Hello --

We've used PL for probably 20 nights worth of travel in the last year (and a few planes & rental cars as well). BiddingForTravel.com is definitely the resource to use to figure out what to spend... a few other tips --

- Find a fallback that is cancellable and book it.

- Don't be afraid to wait until late in the game if you can't get your price right away - a lot of times, hotels don't make inventory available to PL until a week or so out.

- If you have trouble booking for what seems like the going rate, call a few of the PL hotels in the zone you're going for directly - sometimes there's a festival or something going on and you'll NEVER get a room through PL (no availability). Helps to find out before wasting too much time...

- Regarding * ratings, I haven't ever used for a 5* - PL doesn't have too many in inventory. They consider the Venetian in Las Vegas one, and from time to time, Raffles in Bev Hills has come up (but never for me!) I've been really pleased with our stays at Park Hyatt properties in Bev Hills & SF (and at $55 a night, who wouldn't be?)

Glad to help with any more questions - it's definitely a nice resource (more $ for cruises!!)

-- Gordon + Rebecca