Just the other weekend my wife and I were in need of a getaway to escape the confines of Champaign-Urbana. Deciding that it was worth a shot to bid on a hotel and swing by my Alma Mater the next day for my Homecoming, I turned to Priceline.com for a chance to grab a mystery 4 star hotel. After three days of unsuccessful bidding, my perseverance was rewarded, and we snagged a room....

at the Indy Hyatt for all of $49. Nearly $170 off the going rate, the room had a wonderful view of the Statehouse and was well-stocked with fashionable amenities. What a great start to a weekend getaway! For more information about power-bidding for rock-bottom travel deals, check out biddingfortravel.com