Great plan! :D

[bywterbro]

excellent idea - i was sort of thinking that would be a good location, and just a short ferry ride and walk away.
and i suggest that people not drive in NOLA unless they know there way around, and can make u-turns & rights instead of lefts, and deal with the fact that no one knows how to merge. sobreity would be helpful too.

a bike is a great way to get around neworleans....
however,people drive just like in any other city....
it would help to know your way around, but i find neworleans is easy
to learn, and its small geographically, you can get to almost anywhere
in 15 minutes in a car...

[The Krewe of Chew]

What dates are you looking for? I just checked, and it's still available both weekends (4/25-4/30 and 4/30-5/05). There may be a 3 or 4 night minimum. If you want a stay shorter than that, consider trying for a checkout a day or two later than you need. If you need 3 nights but have to pay for 4, that's still a bargain at these rates.

Yeah, that was the problem. We were planning to arrive Saturday. If i put in Friday, it comes up.

Now I've got a decision to make. Do we desert the nice couple we've been staying with? I've got to talk this over with the husband, he's asleep now. Hopefully the deal will still be there tomorrow.

Have you stayed at this hotel before, Swag? Is it noisy (aside from the Threadheads?) Are the rooms halfway decent?

Also, I couldn't get a link to Hotwire from your site. I'd like you to get credit. Please advise how to do that.

Cindy

[swag]

I've stayed there, before K. The 3* rating is pretty accurate. It's not luxurious, but it's clean. The beds are okay. It's a step down from the Sheraton's, W's, Renaissance's, but a big step up from the Days Inn. I don't remember it being noisy.

Here's a direct link with my referral code: Hotwire (http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=fBw9gX*E07s&offerid=24474.10000017&type=3&subid=0)

[swag]

Yeah, that was the problem. We were planning to arrive Saturday. If i put in Friday, it comes up.



Oh, and if you won't arrive until Saturday, it's probably better to add the extra day to the end of your stay (and just checkout early), than to add it to the front and have to worry the hotel will no-show you when you don't arrive on Friday as expected.

[They should hold it for you if you call that Friday and let them know your running a day late, but why risk a screw-up?]

[The Krewe of Chew]

Swag,

I must be very tired, because I don't see the referral code. I get to your home page, but if I go to the Priceline/Hotwire page, where it says click here for Hotwire there is no link. There is a box to put in dates but it is not linked to anything. What am I missing?

Do you think this deal will still be available tomorrow?

[The Krewe of Chew]

Oh, and if you won't arrive until Saturday, it's probably better to add the extra day to the end of your stay (and just checkout early), than to add it to the front and have to worry the hotel will no-show you when you don't arrive on Friday as expected.

[They should hold it for you if you call that Friday and let them know your running a day late, but why risk a screw-up?]


I can't get that rate if i arrive Sat 4/26 and check out Tuesday 5/6.

Can they give away the room if we paid for Friday but don't show until Saturday, if we are paid in full?

[swag]

If you don't show and don't call, they might. Like I say, though, if you call on Friday and tell them your plane was delayed, whatever, but the room is paid and you'll be checking in on Saturday, then they should hold it.

Not sure why youre not seeing the referral link (what browser?), but if the ones on my page aren't visible, and the one in post 55 above isn't either, don't sweat it. Just go to Hotwire directly.

Will the deal be available tomorrow? I don't know. I'm surprised it's lasted this long. But the fact that it lasted thru a whole business day and a whole bunch of folks jumping on it is a good sign. But you just never know when a deal like this will be pulled, or when the available inventory will run out.

[swag]

Here's what Hotwire says about delayed check ins:

Q: What if I'm late arriving and checking into my hotel?

A: Our hotel partners allow for late arrival/check-in. However, you must call the hotel to let them know that you will be checking in later than normal. If you do not contact the hotel ahead of time, your entire hotel reservation may be cancelled (no refund will be issued).

Please note that you will not be reimbursed for any unused portions of your reservation. All bookings made through Hotwire are final and cannot be cancelled, refunded, changed, exchanged or transferred.

Q: What if I miss my flight (or it is delayed) and that affects my ability to check in?

A: Our hotel partners allow for late arrival/check-in. However, we recommend calling the hotel to let them know that you will be checking in later than normal.

Please note that if your check-in date is delayed because of flight problems, you will not be reimbursed for any unused portions of your reservation. All bookings made through Hotwire are final and cannot be cancelled, refunded, changed, exchanged or transferred.

http://www.hotwire.com/customer-care/hotel-reservations-faq/change-in-plans-faq.jsp

[The Krewe of Chew]

Thanks for all your help, Swag!

[Chicago Fest Fan]

A big THANK YOU to Swag. You da man!
I just booked my room for first weekend. ( Don't forget to put in New orleans for the destination and not MSY or the rate will not show up, I made that mistake and thought I missed out)
The deal was too good to pass up. I even booked an extra room for my kids. It's about time they experienced the fest.
I stayed there for the fest about 10 years ago and I had no complaints. We had a large corner room, plus free breakfast if I remember correctly, and Acme is right down the street.MMMMmmm ersters.
This will be the first time in 18 years of festing that we will be going first weekend. Now all I need is the cheap airfares.

[Chicago Fest Fan]

Last year we booked through Priceline at the Best Western St Christopher. 2 days before we were going to arrive BW sent us an email stating they were going to cancel our reservations and refund our money. We had 3 rooms booked and all three if us were notified via email(not even a phone call). BW stated that they overbooked and did not have rooms available. They offered to put us at another hotel but would not pay the overcharge ( we got the rooms for $50, the hotel that they wanted us to go to was $125). We all started a steady stream of phone calls talking to everyone from the janitor to the general manager. After a lot of phone calls and even more stress they finally relented and honored our original agreement.
Priceline was no help during this. They said we should work it out with the hotel.
The GM later explained that the rooms should have never been released to Priceline for the fest. I told him that was his problem.
It all work out in the end.
If the Holiday Inn would try to cancel the reservations I think they would recieve a few complaints from the Threadhead nation.

[The Krewe of Chew]

We're in!! See you all 7 months from today!!

Cindy & Dave

[denideadhead]

Let's see role call so far ...looks like the T Heads will be representin for sure and there is strength in numbers :) and parties to be had...

JFCHIC, ABITAGIRL, ABITAGIRL'S FRIEND, BIGDAG, BELLE,ALMARCO, MCGREGOR,PAUL C,SWAG,MICHELINO,TERRY,MWGIRL,FREEBO
DENIDEADHEAD.......
Chas P, BLUESGIRL, TANGIE&JUDE, FESSPHAN, JOHNNYGOSPELTENT.....
Lester Leaps In, FestivalGirl, MightyRad, ChicagoFest Fan,
Cindy&DaveAKA KreweofCHew
WOOHOO ...I have a feelin that Hotwire would not want to mess with this happy go lucky fest lovin posse...It would be very very bad Karma.

[festivalgirl]

WOOHOO ...I have a feelin that Hotwire would not want to mess with this happy go lucky fest lovin posse...It would be very very bad Karma.

Wow...what a group. Jazzfestchic will be in the mix as well.

[mightyradgumbo]

I've stayed there, before K. The 3* rating is pretty accurate. It's not luxurious, but it's clean. The beds are okay. It's a step down from the Sheraton's, W's, Renaissance's, but a big step up from the Days Inn. I don't remember it being noisy.

Here's a direct link with my referral code: Hotwire (http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=fBw9gX*E07s&offerid=24474.10000017&type=3&subid=0)

I agree Swag. It is clean, not noisy at all. As I stated previously, PB and I crashed here last year and if it did suck I would not stay there again and would warn y'all not to book it. In fact everyone on the bored would have already heard about the crappy experience I had (if I had one).

[BigDag]

I've stayed at the HIFQ literally dozens of times over the years, during Jazzfest, Mardi Gras, New Years, as well as the dead of summer. I have never had any kind of a problem. The rooms are fine. The service is good. The location is prime. It's not fancy, but so what? I'm not going to New Orleans to hang around the room. I've always been able to park, and come and go; I've never found the lot filled. The only complaint I've ever had is with the elevators; they're kind of slow. I think we all are going to be happy with it.

[grisgris]

I'm booked April 24- May 5. :D

[Moon]

We stayed there in the '80s. The best part is the Acme Oyster Bar is right around the corner. You can't beat a dozen and a Dixie for breakfast.

[mdfest]

trying to book Tues 4/29-Mon M 5. Shows up when i put in the dates, but then wont accept payment. any advice??

[ac_deadhead]

dates were available 30 minutes ago... got my card and went to book it... now hotwire showing NOTHING available in french quarter at all. :(

oh, well... have to keep looking!

[mdfest]

im on the phone with them- think were screwed by waiting- knew i shouldnt have waited for others

[mdfest]

gone-F*#&

[AtPontchartrain]

dates were available 30 minutes ago... got my card and went to book it... now hotwire showing NOTHING available in french quarter at all. :(

oh, well... have to keep looking!

Make sure you're putting New Orleans or 70130 as the city, not MSY.

...But I see, now I've tried it for the whole week, and it doesn't give a downtown or French Quarter hotel until it reaches the $109 price, so the bargain may be gone from Hotwire for now. Priceline, it's harder to tell what hotels you might get.

[ohio]

I only see a 3 star in the quarter for $109 now. boutique, pool, restaurant, laundry, high speed internet

[mwgirlonherown]

Boo!
I just attempted to book the Holiday Inn for Mardi Gras & it's gone. Last night, a couple of friends were able to confirm dates.

[marignygreg]

That damn early bird and his stinking worm. I was trying to firm up dates and hop on the $39 express as my Marigny digs are fully rented. Oh mighty Swag,please lead us to the next deal....

[festivalgirl]

We stayed there in the '80s. The best part is the Acme Oyster Bar is right around the corner. You can't beat a dozen and a Dixie for breakfast.

Drool, drool ....... but make mine a Bloody!

[mdfest]

ok, so anyone who booked and doesnt need the room daze and second weekend, im your huckleberry

[almarco]

Yikes did the threadheads suck up all the rooms....

[mdfest]

my backup plan is to stay with Amyloves...

[almarco]

hey md , have both weekends thurs-mon booked ,flying solo..so far

[mdfest]

ive got baggage

[Staxsun]

ive got baggage

She's kinda cute. I'd take her off your hands, but......I'd like to live to see tomorrow.

[swag]

Boo!
I just attempted to book the Holiday Inn for Mardi Gras & it's gone. Last night, a couple of friends were able to confirm dates.

The fact that the rate disappeared at the same time for both Jazzfest and Mardi Gras suggests that removing it was a business decision (either correcting a mistake, or just deciding the previous price was too low) as opposed to simply running out of inventory.

[almarco]

I feel your pain md.....I disposed of mine.

[ozzie]

my backup plan is to stay with Amyloves...

BYO fancy patry cup!

[swag]

That damn early bird and his stinking worm. I was trying to firm up dates and hop on the $39 express as my Marigny digs are fully rented. Oh mighty Swag,please lead us to the next deal....

There will be other deals. Probably not at $39, but there's no reason not to expect 2008 to be similar to 2007 (http://jazzfest.swagland.com/bidding%2007.html), when the Hilton was going for $50-80, the JW for $90, the Sheraton for $90-100, and this very Holiday Inn for $60.

For those who don't want to wait, or who just want to hang with all the cool threadheads, you might check out the original post (http://www.nojazzfest.com/chat/showthread.php?t=3528) in the othe Holiday Inn thread. IndyWaiter said he had a line on rooms there for $79, maybe those are still available?

[mdfest]

BYO fancy patry cup!

LOL. Shes so bitter!

[Corona]

gone-F*#&
ugggh....sorry Md :(

[nola_funk]

that sucks. i didn't get in on time.
i would have booked for 4-24 to 5-5.

oh well, i'll use priceline between now and then.

[neverleft]

Thanks Swag for the hot tip. I just got the room booked this morning. Also a big Thanks to RI Joe for calling me up and letting me know about it. I stayed there before and really like the location, staggering distance to a great bar. Toons

[bbcfm]

I'm in 2nd Thursday - Monday! Thanks for the awesome heads up! I stayed here for Jazzfest in 04 and 05. Nothing special. But it was clean and it's in a great location. Thats all I need!

[VWGal]

Well, I am a day late and more than a dollar short now, but I booked anyway at $99 just to be close witcha all! See you at the HIFQ...Threadhead HQ 2008!

Thanks Swag for getting the ball rolling, not a bad deal at $99, just wish I'd been checking it yesterday....

Now, who's booking the bus to the fairgrounds each morning? ha ha

[VWGal]

Oh forgot to say, I'm in for the full deal -- I'll be greeting everyone on 4/23 and waving goodbye morning of 5/5.

[Corona]

Well, I am a day late and more than a dollar short now, but I booked anyway at $99 just to be close witcha all! See you at the HIFQ...Threadhead HQ 2008!

Thanks Swag for getting the ball rolling, not a bad deal at $99, just wish I'd been checking it yesterday....

Now, who's booking the bus to the fairgrounds each morning? ha ha
ooh, now that's a GREAT idea!!!

[mwgirlonherown]

The fact that the rate disappeared at the same time for both Jazzfest and Mardi Gras suggests that removing it was a business decision (either correcting a mistake, or just deciding the previous price was too low) as opposed to simply running out of inventory.

Yeah, it sounds like a little cost averaging to me now that the current rate is $99.99.

Thanks again Swag for sharing the wealth & Barry for the telephone message. Owe you both a kegger!

[sophisticated sissy]

An amazing rate! Ohio called me to let me know about it. But it's too early for me to commit. You guys are all incredible! I usually don't make hotle reservations until I have airline reservations.

Congrats to everyone who got in on a fantastic deal!

[VWGal]

ooh, now that's a GREAT idea!!!

It's the event person in me, I can't help it!

[neverleft]

I'm in for the whole week plus both weekends. My wife says she may go for one weekend. So if any guy wants to stay at my room for free while she's not there that's cool with me. Let me know.

[jonnygospeltent]

Robbie yoy know I'm in for whichever week the loveley wife isn't there.

[tangledupinblue]

I think there are more threadheads staying together this year than last! This is going to be great!
Lis, where you staying?

[tangledupinblue]

So I just called Holiday Inn directly to make sure they had my reservation.
Looks as though they were running a special for Jazzfest. The woman in reservations sent me another confirmation and this is what it read:

SP EVENT:JAZZ FEST 01MAY08 - MIN STAY 3 NTS REQUIREDDIRECT ALL QUESTIONS TO .COM PHONE NO.INTERNET NET RATE QUOTED /NO COMMDEP ENTIRE STAY DUE BY 01APR08

I never mentioned anything about Jazzfest so they must have been running a special.
I also requested non-smoking and she said it is ONLY a request. Hell, I'll just bring incense and candles just in case!!!

[swag]

Good to hear its working out so far. The fact that even after the deal ended, they sold VWGal a room thru Hotwire (at a higher rate) is also a good sign - it takes away the "rooms shouldn't have been sold on HW" claim that Chicago Fest Fan ran into (post 63).

As far as room requests (smoking/non, 1 bed or 2), if when you check in they say they can't accomodate you, I'll bet a $20 bill slipped discretely across the front desk will work wonders.

[tangledupinblue]

Good to hear its working out so far. The fact that even after the deal ended, they sold VWGal a room thru Hotwire (at a higher rate) is also a good sign - it takes away the "rooms shouldn't have been sold on HW" claim that Chicago Fest Fan ran into (post 63).

As far as room requests (smoking/non, 1 bed or 2), if when you check in they say they can't accomodate you, I'll bet a $20 bill slipped discretely across the front desk will work wonders.

HA! No kidding. What are the odds that many of us will be right next door to one another?

[grisgris]

Got to call tomorrow, I forgot to book for the Monday after.:o

[tangledupinblue]

Got to call tomorrow, I forgot to book for the Monday after.:o

Oh shit, call now!!

[NYMAMA]

WOW whaT A GREAT RATE! (AND i THOUGHT i HAD A DEAL).

[McGregor]

Is it odd we can't check in to the HIFQ hotel until 5pm?

[mamaroux]

Is it odd we can't check in to the HIFQ hotel until 5pm?

I wondered the same, but..... that's what they said. Seems mightly late, but what can ya do?

[festbabe]

I wondered the same, but..... that's what they said. Seems mightly late, but what can ya do?

Drink, that's what you do.

[festivalgirl]

I wondered the same, but..... that's what they said. Seems mightly late, but what can ya do?

Check-out is 11A. They certainly are giving themselves a lot of time to clean - which is not a bad thing!!

I've usually been pretty lucky with an earlier check-in. Never hurts to ask. We're scheduled to arrive 4ish so shouldn't be a problem for us.

[McGregor]

I wondered the same, but..... that's what they said. Seems mightly late, but what can ya do?

Yea no big deal as I'll be at the fest but I was just curious if that's what they told everyone else. Thanks guys

[mamaroux]

Drink, that's what you do.

yeah... dink... but we're staying at the St Ann Marie Antoinette Hotel on Conti the night before, and they have an 11am chk out too... I'd like to just go, drop off the bags, do the paper work and then go do whatever.....

[mamaroux]

Check-out is 11A. They certainly are giving themselves a lot of time to clean - which is not a bad thing!!

I've usually been pretty lucky with an earlier check-in. Never hurts to ask. We're scheduled to arrive 4ish so shouldn't be a problem for us.

Cleaning is a good thing! Can't complain about that!


10 min to boarding pass print out!

[fakeyjake]

Stayed at HIFQ during the FQ Fest. I arrived around 2 pm and was told that check in was at 5. I managed to get into a room around 3. Hang around the desk and watch for a clerk who seems to be getting people checked in. There were three clerks, two of whom kept telling me that they would get me a room as soon as the cleaning staff released them. The other clerk's response was "Sure honey, let me see what I can do for you." To the best of my knowledge, the cleaning staff never got to my room before 3p.m. They are not particularly quick or effective.

Bonus: parking was only $26 per day and there is free wireless internet access. Prices may be jacked for JF, tho.

[McGregor]

What's the best driving route to get from the Fairgrounds to the HIFQ?

I hate driving in NO but I will have to this one time before parking the car.

[zzupschuck]

What's the best driving route to get from the Fairgrounds to the HIFQ?

I hate driving in NO but I will have to this one time before parking the car.

I always go down Canal St. and take a right on N. Rampart St. then a left on Esplanade to the Fairgrounds

[Terry]

Stayed at HIFQ during the FQ Fest. I arrived around 2 pm and was told that check in was at 5. I managed to get into a room around 3. Hang around the desk and watch for a clerk who seems to be getting people checked in. There were three clerks, two of whom kept telling me that they would get me a room as soon as the cleaning staff released them. The other clerk's response was "Sure honey, let me see what I can do for you." To the best of my knowledge, the cleaning staff never got to my room before 3p.m. They are not particularly quick or effective.

Bonus: parking was only $26 per day and there is free wireless internet access. Prices may be jacked for JF, tho.

Guess I got lucky. Arrived about 1 pm and was able to get into my room right away without even asking for it. Maybe being a senior helped. Even got a fridge in my room, and that I did ask for.

[Belle]

Guess I got lucky. Arrived about 1 pm and was able to get into my room right away without even asking for it. Maybe being a senior helped. Even got a fridge in my room, and that I did ask for.

We arrived around 11 am on ist Friday, no room as expected but by the time we got something to eat the room was ready. We were in no hurry anywho so we settled in, took the trolly and went to fest. the room was worth more than the 39 buck rate. Hell we only slept a few hours anyway:D .

If you know what they say about 5 check in you will be happy to find it available earlier.
Go with the flow in New Orleans. They are busy you know.

[bluesgirl]

OK, who set off the #$%^&*@#$ fire alarm at 6:30 AM this morning?

[Chicago Fest Fan]

We were staying at the Westin but my kids were at the HIFQ. We stopped by the HIFQ on the night before check in and preregistered the room. They said the room was already cleaned and we could check in anytime the following morning. As soon as our kids arrived at 10 am we were able to check them in.
A big thank you to swag for alerting us to this rate. This was one reason that we were able to bring our kids and 4 of thier freinds.