Priceline Hotel: Bidding Price and Algorithm for Boston 3*+

[TJ1010F]

First time attempting this and have done some research on the process but just hoping for some guidance, specifically on what my starting bid should be and what algorithm is best to use. Max bid would be up to 125$ .

Interested in bidding on 1 room in a 3 star and up hotel between May 15th and May 18th, 2015.

 

Acceptable areas: 1) Beacon Hill 2) Boston Commons 3) Copley Square 4) Downtown Boston

Rebid Areas without 3+ Hotels: Dorchester, Jamaica, Saugus, Watertown

 

Thanks so much for the help!

 

Edit: I understand the process of building an algorithm with the Acceptable Areas and Rebid areas, the part I wasn't clear on is how you modify your bidding as you add in zones. If someone would be able to give an example that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Please start by reading your messages (which will also remove the red box at the top of the page and make the board easier to navigate)

We can help with the above, but your $125/nite maximum bid is not realistic for these dates... using our sister site MAPS and HOTELS.com, what is the best rate you're able to find at an acceptable hotel in one of your acceptable zones?

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.

[TJ1010F]

Thanks for the reply. I will be sure to use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links provided.

The best rate on an acceptable hotel in the acceptable zones is 348$/night (Hilton Boston Downtown). Does that help determine the maximum bid?

[AaronJB]

For the core areas of downtown, you're likely looking at the high $200's ($275-285+, depending on the zone) for a 4*. Unfortunately, even for a 3*, you're likely looking at over $200 ($225-240+) I'd guess something is going on on these dates, as rates are sky-high. Even outlying areas (Cambridge, Airport/BOS, etc) are quite pricey.

 

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.

[beachbum423]

If you are planning a visit to Boston try to avoid days when the Red Sox are playing in town.  The rates, at least as found for Priceline Express deals, are 50_100% higher when they are playing home games.  Here's the link for the Red Sox schedule: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/schedule/?c_id=bos#y=2015&m=5&calendar=DEFAULT

 

 

[thereuare]

The best rate on an acceptable hotel in the acceptable zones is 348$/night (Hilton Boston Downtown). Does that help determine the maximum bid?

The $348/nite rate is indicative that $125 doesn't have much of a chance at all... the question is how much of a discount to this rate would you need to make an opaque purchase worthwhile and/or how high would you go before lowering your star rating and/or considering other zones?

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.