WzDancer

Westin Pasadena

191 N Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA

Check-in: Thu, Jan 22, 2015

Check-out: Fri, Jan 23, 2015

Room subtotal: $80.00

Taxes & fees: $19.01

Total charged: $99.01

A previous BB posting reported $82 acceptance at this Westin. The PRICELINE EXPRESS lists a 4* hotel at $97, I was pretty sure this was Westin. The PL list view shows $204 for this night. My first offer of $80 was accepted. This was a rare occurrence that I can underbid PL Exp by more than 15%. I also take the advice of the previous poster by parking on Union St. for $4 overnight.

The hotel is uncomplicated and the room is nice. However, most TV channels feature analog signal, the blurry picture is unusual for a 4* hotel.

I started the bidding using the PRICELINE link.

Best Western Plus Redondo Beach Inn

1850 South Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach, CA

Check-in: Sun, Jan 18, 2015 - After 03:00 PM

Check-out: Mon, Jan 19, 2015 - 11:00 AM

Room subtotal: $72.00

Taxes & fees: $18.67

Total charged $90.67

PRICELINE EXPRESS lists a 2.5* hotel in this zone for $82, with free parking, internet and breakfast.

My $72 offer was accepted on the first try. The non-refundable rate on Price.line list view is $122.

I started bidding using the PRICELINE link.

Courtyard By Marriott Alexandria Pentagon South

4641 Kenmore Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304

Check-In: Tue, Sep 9, 2014

Check-Out: Wed, Sep 10, 2014

Room Subtotal: US$ 110.00

Taxes & Fees: US$ 24.42

Total Charged: US$ 134.42

Priceline.Express List a 3* at $118, with amenities of Swimming Pool, Café, Gym and BizCenter. I have identified this to be Courtyard from my previous bidding. On Monday, I underbid PRICELINE EXPRESS by $15% by naming my price. Hoping for the same discount, I started with a $90 bid and progressively raised my by $2 increment until accepted at $110, a 7% saving compared to PRICELINE EXPRESS.

Since I paid only $60 for Monday night, I saved about $50 by bidding two nights separately.

I started the bidding using the PRICELINE link.

Courtyard By Marriott Alexandria Pentagon South

4641 Kenmore Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304

Check-In: Mon, Sep 8, 2014

Check-Out: Tue, Sep 9, 2014

Room Subtotal: US$ 60.00

Taxes & Fees: US$ 16.39

Total Charged to Card: US$ 76.39

PRICELINE EXPRESS lists a 3* hotel in this zone at $70 for Monday, $118 for Tuesday, or $118 each for 2 nights.

I have been unsuccessful naming my price up to $82 each for 2 nights. My offer of $60 for Monday was accepted on this first try.

The hotel web site lists $170/night. As a pleasant surprise, the hotel offers DCA shuttle.

I'll be bidding separately for Tuesday night.

I started the bidding using the PRICELINE link.

Best Western Dulles Airport Inn

45440 Holiday Drive, Sterling, VA 20166-9411

Check-In: Fri, Sep 5, 2014

Check-Out: Sat, Sep 6, 2014

Bed Type: 2 Double Beds - Nonsmoking Room

Room Subtotal: $46.00

Taxes & Fees: $12.93

Total Charged to Card: $58.93

I was unsuccessful up to $42 for 2.5* on "Naming Your Price", so I settled for PRICELINE EXPRESS.

I choose 2DB-NS, because 1 King NS would cost $56 per night.

The hotel web site lists AAA rate of $55 for 2DB-NS, and $67 for 1K-NS.

Even though this is not a terrific deal, but PRICELINE EXPRESS is honest up front on 15% discount.

PRICELINE EXPRESS lists Breakfast Internet and Parking as free amenities, however, the hotel web site also lists free shuttle to IAD and local restaurants.

I started the PL Exp purchase using the PRICELINE link.

Thereuare:

Thanks for suggesting turning off the "light switch." I don't go to Motel 6, you don't have to leave the light on for me.

I have successfully amended my winning report of Residence Inn in Alexandria, VA. I have copied and pasted the total cost information from Priceline.

WzDancer.

As a Priceline customer and a BetterBidding member, I always want to post the total cost information, including the Priceline Fee.

Coached by Thereuare, I just learned a new trick today. By turning off the light switch icon (on the upper left corner of the posting window), I am now able to directly copy and paste the total cost information from Priceline.

Offer Price:US$ 60.00

Room Subtotal: US$ 120.00

Taxes & Fees: US$ 26.10

Total Charged to Card: US$ 146.10

Based on my two Priceline purchases in Virginia this week, the Tax Rate is 18%, and the Priceline Fee is $4.55.

Thanks for paying attention to my inquiry.

I usually work on a Windows 8.1 PC with IE 11, but I am replying from a Windows 7 PC with IE 11.

I still cannot paste anything here, either through right clicking the mouse button, or using one of three PASTE icons.

When I clicked one of three PASTE icons, a pop-up query would appear with a message "Do you allow this web page to access your clipboard?"

After I ALLOW it, another pup-up window would ask me to use Ctrl+V to paste text, the text would appear in the pop-up window, but the text goes nowhere after I OK it.

I welcome further diagnostic questions.

I have not been able, for several months, to paste any text to the Winning Report box.  But I still can paste the hotel name to the title box.  Pasting is the best way to accurately post the complete hotel name and address in the report.

The paste option would appear when I right click on the report box, but no thing shows up when I paste.  I have also getting nowhere when I tried three paste icons on the top.

Any suggestions?

WzDancer

Holiday Inn Express Fredericksburg

560 Warrenton Road

Fredericksburg, VA 22406

PRICELINE EXPRESS lists a 2.5* with breakfast at North Zone for $52.  The lowest I could get from PL is $47, that my regular 10% below the PL Exp.  The lowest rate on the hotel web site is $86.

I started the bidding using the PRICELINE link.

Residence Inn Alexandria Old Town South at Carlyle

2345 Mill Rd, Alexandria, VA 22314

I spotted on PRICELINE EXPRESS a 3* hotel in this zone for $66 with free internet and breakfast.  I was sure that this could be Residence Inn, for this  is the only 3* with breakfast in the list view.  I started bidding at $56 and progressively raise by $2 until accepted at $60.  The lowest un-refundable rate on the hotel web site is $109.

I started bidding using the PRICELINE link.

Red Lion Hotel Pocatello

1555 Pocatello Creek Rd

Pocatello, ID 83201

PRICELINE EXPRESS lists a 3* (No Breakfast) hotel for $52, 2.5* or 2* (both with breakfast) are much higher.

My initial offer of $42 for 3* was not accepted and was countered with $52.

My second offer of $44 for 2.5* was accepted and upgraded to 3*.

The PL list view rate is $99, and the AAA rate on the Red Lion web site is $89.

I started bidding using the PRICELINE link.

John Ascuaga's Nugget

1100 Nugget Ave.,Sparks NV 89434

PriceLine.Express offered 2 rates, $24 for a Deluxe room and $27 for a Premier room.  I picked Premier. The direct reservation rate is $45.

I entered Priceline Express using the PRICELINE link.

Shilo Inn Suites - Idaho Falls

780 Lindsay Blvd, Idaho Falls  ID 83402

PRICELINE EXPRESS lists a 2.5* with Breakfast at $80.  My initial bid of $72 was accepted by Shilo.  PL List view rate is $96.  The senior /AARP rate on the Shilo site is $86.  Therefore, this is not a win to brag about.  However, there is a limited availability in Idaho Falls the night before (07/04).

I started the bidding through the PRICELINE link.

Hampton Inn Salt Lake City - Downtown

425 South 300 West

Salt Lake City, UT 84101

It has been my quest (in vain) this year to under bid Priceline Express by 10%.  There is no need to underbid by 5% since PL already offers a discount code.

I am finally successful, sort of, today.

PRICELINE EXPRESS lists a 3* place (Free parking, NO Comp Breakfast) in this zone for $56 (20% discount), which I can identify as Shilo Inn ($70 on open site).

I started with a $46 for 3* offer, and was countered with $53.  I added the SLC-North zone and rebid at $48 and was accepted.

To my delight, it is Hampton with complimentary breakfast and Parking, instead of Shilo.

PL open  rate for Hampton is $104, Hampton site lists AAA/AARP rate of $93.

Yes, I under bid PRICELINE EXPRESS by about 12%, but at a better hotel.

I started bidding using the PRICELINE link.

Holiday Inn Redding

1900 Hilltop Drive, Redding CA

This is a tough place for bidding a 2.5* hotel with complimentary breakfast, since PRICELINE EXPRESS lists a 3* hotel at $65 and a 2.5* hotels at $79.

I started bidding from $55 for 3*, and increased successively by $2 by adding zones.

There are only 2 zones here, I had to drop to 2.5* for rebidding.

I knew I would get a 3* instead of a 2.5*, which are listed at least $10 higher on PRICELINE EXPRESS.

I finally was accepted and upgraded to 3* at $59 by Holiday Inn, $6 saving compared to PRICELINE EXPRESS. 

I started the exploring and bidding using the PRICE.LINE link.

Baymont Inn & Suites

199 North Humboldt Ave

Willows, CA 95988

The rate on PRICELINE open listing is $79, and  PRICELINE Express lists $56. I started bidding from $48,and increased $2 success sivelyby adding neighboring zones.

I started bidding using the PRICELINE link.

Best Western Plus Dry Creek Inn

198 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448-4702

Check-In: Sun, Apr 20, 2014 / After 3:00 PM

Check-Out: Mon, Apr 21, 2014 / 12:00 PM

Room Subtotal: US$ 53.00

Taxes & Fees: US$ 14.93

Total Charged to Card: US$ 67.93

My destination is Cloverdale, CA. But I noticed Price.line open listing of $65 for this 2.5* place 25 miles to the south, This is already an excellent rate for this area.

My initial offer of $50 for 2.5* in Healdsburg zone was unsuccessful and was countered with $59. I added the Napa zone and raised the bid to $53 for $2.5* and was accepted.

With the PL fee, it is only about $5 saving from the open listing. But I am thrilled winning a Price.Line bid.

I started the bidding using the PRICELINE link.

Holiday Inn Express Downtown Sacramento

728 Sixteenth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 | 916-444-4436

Check-In: Sat, Jan 25, 2014 / After 03:00 PM

Check-Out: Sun, Jan 26, 2014 / 12:00 PM

Offer Price: $42.00

Taxes & Fees: $13.30

Total Charge: $55.30

My bids of $42 for 3* and $40 for 2.5* in Downtown zone was not successful. I added Rancho Cordoba zone and bided $42 for 2.5*. PRICELINE EXPRESS lists $49 for 2.5* with breakfast. Holiday Inn Express web site lists AAA rate of $91.

I have been at this hotel several times, and have been satisfactory.

I started the bidding through the PRICELINE link.

Unlike most airports, SFO does not have a centralized airport shuttle station. Finding a shuttle involves negotiations at curbside pickup locations, unless you have an advance (paid) reservation. Calling in card information from a foreign location appears to be impractical.

I have found from previous experience that car rental (from PRICELINE or HOTWIRE) can be more economical, pleasant and convenient.

Using HOTWIRE listing of $14 (total $43.19) for a Standard car as a hint, I submitted on Priceline $11 (total $35.70) for Standard and was immediately accepted by Alamo.

I started the bidding using the PRICELINE link.

Quality Inn And Suites Anaheim

1441 South Manchester Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92802

Check-In: Mon, Sep 23, 2013

Check-Out: Tue, Sep 24, 2013

My $40 for 2.5* was accepted on the first try. PRICELINE EXPRESS lists a 2.5* for $44. The hotel web site list a best rate of $65.

I started bidding through the PRICELINE link.

Courtyard By Marriott San Diego Central

8651 Spectrum Center Blvd

San Diego, CA 92123

Check-In: Sat, Sep 21, 2013

Check-Out: Mon, Sep 23, 2013

Offer Price: $64.00

Room Subtotal: $128.00

Taxes & Fees: $25.18

Total Charged to Card: $153.18

Since there are many zones in SD, I started with $50 for 3* and progressively upped by $2, finally accepted at $64. The best price on the Marriott web site is $103.

I started bidding using the PRICELINE link.

Holiday Inn Express Simi Valley

2550 Erringer Road, Simi Valley, CA 93065

Check-In: Fri, Sep 20, 2013

Check-Out: Sat, Sep 21, 2013

Offer Price: $45.00

Taxes & Fees: $13.33

Total Charged to Card: $58.33

I was unsuccessful up to $56 for 3* in Valencia and neighboring zones, neither $47 for 2.5* in Valencia. I took hint from PRICELINE EXPRESS list of 2.5* with Breakfast in Simi Valley for *51, my first offer of $45 for 2.5* was accepted. The best rate on the Holiday Inn web site is $94.

I started bidding using the PRICELINE link.

Courtyard By Marriott Sacramento Folsom

2575 Iron Point Road, Folsom, CA 95630

Check-In: Sun, Sep 1, 2013

Check-Out: Mon, Sep 2, 2013

Room Subtotal: $47.00

Taxes & Fees: $14.31

Total Charged to Card: $61.31

After $45 for 3* was unsuccessful at the Roseville-Rocklin zone, I increased the bid $2 by including the Folsom zone, and was accepted. The hotel web site lists a senior rate of $93. PRICELINE EXPRESS lists a 3* hotel with breakfast for $69. Neither HOTWIRE or PRICELINE EXPRESS lists any 3* hotel in Folsom.

I started the bidding using the PRICELINE link.

I apologize for mistakenly quoted twice the message from THEREYOUARE. I am now back to my own PC, I hope can reply to the message.

Country Inn Sunnyvale was my weekend home and now the spare bedroom for my weekend visitors.

Most hotels in Silicon Valley make money on weekdays, and give away rooms over the weekend.

Which days are you bidding? Country Inn Sunnyvale accepts PRICELINE offers only on weekends (Fri., Sat. and Sun.), unless a holiday falls midweek. You can get hints from HOTWIRE or PRICELINE EXPRESS, but their rates are often higher than PRICELINE can bring.

Hotels near San Jose Airport or in Milpitas are more likely to accept PRICELINE offers on weekdays.

I hope these tips help.