[QUOTE=sdsearch;I don't understand how being Gold/Diamond lowers your rate to $35. [/QUOTE]
I don't think made4's statement implied your rate will be $35/night if chose no breakfast. It will be the effective rate if you consider the free breakfast that gold/diamonds get for free which is worth about $20 for two people.
The cheapest rate I got was $49/night weekend rate at HGI in Addison, TX in Nov. 2011 with MVP discount. It also inluded $10 gas card promotion they were offering which made the rate $39+tax. As a gold, I got free breakfast for two, stay credit for Q3FN and the regular points/miles. It was a sweet deal since my effective rate was $19/night. I stayed only one night.