bidding closer to the date you're looking for

[tme]

Hello,  I'm new to the bidding process!  do you find you get a better deal if you bid closer to the dates you're lookig for? or does it matter how far ahead you bid?  (in other words - do you still find your get the same results no matter when you bid)  thanks very much!  TME

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

If you haven't yet, please start by reading your messages.

There is no simple answer to your question as it is all based upon supply/demand and how actual new reservations/cancellations come in relative to expected new reservations/cancellations.

Hotels have LOTS of data and use this, as well as knowledge about what is happening in the area on any given set of dates, and set prices accordingly. As nobody knows exactly how reality with fall inline with exceptions, it is impossible to know if rates will come down, or move higher, closer to your check-in date. As well, each city as their own idiosyncrasies in terms of timing.

Best advice is to 'know' what a good price is for your dates and if you see what appears to be a good deal to take it.

We have lots of tools to help you research historical pricing (the Priceline and Hotwire Calendar of Wins and our Priceline Maps) and current pricing for your dates (MAPS and HOTELS.com and BiddingHelper.com), and WinAlerts for reported wins on the board... as well as asking board members for help.

If there is nothing worth acting upon at the moment then you can book a back-up reservation using refudnable.rates and then sign up with RateDrop to monitor rates for you.

So more specifically to your own needs, assuming you have an upcoming trip, where are you heading, what are the dates of your trip, which zones are acceptable, what is your desired star rating and budget?

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases... or thru our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com for your regular rate purchases.