One of the things I like about Essentravel.com is you can select hotels on the same day. As long as its before 9 pm. So convinient when youre on the go. So I got a great rate on the Pittsburgh Mariott while I was on the road. The pictures of the hotel sold me on it, it was quite visually pleasing and even more so when I got there.
What I really need from a hotel is a clean room, very important, and quiet!! I do like my sleep hehe. I got those two things, plus a good breakfast, I was very satisfied.