Just call the reservation line and tell them you want to check availability using a United Mileage Plus Hotel certificate (no codes required). Of course, if you do use these certs at Hilton, a Friday or Saturday night stay is required. I would also check out the websites first to compare what other prices (bounceback rate, etc.) you can get to see if you're getting a good deal.

Hotels listed on cert: Crowne Plaza, Hilton, Holiday Inn, Hyatt, Inter-Continental, Radisson, Sheraton, and Westin. I left out the ones that are definitely not in Oakland.

[This message has been edited by TropicalFlyer (edited 01-19-2000).]