What hotel did they put you at? I am going down in April and couldn't believe how expensive hotels were in downtown Denver. I was thinking of going the Priceline route too.
I got the Sheraton which was one of the few I was hoping for. Only 4 blocks to the convention center. Prob could of got it a bit cheaper ($80ish) if I would've went the bid route but some super duper Express Special popped up and offered $95, then I got an additional 5% off that, so I just took it.
