HOTEL QUESTION

[dank_bass]

Normally I have my accomodations secure by this point, but finances did not allow that this year, so I will be playing the priceline, hotwire, orbitz, easyclick, bookit, etc; game

I have found some decent deals (nothing great, trust me), however, most of these Ive found couldnt accomodate my whole stay (4-26 to 5-6). Is this only going to worsen as the good deals come in later, or will they be rooms that are released for the entirety of the fest?

Should I Separate into two hotels or bids for each weekend? Anyone have experience on this?

Thanks

[back2NOLA]

I'm brand new here, but I'm pretty good at sniffing out a hotel deal and did a ton of research last weekend on hotels for the Jazz Fest. The best rates I could find - and by quite a lot - are available through the "travel" section of this official website. (See above - pull down "travel" and select "hotels." There are participating hotels that have better deals AND availability that doesn't show up on Travelocity, etc.

I did a big number on VRBO.com, too -- most everything is booked or available only for 4-night stays (even if not mentioned in the listing).

Check it out - hope it helps! (Also got 10% off our plane tix thru here - not a huge savings, but it'll pay for a big-ass breakfast at Mother's!)

[chen]

The conservative route would be to split your bid 4/26-5/1 and then 5/1-5/6. For the first leg, I would bid on priceline right now - someone hit at $70 for a 3* (marriott) for similar dates but you may have to go a little higher to catch 1st weekend. With free rebids, you can work up slowly to hit it right. For the second leg, book a backup that you can cancel and then wait to see if the PL deals pop up for second weekend.

The high risk route would be to sit tight and wait it out until the very last minute. Your lengthy stay may actually prove a benefit to you if you take this route and you could wind up with a 4* in the $50 a night range for the whole leg. Or else, you could be f*cked.

It's all about risk/reward my friend...

[swag]

The Marriott @ $70 was for midweek nights only. Details on my site.

Right now is really prime time for hotels, after the lineups are announced. The best time for deals is either early (previous calendar year) or late (April). My guess is that deals will get better - especially 2nd weekend which has been especially tight.

You don't want to split up too much - you're generally better off having some weeknights attached to each weekend, bothto bring down the average and to address any minimum stay requirements the hotels may have. But splitting down the middle into two stays might not be a bad idea, assuming you don't mind the hassle of packing and moving.

Having said all this, I would recommend finding something now that's refundable or cancellable, even if it's overpriced or badly located. While I think it's likely there will be deals to be had as Fest approaches, you don't want to risk getting shut out entirely.

[DaCounselor]

Ditto what Swag said. I just booked the Quality Inn in the CBD for 5/1-5/5 at $159/199/199/159. Technically, cancellation without charge is 30 days prior to arrival, but from prior experience I will say that they have cut me loose with no charge even closer to my arrival date.

Last year I scored a room for $110/night at the Sheraton on Hotwire in early April, so I cancelled my backup. I believe there will be more deals to be had this year, but you have to stay vigilant. Good luck.

[KeyWest Bruce]

The last two years I waited till April and got the Sheraton for $95 a night....the other year, $90-100 (I can't remember), and I stayed 12 nights. So, I would be hesitant to split the hotels myself. It had crossed my mind as I was anxious to just book something, so I could just relax and not have to worry about it....but deals came through! The only drawback is not knowing for sure till it's almost fest time. This year, I booked Astor Crowne Plaza at $89 for 13 nights thanks to one of Swag's tips, and they allow cancellation with a $25 fee by a certain date. If I could get the Marriott, I'd gladly cancel that one. So, we'll see....but at least I got a decent deal lined up.

[papafrog]

at those prices you can prolly get a much bigger apartment or house
on craigslist...

[FestNut]

at those prices you can prolly get a much bigger apartment or house
on craigslist...

That's what's working for us this year. Last year 4 gals spent 1st weekend in a St. Charles hotel and 2nd in a Decatur time share. After spending way too much time searching around this year, craigslist came thru with a 3BR house that we booked for two weeks for a better deal than nightly rates. I'm gonna be in NOLA next week and will do a drive-by. The deposit is thru PayPal, so if it isn't anything like the pictures I'll have some time to regroup. Not that I don't trust the site, but there are screwballs everywhere....

Bon Fete!

[dank_bass]

Anyone have feedback on Comfort Inn and Suites (CBD)?

[aardy90210]

...This year, I booked Astor Crowne Plaza at $89 for 13 nights thanks to one of Swag's tips, and they allow cancellation with a $25 fee by a certain date. If I could get the Marriott, I'd gladly cancel that one. So, we'll see....but at least I got a decent deal lined up.

I would love to get in on the astor for that rate...we stayed there last year for around that price, and loved it...lmk if you want to transfer that reservation over :)

[deacon blues]

try barrone plaza in CBD. rates are usually around $110/nite avg rate. 2 blks from french qtr and rooms are big

[DaCounselor]

"Anyone have feedback on Comfort Inn and Suites (CBD)?"
_________________________________

I stayed in a suite there during Final 4 weekend in 2003. It was okay as a place to crash. I like the QI better and would also probably stay at Baronne Plaza before the CI.

[Blitzzzzz]

Looks like I'm looking for a one night stand on the first Sunday. Anyone know anything about the Clarion Royal St. Charles? Cheap enough, and I'm only crashing that evening after the Zephyrs game and some dinner, but I'd still like to avoid any disasters.
Better options or offers cheerfully considered!:cool:

[southofI10]

I am worried about last minute hotel deals, still haven't gottenone yet, formaldehyde in the fema trailers might send people back to hotels via fed govt.

[BigDag]

Anyone have feedback on Comfort Inn and Suites (CBD)?

I have a friend who stayed their last weekend. He said it was fine, but I'm sure he spent very little time in the hotel.

[chen]

FYI:

Hotwire is showing some okay rates for 4/26-5/1 right now, which means that you might do even better on Priceline.

For example:

4.5* downtown $146 (amenities consistent with le pavilion)
3* downtown $112 (no guess as to what this one is)
3* FQ $122 (no guess as to this one either)

I would bid in the $90's for 3* FQ/DT

[swag]

I'm going to disagree with Chen.

http://jazzfest.swagland.com/bidding.html

While we haven't seen much love for 2nd weekenders, first weekend & midweek have done fairly well lately. We've had 4* success at the Renn Arts, and 3* success at the Marriott Conv. Ctr., both at $70. I don't know if those are still available, but I'd at least try for those around $70 before taking it up to the $90's.

Also, Blitzz, are you movong to another hotel on Monday, or just flying home? If the latter, consider a hotel out by the airport, which would likely be half the price, whether thru proceline or thru a direct booking.

[stlbarb]

I'm going to disagree with Chen.

http://jazzfest.swagland.com/bidding.html
.......
Also, Blitzz, are you movong to another hotel on Monday, or just flying home? If the latter, consider a hotel out by the airport, which would likely be half the price, whether thru proceline or thru a direct booking.

i was looking at a hotel for monday 5/5 - one night for a friend. i was thinking the airport area since she flies out early tuesday and will be moving from a Metairie hotel. i checked travelocity and the best deals were in the FQ - go figure.

[chen]

Priceline has three free rebid zones for 3* (Garden District, New Orleans East and New Orleans Westbank). If you understand how to use the rebids by closing out PL and starting over, you can get at least 8 bids (DT, DT/GD, DT/NOE, DT/NOW, DT/GD/NOE, DT/GD/NOW, DT/NOE/NOW, DT/GD/NOE/NOW) if you use only the DT/CC zone and many, many more if you add FQ. I would start low as Swag suggests (perhaps even $60) and move up in increments of $5 to $95.


To understand how to bid on priceline, go to www.betterbidding.com

[steeleye]

Looks like I'm looking for a one night stand on the first Sunday. Anyone know anything about the Clarion Royal St. Charles? Cheap enough, and I'm only crashing that evening after the Zephyrs game and some dinner, but I'd still like to avoid any disasters.
Better options or offers cheerfully considered!:cool:

Stayed there two years ago. Decent hotel, you shouldn't have any problems.

[almarco]

As posted on the other thread , I have a room at the holiday inn for both weekends thurs to monday at the great rate (39.00) , going solo , looking to share room ,expenses as long as the person dosent snore too loud....lol almarco@aol.com

[Blitzzzzz]

Also, Blitzz, are you movong to another hotel on Monday, or just flying home? If the latter, consider a hotel out by the airport, which would likely be half the price, whether thru proceline or thru a direct booking.

Thanks, Swag. Moving on to my usual spot on Monday. Sunday is a late add, (Zephyrs last home game during Fest,) and one of the whole enchalada gang in my krewe decided to bring his wife this year, thus I am not welcome until Monday. I would rather be on the other end of the Quarter, but no sign of anything down there.:cool:

[brush]

I just landed the Renaissance Arts for two night 4/29 & 4/30 on Priceline for $63 per night. I originally bid $55 per night, they came back saying I could get accepted if I added another $15. I went back and split the difference at $63 and it was accepted. I tried to get another 2 nights 5/1 & 5/2, and went as high as $75, but it wasn't accepted. At least I'm all set for the Ponderosa Stomp.

[JTFlash49]

Hey Dan,
I stayed there 2 years ago and really like it-good location, comfortable, nice people, etc. but I'm not seeing too many open dates this year. I'm in the same boat as you and probably will wait it out unless some of my faves open up.