You have plenty of time. Start with the 'Tips and Tricks for Priceline and Hotwire' forums on the home page. I usually only book first 2 nights then bid on the fly while I'm there. Look at reported PRICELINE winning bids for around your dates to see if those properties are acceptable to you. If there is a property you want to avoid or choose, then HOTWIRE gives you more control, as you can usually work out which property they are offering. Be aware: PL and HW inventory may be different and not be offering the same property at the same time. Also be aware that the NYOP opaque side of PRICELINE may be using different inventory that the regular Purchase side of PL. It's easy to get mixed up. On a tight budget I will usually go PL for Amsterdam or London. It is well documented what Hotels are participating so there are usually no surprises. It can always happen of course, if a property comes back that has not participated for a while (like the Movenpick in AMS, that has recently reappeared for instance) or a new property appears that has not participated before. Usually (but not always) PL will be cheaper than HW, sometimes a lot cheaper. NH Hotels in AMS are the heavy participants right now. Although the Pulitzer, Hilton, Renaissance, Marriott, Intercontinental, Bilderberg Gdn, Sofitel, Radisson, Crowne Plaza and others have all appeared at various times. I have had PL wins at Moevenpick (best) Barbizon Palace (marginal) Krasnapolsky (marginal) I also stay at Pulitzer and Hilton as I participate in those properties loyalty programs. Neither of them are great by the way. I am hoping to land at the Amrath on my next AMS PL venture. I usually only bid at 5* but that is no guarantee of any quality with PL. I have has the worst rooms in the world bidding at 5*. If you get a bad room - complain (nicely) - I usually change rooms at least once. Being a member of their loyalty program, unofficially can sometimes help in getting a better room. Currently, the 4* NH's look to be the best bet at around $70 - $85. Good luck and post back. t