Just booked BUF airport hotel using Hotwire.

[Diamondintheruff]

I'm flying out from buffalo in a couple of weeks (sadly not to WDW but out to seattle to visit friends) and I thought I'd give Hotwire.com a try for booking my hotel the night before.

I've used hotwire before but not for the buffalo airport.

I've stayed at the Best Western and the Millenium before. I thought I'd risk staying somewhere new since it's just me so I don't have to worry about a pool for the kids, or a free breakfast for DH. Plus the rates were so cheap I figured if it didn't have a shuttle I'd just use the airport parking coupon and park myself and still save some money off the parksleepfly rates.

So I went ahead and booked a three star, with a pool, with a shuttle for $53 US a night (plus tax and service charge which comes out to $66.74 US).

If you're familiar with hotwire you know that you don't get the name of the hotel until you've paid.

As I mentioned I was looking forward to staying somewhere new but it was not to be. I booked the Millenium. So no new hotel for me.

Sigh...

Oh well, at least I know how to get there.

So if anyone else is looking on hotwire, the three star in the buffalo airport area with a pool, a shuttle, a restaurant, coin laundry and internet access is most likely the Millenium.

[DutchsMommy]

What is rack for the Millenium? Around $90 I seem to recall but am not sure? How was your experience last time? We are pretty easy going as far as hotels are concerned, and really you aren't paying that much more than you pay for parking at the airport, so it might be something I would consider, and maybe do some shopping in Buffalo before we go.

[5boyz]

I'm flying out from buffalo in a couple of weeks (sadly not to WDW but out to seattle to visit friends) and I thought I'd give Hotwire.com a try for booking my hotel the night before.

I've used hotwire before but not for the buffalo airport.

I've stayed at the Best Western and the Millenium before. I thought I'd risk staying somewhere new since it's just me so I don't have to worry about a pool for the kids, or a free breakfast for DH. Plus the rates were so cheap I figured if it didn't have a shuttle I'd just use the airport parking coupon and park myself and still save some money off the parksleepfly rates.

So I went ahead and booked a three star, with a pool, with a shuttle for $53 US a night (plus tax and service charge which comes out to $66.74 US).

If you're familiar with hotwire you know that you don't get the name of the hotel until you've paid.

As I mentioned I was looking forward to staying somewhere new but it was not to be. I booked the Millenium. So no new hotel for me.

Sigh...

Oh well, at least I know how to get there.

So if anyone else is looking on hotwire, the three star in the buffalo airport area with a pool, a shuttle, a restaurant, coin laundry and internet access is most likely the Millenium.

Wow!!! Great price. We have also stayed at Millenuim, we loved it had a courtyard view sat on balcony and watched a wedding...lol!!! So did that price include your parking at the hotel or are you still parking at airport with coupon? thx

[michelle1]

In case anyone is booking 3* expecting the Millenium, you could also get the Holiday Inn next to the airport as their amenities listed are the exact same as the Millenium. I have stayed at both several times using Hotwire so it's a gamble as to what comes up although the HI is good for flying out of Buffalo also...it's right next to the airport and has a shuttle.

[Diamondintheruff]

What is rack for the Millenium? Around $90 I seem to recall but am not sure? How was your experience last time? We are pretty easy going as far as hotels are concerned, and really you aren't paying that much more than you pay for parking at the airport, so it might be something I would consider, and maybe do some shopping in Buffalo before we go.

The rack rate for that night is $119 for sleep and fly and $99 for canadian travellers.

I've been there many times. Their beds are comfy, they do offer some rooms with two king beds, my kids love the indoor pool and their location for shopping is great. You can walk to the walden galleria mall. Plus they are across the street from the Olive Garden. The cons are, the hotel is a bit dated, especially the bathrooms, they don't have a breakfast included (usually sometimes they have a special) and they are not on the airport strip so the drive in the shuttle is 12-15 minutes and since they are a big hotel I've run into shuttles being full before.

Wow!!! Great price. We have also stayed at Millenuim, we loved it had a courtyard view sat on balcony and watched a wedding...lol!!! So did that price include your parking at the hotel or are you still parking at airport with coupon? thx

It did not include my parking. I am going to phone the hotel manager on Monday and see if I can get parking too. If not then since I'm just away three nights it's still cheaper for me to pay for parking at the airport ($30 since I've got the coupon plus I hate waiting for that shuttle) and book through hotwire than to stay there for $119 plus tax.

I always stay in the courtyard with my girlfriends when we go shopping. We sit on the balcony in the evening and unwind. It's like having an extra room.

In case anyone is booking 3* expecting the Millenium, you could also get the Holiday Inn next to the airport as their amenities listed are the exact same as the Millenium. I have stayed at both several times using Hotwire so it's a gamble as to what comes up although the HI is good for flying out of Buffalo also...it's right next to the airport and has a shuttle.

That was the information I was looking for. I would have been happy with any hotel. But it's good to know that three stars could mean either place.

[5boyz]

Thanks Diamond! I may be doing the sleep fly park as I am looking at a flight for 6:30am departure out of Buffalo. We are going for 2 weeks and I figured I have to pay $100. to park (with the airport coupon) I may as well just pay the litte bit extra, go the night before and the let the kids have a swim and feel like the vacation is starting then...:cool1:

[Diamondintheruff]

Thanks Diamond! I may be doing the sleep fly park as I am looking at a flight for 6:30am departure out of Buffalo. We are going for 2 weeks and I figured I have to pay $100. to park (with the airport coupon) I may as well just pay the litte bit extra, go the night before and the let the kids have a swim and feel like the vacation is starting then...:cool1:

If you're going for two weeks I would book through the hotel and get their park and fly package. It will be cheaper than parking at the airport.

I have a 6 am flight coming up for my next trip and we are going to stay at the Best Western as their continental breakfast starts at 4:30. So I can grab something quick before I head out.

[BitsnBearsMom]

only thing I've found with hotwire is if you need a no smoking room make sure to call the hotel ahead of time and request that especially if you are travelling in a busy time.
We've had pretty good luck but have been given smoking rooms 2X - the first time in Seattle it was no problem for them to switch us however in PA on our way home from Hilton Head in March we ended up booking a 2nd hotel room at the hotel that shared the parking lot b/c they didn't have any rooms left to switch us to and there was no way ds' and I could sleep in a smoking room without spending the night coughing and wheezing!! Made for an expensive night!!

[mollyseven]

Hey..... I used Priceline for our March break stay and we also got Millenium for 37.00 for the night. It was great and although I didn't want the parking as I much prefer to park at the airport, the guy at the desk said we could've asked and got the parking if we wanted it.
I had to bid 2 separate times for this but did get it and it was perfect for what we needed.
I would never pay the regular rate to stay at this place so was glad to just be paying 37.00.

[kc1]

FYI, this site tracks Hotwire and Priceline hotels and bids:

http://www.betterbidding.com/

It does show that the Millenium and Holiday Inn as possible hotels.

This site tracks PL only: biddingfortravel (Google the site)

My wife did not like the Millenium...too dirty. I thought it was okay for >$45/night total through Priceline.

[DaniB]

I have a 6 am flight coming up for my next trip and we are going to stay at the Best Western as their continental breakfast starts at 4:30. So I can grab something quick before I head out.

Do you have a link for their website? That particular hotel that is. Our flight is 7am and I was hoping to come across a hotel that sets up a breakfast early. I figured my husband & I would wake up at 4:30 and get ready. Then wake up the kids at 5am.

[Diamondintheruff]

Do you have a link for their website? That particular hotel that is. Our flight is 7am and I was hoping to come across a hotel that sets up a breakfast early. I figured my husband & I would wake up at 4:30 and get ready. Then wake up the kids at 5am.

Here's the link. For breakfast they have fruit, cereal, instant porridge, yogurt, toast, pastries, hard boiled eggs, juice, coffee & tea and a waffle maker. But I will caution you that it is just your basic hotel. Nothing fancy and nothing modern.

http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=33115

[webworm]

Thanks Diamond! I may be doing the sleep fly park as I am looking at a flight for 6:30am departure out of Buffalo. We are going for 2 weeks and I figured I have to pay $100. to park (with the airport coupon) I may as well just pay the litte bit extra, go the night before and the let the kids have a swim and feel like the vacation is starting then...:cool1:

Check out betterbidding and use Priceline to bid on the 3.5* in Buffalo-Amherst. You will get the Buffalo Marriott Niagara since it is the only hotel listed under the 3.5* category with priceline. You just register your vehicle at the front desk for the free shuttle to the airport which is 5 miles away and they pick you up when you return. There is no limit on how long you can leave your vehicle and the great thing is you can do it when book through Priceline and park for free. The hotel is very nice. I got it for $52.00 last December but looks like it has gone up slightly. Recent bids look like $60.00 is the magic number.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bufny-buffalo-marriott-niagara/
http://www.betterbidding.com/index.php?act=Search&CODE=show&searchid=008454ded3722e12eff079c2a1aa4651&search_in=posts&result_type=topics&highlite=%2Bbuffalo

[DaniB]

:goodvibesHere's the link. For breakfast they have fruit, cereal, instant porridge, yogurt, toast, pastries, hard boiled eggs, juice, coffee & tea and a waffle maker. But I will caution you that it is just your basic hotel. Nothing fancy and nothing modern.

http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=33115

That works for us! Hubby & I will not want to have a s sit down & take our time kind of meal as it's our first flight. I know I'll be worried the whole time about missing our flight even if he doesn't :) And our kids will eat pretty much what you listed so it sounds good, thanks!

[riu girl]

Check out betterbidding and use Priceline to bid on the 3.5* in Buffalo-Amherst. You will get the Buffalo Marriott Niagara since it is the only hotel listed under the 3.5* category with priceline. You just register your vehicle at the front desk for the free shuttle to the airport which is 5 miles away and they pick you up when you return. There is no limit on how long you can leave your vehicle and the great thing is you can do it when book through Priceline and park for free. The hotel is very nice. I got it for $52.00 last December but looks like it has gone up slightly. Recent bids look like $60.00 is the magic number.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bufny-buffalo-marriott-niagara/
http://www.betterbidding.com/index.php?act=Search&CODE=show&searchid=008454ded3722e12eff079c2a1aa4651&search_in=posts&result_type=topics&highlite=%2Bbuffalo

Is that $60 before taxes/fees on Priceline? I need a hotel for a night in June and having stayed at this hotel I wold lOVE to get it for $60 (plus fees etc).
Please let me know if I should bid $60 or do you think I can bid less for an early June stay?

Any info. would be really appreciated.
Thank you

[5boyz]

Check out betterbidding and use Priceline to bid on the 3.5* in Buffalo-Amherst. You will get the Buffalo Marriott Niagara since it is the only hotel listed under the 3.5* category with priceline. You just register your vehicle at the front desk for the free shuttle to the airport which is 5 miles away and they pick you up when you return. There is no limit on how long you can leave your vehicle and the great thing is you can do it when book through Priceline and park for free. The hotel is very nice. I got it for $52.00 last December but looks like it has gone up slightly. Recent bids look like $60.00 is the magic number.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bufny-buffalo-marriott-niagara/
http://www.betterbidding.com/index.php?act=Search&CODE=show&searchid=008454ded3722e12eff079c2a1aa4651&search_in=posts&result_type=topics&highlite=%2Bbuffalo

Thank you so much!!!! I am going to check into it!!!!:thumbsup2

[minnie56]

I just booked the Millenium beside Walden for 1 night ..there is a $89USD pre paid rate that I noticed. Thought that wasn't bad at all..

[webworm]

Is that $60 before taxes/fees on Priceline? I need a hotel for a night in June and having stayed at this hotel I wold lOVE to get it for $60 (plus fees etc).
Please let me know if I should bid $60 or do you think I can bid less for an early June stay?

Any info. would be really appreciated.
Thank you

The fees and taxes are approximately $16.00 on top of what you bid. When bidding on priceline it will give you the total before you accept to proceed. The average room price is $125 - $130 so if you get it below $60.00 it will be very good. You can always start at $55.00 and work your way up since you are only leaving in June. You have to wait for 24hrs to rebid since you do not want to select any other start categories to bid on. Select only the 3.5* under Buffalo - Amherst.

[riu girl]

thanks so much for the info. I will let you know how it works out.

[LSmith]

Diamond and Webworm,

THANK YOU so much for the information! Really appreciate you guys taking the time to write about it. Will file it away.

[hockey mom]

I bid $35 and got millenium. We asked about parking and they said $7 a day so we went to airport parking instead.

[Diamondintheruff]

I bid $35 and got millenium. We asked about parking and they said $7 a day so we went to airport parking instead.

That's a great rate!

Check out betterbidding and use Priceline to bid on the 3.5* in Buffalo-Amherst. You will get the Buffalo Marriott Niagara since it is the only hotel listed under the 3.5* category with priceline. You just register your vehicle at the front desk for the free shuttle to the airport which is 5 miles away and they pick you up when you return. There is no limit on how long you can leave your vehicle and the great thing is you can do it when book through Priceline and park for free. The hotel is very nice. I got it for $52.00 last December but looks like it has gone up slightly. Recent bids look like $60.00 is the magic number.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bufny-buffalo-marriott-niagara/
http://www.betterbidding.com/index.php?act=Search&CODE=show&searchid=008454ded3722e12eff079c2a1aa4651&search_in=posts&result_type=topics&highlite=%2Bbuffalo

When I last checked there were NO hotels in the 3.5 star category. They might not have had rooms available the night I wanted?

So I gave up waiting and went with the three star category. I got the millenium for $45 but with taxes it came out to $58.66

[riu girl]

I bid $35 and got millenium. We asked about parking and they said $7 a day so we went to airport parking instead.

Do you know if by chance this hotel offers a free shuttle to/from airport??

We will be flying in late from MCO and need one night overnight and then will be taking greyhound back home early the next morning. So obviously need a hotel which offers a free shuttle.

Thanks

[Diamondintheruff]

Do you know if by chance this hotel offers a free shuttle to/from airport??

We will be flying in late from MCO and need one night overnight and then will be taking greyhound back home early the next morning. So obviously need a hotel which offers a free shuttle.

Thanks

It does. But then I think all the airport hotels do.

[dsneygirl]

We stayed at the Millennium on 05/12 for $52 including taxes and fees off priceline.com We did not take the shuttle as we were only staying 3 days and didn't want to deal with the shuttle on our 11:45pm return arrival.

It was ok but I thought it was really looking tired and in need of some sprucing up.

[minnie56]

Just checked out of this Hotel this morning..I agree, it's a little tired. But the staff were very friendly, rooms were large and clean and the price was right so no complaints here! We only went over yesterday to shop so this suited our needs perfectly.:)

[riu girl]

I started bidding at $55 for 3.5 star in BUF-Amherst area hoping to get the Marriott. Each day I increased the bid by $1 and gave up at $61.
Tonight I bid $35 3 star in BUF area (hoping to get the Millienium) and was rejected. Need one night early June.

Any suggestions????

Thanks

[mithuri]

Hi;

Have you checked betterbidding.com? In fact, in one of the recent posts, they demostrate a strategy on how to specifically bid on Buffalo hotels. Normally, Marriott can be had for around $60 and Millenium for around $38 - It must be a busy time in Buffalo for you not to get these rates - Are you willing to raise your bid by a couple of dollars?

HTH,

Al

[riu girl]

Hi;

Have you checked betterbidding.com? In fact, in one of the recent posts, they demostrate a strategy on how to specifically bid on Buffalo hotels. Normally, Marriott can be had for around $60 and Millenium for around $38 - It must be a busy time in Buffalo for you not to get these rates - Are you willing to raise your bid by a couple of dollars?

HTH,

Al

I checked betterbidding and can't find the thread. Is there any way that you cold post a link to it?

I will try BUF-3 star tonight at priceline for $38 . I tried $35 last night. I only need the room for about 4-5 hours so really prefer to pay as little as possible.

Thank you:goodvibes

[mithuri]

Hi;

I hope this works....

http://www.betterbidding.com/index.php?showtopic=103471&


Thanks, Al

[Diamondintheruff]

I checked betterbidding and can't find the thread. Is there any way that you cold post a link to it?

I will try BUF-3 star tonight at priceline for $38 . I tried $35 last night. I only need the room for about 4-5 hours so really prefer to pay as little as possible.

Thank you:goodvibes

Did you manage to secure a room yet riu girl?

[riu girl]

Not yet.

I can only consider 3 star BUF area (highest rating available ) or BUF-Amherst 3+ star (Marriott Courtyard) since I require a shuttle to/from airport.

I don't have transportation (will be taking bus from home to/from BUF) so need shuttle to/from airport hotel.

So far I have given up on 3+ star BUF-Amherst since I bid $61 plus fees and was rejected.

Am up to $40 (rejected at 40) for 3 star BUF hotel so tomorrow might simply bid $45 instead of increasing by $1 per day. Hopefully will get something for $45 plus fees.

Any suggestions?

[LauraLap]

For those of you saying you stayed at Millenium hotel but still parked at the airport, how did you get from the airport to Millenium after you parked?

[dsneygirl]

For those of you saying you stayed at Millenium hotel but still parked at the airport, how did you get from the airport to Millenium after you parked?

I'm confused by your question :confused3 Do you mean from the parking to the airport ? We never went back to the Millennium. We had a 6:30 flight so we just left the hotel and drove over then parked at Fastpark across the street.

The Millennium is about 10min away from the airport.

[riu girl]

BUF area 3* rejected at $45. YIKES

Didn't really want to pay more then that for a 3 star so bid $62 (last bid of $61 had been rejected) for a 3.5 star in BUF - Amherst. Got the Buffalo Marriott!!!! so really happy!!!!

Its funny I thought that the 3.5 star BUF-Amherst was supposed to give me the courtyard marriott on Sheridan drive (I stayed thre before and was very happy) but ended getting the Marriott on Millersport Highway. I called the hotel and the airport shuttle is included so all is good.

Thanks to everyone who helped me with my first ever priceline experience.:goodvibes

[squirrel]

I'm confused by your question :confused3 Do you mean from the parking to the airport ? We never went back to the Millennium. We had a 6:30 flight so we just left the hotel and drove over then parked at Fastpark across the street.

The Millennium is about 10min away from the airport.

I think the poster wants to know how you get to the airport from where you park the car. Can you walk, is there a shuttle, etc?

I just checked the post again and it's rather confusing. Why would you want to go back to the hotel after parking at the airport? Unless they want to park at the airport and then take the shuttle the next morning from the hotel, but that doesn't make much sense either.

[LauraLap]

Sorry my question was confusing, LOL. I now realize you just go and park your car in the morning after your stay at the hotel. I thought you may have parked there at night, but now realize that doesn't make sense.

[MCFADDEN5]

We are going to book a Holiday Inn Expresss for 1 nite, 9 day parking and breakfast for $165. How does getting back to your car from the airport work?

[riu girl]

BUF area 3* rejected at $45. YIKES

Didn't really want to pay more then that for a 3 star so bid $62 (last bid of $61 had been rejected) for a 3.5 star in BUF - Amherst. Got the Buffalo Marriott!!!! so really happy!!!!

Its funny I thought that the 3.5 star BUF-Amherst was supposed to give me the courtyard marriott on Sheridan drive (I stayed thre before and was very happy) but ended getting the Marriott on Millersport Highway. I called the hotel and the airport shuttle is included so all is good.

Thanks to everyone who helped me with my first ever priceline experience.:goodvibes

Stayed last night at the Marriott. I had called and requested 2 beds and the request was honored. Staff , hotel and room were all very good. No complaints.

[Diamondintheruff]

We are going to book a Holiday Inn Expresss for 1 nite, 9 day parking and breakfast for $165. How does getting back to your car from the airport work?

Generally there are free phones at the baggage claim that call directly to your hotel. The staff will then send the shuttle to you. Once you arrive at the hotel, you retrieve your bags and you are off. But check with your hotel for specific directions.

Stayed last night at the Marriott. I had called and requested 2 beds and the request was honored. Staff , hotel and room were all very good. No complaints.

Glad it all worked out for you. Thanks for getting back to us. I've found that with enough notice the hotel staff are willing to work with my requests too.

[bdoyledimou]

i just did a priceline quote, and got a 3.5* Amhurst Buffalo "upscale hotel" for $36 ($42 after taxes and fees).

Would this be the Marriott? DW doesn't want to stay in a no name hotel (or a Red Roof Inn)

[mithuri]

Hi;

I'm "almost" sure that, if it is 3.5* and in Amherst, then it has to be a Marriott. However, very cheap - Marriott has recently been more expensive via Priceline. (Maybe since school season has started, the prices have come down).

Thanks,

[webworm]

i just did a priceline quote, and got a 3.5* Amhurst Buffalo "upscale hotel" for $36 ($42 after taxes and fees).

Would this be the Marriott? DW doesn't want to stay in a no name hotel (or a Red Roof Inn)

What do you mean by a priceline quote? Was your bid accepted for $36 and confirmation received from priceline? The lowest winning bid for the Buffalo Marriott Niagara has been in the $60.00 range and that is bidding a few days before your actual stay.
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bufny-buffalo-marriott-niagara/

[bdoyledimou]

didn't pull the trigger on it yet (otherwise i would know what hotel it was) but the bid was accepted.. $36 plus taxes and fees for a total of $42 (for Sept 21).

I really just want to confirm that it won't be a Red Roof Inn.. we stayed at one last time we travelled and my wife slept in the car instead (it was REALLY dirty..)

[encinc]

didn't pull the trigger on it yet (otherwise i would know what hotel it was) but the bid was accepted.. $36 plus taxes and fees for a total of $42 (for Sept 21).

I really just want to confirm that it won't be a Red Roof Inn.. we stayed at one last time we travelled and my wife slept in the car instead (it was REALLY dirty..)

Usually with Priceline, if your bid is accepted, you are given the name of the hotel and your credit card is charged at that point. I'm thinking that maybe you are at the step before a hotel actually accepts your bid. I believe that priceline has you type in a price and takes your credit card number, then it searches to see if a hotel accepts your bid. Perhaps you are at that earlier stage.

The only 3.5 star hotel in the BUF area is the Marriott in Amherst. But, people have been having trouble getting it in the $65 range lately. I'd be surprised if you got it for $36. You could always try. If it is truly at 3.5 star hotel that you're bidding for, you won't get a Red Roof Inn.

[erin2470]

I just booked on priceline for 3.5 stars buf-amherst, for this Thursday night and got it for $69.