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We love to hear stories like this!! Looks like you did better for 3 nites than you could have done for 1 nite! I always say that you'll find it hard not to 'brag' about wins such as these... before you know it you'll see posts on this board from your friends and family that you just happened to mention it to <who doesn't like to save money?>

lo2e, I'm working on it :) , but thanks for pointing it out... as i only learned about it from another post on the board (thanks zebnye) I have written on paper the hotels that have come up in NYC and Las Vegas so i can refer to them easily and help others that need assistance, but the problem is that the sub-zones aren't listed (ie- New York City is listed, but not Midtown East, Central Park, etc) so it's not that easy to classify them properly at this point. I was holding off moving forward on this until i decided if i should: 1) Have an "unclassified" section with all the hotels, amenities, and star ratings listed 2) Delay in getting the information on the board so that each hotel's zone can be classified properly? I encourage users of the board to reply to this thread as to what their preferences are regarding the above two scenarios and i'll start to implement whatever the board wants. PS- thanks for the compliment on the board, i enjoy doing it, but it's always nice to hear that others enjoy it as well

Is this in the CBD or the FQ? Thanks for posting and thanks in advance for updating.

I think it's worth it.... the more rooms you need, the more you'll likely save! You can bid for 4 rooms at a time, and if you select all 4 rooms at once in the same bid (on the first screen), they'll all be at the same hotel. The only problem i can see you encountering is that Priceline only guarantees accomodations for 2 people, although i have not heard small families having a problem in this area (like it is in NYC or other large cities where the rooms are known to be quite small). How were you planning on splitting up the rooms? (ie- how many adults/children would be in each room) It is possible that all the rooms could only have a king bed, it's also possible they'll all have 2 queens (i know most people don't think this is the case when you book direct, but bed preferences are just a request and based upon availability... no matter how you book). If the above doesn't "work" for you, you might still be better off using Priceline but getting 5 or 6 rooms (in 2 separate bids.. yes, there is a chance that the 2 separate bids land you at different hotels). You can likely get rooms for <$40/nite, so perhaps an extra room or two would still be cost effective. Let me know your thoughts after reading the above and then i'll advise you further if you wish to proceed. (of course, ask any questions you have after reading the above)

CHKNPOTPIE ended up using Priceline and the winning info can be seen HERE

So it sounds as if they're giving your the upgraded room? I guess all is well that ends well :) Have a great trip, and thank you for posting your results (both of them)

It's currently set to go away after 30 minutes. I don't think it can be dependent upon a reply getting posted, but if people are having a problem, i can try extending the time to 45 minutes or an hour. Would that help? Of course, if there is an edit you would like to make you can always send me whatever changes you'd like after the time has passed. I'll go ahead and change it to 45 minutes now to see if that helps, and if there is still a problem, post to this thread and i'll try to extend it further. Thanks for letting me know this is an issue.

If there are two hotels in an area, one that typically sells for $40 and one that sells for $50, DO NOT bid $50 in hopes of getting the higher priced hotel. You are just as likely to get the lower priced hotel and have paid $10 too much.

Glad to see the Hotwire info was of use :) Priceline's counter-offers can almost always be undercut, but the problem here is that time is winding down. If you'd consider Upper Midtown/CPS, i don't think you'll be successful as the 4* hotels in this zone are typically more expensive. HOWEVER, if you'd still be happy in this area, you can use it as another re-bid zone (it's not really a re-bid zone, but Priceline wins in this area are usually higher than you're bidding, so you can use it as such... with the caveat that IF you were to get something in this area you'd still be happy). If that's the case, i would go ahead and add this zone and raise my bid to $93. If the above doesn't fit your plans (or tried and failed), i would try for MTE (only) 4* as follows: bid $75, if rejected use re-bid zone and raise to $88 if rejected, add MTW and raise to $93 (this should be allowed since you only bid the MTE and MTW independent of each other, never together.... HOWEVER, if you tried adding UM/CPS above and were rejected at $93, let me know and do not bid this last step until i follow up with you) As i commented in the hotel zone descriptions, i think that MTE and MTW are both fine for theater visitors. However, you're the one staying at the hotel and you need to be happy with it. The above is what i would do (probably trying the UM/CPS idea first), but if you'd rather go for a 3* let me know and i can follow up with something for that as well. Of course, the other option is to just wait 72 hours and bid again as previously, but raising the bid amounts. Hopefully you followed it all, but if not, feel free to ask any questions. Let us know how you do and/or how you want to proceed. PS- you used UWS as your re-bid zone, right?

Did you try bidding this, success/failure, or did you go another route?

The Mirage's website shows 4/25-4/27 at an average cost of $259/nite, so if it were indeed The Mirage i think Hotwire would lose some money on their "Double the Difference Guarantee" (not that they haven't lost money before, see THIS THREAD from Byeloe) I've stayed at the Mirage a few years ago, and i don't recall any tennis courts on the property, but the "nearby" could always mean that the hotel has a shuttle bus (or taxi) that would take you to the tennis courts (which i think most of the "upper tier" hotels can arrange). Anything is possible, but i would still place my best guess on the Monte Carlo for the reasons in my prior post, although i'm far from certain that this is indeed the property.

Welcome to the board and thank you for posting your winning bid! Graduation season can be tough in any college town/area!! Glad you got a roof over your head for the nite! Thanks again for sharing your results.

I think the tip-off for this one is the tennis, but it is "tennis nearby" which could mean anything :) I looked on Expedia's property description for the Monte Carlo and they mention that they have "lighted tennis courts", so although it's just a guess, that would be my top choice if i had to choose. But again, their "nearby" could include just about any property in Vegas. I thought Bally's also based upon the tennis, but i would think Bally's would be more of a 4* hotel rather than a 4.5*. Paris is a good guess as well, but i would lean toward the Monte Carlo if i had to guess from the standpoint that they offer tennis on the premises.

My fault re: the Hotwire amenities, i read your post too fast :) and i apologize. Unfortunately, there's just too many hotels in Times Square that fit the amenties listed). Even still, the Hotwire info is important from the standpoint that you now know NOT to bid over $105 (although the star ratings between Hotwire and Priceline are somewhat difference, at least you have a reference point). There are 3 ways you can do this: 1)To get the lowest price and potentially have to bid again in 72 hours if rejected: 4* MTW try a lowball bid of $75, if rejected use your free re-bid zone and raise bid to $88 If rejected wait 72 hours, proceed again with bids of $88 and then $93 2) For a greater likelihood of getting this 'done' and have a potential overbid of $5/nite 4* MTW try a lowball bid of $75, if rejected use your free re-bid zone and raise bid to $93 3) A little of both... 4* MTW bid $88 (the risk in this is that a lowball $75 bid would be accepted, which would result in an overbid) use your free re-bid zone and bid $93 The prices of $88 and $93 are taken from prior wins that we have seen, for the Hiltonand Westin, respectively. If you are unsure of how re-bid zones work, please ask. You can read about them here: Re-bidding before 72 hours and feel free to post with what you think your re-bidding zone is if you want to confirm it. Any questions regarding the above, feel free to ask. Let us know how it worked, if rejected, post that too and i'll post a follow-up strategy.

For Hotwire assistance, please include the amenites as well (for an explanation of why, see this link: What might be the Hotwire hotel....) Do you have a zone preference? You can see a description of zones here: NYC Zone Descriptions I would assume that midtown east and midtown west would both be fine, but do you have a problem with either of these or want to include any others? I think you should be able to get an under $100 bid accepted, but when you update regarding the zones, i'll detail a bidding strategy for you. PS- don't forget to check out the restaurant link in the "NY Tips" section if you'd like discounts on some good restaurants (we have no affiliation with them, but i love some of their restaurants, and the discounts there make some higher-end meals more affordable)

byeloe, I know Vegas pretty well, and might be able to assist if you include the amenities listed along with the hotel. The amenities are often a greater tip-off to the hotel than the star rating, as discussed here: What my be the Hotwire hotel...

Some properties are willing to discount more than others, which probably takes into a variety of factors such as rent, operating costs, cash flow, etc. Hotels are in a sort of catch-22 in that they don't want to "give away the ranch", but they also collect NO REVENUE for an unused room. (similarly, we often see higher rated hotel on Hotwire sell for less than lower rated hotels in the same search) I've seen the Hyatt go for as low as $27 when they're website was showing $225! If you don't see the rates for the Hyatt increase dramatically i think you will ultimately be successful. If you really want to save the money, i would just continue bidding the Hyatt (by keeping your bids at $27 and re-bids at $30) until end of July/beginning of August, assuming your comfortable waiting that long and trying this bid every few days. In the meantime, it's always a good idea to book a fully cancellable back-up. Thanks for keeping us updated on your progress.

The great thing about this board, is now we all have a good idea of where to start bidding for 3* in the future... sometimes we take information, sometimes we give information :) You got a great deal and cut your costs by about 1/2 compared to a traditional booking. Thanks for updating your post with the results, and have a good trip.

The Venetian in Las Vegas is "known" to only offer their best rate to Priceline 7 days before check-in. This is NOT to say that Priceline doesn't have access to inventory more than 7 days before check-in, it's just to make you aware that it will likely take a higher bid than some of the other "winning bids" that are booked inside of 7 days.

Glad it worked out for you!! If you'd be so kind, could you post your "win" in the Hotwire thread? I will then add a link to this thread which directly connects to your Hotwire results. I guess this is an instance where Hotwire was able to beat Priceline, and an example of why it's important to check both services. I would guess that Priceline would have required a $75 or $83 bid to be successful (if at all), which are other "levels" of accepted bids. Bottom line is that you got what you wanted, and for that i'm thankful. It's also an incredible rate over the $300/nite they're asking! Have a great trip (although i know for you, it couldn't get here soon enough :) ) CLICK HERE to see the post that resulted on Hotwire

This list is NOT a complete list of all hotels that Priceline offers in this area, it is ONLY a compilation of hotels that have already been reported on this forum. Hotels are added/removed by Priceline all the time, and star ratings can change at ANY time. As well, the geographic boundaries of an area are subject to change, so it is always a good idea to look at the Priceline map before purchasing. DO NOT USE THIS LIST to determine what areas to add when attempting to bid again within the 24 hour window (CLICK HERE for information on how to add cities in order to bid again). In light of the above, you MAY get a hotel that is NOT on this list, or get a hotel on this list but at a star level you didn't expect (if the star rating has changed). Lastly, this board (and its members) are here to assist you, if you have a question or are unsure of something, please ask before purchasing (since Priceline stipulates NO cancellations/refunds)! However, by using this board you agree that you do so at your own risk! (in other words, NO WHINING allowed!!) CLICK FOR: OR Bowling Green 3* Courtyard 3* Holiday Inn University Plaza (previously 2.5*) 2.5* La Quinta 1* Microtel Inn (perviously 2*) Corbin 2* Comfort Suites Georgetown 3* Holiday Inn Hopkinsville 2* Best Western (previously 2.5*) Lexington (East) 3* Hyatt Place Lexington Lexington (Lexington - South) (NOTE: new zones) 3.5* Crowne Plaza Campbell House (previously 3*) 3.5* Doubletree Guest Suites (Richmond Rd) 3* Sheraton Suites 3.5* Hyatt Regency 3* Hilton Suites Lexington Green (245 Lexington Green Circle) (previously 3.5*) 3* Radisson (now 3* Hilton Lexington, 369 W. Vine St, not yet reported) 2* Inn On Broadway 2* Extended StayAmerica Tates Creek 1* Extended StayAmerica Bluegrass (2753 Richmond Road) (previoulsy 2*) 1* Extended StayAmerica Nicholasville Rd (previoulsy 2*) 1* Extended StayAmerica Patchen Village (2750 Gribben Drive) Lexington (North) (NOTE: new zones) 3.5* Marriott Griffin Gate (previously Resort) 3* Courtyard North REVIEW 3* Four Points REVIEW 2.5* Clarion Hotel Lexington (previously 3*) 3* Holiday Inn London 2* Ramada Limited and Suites (now 2* National Heritage Inn London not yet reported) CLICK FOR: OR Louisville (Airport SDF) 3* Courtyard Louisville Airport 3* Crowne Plaza 3* Holiday Inn I-264 Airport East 3* Holiday Inn Louisville Airport - Fair/Expo (447 Farmington Avenue) 2.5* Best Western Airport East 2.5* Baymont Inn and Suites Louisville Airport South Jameson Inn South 2.5* La Quinta (previously 2*) REVIEW 2* Executive Inn Hotel 2* Fern Valley Hotel and Conference Center Louisville (Brooks - Shepherdsville) 2* Baymont Inn and Suites Louisville (Downtown) 4* Brown Hotel REVIEW 4* Marriott 4* Seelbach Hilton 3.5* Galt House Hotel and Suites 3.5* Hyatt 3* Courtyard 2.5* Springhill Suites 2.5* Inn at Jewish Hospital (now 2* Hampton Inn Downtown not yet reported) REVIEW Louisville (East) (NOTE: Zone now subdivided into (EAST) (NORTHEAST) and (HURSTBOURNE-EAST)) 3* Best Western Louisville East (previously 2.5*) Best Western Envoy Inn (HURSTBOURNE-EAST) 3* Courtyard East (HURSTBOURNE-EAST) 3* Courtyard Northeast (NORTHEAST) 3* Embassy Suites 3* Holiday Inn Hurstbourne (HURSTBOURNE-EAST) 3* Hyatt Place Amerisuites REVIEW 3* Park Inn Marriott (HURSTBOURNE-EAST) 2.5* Breckinridge Inn (EAST) 2.5* Ramada Plaza Louisville (NORTHEAST) 2.5* Springhill Hurtsbourne 2* Baymont Inn Fairfield Inn 2* Candlewood Suites 2* Extended StayAmerica Hurstbourne (9801 Bunsen Way) (zone: HURSTBOURNE-EAST) REVIEW 2* Homestead Studio Suites (zone: HURSTBOURNE-EAST) REVIEW 2* Jameson Inn (now Quality Inn Louisville) 1* Extended StayAmerica Dutchman (previously 2*) (6101 Dutchmans Ln) 1* Extended StayAmerica St Matthews REVIEW 2.5* Clarion Hotel and Conference Center-- (previously 2*) (now 1* Louisville Executive Hotel and Suites) CLICK FOR: OR Louisville (Clarksville - Jeffersonville, IN) 3* Sheraton Riverside 3* Holiday Inn Clarksville Morehead 1* Super 8 Motel Mount Sterling 2.5* Fairfield Inn (previously 2*) REVIEW CLICK FOR: OR Owensboro 2.5* Fairfield Inn (previously 2*) Paducah 1* Baymont Inn

Yes, as i type this, Miramar only offers 2* and 2.5* hotels, so if you're bidding 3* in the Downtown area it is considered a re-bid zone. I forgot to mention also, that you should be aware (although it's not necessarily a bad thing) that you could be upgraded to a 4* hotel in the area (neither the ES or Marriott Marina); although i think for this zone, and higher than usual occupancy, $63 isn't likely high enough to get upgraded to 4*. Anyone reading this in the future, hotels are added at any time, so be sure to check for yourself (or ask if you are unsure) if the above zone is still a re-bid zone.

I checked rates at the ES website and rooms for your nite are going for $300/nite! (usual rate is ~$200), so that could explain the availability issue. I even called the hotel to double check the rate, and it is indeed $300. The reservation agent didn't know of any "event" in town that weekend, but did say that availability is a little lower than usual for a date a few months away. Based upon my experiences, the next "level" for an accepted bid is at $75, so i dont think that $62 would be accepted (although it doesn't hurt to try!). If it were me, I would probably try $63 just to "see" if it worked, and if rejected i would go with the $67/nite 3.5* suite via Hotwire thinking that it is indeed the Embassy Suites being offered (assuming that is within the budget that you wanted to spend). You should CHECK HERE first to make certain the amenities are the same. BTW, i notice you said that your stay is for 3 nites, but 10/30-11/1 is only 2 nites, just want to make sure you have the correct number of nites or dates for your stay. Let us know what you decided to do and the results, i'm anxious to see how this one turns out. Of course, any questions, feel free to ask.

Good for you!! I like to see people "zing" companies that deserve it (and in this case, i believe Hotwire deserves it... charging a such a higher rate for a "blind" purchase than the traditional booking services). I did a search for a one nite stay in the summer for a mid-week nite (the slowest time in Vegas) and did indeed show a 5* hotel at $185 (which i suspect is the Venetian, and i also suspect high for this nite), so i think they probably just pulled it only for the nights that you had booked. When you say that the best you could do in comparison would be with Priceline within 7 days of check-in, are you saying that the Venetian only releases inventory to Priceline within 7 days of check-in? (that would be good info to know if that is indeed the case) The 4.5* hotel could be almost anything, but i know Vegas pretty well and might have a better guess if you supplied the amenities. Congratulations on your "refund check"... that took some guts, so Vegas better watch out when you come to town! :)

Is $30 your maximum bid? (if it is, it's ok, but just want to know for guidance purposes) If you're not successful at $27, i don't think you'd be successful at $30. If the Hyatt isn't available for your dates, the next lowest accepted bid i've seen in the area (which wasn't an over-bid) is $40. Since you have 2 re-bids in this zone (which if you don't understand i'd be more than happy to explain to you in more detail via email or IM) i usually recommend bidding $27, $35, $40. Based upon my explanation above, i usually don't expect the $35 bid to yield any accepted results, but i throw it in "just in case" something has been added to the area or one of the hotels have lowered their Priceline rates (as jumping from $27 to $40 is a big step up). Since your dates are far enough away, i would guess that the Hyatt has not yet released any inventory to Priceline (this can change at any time) and you can keep trying at $27 for the next few weeks. If you'd rather just "get it done", then i suspect a $40 bid may be necessary and likely land you the Sheraton. Lastly, i did some research and found a $140 rate for the Hyatt for that nite. This doesn't change the strategy at all because it's still within the range of a typically accepted $27 bid, but didn't know where you saw the $100 rate. Any questions, feel free to follow up. Please keep us updated.