Hi everyone, first post to this forum. II find the information on this fascinating. Here goes: My family will be in Newport Beach, CA area this summer (7-26 thru 7-29). A few years back, we stayed at the Marriot Hotel & Spa across from Fashion Island. My wife particularly loved it and would like to go back. Rack rates start at 249.00, code discounts to about 212.00 that we are eligibel for. It is still a little high for me, and was wondering if PriceLine is thhe way to go? If so, it seems you are not necessarily assigned to that specific hotel (unless I'm missing something). Any suggestions. I love the looks of Montage & Ritz...but they're way out of my league, price-wise.