FWIW I did the online Cage course (less than $200 I believe) because I only had 6 days between invite and interview, and Cage couldn't fit me in. It gave me a few pointers that I felt were helpful. I also studied all day, every day for that interview as if my life depended on it. I felt that having rehearsed for as many TMAAT questions and studying as many gouge questions from aviation interviews was key. I was also told to know that interview packet front, back, upside down. Even know the number of pages in the packet. Now, my interview only had me go a few steps into the brief before we moved on and no question as silly as "how many pages" was asked. But better safe than sorry with an opportunity like this.

I stayed at Double Tree because I had just enough Hilton points to cover the whole stay.