Hotel Deals - [EXPIRED] LastMinuteTravel.com Offers 15,000 Hotels for $1 Per Night

Search but couldn't find it here.
http://www.smartertravel.com/blogs/today-in-travel/lastminutetravel-com-offers-15-000-hotels-night.html?id=2806959

http://www.lastminutetravel.com/world-for-a-dollar.aspx

If this has been posted, please point it out and move this one.

Thank you!

Unusual promo....

The $1 room rates can only be obtained if you book on Mondays through Fridays during a certain 15-minute window—and which 15 minutes of each day is a mystery. However, LastMinuteTravel will email you clues hinting at the right time to book if you sign up on the website for a hints newsletter.

I signed up and soon got an email....

"LastMinuteTravel.com will soon sell for $1 per night for 15 minutes each day but when exactly? Watch your email because your first hint is coming soon! "

now holding my breath.....

Anyone know if you can use international (australian) cards with them?

Search but couldn't find it here.
http://www.smartertravel.com/blogs/today-in-travel/lastminutetravel-com-offers-15-000-hotels-night.html?id=2806959

http://www.lastminutetravel.com/world-for-a-dollar.aspx

If this has been posted, please point it out and move this one.

Thank you!

For those who may not be aware this site also sells opaque hotels (hotel identity not revealed until after purchase). And when you click the link above it indicates the site will soon (before Feburary) go to an all-opaque system which they call "undercover hotels." From their site:

All hotels are going Undercover on LastMinuteTravel.com before February. By keeping the name of the hotel quiet until after you book, we are able to dramatically drop the rates across our 15,000 hotels - so you can now get even better last minute prices... in advance.

I wouldn't be surprised if the hotels they are planning to sell during this promo are all opaque, meaning there will be an added degree of guesswork in addition to figuring out when the 15-minute booking window will occur. Copying and pasting the hotel's description into Google, however, will often reveal the identity of the hotel.

We really are NOT in competition with other Flyertalkers on this (with 15,000 hotel rooms, there are plenty to go around) so as soon as anyone knows when the 15 minute period is on any given day, I suggest they post it in this thread.

We really are NOT in competition with other Flyertalkers on this (with 15,000 hotel rooms, there are plenty to go around) so as soon as anyone knows when the 15 minute period is on any given day, I suggest they post it in this thread.

I'll be happy to post if/when I'm able to determine the 15-minute window.

Let's just hope this doesn't become another Leading Hotels fiasco with their site becoming bombarded with traffic, all to the utter shock of their IT folks, of course....

FYI here is (rather, whois) some info on the domain owner (travelholdings.com ?):
http://whois.domaintools.com/lastminutetravel.com

Registrant:
LastMinuteTravel.com
220 East Central Parkway
Suite 4000
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
US

Domain Name: LASTMINUTETRAVEL.COM

Administrative Contact, Technical Contact:
LastMinuteTravel.com
220 East Central Parkway
Suite 4000
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
US
407-620-0528 fax: 321-441-1552

Record expires on 16-Sep-2013.
Record created on 17-Sep-1998.
Database last updated on 11-Jan-2009 23:46:21 EST.

Domain servers in listed order:

NS1.ATLANTIC.NET
NS2.ATLANTIC.NET
ASIA1.AKAM.NET
ASIA9.AKAM.NET
EUR2.AKAM.NET
EUR4.AKAM.NET 195.219.3.170
EUR6.AKAM.NET
NS1-205.AKAM.NET
NS1-80.AKAM.NET
USE4.AKAM.NET 80.67.67.182

Anyone been sent a clue yet?

The hints better be good or there's little point to this promo, which I assume is trying to drive up bookings.

Wondering if there's anyway to set up an alert for this? RSS or something like that?

Anyone been sent a clue yet?

Nothing yet here, however do we know the sale will start this Monday (Jan 12)? The info on their website says:

Starting in January, you will have 15 minutes,
Monday - Friday for 2 weeks to buy any hotel for $1 per night

Monday-Friday for 2 weeks in January could mean:

Jan 19-23 and Jan 26-30, and not necessarily Jan 12-16.

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No clues for me yet, I signed up for the newsletters last night.

Does anyone have a link to the full terms and conditions? I can't seem to find it on their site.

You can interpret their offer several ways. Some possible interpretations are:

a) Once the 15 minutes start, every hotel is displayed at $1.00 and you can book up to 7 nights.

b) We give you hints and you book your hotel rooms. Afterward, we tell you if you booked it during the 15 minutes and lower your rate to $1.00.

Does anyone have a link to the full terms and conditions? I can't seem to find it on their site.

You can interpret their offer several ways. Some possible interpretations are:

a) Once the 15 minutes start, every hotel is displayed at $1.00 and you can book up to 7 nights.

b) We give you hints and you book your hotel rooms. Afterward, we tell you if you booked it during the 15 minutes and lower your rate to $1.00.

I can't locate any further info, either.

If after purchase you were notified you didn't make the 15 minute window, I'd want to make sure I bought a room that's refundable.

Some possible interpretations are:

a) Once the 15 minutes start, every hotel is displayed at $1.00 and you can book up to 7 nights.

b) We give you hints and you book your hotel rooms. Afterward, we tell you if you booked it during the 15 minutes and lower your rate to $1.00.OK, I will take door a) or not at all....

I set up an account in advance to speed things up if this ever happens.

Also subscribed to the RSS link on their front page,
don't know if that will do anything other than advertising...

I signed up too, but did not get a "subscription confirmation" e-mail like the site said I would. Anyone else?

update: got it...

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How about the cancellation policy? What if we didn't book it within the 15 minutes window, can we cancel the reservation without a penalty?

I signed up too, but did not get a "subscription confirmation" e-mail like the site said I would. Anyone else?

Without creating an account, I signed up two different email addresses to receive the 15 minute booking window "hint". I did receive a reply to both addresses acknowledging. However, when I tried to create an account using both of those email addresses, the site kept saying those addresses were already taken. I ended up creating an account from a 3rd email address I hadn't previously signed up to receive the alerts. Once I got an account established using the 3rd email address, I then signed up for the alerts and all appears to be well.

Like MrHalliday, I think it's a good idea to get an account set up so that, hopefully, you don't have any glitches if/when it comes time to purchase.

I just talked to a chick named Marcy in their customer service department because I wanted to know how the room taxes would be calculated: either at rack rate, or at the $1 rate. She said it is based on what we actually pay for the room. I'm still skeptical about that, but we'll see.
I also asked her if the deals started today, and she said "the last week in January." I told her that the website said the deal was 2 weeks long, so how could it be the last week, and she replied with "it says starting in January there will be 2 weeks."
So I guess the sale will start later and go into Feb.
That sucks because I was ready to book New York, Rome, and Madrid today while the airlines are having semi-decent fares. Guess I'll have to hope there's still good prices at the end of the month.

I just went through a dummy booking process to see what their refund policies are like. While they may vary by hotel, here are the results for the one I was booking for Jan 26, 2009, one night:

Cancellation Policy
Please note you are within cancellation penalty of 25 USD fee

Hotel cancellations or changes made 7 day/s prior to check in time (Noon local hotel time), will be subject to 1 night/s fee

Hotel cancellations or changes made 1 day/s prior to check in time (Noon local hotel time), will be subject to a full fare fee

No-show is subjected to a full fare fee

Does this mean as long as you cancel 8 days (or more) before your check-in date, all you'll be assessed is a $25 cancel fee? If you cancel 2-7 days prior, you "eat" one night's lodging?

Let's just hope if you're booking within the 15-minute window, the prices will be displayed at $1 and you'll know before you pull the trigger you're buying a $1 room as opposed to a $400 room.

Signed up for the site as well. We'll see if anything comes from it

This whole promo reeks of scam to me!

I'm less than impressed so far. I did some comparison shopping of several Choice Hotels in one city for a one night stay.

Hotel 1:
Standard rate on the Choice Hotels web site was $90 versus $140 on the LastMinuteTravel.com web site.

Hotel 2:
Standard rate on the Choice Hotels web site was $99 versus $162 on the LastMinuteTravel.com web site.

Hotel 3:
Standard rate on the Choice Hotels web site was $100 versus not available on the LastMinuteTravel.com web site.

Also, the cancellation and change fees directly from Choice Hotels are far more accommodating than those on LastMinuteTravel.com.

Maybe I can find some deals when LastMinuteTravel.com goes to an all-opaque booking mechanism, but I'm going to pass for now.

This whole promo reeks of scam to me!

I'll wait to pass any premature judgement. However, I'm not getting too excited, either, after the Leading Hotels fiasco.

So is it safe to assume since nobody received any 'hint' emails yesterday, we can put this promo on hold until next Monday?

I didn't receive a "hint" so I would think so but you just never know but I did receive a confirmation email if others are still wondering about that.

Sure looks that way, unfortunately... I also received the confirmation email, so at least if they DO send one, I know I'll get it.

Sure looks that way, unfortunately... I also received the confirmation email, so at least if they DO send one, I know I'll get it.

Same here....

So is it safe to assume since nobody received any 'hint' emails yesterday, we can put this promo on hold until next Monday?

As I posted earlier, the lady I talked to in their customer service dept said it will begin the last week in January, which is the 26th.
I've also read some stuff on other sites where they talk about a sale very similar to this one that they did in Europe a little while back. $10 (or pound) rooms. And from what I saw, it appeared to work. Here's hoping the same happens for us.

As I posted earlier, the lady I talked to in their customer service dept said it will begin the last week in January, which is the 26th.
I've also read some stuff on other sites where they talk about a sale very similar to this one that they did in Europe a little while back. $10 (or pound) rooms. And from what I saw, it appeared to work. Here's hoping the same happens for us.

While one should NEVER question what a phone center rep says (:D) , the website does say "Monday through Friday for TWO weeks in January". So while you may be right about Jan 26 being the first day, I'd keep my eyes pealed on Monday the 19th too....

Hmmmm.... this $1 deal is not even showing up on the homepage of the site when it was before... coincidence?

Hmmmm.... this $1 deal is not even showing up on the homepage of the site when it was before... coincidence?
Check again. Refresh your browser to see the ads change.

Ah, now it's there.... thanks, sc flier.

Word is spreading quickly on this deal. Our chances of booking fast enough are a lot lower now that sites like SD are opening doors to the hordes. At least I can have reason to be a lot more "realistic" about getting in on this over the next week.

Word is spreading quickly on this deal. Our chances of booking fast enough are a lot lower now that sites like SD are opening doors to the hordes. At least I can have reason to be a lot more "realistic" about getting in on this over the next week.

that's a shame that everybody is finding out about this deal. i hope their servers don't crash. i'm looking forward more to this sale than i do to christmas.
what is the name of the site that you refer to as "SD?" sorry, i'm new to all these forums.

slickdeals.net I guess.

As I posted earlier, the lady I talked to in their customer service dept said it will begin the last week in January, which is the 26th.
I've also read some stuff on other sites where they talk about a sale very similar to this one that they did in Europe a little while back. $10 (or pound) rooms. And from what I saw, it appeared to work. Here's hoping the same happens for us.


Travelodge UK ran that special, starting at midnight Dec. 31. It took me about 2 hours of trying before I was able to get onto their page (otherwise, server busy)

Didn't find a 9 pound room, but did get one for 19 X 3 nights, $84 ai, central London. Made boss very happy.

Hi all,

I think it was the £10 www.lastminute.com special offer days that the poster was talking about not Travelodge.
That 'lastminute' is a totally separate company to the lastminutetravel.com that are holding this $1 sale. lastminute.com are part of another big company (travelocity if I remember correctly, on PDA so can't check or open another browser window now I've started typing this!).

I get so flippin' nervous when these promos surface, was posting on here and actively shaking sat in the local library on the website during the Leading hotels deal when the website crash happened.
Better luck this time to those that weren't successful on that one (inc. me)

Caroline, in the UK.

Hi all,

I think it was the £10 www.lastminute.com special offer days that the poster was talking about not Travelodge.
That 'lastminute' is a totally separate company to the lastminutetravel.com that are holding this $1 sale. lastminute.com are part of another big company (travelocity if I remember correctly, on PDA so can't check or open another browser window now I've started typing this!).

I get so flippin' nervous when these promos surface, was posting on here and actively shaking sat in the local library on the website during the Leading hotels deal when the website crash happened.
Better luck this time to those that weren't successful on that one (inc. me)

Caroline, in the UK.

Ah, missed that one! Darn it, now maybe my deal could have been a better one... will stew about this uselessly.

So what am I supposed to do, check my email every 10 minutes? I'm starting to feel complusive here.

I'm starting to feel complusive here.

Welcome to the club.

Just got this msg, but I don't even know if it's a clue or just a delaying email to keep me intrigued: "Can you keep a secret? Because I can't.

I’ve been around the world – a JetSetter of sorts – and I’m here to spill my Last Minute Travel secrets. I’ve been told I’m a know-it-all, so, ready or not, here come all my travel tips, like how to get a deal and when to look for a steal!

Don’t worry, I’ll watch for the Last Minute deals and keep you posted! Until next time!

JetSetter"

You all get that when you signed up, or is there a hint concealed within?

Just got this msg, but I don't even know if it's a clue or just a delaying email to keep me intrigued: "Can you keep a secret? Because I can't.

I’ve been around the world – a JetSetter of sorts – and I’m here to spill my Last Minute Travel secrets. I’ve been told I’m a know-it-all, so, ready or not, here come all my travel tips, like how to get a deal and when to look for a steal!

Don’t worry, I’ll watch for the Last Minute deals and keep you posted! Until next time!

JetSetter"

You all get that when you signed up, or is there a hint concealed within?

That's odd. I registered 4 different emails with them, and haven't gotten anything like that. Nor has my girlfriend or sister who I just checked with. If you get anything else, keep us posted. That seems odd...

I signed on on Jan 9 and got a confirmation that I was on their list, but haven't gotten anything since. I even checked my junk mail.

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I'm with you fsuga, I didn't get that email either. I will keep watching.

Hello all,

There's now a link on their $1 promotion page (http://www.lastminutetravel.com/world-for-a-dollar.aspx)
to some more Terms and Conditions!!
Enjoy reading the terms & conditions? read them all here
But when you click the 'read them all here', it opens up an error page!
If anyone is able to see these T&C's could they please post the details here!!?

Thanks in advance,
Caroline

I called their customer service number and spoke with Megan, she didn't have them and asked me to call back tomorrow morning when a manger would be in.

Hello all,

There's now a link on their $1 promotion page (http://www.lastminutetravel.com/world-for-a-dollar.aspx)
to some more Terms and Conditions!!
Enjoy reading the terms & conditions? read them all here
But when you click the 'read them all here', it opens up an error page!
If anyone is able to see these T&C's could they please post the details here!!?

Thanks in advance,
Caroline

I'm from the UK and I was wondering if I'm eligible for this when it all kicks in as I got this E-mail too...

I’ve been around the world – a JetSetter of sorts – and I’m here to spill my Last Minute Travel secrets. I’ve been told I’m a know-it-all, so, ready or not, here come all my travel tips, like how to get a deal and when to look for a steal!

Don’t worry, I’ll watch for the Last Minute deals and keep you posted! Until next time!

I'm from the UK and I was wondering if I'm eligible for this when it all kicks in [/I]

Hi, I am too, was wondering this myself, found a link to the Terms and Conditions but the link produced an error page.
Now it's back up.... and It says...

The World For A Dollar Campaign, (the "Campaign") on lastminutetravel.com (the "Site") is open only to legal residents of the fifty
(50) United States

http://www.lastminutetravel.com/world-for-a-dollar-TC.aspx

Oh well, we'll have to wait for the next great offer :(
At least I can relax now and not have to wait for the 'hints'!! :p

Cheers,
Caroline

For those who want to see them all.

The World For A Dollar Terms and Conditions (the "Dollar Terms")

1. Eligibility to Participate in The World For A Dollar Campaign

* The World For A Dollar Campaign, (the "Campaign") on lastminutetravel.com (the "Site") is open only to legal residents of the fifty
(50) United States (including District of Columbia) who have reached the age of majority in their respective jurisdiction at the time of participation and who are registered on the Site, lastminutetravel.com (the "Traveler").
* The Campaign is void in Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and other U.S. territories and possessions and where prohibited by law.
* Employees of Travel Holdings Inc., its affiliates, subsidiaries (aggregately, the "Company"), or other companies associated with the Campaign, as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and household members (people who share the same residence at least three (3) months out of the year) of each such employee are not eligible to participate and/or make reservations and purchases through the Campaign.
* Participation constitutes the Traveler's unconditional agreement to the Dollar Terms. Traveler must fulfill all requirements set forth in these Terms to be eligible to participate. The Dollar Terms are final and binding in all matters related to the Campaign. The Campaign does not constitute a prize, lottery, or sweepstakes.
* The Campaign shall be administered by the Company. The Company reserves the right to cancel the Campaign without notice at any time and for any reason.

2. Timing of the The World For A Dollar Campaign

* The Campaign shall be defined as the following: an individual fifteen (15) minute period during a Booking Period in which a Traveler is able to make a Dollar Booking.
* The Campaign may be held one or more times, in the discretion of the Company, during any Monday through Friday, inclusive, for a fifteen (15) minute interval on the date(s) and at the time(s) designated by the Company (each a "Booking Period")
* The Traveler must complete his/her booking within a single Campaign during a Booking Period. Completion of a booking is defined as the following: choosing and reserving one (1) hotel room for up to seven (7) nights on the Site; providing valid credit card payment information as required by the Site; approving and acknowledging a full and complete understanding of the Dollar Terms, the General Terms and Conditions on the Site (the "General Terms") and the Privacy Policy on the Site; and receipt by Traveler via the Site of a voucher confirmation for the paid booking (the "Dollar Booking").
* The Company's computer is the official time keeping device for this Campaign.

3. How to Participate in The World For A Dollar Campaign

* During the Booking Period, visit the Site, www.lastminutetravel.com
* If you have not already registered as a user on the Site, you must register to be eligible to be a Traveler. There is no fee for registration or use of the Site. You may only make one Dollar Booking during any given Campaign and Booking Period. A Booking Period may begin and end on any day during Monday through Friday inclusive (typical work week). For example, if you book a Dollar Booking on a Monday and a Wednesday during the same week, the Company shall void all of your bookings.
* You can book only one (1) room for a maximum of seven (7) nights in order to create a valid Dollar Booking.
* You must complete the booking online and without phone assistance.
* You must pay One U.S. Dollar for each night booked via the Dollar Booking plus any additional fees associated with the booking including, but not limited to, taxes, resort fees, baggage fees, and supplemental fees imposed by the hotel.
* Payment must be made online with a valid credit card in the name of the traveler. No third party credit cards will be accepted.
* All payments for Dollar Bookings are nonrefundable. All Dollar Bookings are nontransferable and non-exchangeable.
* You must review and comply with each and every requirement in the Terms including, but not limited to, eligibility, timing, and participation rules.
* Your participation in The World For A Dollar Campaign is subject to the General Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy of the Site in addition to these Terms. In case of any conflict between the The World For A Dollar terms and the General Terms, The World For A Dollar terms shall apply.

3. The World For A Dollar Campaign Prohibited Acts and Rights of the Company

* Company may void any Dollar Booking made by any Traveler who attempts to obtain more than one Dollar Booking during a Campaign and/or Booking Period by any means including using multiple/different email addresses, identities, registrations and logins, or any other methods.
* Company may void any Dollar Booking made by any Traveler who uses any automated system to make a Dollar Booking.
* Company may void any Dollar Booking made by any Traveler who uses the same credit card as payment for more than one Dollar Booking during a Campaign.
* Company is not responsible for any technical issues that limit or prevent a Traveler's ability to complete a Dollar Booking.
* Company's decisions as to the administration and operation of the Campaign are final and binding in all matters related to the Campaign.
* Company shall have the right to invalidate any booking that violates these Terms as determined by the Company's review of relevant information including, but not limited to, names, addresses (snail-mail and email), credit card information, cookies, session data, and URLs of Travelers.
* Company shall have the right to cancel the Dollar Booking if Traveler violates the General Terms on the Site.
* Company's liability relating to use of the Site during The World For A Dollar Campaign shall be limited to the lesser of $100 or the amount paid by the complainant. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
* Except where prohibited, Traveler's purchase of a Dollar Booking constitutes his/her consent to Company's and its agents' use of his/her name, likeness, photograph, voice, opinions and/or hometown and state for promotional purposes in any media, worldwide, without further payment or consideration to Traveler.
* Company reserves the right to cancel, suspend and/or modify the Campaign, or any part of it, if any fraud, technical failures or any other factor beyond Company's reasonable control impairs the integrity or proper functioning of the Campaign, as determined by Company in its sole discretion.

http://www.lastminutetravel.com/world-for-a-dollar-TC.aspx

[QUOTE=TTTFor those who want to see them all]

I thought they were a bit long to post so copied them in a text file for anyone that wanted them. But having seen them, they don't take up as much space as I thought, so thanks for that.

Here is the first hint:

Visit www.lastminutetravel.com and explore the hotel page

It will be blue skies and smooth sailing once you book your next hotel stay for $1 per night.



When you call up the hotel page you will see a Cancun offer with a small boat. It has '1/27 AM EST' written on it. I assume that's it.

I saw that. So, as my coffee hasn't kicked in yet- according to the website the sale starts 1/26. This hint points us to an unknown time in the morning EST on 1/27.

We just don't know what time in the morning? Great, now I am OCFT AND OCLMT.

I saw that. So, as my coffee hasn't kicked in yet- according to the website the sale starts 1/26. This hint points us to an unknown time in the morning EST on 1/27.

We just don't know what time in the morning? Great, now I am OCFT AND OCLMT.

Thanks.

And now, perhaps, we'll get enough info that everyone can log on at the right time and repeat the Leading Hotels of the World fiasco. :p

I'm still unclear on the taxes. I hope I have enough time left to change plans (to a much cheaper hotel) if they decide to tax at the full rate.

I'm still unclear on the taxes. I hope I have enough time left to change plans (to a much cheap hotel) if they decide to tax at the full rate.

I talked to my Aunt who is a corporate honcho with Lowe's hotels, and she told me that if they were to sell a room for $1, then tax would be paid on a buck. However, she thinks it is highly unlikely that all these hotels have signed on to sell the rooms for $1 to lastminutetravel.com, especially as she has heard nothing of it. Therefore, it seems lastminute will be buying the rooms at whatever price they can get them for, and eating the rest of the room rate. And since taxes must be paid on a sale, and the sale will be for more tha $1, we're probably going to have to pay the taxes. Kind of sucks, but even if I can get a great hotel in NY or Rome for $30 a night, that's not horible.

I talked to my Aunt who is a corporate honcho with Lowe's hotels, and she told me that if they were to sell a room for $1, then tax would be paid on a buck. However, she thinks it is highly unlikely that all these hotels have signed on to sell the rooms for $1 to lastminutetravel.com, especially as she has heard nothing of it. Therefore, it seems lastminute will be buying the rooms at whatever price they can get them for, and eating the rest of the room rate. And since taxes must be paid on a sale, and the sale will be for more tha $1, we're probably going to have to pay the taxes. Kind of sucks, but even if I can get a great hotel in NY or Rome for $30 a night, that's not horible.

Is it legal to charge taxes on anything other than the $1 purchase price?

This weekend I took advantage of a Hertz free weekend rental day, and because the rental rate for 24 hours was $0.00, so was the taxes/fees.

Is it legal to charge taxes on anything other than the $1 purchase price?

This weekend I took advantage of a Hertz free weekend rental day, and because the rental rate for 24 hours was $0.00, so was the taxes/fees.

I would think that is because you got your car directly from the provider who was "selling" you the car, Hertz. Since they were essentially giving you the car, there is no tax on something free.
That's what I would think, though by no means do I have any idea of tax laws. All I know is that somebody will have to pay the sales tax on the rooms, and if I were the person putting together this sale, I would see that as a great loophole to have the buyers help offset a little of my cost. Who knows, maybe we'll only get charged for tax on the buck. But I'm not setting my expectations that high.
Too bad we have another week to stew on all this.

I would think that is because you got your car directly from the provider who was "selling" you the car, Hertz. Since they were essentially giving you the car, there is no tax on something free.
That's what I would think, though by no means do I have any idea of tax laws. All I know is that somebody will have to pay the sales tax on the rooms, and if I were the person putting together this sale, I would see that as a great loophole to have the buyers help offset a little of my cost. Who knows, maybe we'll only get charged for tax on the buck. But I'm not setting my expectations that high.
Too bad we have another week to stew on all this.

Thanks. The "no tax" theory does make sense buying directly from a vendor vs a third party site such as LMT.com.

Anyone know a way for someone from Australia to purchase ?

I was counting on this :-/

I have access to a US credit card, but not in my name. Do you think they will send the "conditions" to the hotel?

Hi, I am too, was wondering this myself, found a link to the Terms and Conditions but the link produced an error page.
Now it's back up.... and It says...

The World For A Dollar Campaign, (the "Campaign") on lastminutetravel.com (the "Site") is open only to legal residents of the fifty
(50) United States

http://www.lastminutetravel.com/world-for-a-dollar-TC.aspx

Oh well, we'll have to wait for the next great offer :(
At least I can relax now and not have to wait for the 'hints'!! :p

Cheers,
Caroline


I contacted LMT's Customer Service department about this - I am Canadian! - and the rep said that being an online promotion, it is open to everyone who accesses the website, regardless of where they're from. So I'm thinking that the terms & conditions might just be standardized, or at least they won't be enforced. But I would suggest getting a second opinion first just to make sure. I'm not getting my hopes up here!

The more I think about it, 1:27 am est just seems to obvious.

If they are really going to be giving away this many rooms I would expect a last minute clue. Maybe we will get a revised clue at 1:27am.

Going into it I was expecting an email moments before the sale

The more I think about it, 1:27 am est just seems to obvious.

If they are really going to be giving away this many rooms I would expect a last minute clue. Maybe we will get a revised clue at 1:27am.

Going into it I was expecting an email moments before the sale

i'm thinking that since it's 1/27AMEST, it referst to monday january 27th, which jives with what the customer service girl told me of the sale starting the last week in january. going to be ready at 1:27 this morning though, just in case.

The email clearly states "On LastMintueTravel.com, the world goes on sale starting January 26 - for 15 minutes every day, Monday thru Friday."

So one should expect it starts on Jan 26 and not the 27th

i'm thinking that since it's 1/27AMEST, it referst to monday january 27th, which jives with what the customer service girl told me of the sale starting the last week in january. going to be ready at 1:27 this morning though, just in case.

Would this be good for all hotel room anywhere anytime?
Seems too good to be true.

Wirelessly posted (iPhone : Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_2 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5G77 Safari/525.20)

I never got that clue some of you have posted, nothing in my spam folder either... What gives?

I hope I don't miss the deal! :(

This may be of interest to most of you...

http://www.youtube.com/user/LMTClub

I'm inclined to agree with the skeptics here. The site will get hammered and server capacity will be the choke factor, causing an infuriating experience for some who diligently wait, get in, but can't complete booking. Of the ways you can be denied something, that's a worse way than many others, so it could turn into a fiasco.

Additionaly I'd like to stress that LastMintueTravel.com offers limited number of hotels for example in Barcelona not to mention Russia.

Thanks. The "no tax" theory does make sense buying directly from a vendor vs a third party site such as LMT.com.

correct, as you are buying not from the hotel, it would be the buck that's taxable. i'm quite sure however that travelholdings will sell a net price with all taxes included, valid for all us residents, even though they are mentioning in the t&c that the booker has to pay taxes that the hotel might impose - having stayed at resorts, i guess these are going to be some local taxes that are not based on the room rate but a fixed amount.

travelholdings is quite a longstanding company and is known for prepaying hotels for the inventory that they contract, thus lastminutetravel probably will just be offloading some inventory that otherwise will be spoiled and we can take great advantage of it :D

definitely a smart advertisement campaign!

I'm inclined to agree with the skeptics here. The site will get hammered and server capacity will be the choke factor, causing an infuriating experience for some who diligently wait, get in, but can't complete booking. Of the ways you can be denied something, that's a worse way than many others, so it could turn into a fiasco.

I agree with Rusty. As a participant on these cyber Black Friday deals and other similarly "hyper-hyped" promos, I suspect their servers/connections will melt down and we wind up with "Sorry, this page cannot be displayed."

luv2ctheworld, one of the previous posters looked up the whois and posted it here. the lastminutetravel is hosted with the company lhw chose after the fiasco, akamai. with their distributed noc's all over the world, they are perfectly prepared and will not fail. Akamai has also been delivering the inauguration of Obama, the so far most widely watched livestream ever - did they fail on you?

no list of properties etc.. :rolleyes:

It is working for me...
Try again.

I haven't received anything - confirmation emails, clues, etc - but I did snag this off SD:

Got your dollar bills ready?
Is your alarm set? The world goes on sale starting January 26 on LastMintueTravel.com! Don't forget all hotels are going Undercover, so be sure to do your research!

The hint:
Knowing when NOT to look, is as important as knowing when. Monday-Friday, The World for $1 will only happen between specific hours. While Kevin and Janice sleep in their Manhattan apartment, you need not worry about missing your chance.

You are now on the inside track!
You have signed up to receive hints on The World for $1 sale on LastMinuteTravel.com. Even after these Undercover hotels return to their every day low rates, you will continue to receive alerts on other upcoming sale campaigns and even more information on the best last minute prices, in advance through the LastMinuteTravel.com newsletter.

From the looks of the youtube video we are clear from 1152 - 0602 EST.
/Brandon

From the looks of the youtube video we are clear from 1152 - 0602 EST.
/Brandon

1. Which video did it declare the times that they sleep?

2. What does this mean related to the previous clue which stated "1/27AMEST"?

Discuss.

If you look at their alarm clock the little dot in the upper left hand corner is on both times. on my alarm clock the little dot means AM.

From the looks of the youtube video we are clear from 1152 - 0602 EST.
/Brandon

I did notice under the official rules that the sale is open only to US citizens. That sucks for all you guys who were posting on here who live across the pond.
But hopefully that will narrow the field down of people trying to log on. I wish they had never posted all these commercials on youtube advertising this sale. I really hope I'm quick enough not to end up booking a couple rat trap motels during this thing.
Is it Monday yet?

Read the fine print:
...to the first five hundred (500) entrants who complete the entire entry/booking process within the Booking Period.

Did they change that recently?

Read the fine print:
...to the first five hundred (500) entrants who complete the entire entry/booking process within the Booking Period.

Did they change that recently?

Ten arbitrarily scheduled 15-minute periods, each one cut off after 500 people have successfully completed registration. If the maximum of 500 is not reached within 15 minutes, the unused component of 500 does not carry over to the next session.

Ten times 500 = 5,000 people potentially to receive rooms in the contest. Since each person can obtain up to seven nights for $1/night plus taxes and fees, of course, that adds up to (potentially) 35,000 room nights.

Read the fine print:
...to the first five hundred (500) entrants who complete the entire entry/booking process within the Booking Period.

Did they change that recently?

Yes they changed that. They added several new "terms and conditions" including this little beauty:
"If an entrant is a winner, the entrant will be notified within the 15-minute Booking Period by receipt of a confirmation email indicating that the entry/booking was successful and they won the prize. Odds of winning depend on the number of persons who go to the Site during a Booking Period and successfully complete the entry/booking process. Limit of one (1) prize per person throughout Sweepstakes Period. Unclaimed prizes will not be awarded."

This has me worried that you're going to try to book a hotel that may be $200 a night, put in your credit card info and submit. So what happens if you're not one of the lucky 500 selected? Do you end up paying full price for the hotel? That's not good.
I also noticed this is now called a "sweepstakes" which suggests that it is a random drawing of all the people who submit bids during the 15 minute window. Also in the above, you can see where it says "odds of winning based on number of people who complete booking process." So even if you get your bid in with time to spare, you can still not get the room for a dollar, in which case, will you have to pay full fare?
I called them and literally, 3 different people told me that the only info they have is what is on the website and cannot clarify any of this.
They also will not clarify how taxes will be paid. The rules now say "Winners are solely responsible for the payment of all federal, state and local taxes on prize" which leads me to believe you will have to report this as a winnings slot on your federal taxes.
And people living in FL, NY, and RI are out of luck b/c they are banned from the contest.
This is getting trickier by the day. Be interesting to see if even more rules get added as the date gets closer.

Yes they changed that. They added several new "terms and conditions" including this little beauty:
"If an entrant is a winner, the entrant will be notified within the 15-minute Booking Period by receipt of a confirmation email indicating that the entry/booking was successful and they won the prize. Odds of winning depend on the number of persons who go to the Site during a Booking Period and successfully complete the entry/booking process. Limit of one (1) prize per person throughout Sweepstakes Period. Unclaimed prizes will not be awarded."

This has me worried that you're going to try to book a hotel that may be $200 a night, put in your credit card info and submit. So what happens if you're not one of the lucky 500 selected? Do you end up paying full price for the hotel? That's not good.
I also noticed this is now called a "sweepstakes" which suggests that it is a random drawing of all the people who submit bids during the 15 minute window. Also in the above, you can see where it says "odds of winning based on number of people who complete booking process." So even if you get your bid in with time to spare, you can still not get the room for a dollar, in which case, will you have to pay full fare?
I called them and literally, 3 different people told me that the only info they have is what is on the website and cannot clarify any of this.
They also will not clarify how taxes will be paid. The rules now say "Winners are solely responsible for the payment of all federal, state and local taxes on prize" which leads me to believe you will have to report this as a winnings slot on your federal taxes.
And people living in FL, NY, and RI are out of luck b/c they are banned from the contest.
This is getting trickier by the day. Be interesting to see if even more rules get added as the date gets closer.

My thoughts on the new T&C:
I thought it was illegal to charge more than an advertised price, or tack on extra charges after something is purchased. Unless they have some kind of waiver or the price is intentionally NOT listed when you buy it, they could not charge you full price for a room without you knowing at the time of purchase. Or, if you don't get the $1 rate, you can always cancel the room and pay their $25 cancellation fee - maybe that's how they're subsidizing this little contest? ;)

As far as taxes, I would find it hard to believe that the money you saved would count as "winnings" to be taxed, but even if it was, I would imagine any amount under $600 savings/winnings wouldn't count as supplemental income, right? I mean, you're not even seeing the money, because you never paid it in the first place. Money saved should not be legally taxed. Unless of course, the new T&C make this more like $1 entry into a raffle of hotel rooms, which would be a cheap shot.

My thoughts on the new T&C:
I thought it was illegal to charge more than an advertised price, or tack on extra charges after something is purchased. Unless they have some kind of waiver or the price is intentionally NOT listed when you buy it, they could not charge you full price for a room without you knowing at the time of purchase. Or, if you don't get the $1 rate, you can always cancel the room and pay their $25 cancellation fee - maybe that's how they're subsidizing this little contest? ;)

As far as taxes, I would find it hard to believe that the money you saved would count as "winnings" to be taxed, but even if it was, I would imagine any amount under $600 savings/winnings wouldn't count as supplemental income, right? I mean, you're not even seeing the money, because you never paid it in the first place. Money saved should not be legally taxed. Unless of course, the new T&C make this more like $1 entry into a raffle of hotel rooms, which would be a cheap shot.

I'm thinking that calling it a "sweepstakes" has to change things. I'm guessing that you're "winning" a room for a dollar, as opposed to just being able to book one for a buck, because not everybody who tries will be able to book one. There's no federal tax on hotel rooms, right? So why else would they specifically mention "winners are solely responsible for the payment of all federal, state and local taxes on prize"? They call us winners for a reason.

And the 25 dollar cancellation fee might be their ace in the hole. I'm thinking the site will look just like it normally does, with the regular prices of the hotels on the screen, not $1, and then you get notified if you win. If they get even just 500 people a day booking and canceling, $12,500 per day for 10 days=125K.
I'll tell you this, if I book a 5 night stay at a 500 dollar a night hotel in NY and get charged 2500 bucks, I will make it my mission in life to make sure nobody I know ever so much as visits that site again.

It does say that "The credit card provided by the entrant will not be charged any amount and is need solely for the purpose of identification and record-keeping purposes. "

Even if they don't charge cancellation fees from non-winners they will most likely make money off cancellation fees from people who actually do win and don't bother to follow through on their booking.

Eliminating FL and NY is pretty drastic.... if they match it to billing address I suppose one could just add an address from another state to the credit card used if necessary.

It does say that "The credit card provided by the entrant will not be charged any amount and is need solely for the purpose of identification and record-keeping purposes. "

Even if they don't charge cancellation fees from non-winners they will most likely make money off cancellation fees from people who actually do win and don't bother to follow through on their booking.

Eliminating FL and NY is pretty drastic.... if they match it to billing address I suppose one could just add an address from another state to the credit card used if necessary.

It's a darn good thing I have a house in Savannah as well, or my Destin address would have had me shut out of this thing. I'm sure lots of FL/NY folks are changing billing addresses as we speak. It's funny that the company is listed as being from Florida, yet they run a contest people in their own state can't enter.

I'm beginning to dislike the way this is turning out more and more. They don't have very clear information on how this works, and I don't ever recall it being promoted as a sweepstakes at the beginning.

Don't sweepstakes or contests require "no purchase necessary" clauses? Somethings amiss, or maybe the people that dreamed up this promo hasn't thought it all the way through, or are expecting to cash in on some suckers.

I'm thinking that calling it a "sweepstakes" has to change things. I'm guessing that you're "winning" a room for a dollar, as opposed to just being able to book one for a buck, because not everybody who tries will be able to book one. There's no federal tax on hotel rooms, right? So why else would they specifically mention "winners are solely responsible for the payment of all federal, state and local taxes on prize"? They call us winners for a reason.

And the 25 dollar cancellation fee might be their ace in the hole. I'm thinking the site will look just like it normally does, with the regular prices of the hotels on the screen, not $1, and then you get notified if you win. If they get even just 500 people a day booking and canceling, $12,500 per day for 10 days=125K.
I'll tell you this, if I book a 5 night stay at a 500 dollar a night hotel in NY and get charged 2500 bucks, I will make it my mission in life to make sure nobody I know ever so much as visits that site again.

luv2ctheworld, one of the previous posters looked up the whois and posted it here. the lastminutetravel is hosted with the company lhw chose after the fiasco, akamai. with their distributed noc's all over the world, they are perfectly prepared and will not fail. Akamai has also been delivering the inauguration of Obama, the so far most widely watched livestream ever - did they fail on you?

Last time I worked on some bids for network hosting, the reliability/load factor was based on how much one paid. I would say that any website, willing to spend enough money, can get a highly robust and reliable service. However, the issue is: does lastminutetravel seem like an outfit that will pay for such high reliability?

I think the inauguration is a poor comparison... a more apt analogy is of the inauguration requirements vs lastminutetravel's to how much money and effort goes into flying a 747 vs. a Cessna. Akamai's setup may not fail, but does this travel company pay enough for Akamai to provide it? That doesn't even consider other potential technical snafu's that can arise from a surge in high demand. I've seen enough "experienced" web/e-commerce sites slow to a crawl.

I'm starting to agree with you, luv2ctheworld. If you look at TTT's post (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/11097091-post49.html), you will see what the Terms and Conditions WERE.

Oddly enough, they said from the beginning "Buy hotel room nights for $1 a night"... now you don't have to purchase anything and they claim that your CC won't be charged, but they're still calling it the $1 per night promotion. :confused:

I'm beginning to dislike the way this is turning out more and more. They don't have very clear information on how this works, and I don't ever recall it being promoted as a sweepstakes at the beginning.

Don't sweepstakes or contests require "no purchase necessary" clauses? Somethings amiss, or maybe the people that dreamed up this promo hasn't thought it all the way through, or are expecting to cash in on some suckers.

Got this by mail from a friend. Actually was fun to watch once you go through the first minute or so. I think the $1 a night thing will be only during daytime.

Anyone picked up on other clues?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Da3tFy8I4TY

The more I think about it, 1:27 am est just seems to obvious.

If they are really going to be giving away this many rooms I would expect a last minute clue. Maybe we will get a revised clue at 1:27am.

Going into it I was expecting an email moments before the sale
I think one of the clues in this vid is that it will star at 6:02 in at least one of the days...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Da3tFy8I4TY

It's funny that the company is listed as being from Florida, yet they run a contest people in their own state can't enter.

...and that ridiculous couple in their youtube videos (who eventually score a room in Paris, courtesy of Fido) live in NYC.

Has anybody booked anything on lastminutetravel?

I made an account, but from what I can see, you cannot save your credit card and billing information UNTIL you actually BOOK something.

I even went as far as to type in all of my info, but not click on the "approve" button, and still, my information was not saved.

If only the first 500 people "win" a hotel for a dollar, then it will be absolutely impossible to win if you're competing against people who have previously booked something on LMT and saved their credit card information. Took me a solid minute and a half typing in all of my info on my first practice run. For someone who has that all saved in there, it will take them only a couple of seconds to actually process the reservation.

Any thoughts? Thanks! I'm on the verge of aborting this entire contest.

It feels like they're changing the rules as they go along and didn't have the promo put together before they advertised. Good luck to everyone. I'm in the great frozen north and I'm out.

Has anybody booked anything on lastminutetravel?

I made an account, but from what I can see, you cannot save your credit card and billing information UNTIL you actually BOOK something.

I even went as far as to type in all of my info, but not click on the "approve" button, and still, my information was not saved.

If only the first 500 people "win" a hotel for a dollar, then it will be absolutely impossible to win if you're competing against people who have previously booked something on LMT and saved their credit card information. Took me a solid minute and a half typing in all of my info on my first practice run. For someone who has that all saved in there, it will take them only a couple of seconds to actually process the reservation.

Any thoughts? Thanks! I'm on the verge of aborting this entire contest.
I thought the same thing a couple weeks ago when this all first came out. Tried to set up my account, but it won't save anything. So yeah, those of us who haven't booked with them before are at a severe disadvantage, however, a close read on the rules suggests it's not the first 500 who submit, but 500 total during the period, which is why I think they're calling it a sweepstakes.
I also think they're doing this because they have a little control in who will win this way. How much do want to bet that folks who book 3 star hotels in Atlanta have a better chance of winning than those who book 5 stars in NYC?

This whole thing just seems way too fishy. As they say in Vegas, it JDLR ... just doesn't look right.

I thought the same thing a couple weeks ago when this all first came out. Tried to set up my account, but it won't save anything. So yeah, those of us who haven't booked with them before are at a severe disadvantage, however, a close read on the rules suggests it's not the first 500 who submit, but 500 total during the period, which is why I think they're calling it a sweepstakes.
I also think they're doing this because they have a little control in who will win this way. How much do want to bet that folks who book 3 star hotels in Atlanta have a better chance of winning than those who book 5 stars in NYC?

You read much closer than I do! lol. Ok, I'll attempt the game.
And I was thinking the same thing, only book a few nights, maybe 2 or 3 instead of the full 7. That way I'll be more likely to be one of the chosen. I'm hoping for a Ft Myers area hotel win in order to be near the Red Sox during spring training :)

BTW- What's so wrong with Atlanta?? lmao.

You read much closer than I do! lol. Ok, I'll attempt the game.
And I was thinking the same thing, only book a few nights, maybe 2 or 3 instead of the full 7. That way I'll be more likely to be one of the chosen. I'm hoping for a Ft Myers area hotel win in order to be near the Red Sox during spring training :)

BTW- What's so wrong with Atlanta?? lmao.

Grew up in the ATL. Love it in GA. I just know I can priceline the Marquis Marriott in downtown Atlanta for 64 dollars per night anytime I want to, and I don't even think $64 gets you a cot in a homeless shelter in NY.

The change to a sweepstakes is just awful. Spend time crunching discordant clues for a small chance at getting to pay taxes and fees on their inflated base prices? At least there would some certainty with the earlier terms. Also disheartening is the idea some have suggested that they might tip the contest in favour of the cheapest. Unless I find out otherwise, I doubt I'll even attempt getting the room I was drooling over.

I was so excited about this. I think I would prefer the old terms leading to an early crash than this garbage.

To anyone who has searched their preferences previously, have you noticed a steep increase in the lowest available prices? The city I was considering almost doubled in price. Could be a way for them to recover more fees I suppose.

after spending several early waking hours on the lhw promo only to see crash and crash again, i am inclined to believe we may see a repeat of that with this one...good luck folks...i am sleeping in on this one.:)

Found some interesting sweepstakes tax info on the IRS site, and around the net that will come in handy for this.
First thing is that since the program is called a sweepstakes, we will definitely get a 1099 at the end of the year.
Also, this is a cut and paste:
In most cases, you should never pay taxes directly to a sweepstakes sponsor. Asking for money for taxes before sending a prize is a sign of sweepstakes fraud. If it's a real win, you won't have to pay for it. Be sure to learn about sweepstakes scams and how to recognize them.
Exceptions include vacation giveaways, where the sponsors occasionally collect travel-related taxes like hotel and airport taxes or port fees.

That suggests to me that we will also be on the hook for the regular tax on the hotel room, probably at the "Fair Market Value."
This $1 hotel room is getting more expensive by the day

I thought the same thing a couple weeks ago when this all first came out. Tried to set up my account, but it won't save anything. So yeah, those of us who haven't booked with them before are at a severe disadvantage, however, a close read on the rules suggests it's not the first 500 who submit, but 500 total during the period, which is why I think they're calling it a sweepstakes.
I also think they're doing this because they have a little control in who will win this way. How much do want to bet that folks who book 3 star hotels in Atlanta have a better chance of winning than those who book 5 stars in NYC?

does that mean that you can actually choose which specific hotel to book? I certainly hope that'll be the case.

does that mean that you can actually choose which specific hotel to book? I certainly hope that'll be the case.

Nope. As of last night, their site went opaque. They still use the exact same descriptions for each hotel that they did before though. I jotted down some notes on the hotels I wanted before they went opaque, and sure enough, it's easy to tell which is which.

Also, how many of you that signed up for the email clues actually got the clue regarding "blue skies"? I registered 3 email addresses and still haven't gotten a clue.

Check out the Rock Lake Resort in Fort Myers, fairly reasonable and only a few miles from the ballpark. Also if you get the chance to come in late Feb, check out the practice fields on Edison since it is free and closer access to the players for autographs.
JudyJFLA
Former Red Sox ticket diva at City Of Palm Park in Fort Myers

You read much closer than I do! lol. Ok, I'll attempt the game.
And I was thinking the same thing, only book a few nights, maybe 2 or 3 instead of the full 7. That way I'll be more likely to be one of the chosen. I'm hoping for a Ft Myers area hotel win in order to be near the Red Sox during spring training :)

BTW- What's so wrong with Atlanta?? lmao.

They still use the exact same descriptions for each hotel that they did before though.

Actually, I just did a search in Boston and there was at least one hotel where it said that the name and description of the "Undercover Hotel" wouldn't be revealed until you purchase. The rest of the hotels that came up did give a detailed description, and most of them were so detailed that you could probably figure out what hotel it was by using Google, just as fsuga said.

no worries you will pay no tax...

no worries you will pay no tax...

There is actually conflicting information in their terms and conditions to this regard...

The credit card provided by the entrant will not be charged any amount and is need solely for the purpose of identification and record-keeping purposes.

Winners are solely responsible for the payment of all federal, state and local taxes on prize and all travel/transportation to and from hotel, meals, beverages, phone charges, incidentals, or other expenses or costs relating to the prize not expressly set forth above.

I assume this means that you might get a 1099 (for those outside the U.S., this is a U.S. form you would receive for income you received through a gambling or sweepstakes-type source) or something similar for "winning" a prize if the value is over a certain amount ($500 I think?), but you will not owe anything at the time you book.

There is actually conflicting information in their terms and conditions to this regard...





I assume this means that you might get a 1099 (for those outside the U.S., this is a U.S. form you would receive for income you received through a gambling or sweepstakes-type source) or something similar for "winning" a prize if the value is over a certain amount ($500 I think?), but you will not owe anything at the time you book.

I think this is exactly right..."winners" will get a 1099. Oh how this has changed from getting hotels for $1. Now, depending on your tax rate you will really be paying a % of what they say its worth. So if you get a $400 night hotel in NYC and are 25% tax bracket, its still going to cost you $100 a night when tax time rolls around. Not near as good as first thought.

Check out the Rock Lake Resort in Fort Myers, fairly reasonable and only a few miles from the ballpark. Also if you get the chance to come in late Feb, check out the practice fields on Edison since it is free and closer access to the players for autographs.
JudyJFLA
Former Red Sox ticket diva at City Of Palm Park in Fort Myers


Thanks for the advice Judy! Looks like all the hotels went undercover on LMT. GO RED SOX!!!!!^

Has anybody "won" yet? I've been refreshing the homepage off and on throughout the early morning. :rolleyes:

What hotel in what city are you trying to win? ^

Tried to do it... the 15 minutes just ended at around 10:54 eastern. It continued to give me error messages, so I couldnt go anywhere. Sucks!

Arrrrrrrgh! I have been refreshing it ALL morning, finally got the countdown when it was at about 5+ minutes left, and because they showed me a couple of stupid "How To" videos in the middle of the booking, the time ran out just as I was putting in my CC info! What a rip!

Did anybody get in on the deal? The time just ended at about 9:53 am central time. I would've posted earlier to let everyone know, but I was only left with about 45 seconds in the promotion.

I logged in when there was about 6 minutes left. They put you through a ridiculous commercial during the booking process. Felt like 4 minutes long but it was probably about 30 seconds.

I booked four nights in ft. myers for 4 dollars. I got an email confirmation of my reservation. Does this mean I won?

Any input would be great. Good luck to all :)

I get a screensaver instead and could not get into the site.:mad:

I just happened to check the website with 6 minutes left in the 15 minute window. That should have been plenty (already had a room picked out), but they made me watch these long videos. Then they told me several times that I entered my password wrong. Time ran out just as I was entering the security code on my CC. Argh! Well, I probably wouldn't have won anyway.

Only had 6 minutes and the videos ruined it. This process is just beyond stupid at this point.

Guess you're a lucky one, redsox28. Congrats!

I missed out. it kept kinda freezing and when I finally got going, time was about up. ugh.

I won!!! Got in with six minutes to go. Website started showing a bunch of videos after each click, thought I wouldn't have enough time.

When I got to the credit card page, it showed $7 (7 nights in Hawaii). After I clicked submit I got a confirmed reservation with a charge of $0!!!

I'm pretty pissed. They didn't give the full 15 min. It was only like 5. I was logged in and set the site to refresh every 30 sec, no way to missed it. I Entered all the info even the verification code at the end..then there was survey! And it was after I clicked the book button and I went trough the survey and then the sceen popped up that the time has ended!

Was there a hint anywhere that said it was gonna be just the past 15 mins ago? Also for everyone that tried...did you get to choose the hotel you wanted?

Today's 15 minute time slot just finished a few minutes ago. I booked a 2 BR ocean view casita at the 5-star Las Casitas Village & Golden Door Spa (associated with the El Conquistador hotel) in Puerto Rico.

I spotted the timer with only about 5 1/2 minutes remaining and finished with only about 1 minute remaining.

The reservation says, "1 bedoom Garden View has one king bed and one sofa bed." I hope that this is just a generic comment about the property and not meant to mean that my reservation for a 2BR was downgraded.

I honestly don't think that it's clear to me about whether I "won." I have a record locator number, cancellation policy (33 days in advance), and status of "Confirm" on the final page. But the following line doesn't actual say $1:

Cost: $0.00

Guess you're a lucky one, redsox28. Congrats!

Maybe. I'm calling them in a few minutes. I got a confirmation email, so I guess it's legit. I'm worried about taxes/resort fees etc. Booked a room that is normally 380 dollars a night.

I'll let you know what happens on the phone. Yes, the video definitely ruined it. I memorized my credit card number, expiration date, and security code, and I have been practicing typing that as well as my name and address over and over. you can never be too prepared.

Good luck to all.

Today's 15 minute time slot just finished a few minutes ago. I booked a 2 BR ocean view casita at the 5-star Las Casitas Village & Golden Door Spa (associated with the El Conquistador hotel) in Puerto Rico.

I spotted the timer with only about 5 1/2 minutes remaining and finished with only about 1 minute remaining.

The reservation says, "1 bedoom Garden View has one king bed and one sofa bed." I hope that this is just a generic comment about the property and not meant to mean that my reservation for a 2BR was downgraded.

I honestly don't think that it's clear to me about whether I "won." I have a record locator number, cancellation policy (33 days in advance), and status of "Confirm" on the final page. But the following line doesn't actual say $1:

Cost: $0.00
I received a confirmation email. You might want to check your inbox.

Was there a hint anywhere that said it was gonna be just the past 15 mins ago? Also for everyone that tried...did you get to choose the hotel you wanted?

There wasn't a hint anywhere that I could figure out... if it started about 10:39 EST and went until about 10:54 EST (although I agree with the previous poster who said that they DIDN'T do a full 15 minutes), I didn't see anything that indicated either of those times.

As far as choosing which hotel you wanted, you see the description of the hotel only, they reveal the actual name of the hotel once you've completed the process. If you do your homework, you can figure out which hotel goes with which description ahead of time.

There wasn't a hint anywhere that I could figure out... if it started about 10:39 EST and went until about 10:54 EST (although I agree with the previous poster who said that they DIDN'T do a full 15 minutes), I didn't see anything that indicated either of those times.

As far as choosing which hotel you wanted, you see the description of the hotel only, they reveal the actual name of the hotel once you've completed the process. If you do your homework, you can figure out which hotel goes with which description ahead of time.

ooh so people just sat around refreshing and refreshing. damn i woke up at 745am pacific and didn't roll out of bed to check this until 753am. oh well maybe tomorrow..

I am so upset, I stayed up all night and still have not gone to sleep! I refreshed my page every 25 seconds and somehow missed it. I don't understand!!! I really don't understand how the 1st minutes had anything to do with the lousy clues we recieved. I guess I'll try again tomorrow. No sleep again! If anyone has any idea about the time for tomorrow please post. Thanks :)

ooh so people just sat around refreshing and refreshing. damn i woke up at 745am pacific and didn't roll out of bed to check this until 753am. oh well maybe tomorrow..

Yeah, that's what I did anyway... although I'd be interested in how MyXa set it to automatically refresh every 30 seconds (not that it helped in this case, but I'd like to know how to set that up).

Firefox - Reload Every 3.0.0 add-in :D

Firefox - Reload Every 3.0.0 add-in :D

Ah, thanks! Just installed it and it seems to work great.

...........

You may want to be sure you are doing a full refresh of the page. I'm not computer savvy, I just pressed F5.

I called LMT and sure enough, I am a winner. To clarify the whole tax confusion, the lady on the phone said that LMT pays for the taxes, but I am responsible for any resort fees, parking fees, etc. I asked if I should call the hotel directly about that, and she said yes.

Remember that one of the clues was that the 15 minutes would not occur when the people in the video were sleeping, so I don't think it is necessary to stay up all night.

Remember that one of the clues was that the 15 minutes would not occur when the people in the video were sleeping, so I don't think it is necessary to stay up all night.

unless youre on the west coast....6 something et is still 3 something pt

unless youre on the west coast....6 something et is still 3 something pt

That's true. Find a friend on the east coast to call you when the promotion starts ;)

I received a confirmation email. You might want to check your inbox.
Yes, I received a confirmation email. I had not yet read the other new posts when I had sent mine above. Good to know that others report the same $0 price in the confirmation.

I'm still not sure about why the hotel remark mentions the bed configuration of a 1BR Garden View on my reservation that is otherwise clearly for a 2BR Ocean View.

I used Google Toolbar's Auto Fill to populate most of my information quickly. I still had to enter the CC info myself.

I can't recall any hints that suggested this time. :confused:

I would not be surprised if fewer than 500 people won today. With the surprise marketing video and survey, you really had to be prepared if you wanted to complete the transaction within 5 minutes.

For fear of higher taxes getting put on my shoulder, I didn't book the 3 BR. :( :D

Edit to add update:
I called LMT. The rep said that the hotel comment is a general comment and really has nothing to do with my reservation. The rep also said that if any resort fees were required, then they would be listed in this same Hotel Information field.

She also said that they'd be notifying the hotels in about 2 weeks. I thought this was a little strange since it's possible for some hotels to sell out of a particular room being reserved. Perhaps I misunderstood what she meant, though.

I am so upset, I stayed up all night and still have not gone to sleep! I refreshed my page every 25 seconds and somehow missed it. I don't understand!!! I really don't understand how the 1st minutes had anything to do with the lousy clues we recieved. I guess I'll try again tomorrow. No sleep again! If anyone has any idea about the time for tomorrow please post. Thanks :)

Welcome to FT, miadec15! I agree with you that the clues stink, plus NOBODY can attest to the fact that they were given a full 15 minutes (so far the maximum indicated here is about 6+). We'll see what happens tomorrow I guess!

You may want to be sure you are doing a full refresh of the page. I'm not computer savvy, I just pressed F5.

I called LMT and sure enough, I am a winner. To clarify the whole tax confusion, the lady on the phone said that LMT pays for the taxes, but I am responsible for any resort fees, parking fees, etc. I asked if I should call the hotel directly about that, and she said yes.

Remember that one of the clues was that the 15 minutes would not occur when the people in the video were sleeping, so I don't think it is necessary to stay up all night.

I would be prepared for a 1099 for your taxes next year. If your hotel is $380 a night + tax, and you booked 4 nights, you should expect a 1099 in the $1600 to $1800 range....so plan on adding that to your income.

I think I took a shower at the worst possible time this morning. Well, there's always tomorrow.

I would be prepared for a 1099 for your taxes next year. If your hotel is $380 a night + tax, and you booked 4 nights, you should expect a 1099 in the $1600 to $1800 range....so plan on adding that to your income.


Can anyone confirm about the 1099 for sure, I am interested in this promo but not if I have to pay the taxes on it as income, since I don't really need a vacation but would book it if the hotel was free..

Wow. I'm shocked this actually worked. And it works on all-inclusive hotels. I got the Melia Cabo Real M-Experience Suite in Cabo San Lucas for 6 nights.
I am slightly concerned about them charging $0 as opposed to $1 because now I'm wondering if that by not paying for the room, that opens the door for some kind of gift tax or the like. Regardless, I'm happy enough. Tomorrow will be Venice and Dominican Republic on Wed. Thank God for having multiple addresses!

They changed the terms again.

Okay, the terms have changed AGAIN.... here they are, and I've bolded certain parts of them for emphasis:



1. Eligibility to Participate in The World For A Dollar Campaign

* The World For A Dollar Campaign, (the "Campaign") on lastminutetravel.com (the "Site") is open only to legal residents of the fifty
(50) United States (including District of Columbia) who have reached the age of majority in their respective jurisdiction at the time of participation and who are registered on the Site, lastminutetravel.com (the "Traveler").
* The Campaign is void in Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and other U.S. territories and possessions and where prohibited by law.
* Employees of Travel Holdings Inc., its affiliates, subsidiaries (aggregately, the "Company"), or other companies associated with the Campaign, as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and household members (people who share the same residence at least three (3) months out of the year) of each such employee are not eligible to participate and/or make reservations and purchases through the Campaign.
* Participation constitutes the Traveler's unconditional agreement to the Dollar Terms. Traveler must fulfill all requirements set forth in these Terms to be eligible to participate. The Dollar Terms are final and binding in all matters related to the Campaign. The Campaign does not constitute a prize, lottery, or sweepstakes.
* The Campaign shall be administered by the Company. The Company reserves the right to cancel the Campaign without notice at any time and for any reason.

2. Timing of the The World For A Dollar Campaign

* The Campaign shall be defined as the following: an individual fifteen (15) minute period during a Booking Period in which a Traveler is able to make a Dollar Booking.
* The Campaign may be held one or more times, in the discretion of the Company, during any Monday through Friday, inclusive, for a fifteen (15) minute interval on the date(s) and at the time(s) designated by the Company (each a "Booking Period")
* The Traveler must complete his/her booking within a single Campaign during a Booking Period. Completion of a booking is defined as the following: choosing and reserving one (1) hotel room for up to seven (7) nights on the Site; providing valid credit card payment information as required by the Site; approving and acknowledging a full and complete understanding of the Dollar Terms, the General Terms and Conditions on the Site (the "General Terms") and the Privacy Policy on the Site; and receipt by Traveler via the Site of a voucher confirmation for the paid booking (the "Dollar Booking").
* The Company's computer is the official time keeping device for this Campaign.

3. How to Participate in The World For A Dollar Campaign

* During the Booking Period, visit the Site, www.lastminutetravel.com
* If you have not already registered as a user on the Site, you must register to be eligible to be a Traveler. There is no fee for registration or use of the Site. You may only make one Dollar Booking during any given Campaign and Booking Period. A Booking Period may begin and end on any day during Monday through Friday inclusive (typical work week). For example, if you book a Dollar Booking on a Monday and a Wednesday during the same week, the Company shall void all of your bookings.
* You can book only one (1) room for a maximum of seven (7) nights in order to create a valid Dollar Booking.
* You must complete the booking online and without phone assistance.
* You must pay One U.S. Dollar for each night booked via the Dollar Booking plus any additional fees associated with the booking including, but not limited to, taxes, resort fees, baggage fees, and supplemental fees imposed by the hotel.
* Payment must be made online with a valid credit card in the name of the traveler. No third party credit cards will be accepted.
* All payments for Dollar Bookings are nonrefundable. All Dollar Bookings are nontransferable and non-exchangeable.
* You must review and comply with each and every requirement in the Terms including, but not limited to, eligibility, timing, and participation rules.
* Your participation in The World For A Dollar Campaign is subject to the General Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy of the Site in addition to these Terms. In case of any conflict between the The World For A Dollar terms and the General Terms, The World For A Dollar terms shall apply.

4. The World For A Dollar Campaign Prohibited Acts and Rights of the Company

* Company may void any Dollar Booking made by any Traveler who attempts to obtain more than one Dollar Booking during a Campaign and/or Booking Period by any means including using multiple/different email addresses, identities, registrations and logins, or any other methods.
* Company may void any Dollar Booking made by any Traveler who uses any automated system to make a Dollar Booking.
* Company may void any Dollar Booking made by any Traveler who uses the same credit card as payment for more than one Dollar Booking during a Campaign.
* Company is not responsible for any technical issues that limit or prevent a Traveler's ability to complete a Dollar Booking.
* Company's decisions as to the administration and operation of the Campaign are final and binding in all matters related to the Campaign.
* Company shall have the right to invalidate any booking that violates these Terms as determined by the Company's review of relevant information including, but not limited to, names, addresses (snail-mail and email), credit card information, cookies, session data, and URLs of Travelers.
* Company shall have the right to cancel the Dollar Booking if Traveler violates the General Terms on the Site.
* Company's liability relating to use of the Site during The World For A Dollar Campaign shall be limited to the lesser of $100 or the amount paid by the complainant. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
* Except where prohibited, Traveler's purchase of a Dollar Booking constitutes his/her consent to Company's and its agents' use of his/her name, likeness, photograph, voice, opinions and/or hometown and state for promotional purposes in any media, worldwide, without further payment or consideration to Traveler.
* Company reserves the right to cancel, suspend and/or modify the Campaign, or any part of it, if any fraud, technical failures or any other factor beyond Company's reasonable control impairs the integrity or proper functioning of the Campaign, as determined by Company in its sole discretion.

wow, they did change the terms again. I'm very confident based on the terms earlier this morning that the "winners" would get a 1099. Based on the current terms, I would say no. The bottom line is the terms have changed at least 3 times so who really knows. Notice it isn't a "sweepstakes" anymore.

Man, are their lawyers just bored or what?

I saved a copy of the current T&Cs at 10:38am Eastern (right before I noticed the timer going). That change had already been made by that time.

I'm really pleased to see that they corrected the T&Cs. This is a promotional sale -- not a sweepstakes.

fsuga,
Yes, I also was eyeing some all-inclusive resorts. There are a number of them participating in areas around Cancun, Cozumel, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and the Dominican Republic.

I thought of trying for the Iberostar Cozumel for a dive trip. (I think that all of the Iberostar properties participate.) My wife may instead try for an anniversary trip to an adults-only AI near Playa del Carmen. Perhaps my father will book a ski trip to a condo at Vail Cascades.

One of the things about this promo that amazes me even more is that the $1 rate is valid for all room types that LMT offers! So unless you are worried about the taxes or other associated fees being higher, book a good room.

Was the limit that restricted this offer to 500 people per day found in one of the earlier versions of the T&Cs? I don't see where that is mentioned anymore.

Was the limit that restricted this offer to 500 people per day found in one of the earlier versions of the T&Cs? I don't see where that is mentioned anymore.

Yes it was, in fact I believe it was quoted somewhere in this thread. Page 1 or 2 I believe... if I can find it, I'll link to it.

ETA: Click Here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/11124548-post79.html)

I had seen that post, but I was uncertain if the poster truly was meaning the T&Cs as the "fine print" or if this was some other fine print outside of the T&Cs. The quote was pretty short and didn't put it all in context.

I sometimes save T&C webpages for future reference. I saved an early version and the version this morning. But I didn't save the one in between.

(BTW, "page 1 or 2" is different for some FTers. I have my FT settings set for 20 posts per page rather than the default 15. I don't think that many FTers are familiar with this setting.)

If they changed the T&C before the botched 7-minute "15-minute window", why were people getting $0 confirmations. I guess they updated the terms before they updated their system.

The sweepstakes was probably better for me since I'm extremely low income. I'll probably just start trying for a lower-class room in a 11-miles-distant suburb, since it looks like they'll be billing for hotel taxes and fees either upfront or (worst case) at a non-approved amount once they fully process the bookings.

If they changed the T&C before the botched 7-minute "15-minute window", why were people getting $0 confirmations. I guess they updated the terms before they updated their system.

The sweepstakes was probably better for me since I'm extremely low income. I'll probably just start trying for a lower-class room in a 11-miles-distant suburb, since it looks like they'll be billing for hotel taxes and fees either upfront or (worst case) at a non-approved amount once they fully process the bookings.

The people at LMT assured me that I am NOT responsible for ANY taxes. Go for the highest you can. Worst case scenario: if they change the rules, pay the 25 dollar cancellation fee.

For those of people who got to the promo this morning, which page were you refreshing so I know tomorrow? Should I be refreshing the home page? Thanks :)

I'm just thinking the last minute change in the tax part of the T&C might have been too late for today and will apply to future days. That is, no sales/hotel tax for the "sweepstakes" today, but later it's possible.

Of course, if they impose taxes post-confirmation a chargeback would be due, albeit with some difficulty if the banks decide to look over the terms. (Taxes being well over $100 on 7 days at most hotels listed.) I'm also playing through my head the scenario of discovering that they're imposing taxes upfront and then having to waste a precious minute or so researching in a cheaper town.

I know that it doesn't always work this way, but I see it like this...

The company is spending money from their marketing budget to raise awareness of the site and to build a base of satisfied customers. If they make an offer like this but then tack on excessive fees, then they risk a very bad PR problem. IMO, it would be cheaper for them to pay for the rooms with all (or nearly all) taxes and fees included than to risk a bad image.

From what the rep told me on the phone after I booked this morning, any additional fees are to have been disclosed in the confirmation's details. She confirmed that according to their contract with the hotel that I booked, there are no "resort fees" that I will have to pay. If booked through the hotel's own website, the hotel says that there is a resort fee of 14%.

I'm just thinking the last minute change in the tax part of the T&C might have been too late for today and will apply to future days. That is, no sales/hotel tax for the "sweepstakes" today, but later it's possible.
No, I disagree. As I pointed out in an earlier post, the T&Cs were changed prior to today's promotional booking period.

what clue pointed to today's time other then that it wasn't when they were sleeping?

It didn't look like ANY of the clues pointed to today's time (approx. 10:39 to approx. 10:54am EST)

At least now this thing is open to NY and FL residents. ^

Response that I got from LastMinuteTravel.com's Consumer Support:

The value of hotel rooms purchased during the World For A Dollar campaign may be taxable as income. Individuals are solely responsible for the payment of all federal, state and local income or excise taxes on prize. Depending on the value of the rooms, you may be required to provide a social security number for 1099/income tax filing purposes. In addition, you are responsible for all travel/transportation to and from hotel, meals, beverages, phone charges, incidentals, or other expenses or costs relating to the prize not expressly set forth above. You are not responsible for hotel taxes.

Response that I got from LastMinuteTravel.com's Consumer Support:

The value of hotel rooms purchased during the World For A Dollar campaign may be taxable as income. Individuals are solely responsible for the payment of all federal, state and local income or excise taxes on prize. Depending on the value of the rooms, you may be required to provide a social security number for 1099/income tax filing purposes. In addition, you are responsible for all travel/transportation to and from hotel, meals, beverages, phone charges, incidentals, or other expenses or costs relating to the prize not expressly set forth above. You are not responsible for hotel taxes.

HI all. I don't know what prize you are talking about.
I challenged LMT.com with legal action about changes to their original T&C and my not being able to avail to their offer being I'm from Fl, and they answered me that they have reverted bact to their original T&C and I can now participate. AFAIK there is no prize in this promo, only rooms at $1 a night.

It's on again!!! This time I managed to book...just keep fingers crossed to get confirmation!!!

Got Confirmation!!! 7 Nights on Palm Island in NOV!!!!!!!!!!!

I just missed it by seconds. Started with only about 6 or 7 minutes left (with the stupid video again).

that video is maddening.

maybe they split their 15 minutes today into 2 different times you could book. it doesn't seem like anyone has been on the site with 10 or 12 or any other time remaining...seems like the longest time anyone has had is 6 and change.

Okay, weirdest thing, but I just randomly logged onto the site and the timer was going! This was at about 1:34pm PST. I had exactly 3 minutes to make my booking and juuuust made it. I had been dinking around LMT all morning torturing myself with the horrible videos but it wasn't until I logged in that the timer showed up.

Really hope the future timers are 15 mins as promised. Without any meaningful clues, it's crazy to expect folks to load at the beginning of a 7 minute period with enough time (5+min) to watch the vids and book. I'm doing all I can to prepare.

HI all. I don't know what prize you are talking about....

...AFAIK there is no prize in this promo, only rooms at $1 a night.
I agree. I'm only saying what I was told in the response. I've requested additional info. In all the email marketing material, they have previously referred to this as a "sale" -- not a contest or sweepstakes.

Examples:
"To launche this new discount-model, all 15,000 hotels on LastMinuteTravel.com will soon sell for $1 per night for 15 minutes each day...."

"Starting in January, you will have 15 minutes, Monday - Friday for 2 weeks to buy any hotel for $1 per night."

And the current T&Cs clearly state that "The Campaign does not constitute a prize, lottery, or sweepstakes."

Everyone, please remember, too, that LMT.com may likely have staff that read this thread. (LMT staff, if you're lurking, please feel free to introduce yourself!)

Another point in the T&Cs that I think is confusing is the limit on bookings per person. The T&Cs led me to believe that the restriction is one per person per week. But the promotion's introductory overview page says, "1 reservation for 1 room per person during entire campaign." Upon re-reading the T&Cs, a "Campaign" is one 15-minute period -- not the entire 2-week period. So it seems to me that I can still book another room next week.

For those who got in within the window, is there any way not to view the time sapping video?

I can not believe i missed it again!!! I want to cry or scream lol :(

I had been dinking around LMT all morning torturing myself with the horrible videos but it wasn't until I logged in that the timer showed up.
I have suspected that you must be logged in in order to see the timer. I'm not absolutely certain that this is the case, though.

And signing up for the email does not constitute creating an account. If you didn't create an account with an email address AND PASSWORD, then you can't sign in.

I spotted just the last 2 seconds of the timer during the last round.

I also thought of the possibility that they split the 15-minutes into two parts of the day, but the T&Cs do refer to a Campaign as being "an individual fifteen (15) minute period...."

The sound has not been active on my PC today. Is there really any sound made when the timer comes on? Or is that only in the promo videos from the past couple weeks?

I, too, logged in this morning and with 6 1/2 minutes to go got all the way thru the videos, random travel questionaire questions, chose hotel/room type, entered traveler info. and cc info etc. and with only a few seconds remaining...got an error on my cc...said it was invalid.

I called the 800 number for LMT and it was determined that I may have entered the cc number incorrectly or something else was wrong with the matching of the billing address etc. I was soooo bummed. Everything has to be perfect to get this thing to work...all things on your side...including the clock!

Then, this afternoon, was logging in and the video popped up again...just like others stated around 3:30 CST and after it showed the probably 15-20 video clip (seems much longer) then the timer was only 1 minute...that simply isn't enough time...

I'll keep trying! :p

i take it since there was about 15 minutes spread throughout today there won't be anymore opportunities today?

none of the clues add up to the times thier doing at all

none of the clues add up to the times thier doing at all

the second block started around 1:30 pm pacific...maybe the 1/27 mean 1:27?

hmmm maybe but, i thought they were going on est time? who knows

Where does the counter appear on the page? I want to interlace the webpage with other useful application so I do not spend my day staring like a moron on a constantly refreshing webpage.

The timer appears at the top right...where you normally see the 15 minutes, 15,000 hotels, $1 a night and the logo for this promo...be aware that when refreshed, it will automatically take you to a video screen to show a short approx. 15 sec clip that you must watch...just wait for it to finish and then you see timer again at top right and how much time is left...hope this helps!

one other question...my work blocks streaming video on things like youtube, etc. do you know if the video that pops up is from youtube or if something like this is just timed (i.e., it'll disappear after x seconds instead of video completion).

doesn't appear to be youtube video..just a short info type video that disappears when it's done and takes you right to the page you need to be on for booking...not really necessary...just taking up time and making it more challenging for us...

I had the impression from reading the terms and conditions that you had to make a booking at the pre sale prices and then after the booking was confirmed they told you if you had received the $1 rate. Is that how it works? Or do you know you won the $1 rate before you confirm? I dont want to pay $$$ for the room if i'm not sucessful.

I totally missed this one! It was on my mind till yesterday night and dont know how I missed this one. It was in my mind that they will email the clue to the time!!!
Will this still be on tomorrow and rest of the week? If so, do you keep logged in and keep checking or you get some hint to relogin?
TIA

I had the impression from reading the terms and conditions that you had to make a booking at the pre sale prices and then after the booking was confirmed they told you if you had received the $1 rate. Is that how it works? Or do you know you won the $1 rate before you confirm? I dont want to pay $$$ for the room if i'm not sucessful.

when you're in the booking for the $1 per day sale...all hotels are listed at $1 per night so you do not have to pre book and I don't think you could do this anyway...

apparently after you go all the way through the booking process, you'll get a confirmation...I didn't make it to the confirmation step

when you're in the booking for the $1 per day sale...all hotels are listed at $1 per night so you do not have to pre book and I don't think you could do this anyway...

apparently after you go all the way through the booking process, you'll get a confirmation...I didn't make it to the confirmation step

I'm gonna get flamed for this...

I find it quite a coincidence that you signed up to FT today and all your posts have been in this thread. Perhaps I am reading into this too much (my apologies if I am).

If however you are an insider, it would be nice to have some real clues about when the next dollar sale is on. :cool:

I had the impression from reading the terms and conditions that you had to make a booking at the pre sale prices and then after the booking was confirmed they told you if you had received the $1 rate. Is that how it works? Or do you know you won the $1 rate before you confirm? I dont want to pay $$$ for the room if i'm not sucessful.

I'm gonna get flamed for this...

I find it quite a coincidence that you signed up to FT today and all your posts have been in this thread. Perhaps I am reading into this too much (my apologies if I am).

If however you are an insider, it would be nice to have some real clues about when the next dollar sale is on. :cool:


okay, so i live in arkansas and i'm just a lonely consumer trying to get a great deal on what seems to be a great travel promotion...i love to travel so i started searching for any forum talk or chat about this promotion/sale and it led me here...hence joining today and only posting in this discussion...

i am simply trying to help with the information i gathered during my failed attempt this morning and then seeing the afternoon slot with only 1 minute remaining...

i am not an "insider" and unfortunately have no hints or anything...simply came here looking for the same from others looking to get in on a fabulous deal...

hope this explains my being here...just trying to help and see who has been successful with this crazy promotion/sale :D

I'm gonna get flamed for this...

I find it quite a coincidence that you signed up to FT today and all your posts have been in this thread. Perhaps I am reading into this too much (my apologies if I am).

If however you are an insider, it would be nice to have some real clues about when the next dollar sale is on. :cool:

Maybe that person is, but, I'm not. I found this site a few days ago when I did a google search for LMT 1 dollar. I have not yet been to any other discussions myself really.

I did win today and I'll tell you exactly what I did...

First of all, I knew the exact hotel listing I wanted to get by doing my research beforehand. Then this morning, I started refreshing the home page as often as I could. At one point, at the top of the page was a counter. I started my hotel search and was shown a short video that drives you nuts. Just be patient with it. It will then take you to the next page. To find my hotel quickly, I filtered the search for 4 star hotels. You will notice that ALL hotels are priced $1.

I had practiced beforehand doing a booking (without submitting) so I knew what they would ask for. IGNORE ANYTHING THAT DOES NOT HAVE AN ASTERISK. You'll just be wasting time. (Unless your credit card has your middle initial on it). Then I practiced typing the info. I memorized my credit card number, expiration date, and security code so I could just fly through the forms.

Then I clicked on submit. I was greeted with a quick survey. Just click on some answer, who cares. Get through it as fast as possible. Click submit. Then you are done. You'll get a confirmation screen and a confirmation email which will include your reservation number, the name of the hotel, and the type of room.

I got the Sanibel Harbour in Fort Myers Florida, Grande Deluxe Waterview. My "bill" was zero dollars. I called LMT to confirm, and everything is legit.

I highly suggest writing down all of your information in order and keeping it by your side. Dates and all. Practice a lot.

I hope this info helps some of you. There is no 1099 form, no waiver, nothing. LMT pays the taxes. :)

i am simply trying to help with the information i gathered during my failed attempt this morning and then seeing the afternoon slot with only 1 minute remaining...


hope this explains my being here...just trying to help and see who has been successful with this crazy promotion/sale :D

I'm new too. Welcome! It's not a private site, so I don't think there is a problem with us being here. Good luck with your reservations, I hope you win!!:)

Then I clicked on submit. I was greeted with a quick survey. Just click on some answer, who cares. Get through it as fast as possible. Click submit. Then you are done. You'll get a confirmation screen and a confirmation email which will include your reservation number, the name of the hotel, and the type of room.



Are you kidding about the survey? Is the clock still ticking at that point? That would be maddening. And I'm sure they'll get informative responses!

On another point, I thought it strange that when I clicked refresh the counter starting at exactly 6 minutes. Coincidence?

Are you kidding about the survey? Is the clock still ticking at that point? That would be maddening. And I'm sure they'll get informative responses!

On another point, I thought it strange that when I clicked refresh the counter starting at exactly 6 minutes. Coincidence?

It was a one or two question survey. I went so fast I don't remember. Yes, my clock started with 6 minutes and some amount of seconds as well. I was done with two minutes to spare which included the clock ticking during the video as well as the survey.

How did you guys get the clue, as to what time the 15 mins will begin?

How did you guys get the clue, as to what time the 15 mins will begin?


Yes, I'd like to know, too! I didn't receive any emails with clues, and after combing through this thread and today's posts, I can't see where anyone else received email clues .. just the timer on the home page. ?????

gsun and redsox28, welcome to FlyerTalk! Please pardon any skeptical thoughts that are expressed about joining this thread as a newbie, but I'm sure that you can understand their point of view. Hope you'll stick around after all this promotion's craziness is over and join in on the rest of the fun we have here in all of FT's other forums, too!

All,
As others have said, practice is important. Practice finding the hotel you want. Practice entering the desired dates. Practice logging in. (Be certain that you know your password, for example.) Practice entering the necessary fields for name, billing address, credit card info, etc. If you use an Auto Fill tool like the one in Google Toolbar, see how it behaves with their webpage's forms.

I haven't come up with any ideas about any hints that explained the selected times today. It's mostly just luck if you get in at the right time, IMO.

Good luck!

gsun and redsox28, welcome to FlyerTalk! Please pardon any skeptical thoughts that are expressed about joining this thread as a newbie, but I'm sure that you can understand their point of view. Hope you'll stick around after all this promotion's craziness is over and join in on the rest of the fun we have here in all of FT's other forums, too!



Hi there!

Not a problem at all. I'm glad gsun responded and had the same experience finding this website that I did... doing a google search. I am VERY impressed with this site, especially the people's hospitality. I wish I could travel more, and maybe with the help and tips from this site, I'll be able to financially. Looking forward to a lifelong membership of flyertalk!

To someone (sorry, forgot the username) who asked how we "knew" what time the promotion would be occurring today, personally, I had no idea. I just kept refreshing (I'm not tech savvy, so I just kept pressing F5) this morning until I saw the clock ticking down at the top of the home page. I don't see how the clues would help at all. My guess from one clue will be that at 6:03 am eastern time tomorrow, the promotion will begin. I only base this from the video where the alarm clock shows 6:02 and the dog goes and books a room. Take it for what it's worth (probably nothing).

Take care!

Are all room types available at the $1 hotels? Or is it just the least expensive standard room?

For those who successfully booked, was there any mention of changing dates for the stay being possible or penalties? Or would it cancel out the whole thing?

Thanks!

For those who successfully booked, was there any mention of changing dates for the stay being possible or penalties? Or would it cancel out the whole thing?

Thanks!

You may NOT change dates, I tried. You either take the dates you booked, or you cancel. So be careful on the dates you submit.

Are all room types available at the $1 hotels? Or is it just the least expensive standard room?

I got the most expensive room that was listed for the resort I wanted. I believe that EVERY room that is available during normal times is available during the promotion. Of course, availability can be filled at any time. But, there were a couple of people who posted on here who said they got an all inclusive deluxe room for free. So go for the best I say. You'll see everything available when you start your search during the promotion. Again, from what I can tell, it is completely identical to what is available right now. Good luck!

Are all room types available at the $1 hotels? Or is it just the least expensive standard room?
All room types!!! This includes rooms at all-inclusive resorts, villas with multiple bedrooms, and condos.

luv2ctheworld, it's sort of vague about changes. The T&Cs say, "All Dollar Bookings are nontransferable and non-exchangeable." But my confirmation says the following:

Cancellation Policy

Hotel cancellations or changes made 33 day/s prior to check in time (Noon local hotel time), will be subject to a full fare fee
No-show is subjected to a full fare fee

(I doubt that most people's reservations have a 33 day advance cancellation policy. I suspect that this is specific to the property that I selected.)

But the website has a specific method to allow you "amend" (make changes to) reservations online, and the steps seem to be quite clear that you basically select your current reservation, select the changes that you wish to make, review the revisions that are presented as if they are a new reservation, and then decide whether to confirm the changes. So it sounds as if your reservation would just be repriced for you. It's possible that if you were to contact a hotel directly, they might make changes for you without telling LMT. But I'm sure that LMT would not approve of this.

^ Since I have now booked a reservation online, my information is now saved in my profile! Good for next week!

@:-) If anyone wants to improve their time to get through the booking steps and is willing to book a regular reservation online or eat the $25 cancellation fee, they could book a regular reservation in order to be able to save all their info to their account profile.

does anyone think they will start it again tonight (EST time)??? I'm tired but, wondering if i should stay up. Thanks

Basically, instead of the room selection page looking like this one in Punta Cana (excerpt)...

Royal Service Deluxe Garden View On Request $1016.79 Book It

The Reserve Family Concierge One
Bedroom Suite On Request $1192.64 Book It

The Reserve One Bedroom Master Suite
w/ Private Garden On Request $1378.09 Book It

The Reserve Family Concierge One
Bedroom Master Suite On Request $1378.09 Book It

The Reserve One Bedroom Master
Suite Swim Up On Request $1474.02 Book It

... it looks like this ...

Royal Service Deluxe Garden View On Request $1.00 Book It

The Reserve Family Concierge One
Bedroom Suite On Request $1.00 Book It

The Reserve One Bedroom Master Suite
w/ Private Garden On Request $1.00 Book It

The Reserve Family Concierge One
Bedroom Master Suite On Request $1.00 Book It

The Reserve One Bedroom Master
Suite Swim Up On Request $1.00 Book It


@:-)Need help trying to choose a destination? Try their Hotels By Destination list (http://origin-www.lastminutetravel.com/Hotels-by-Destination/Country-list.aspx)!

1/27 at 0127 possibly?

(I doubt that most people's reservations have a 33 day advance cancellation policy. I suspect that this is specific to the property that I selected.)

I hope you're right, sc flier. I don't know about others here, but for me a 33-day advance cancellation policy is definitely not "last minute".

BTW, thanks to all for sharing all the small details you can remember from your speedy reservation race. For those (most?) of us who missed it completely, your descriptions make it easier for us poky participants to visualize and "train" for the next round. :)

Call me a loser, but I am staying up until the timer starts. We are going on a cruise in March and would love to score a nice Miami hotel 2 nights before the cruise.

Call me a loser, but I am staying up until the timer starts. We are going on a cruise in March and would love to score a nice Miami hotel 2 nights before the cruise.

I was under the impression that the contest won't go Live if you are sleeping...so I'm thinking no earlier than 6am EST?

how did you get that impression? Just wondering.

Hey, I was just wondering, does this also include foreign hotels in the listings, or just in the usa... or when they mean all hotels... do they mean.. ALL hotels listings for whereever you look up will be only $1?

Hey, I was just wondering, does this also include foreign hotels in the listings, or just in the usa... or when they mean all hotels... do they mean.. ALL hotels listings for whereever you look up will be only $1?

As in, all of them, as in every single one, as in, there won't be any that AREN'T $1, as in.... let me know if I was unclear. :D

Good morning fellow earlier watchers.

'On Request' rooms work too? Isn't there a great risk involved? Does the 'request' have to be completed within the window?

Hey, I was just wondering, does this also include foreign hotels in the listings, or just in the usa... or when they mean all hotels... do they mean.. ALL hotels listings for whereever you look up will be only $1?

It is for any hotel that they sell.

has anyone received any clues as to when it will pop up today? I thought possibly 602 but it did not happen.

Good, im trying today to nab One night at the Minneapolis Graves 601 Hotel (which normally is about $200-270 a night)the night before I fly to Europe for Spring Break, So I don't to wake up bright and early to take the Amtrak at 5am from Saint Cloud, as this is the only option available to me.





^
It is for any hotel that they sell.

I'm a little bit confused... Can you make more than one booking under the same name, address, and etc?

No, read this via their website:

Of course there are some conditions to qualify:

1 reservation for 1 room per person during entire campaign
To qualify the booking must be made online through www.LastMinuteTravel.com
The booking must be completed within the 15 minute time frame
LastMinuteTravel.com reserves the right to end the campaign at any time
Enjoy reading the terms & conditions? read them all here

It can be for 1 room for up to 7 days.?

I'm a little bit confused... Can you make more than one booking under the same name, address, and etc?

On another note, how can one finally know when they have snapped the right time, where will that timer "appear"?

are hotel taxes included or do we pay for those?

Hotel taxes are included. They just charge you is $1 per night.

@BIMMERKID2 Actually a splash screen appear first then you go trough a little video and then you can see the timer and it's ticking.

On another note, how can one finally know when they have snapped the right time, where will that timer "appear"?
Have you watched their 5-episode comedy series videos on the right side of the promotion overview page (http://www.lastminutetravel.com/world-for-a-dollar.aspx)? It looks like that.

hello everyone, i'm new to the board...i've been "lurking" for a few days now, I'm trying to find a good deal to oakland/east bay area. I've been refreshing all morning for this one...does anyone have any idea whatsoever as to the time we are looking for this morning?

I hope it's soon. I have meetings coming up. Knowing my luck, it will hit while I'm away.

Yes, i have a 2 year old that isn't going to be cooperating much longer, thats why i'm hoping it's early :D

Im hoping it comes around soon.. i have class at 930 and will be busy with that until 1045 and will run back to a computer and watch it some more

I have this gut feeling that it won't be soon. Seems like they'll likely not repeat the same timeframe as yesterday, that is, mid to late morning. Or it is just my pessimism seeping in.

I think some of you will get lucky with this promotion, due to less compeititon. Many of us have tired of these time-consuming, poorly executed "radical" hotel promos.

As a dedicated deal seaker, even I know it's sometimes better to pay. :)

well, they did 2 yesterday right? maybe it will be afternoon and evening today

Yea,, saw it.... those videos are a yawn....

Have you watched their 5-episode comedy series videos on the right side of the promotion overview page (http://www.lastminutetravel.com/world-for-a-dollar.aspx)? It looks like that.

anyone aware of an effective way to monitor the webpage? otherwise, this is so time-consuming.

C4C + Reload Every

C4C + Reload EveryOT, but relevant: I added the Reload Every Add-in to FF,
Options button for that add-in remains inoperative.
Other add-ins working normally. Any ideas...?
Also, logged in, can't seem to add CC # to my account etails

what does C4C + mean?

You need both add ons. Check4Change is the name of the first one.

MrHalliday: Did you try right click and select Reload Every -> Enable?

Is it on? Have been getting page load errors for the last five minutes...

updated:

Loads now, other pages loaded throughout, but for about 6 or 7 minutes the lastminute page wouldn't load. Hmmm.

i hope not because i have not left the page for hours and keep reloading. I hope it does happen soon

Not seeing it if it is, but then again I'm not that up on the promo. Just registered this morning to check it out

Is it on? Have been getting page load errors for the last five minutes...

updated:

Loads now, other pages loaded throughout, but for about 6 or 7 minutes the lastminute page wouldn't load. Hmmm.


not on for me yet

Is everything 'undercover' on their site? Trying to see if they have Iberostar in Cancun for an upcoming trip.

Also, I flipped through most pages of this post but didn't see this....if I book something but need to change the dates, is that possible? Or would that be considered a cancellation?

Also, I flipped through most pages of this post but didn't see this....if I book something but need to change the dates, is that possible? Or would that be considered a cancellation?

Refer to post 190 on page 13.:)

NOW!!!!

campaign is going on right now.

its on. this video screws you...lame

:eek:

Was too late. The videos are making it hard to book in time. Was it really on for 15minutes? When I saw it, only 6 minutes left.

:mad:it was all video over and over. that is a crock of %^%^

let the ranting begin. I got two commercials this time.

Damnit!
It it wasn't for those stupid stalling videos, I would have gotten it today... :mad:

I am so angry i have not left the page for hours waas on it when it started and it did not give 15 min

Has anyone else had a problem after viewing the video and typing in the dates? After my dates, I hit submit and then I just got a blue screen.....

I have been hitting refresh all day and it only gave 3 minutes to book. Over 2 minutes of that was replay of video.

This thing is soooo frustrating...I was in and had to see the video twice and while booking...ran out of time...anyone else have luck this time?:(

this is so ridiculous. first, i kept refreshing and there was only 4 minutes when it finally showed me the clock. second, the hotel i wanted which has been available all the time...suddenly after the video there were no hotels available in that area. so, they don't do it for all of them. i tried another destination and only some of the previous hotels were available. every time you search, you get the video again...ridiculous.

their whole 15 minutes is a bunch of bs...its not anywhere close to 15!

Yep. Page started to be able to reload for me. No counter. Went to the bathroom. Came back. 1:46 on counter. Not enough time once I saw it. Finalizing reservation when timed out. Those &%#$ videos! ARRGGGH!:td:

I got no results at all. The city I search has about 10 hotels usually listed.

:mad:it was all video over and over. that is a crock of %^%^

+1.

My thoughts are promos like this just end up hurting the company's reputation in the long run. I understand it's an amazing promotion, but if you're going to frustrate/anger your customers with how your site functions then why not just make it a sweepstakes?

I don't think it was 15 minutes. Was on the site just a few minutes before someone posted the 'NOW'. I went to the site, watched a video and there was only 6 mins. left. I was just on the site a few minutes prior and it wasn't up. So it doesn't seem like it's a whole 15 minutes.

Once the video was done I put in my dates, destination and the same video popped up! After it was over I had 10 seconds to book. Seems like this promo will be pretty tough to take advantage of.

Ooh crappy...I left for work and I had a feeling it started. Luckily I left my computer on last night and just caught the last 2+ minutes of the promo. I did a search for NYC in late April/early May and the only thing that came up was a whole bunch of hotels in Newark and one in NYC (the Ameritana). Not the greatest but it's off 54th and B'way so I guess it'll make do. If worse comes worse I'll book another room on Priceline so we don't cram into a tiny tiny room.

Latest window was 10:21-10:26AM CST.

Ran out of time and did not complete the tran. I imput the wrong date and had to change it which made the video replay.

that was definitely not 15 minutes; at best it was on for about 2 minutes, I was looking away from the computer, then turn around it was already 49 seconds left.