[dmeyers]

My first post here and what seems like a very useful forum!!

I'm after a bit of advice from all...

Got an upcoming trip to the US again in a couple of weeks, and i've been toying with the idea of using priceline 'name your own price'

My plans are...

3 Nights New York 17/9 - 20/9
3 Nights Washington D.C. 20/9 - 23/9, central location, looking to do the touristy stuff, lincoln memorial, monument etc. Never been to DC before.
3 Nights Chicago 23/9 - 26/9, central location, if someone could advise zones that would be great

Looking for 4* in all locations, ideal budget would be up to $200 per night, but anything less would be great!

Then i'm off down to Cape Coral, FL for a couple of weeks to relax.

It's just me and the missus flying out from UK on 17/9.

Can anyone offer a priceline 'virgin' any hints and tips?? Looking to book in the next couple of days as i've just sorted all our internal flights.

Thanks in advance all!!

[dmeyers]

Any help at all for D.C.?

[thereuare]

For DC, the most frequently bid zones are:
Convention Center-Capitol Hill
Dupont Circle-Woodley Park
White House-Downtown

Are all of these acceptable? Any others you're interested in?

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.

[dmeyers]

Yes, they would all be fine.

Which one would you most recommend to do the touristy type things?

And any guidance on prices to begin bidding?

Thanks for the help.

[dmeyers]

Yes, they would all be fine.

Which one would you most recommend to do the touristy type things?

And any guidance on prices to begin bidding?
%

[thereuare]

These are some EXPENSIVE dates in DC and i think you may have a difficult time finding anything within your budget, but let's give a whirl and see how it goes.

At the 4* level you have SIX re-bid zones. If you're not familiar with re-bidding please read Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and feel free to ask questions and/or confirm your re-bid zones with the board before proceeding.

Select 4* Convention Center...
Bid $100, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $110, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...

Select 4* White House...
Bid $100, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $110, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...

Select 4* Dupont Circle...
Bid $100, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $110, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $145, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE...

Select 4* Convention Center and White House...
Bid $150, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $155, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $160, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $165, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE
Select 4* Convention Center and Dupont Circle...
Bid $150, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $155, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $160, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $165, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 4* Convention Center and White House and Dupont Circle...
Bid $170, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $175, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $180, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $185, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $190, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $195, if rejected add re-bid zone...
Bid $200

Any questions feel free to ask.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[dmeyers]

Thanks, will give it a go later.

Would convention center be the best location for what I want to do?

Also, any reason why these dates are so expensive?

Thanks

[thereuare]

dmeyers, on Sep 6 2010, 04:44 AM, said:

Also, any reason why these dates are so expensive?

It's Washington DC... there's always business taking place there during the week, then add on top of that rally's, protests, government meetings, some form branch of government 'in session', etc. and hotel rates can easily skyrocket.

dmeyers, on Sep 6 2010, 04:44 AM, said:

Would convention center be the best location for what I want to do?

You're not going to be able to pick and choose, imo... you'd be very lucky to get a 4* hotel within your budget in any of the zones above. I'm guessing that you'll eventually need to increase your budget, lower your star rating, or stay in a suburb outside of the city (or a combination of these compromises)

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.

[dmeyers]

I've tried up to $200 and got no-where as expected!

I'm really uneducated when it comes to D.C., so can anyone recommend a good area to stay where we could easily catch a metro etc into the downtown area?

Thanks

[dmeyers]

Well played around on the site for ages, and finally got a bid accepted!!

$235...Washington D.C. Dupont Circle Area, Marriott Wardman Park 3.5*

Any thoughts?

[thereuare]

Thank you for sharing your win with the board.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.