fishbudgreg

So...if we wanted to start with a 3.5* hotel then we would have 3 zones to use in the bidding process. Correct? (Fort Lauderdale - Airport North; Miramar; and Pompano Beach) If we do that what would be a good starting bid?

That's correct. I already went through the process of identifying all the zones in Fort Lauderdale and their highest star rating. I read the priceline strategy for rebidding within the 24 hour time limit. So what's next? Should we move (or create) a new topic in the Priceline forum? Thanks for your help.

Sorry for the delayed response. Since we can get the (most likely) Ocean Sky Resort (3* correct?) for $84/night, it makes sense that this should be our maximum bid. Does that sound resonable? Since I'm new to the Priceline bidding how do we proceed? I will, of course read the tips on Priceline bidding on your website first. Thanks! --Greg

Thanks thereuare. So, since it appears that if we want to stay in the beach zone for the night we return from the cruise we'll have to pay for transportation from the cruise port to the hotel that day and then from the hotel to the airport the next day. I was looking at some of the posts in the priceline thread on this board and I've seen cheaper rates ($75) for better quality (4*) hotels in the Fort Lauderdale beach zone and was thinking I might try the priceline route. WITH THE UNDERSTANDING that we are not guarenteed two beds in the room we get.

OK so I found this: Fort Lauderdale Beach area (zone) 3 stars $84/night This Hotel features the following amenities: Beachfront Property Fitness Center Pool(s) (one pool area) Restaurant(s) Business Center Laundry Facilities (self-service) High-Speed Internet Access Accessible for the deaf Accessible path of travel In-room accessibility Accessible bathroom Handicapped parking Roll-in shower Any ideas? We'll plan to call the hotel(s) and check on any shuttle service before booking. Thanks!!!

Thanks thereuare. After discussing this with my wife we think it would be better to get a hotel in the beach zone and have something to do to pass the day. In order to save a little money we were thiking a minimum of 2.5* hotel for at least 3 adults and it would be great to have free shuttle from the cruise port to the hotel and from the hotel to the airport the next day. As far as budget, we are a little flexible but obviously it would be great to get somethng for around $100. A quick look (using the HOTWIRE link at the top of the page) shows a 3* hotel in the beach zone for $84/night for 4 people. Any idea which hotel that might be? The price sure is right, I do not see a shuttle amenity but we could call the hotel and ask if you could id it. Since this is a tourist area can we assume the area is safe to walk around at night? Last question, do most hotels not allow check-in until around 3:00 p.m.? It sure would be nice to check-in earlier than that, if possible. Anything we can do or say to increase our chances? Thanks for any help. --Greg

Thanks thereuare! We did call the Comfort Inn and they do indeed have complimentary shuttle service from the airport and to the cruise port so I used the link at the top of the page to book it and sure enough it is: Comfort Inn Airport/Cruise Port South 2520 Stirling Rd. Hollywood, FL, 33020 Which we got for: $63.00 1 Night Hotwire hot Rate Room@ $63.00/Night + $14.84 Tax recovery charges & fees ======== $77.84 Total So would you like me to create a new topic to report this following the format of the other posts in the Florida forum? Now on to the night when we return from the cruise. Thanks again!

Sorry to say I don't see that thereuare. When I click on the HOTWIRE link which takes me to Hotwire and use check-in date of 5/31/2013 and check out of 6/1/2013 for 3 adults in the "Fort Lauderdale International Airport" area I see a 2.5 star hotel for $71 which has the following amenities: 2.5-star Hotel in Fort Lauderdale Intl Airport This Hotel features the following amenities: Free Parking Free Breakfast Free Internet Pet friendly Pool(s) Business Center Laundry Facilities (self-service) High-Speed Internet Access In-room accessibility Accessible bathroom Handicapped parking Note I don't see anything about a free shuttle. So I'm wondering what I did wrong. Sorry for the trouble. UPDATE: I tried this in Firefox and now I see a 2.5* hotel for $63. I assume by using IE multiple times it is getting info from my history and changing the price is that a safe/correct assumption? BTW we did call the Comfort Inn Airport/Cruise Port South and they run a shuttle until 12:30 pm, have several shuttles to the cruise port the next morning and have free breakfast to boot!!!

Thanks yellowdog! That will make my wife happy. So...since I new at this I assume I now (1) call the hotel to verify the free shuttle serivce (and hours of operation) then (2) use the HOTWIRE link on this website to bid $62 for the Comfort Inn Airport/Cruise Port South? Or do I start with a lower bid? If so how much? Thereuare, where did you get the $62 price? Again, thanks so much for all your help. --Greg

Thanks thereuare. The "2.5* Comfort Inn Airport/Cruise Port South is offered on HOTWIRE for $62/nite" sounds good to me, however, we would like to know if there is any way we can tell if this is in a "safe" neighborhood/area? We have been told (by relatives) that there are some unsafe areas in Fort Lauderdale and we do not want to sacrifice safety for a cheaper hotel. Is there any way to find out? Also, you said "and if correct offers breakfast, free shuttle to both the airport and the pier" and that sounds perfect. Is it alright to call the hotel before beginning the process of bidding and find out? Thanks for all your help we certainly appreciate it. --Greg

We will return from the cruise the morning of 6/9/2013 and need a hotel for that night, flying out the next morning at 8:30 am. We were thinking since we'll be in Fort Lauderdale most of the day on the 9th it would be nice to get a hotel near the beach. Our biggest concern is getting back to the airport on time the next morning probably 6:30 am, for a 8:30 am flight back home. Our questions: 1.) A hotel on the beach would be nice but might it be smarter to get one near the airport since we're leaving early the next day? 2.) Can we rely on hotel free airport shuttle service? Or just get a taxi? The reason I ask is because of this post Another reason for asking is when comparing hotel costs you must figure in the cost for transportation from the cruise port and to the airport for those hotels that do not have a free shuttle service. 3.) How many guests are allowed in a single room? We will be traveling with our adult (22) daughter on this trip so the hotel room must have 2 beds. Our adult son and his wife may want to join us for the night of the 9th before they fly out the next day on a very early flight (be at airport 5:30am). They do not want to pay for their own room so there could potentially be 5 people in one room. I have done this before (with all men and friends) and although not ideal, it did save quite a bit of money. Besides we only plan on being in the room to sleep. Thoughts? Suggestions? 4) What is the best way to "guarantee" two beds? Well OK request 2 beds.

Yes that would be acceptable. Nice to know. As you can tell I'm a newbie at this. I did not know that, thanks for checking. There is supposed to be a free shuttle service from the airport, however, I'm not sure if that shuttle includes transportation to the cruise port the next morning. As a matter of fact, from all the searching I have done to date I do not see a single hotel that lists free shuttle service to the cruise port, only the airport. I also do not think it is safe to assume if they offer free shuttle service to the airport they must to the cruise port (since it seems to be just across the street). Or is it safe to assume? I do not see cruise port shuttle as one of the amenities on priceline or hotwire. So...I believe that if I have to pay for transportation then that amount should be added to the price of any hotel where I have to pay for this service compared to one that offers it for free. This post is quite useful Helpful Hints for Cruise Ship Passengers Miami Pier and Ft. Lauderdale Port Good question. The primary objective is lower price but probably at 3* or better hotel.

All I can say is Wow! There is a lot of information on this website and getting distratced and off topic is quite easy. I did not see another post similar to my situation but I can only assume it is quite common. We are flying in to Fort Lauderdale airport late the night before our cruise. Relatives have already booked Hampton Inn Ft. Lauderdale/Plantation for $96 on 5/31/2013. So my first question, is that a good rate? Can I do better with the name your own price option? Which one? Since we will not be getting in to the airport until 10:30 pm on the 31st I think it is best to get a hotel near the airport and cruise port. Suggestions? Can I rely on free shuttle service from the hotels (those that offer it) or is it best to just grab a taxi? We will return from the cruise on 6/9/2013 and need a hotel for that night, flying out the next morning at 8:30 am. We were thinking since we'll be there most of the day on the 9th it would be nice to get a hotel near the beach. Our biggest concern is getting back to the airport on time the next morning for a 8:30 am flight back home. Next question, a hotel on the beach would be nice but would it be smarter to get one near the airport since we're leaving early the next day? Once again can we rely on hotel free airport shuttle service? Or just get a taxi? One last wrinkle. We will be traveling with our adult (22) daughter on this trip so the hotel room must have 2 beds. What is the best way to "guarantee" two beds? Our adult son and his wife may want to join us for the night of the 9th before they fly out the next day on a very early flight (be at airport 5:30am). Can we fit (even if the hotel will let us) 5 adults in one hotel room? I have done this before (with all men and friends) and although not ideal, it did save quite a bit of money. Thoughts? Suggestions? Any and all suggestions are appreciated. Thanks. --Greg