I can't get into the GSO RI when I need it (7/27) because several rooms are blocked for a major athletic event. I've seen this before and when checking back frequently found a room close to arrival when they had cancellations or no-shows.

Must have RI for pet, but I don't suppose there is any electronic waitlist and the front desk did not encourage me to think they could make room for me. I can stay at Winston-Salem but that creates a few logistical problems the next morning.

Sorry even the Plat rooms are all booked

If I were you I would book the Winston-Salem property right away so you will at least have some place to stay. I would then keep checking the availability of the GSO property every day. Unused rooms of a reserved block may become available and you can then book GSO and then cancel Winston-Salem.

That much I've done but my driving trip starts in 5/6 days then on to my parents who need to move into a nursing home so Internet access will be problematic once I leave home.

There is an old fashion device available almost everywhere (maybe even in your pocket) called a telephone!! Just take the local and 800 number and call at least twice a day.

I too am so pre-programmed doing everything online that calling and talking to another human almost seems frightening - I fear reaching an incompetent who Yeses or No's you do death just to get you off the phone - honestly as a CPA, I too would rather leave simple clerical details like these to a machine with an audit trail.

And I've never, ever gotten a callback from a Marriott hotel when leaving my name/number "in case something opens up" And that includes when I was already staying on site looking to extend! Alway had to ask again and again each morning...

But it seems like you have to go this route. As someone who has done a lot of sports team booking, it is very probable this will open up last minute although you might not like the rate.

Best of luck with your trip and parents.

Isn't that what Blackberrys (and iPhones) are for??

Good Luck!