So, I took an Express option today (a 3 star for $55). Retail was $119 to $140 depending on which site was listing the hotel. I think had I bid, the lowest would have been $45. The risk was that there were a few other 3 star hotels in the region including a Courtyard and a Holiday Inn that I felt were not as good as this property (Hyatt Place) while guaranteeing free hot breakfast and limited 'rebid' options.

If Express differential to NYOP goes down, it will lead to more instant opaque purchases from my perspective (time has a value too).

I would have still preferred to bid though...

Rasheed