Buc77

Had to split my dates from my previous priceline hotel win but am happy with results. 2 nights at a 4* (Mayflower Reniassance, $105/night) in White House zone and 3 nights at a 3.5* (Hyatt Regency, $133/night) in the Conventin Center/Capitol Hill zone doesn't seem too bad. Think I can handle the moving w/o any problems. Also, can't thank Thereuare enough for the bidding tips. Would probably have spent twice as much if not for the advice. Will be recommending the site to everyone I know who is an avid traveller or looking for a last-minute deal. :) Thanks, Buc77

After much wailing and gnashing of teeth, secured winning bid as noted. That covered two of five nights I need. The other three are 10/17-10/19. Renaissance is booked (and WAY more expensive) for those nights. Happy for now, though!

Luck with two nights so far!! Mayflower Reinaissance, 4*, 10/15-10/17, $105/night. I tried to add more nights on their 'add more nights now' offer, but they were full...at that price. Could have added nights at around $400/night. Think I'll try another round of bidding in same areas for 10/17-10/19 starting around that price unless there is another alternative. Those are the dates I still need to be there while my daughter is at her conference. I would like to stay as close to the same area as possible. I don't mind changing hotels, but I don't necessarily want to have to move as far as across the river or up to Bethesda. Suggestions? Thanks! Buc77 :)

Don't remember exactly, but think it was Conv. Cntr/G'town-Fog/Mt. Vernon(re-bid zone) and the price they gave was $160ish. I was at $115ish. I think the length of my stay (10/15 - 10/20) is the issue/problem. I saw where there was a winning bid for $90 in the Conv. Cntr for 10/14-10/16, and I have seen similar winning bids for partial dates I need at around the same price. Maybe I'm not holding my mouth right when I put in my bid! Oh, well. I'll keep at it. Buc77

No luck yet...but I'm getting pretty good at this now. Toward the end of the process, I got a 'One-Time Special Offer' of a room rate in my zone(s). It was a sure thing if I was willing to up my bid by $48. Is that something that happens often? For 5 nights, that meant adding $240. I had not planned on going that high. I may ultimately have to go as high as that, but I want to see what might give before I do, though. Also, I'm afraid you were correct in an earlier post...$140 to $160 to get a room. Buc77

One major question which comes to mind in 'splitting my bid' is whether I would have to stick with one area or zone. Since there is no guarantee of getting the same hotel, I guess I could have two nights in the Convention Center area and then three in, say, Dupont Circle. Correct? I think I am going to continue with bidding for the whole 10/15/11 - 10/20/11 dates in a 3*. My zones will be Convention Center, Geo'town/Foggy and Dupont Circle in that order. I have 'resigned' myself to bidding up to $120 but will start around $85. Any tips would be appreciated. Buc77

Using much the same process as mentioned in the earlier post from Thereuare, no luck (yet) working up to $95, 10/15 - 10/20 in Dupont, Geo/Fog, Conven Cntr or White House area. Will try again tomorrow and start at around $85. We'll see what happens. Buc77

Post from azgirl2011 today at 3:23 pm: Her dates are about the same as mine, and she was trying the same zones, ratings and bids as I. She was ultimately successful going with a 3*, which is what I was thinking I might have to do. The reply to her post seemed to indicate that the Courtyard Marriott-Dupont Circle at $85 was a pretty good deal. Given that success, I think I am going to try a 3* and work my way up from there. I'll post the results when/if successful. Buc77

Before I continue with my bidding on 3.5*, should I consider the same pricing and moving down to a 3*? Given the lack of success to this point, and considering what I really need from a room, I am suddenly thinking that a 3* might be fine. I looked at a few of the reviews for 3*s in Dupont/Woodly, Geo'town/Foggy Bottom and Conven. Cntr. Have other members been satisfied with 3* rooms in those areas? I think accessability will ultimately trump amenities. Buc77

Man, what a process! Unfortunately, no luck. Will wait the 24 hrs and try again starting at $100 and go from there. Very much appreciate the tip(s). Wonder where it is going to 'top out' and be accepted? Any idea? Thanks, Buc 77

As stated in earlier post(s), my dates of 10/15/11 thru 10/19/11 are set in stone. MLK, Jr. Memorial dedication date changed due to hurricane to coincide with my dates. An earlier (Priceline) bid of $80 was not accepted. Bid would now be in the $100 range for 3.5 star in DupontCir/Woodley, Geo'town/Foggy Bottom and Convention Center areas. I would probably add Geo'town North, too. They each seem confined enough geographically and will hopefully allow for walking distance to a metro stop. Please let me know if this sounds better. I want to get something this weekend and cross that off my list. THANKS, Buc77

As stated in earlier post(s), my dates of 10/15/11 thru 10/19/11 are set in stone. MLK, Jr. Memorial dedication date changed due to hurricane to coincide with my dates. An earlier (Priceline) bid of $80 was not accepted. Bid would now be in the $100 range for 3.5 star in DupontCir/Woodley, Geo'town/Foggy Bottom and Convention Center areas. I would probably add Geo'town North, too. They each seem confined enough geographically and will hopefully allow for walking distance to a metro stop. BUC77

If I go up to the $90 -$100 range and stick with the original areas, I am thinking I would be 'close' (as in walkable distance) to a metro station. And you are right - the Bethesda 'zone' is huge. I am basing this on accepted bids in those areas as posted by others. Granted, the dates are a little before or after, but surely there will be rooms available those dates. Also, should I look at Hotwire to get ideas of possible bids for Priceline?

Thanks for the welcome, Thereuare. Glad to be here. My dates are set in stone. Daughter must be in DC these dates. Unfortunately, the MLK, Jr. Memorial dedicaiton was changed to the 15th, so that has me more uncertain about what to expect. About two weeks ago, I bid $80 (Priceline) for a 3.5 star for a room in the areas of DupontCir/Woodley, Geo'town/Foggy Bottom and Convention Center. Bid was not accepted. Would expand or change my areas now to Dupont/Woodly, Geo'town/Foggy Bottom, Geo'town North and Bethesda. My two real 'wants' are easy merto/rail access and reasonable price. Would like to stay as close to $80 as I can and would like at least 3.5 star. Am I out of line in my thinking? Buc77

Brand new to this and looking for some advice. Site was suggested as a great resource. I need to be in the DC area for listed dates but don't need to be in the middle of everything. Would like to be on the Metro line, though, and have a comfortable place to stay. Where to begin? Have very limited experience with Priceline and none with Hotwire. Would rather be a little north of the mall area than south.