SteveinPhilly1

Boy you are fast! So here's more info.

I need to be 8 miles west of Lansdale (in Schwenksville)  so Montgomeryville Works.too.  Last year I same Friday and Saturday Night I got Residence Inn by Marriott Philadelphia Montgomeryville 16 miles from Schwenksville  for $60.00 I was sharing but this time just solo. (Also PL does not guarantee two beds so one slept on couch!)

 I used to get Plymouth Meeting/ Conshohocken but that often put me at Marriott near the Schuylkill.

Ft. Washington is almost acceptable as I can take Route 73 - putting me 35 minutes east of where I need to be. But It also includes Horsham which makes it 23 miles miles from where I need to be 

I was happy with Best Western Ft. Washington before (it's 18 miles from Schwenksville) but I can get it as a past guest via PL at $50.  If I have to stay in Ft. Washington, I guess I have option of BIDDING 2.5 star there for $45.00 It includes a decent breakfast.

Only using room to sleep 7 hours each night so location and breakfast most important. 

Any other guidance appreciated.

Steve

Thanks. that link works. My dates are August 16 in August 18 out TWO nights. I can get Ft. Washington Best Western for $50 with a PRICELINE EXPRESS deal but that's an extra 10+ miles. Would Rather syay in Lansdale or Montgomeryville. Last year I got Staybridge Suites for $60 in Montgomeryville same dates.

Also, I'd like Breakfast included.  I have time but would like to book. 

Thanks.

Steve

I'm posting this here because it's a two part question. I bid at least twice a year and when I went into Lansdale, PA to start on a 3 star and go down to 2 1/2. I keep getting full price, Express Deals and then Stev's Deals but I no longer see the link to Name Your Own Price. I found yesterday and lost bid (I used the BB link) but Now I can't find it. Annoying. Is there a url that gets you to NYOP?

Next Based on past history, I'd like to TRY to score a 2 1/2 star in either Lansdale or if not Montgomeryville for $60 max. Got last year in Montgomeryville for $55. for similar dates.

I thought plan would be:

Lansdale $59

If rejected, Add Montgomeryville and bid $60

If rejected Drop to to 2 1/2 at $60.

Any thoughts?

Thanks! I ALWAYS use BB link.

Thanks. But I actually have an answer for you. I did a google on 3 stars in Montgomryville for all hotels and it looked like the Residence Inn. And at the Price of $65/night it was really cheap. So I went through BB to PRICELINE and booked it and it is the Residence innn in Montgomeryville (North Wales) The dates BTW were Check in August 17th and out on the $19th. The revealed price on PRICELINE was $129 so $65 for my 3 star was fine.

I always send folks to BB.  Keep up good work.

There is a PRICELINE EXPRESS deal for Montgomeryville for $65. less 5% coupon) but the Hotel List on BB doesn't show any PL for Montgomeryville.  Before I buy I'm wondering if you know vwhich it might be. It's listed as Noth Wales Montgomerville but then says Montgomerville The Amenities are: 

Free InternetFree ParkingFree BreakfastBusiness Center

Fitness CenterNon SmokingPets AllowedSwimming Pool

It's $65/night for two nights in August.

Thanks for help!

Thank you so much. You've been great!

Thanks again for your help. I think we found a wonderful rental in OSJ and it got ALL 5 star review. With 2 beds and private bath (and interesting host - per reviews). The room would be just over $200 for BOTH nights (including taxes). Waiting for reply - but I have two "back up hotels" (not on PL (as they have very few). BTW, the OSJ terminal is only for DAY PORT STOPS. The new Terminal is 4.7 km (11 minutes) by taxi (Uber can't get into the terminal area.)

As always, I'll be back again for help booking future hotels and using the BB links. I ALWAYS refer folksto you!

My bsack up hotel is Dream's Hotel in University Area. I got it for $346 US for two nights including the HEFTY 21% room tax). It's fully cancelable. I did CALL to see they are open. Since the buyer on PL cannot canel but the HOTEL can (Both Hilton and Sheraton are cancelling through March) the buyer can'tr be sure. As I looked, even PL isn't offering many. You have lots of Caribbean CRuises leaving San Juan and virtually no hotels. Guess I'm better off staying near the University for the two nights. Got good review and only $10 Uber ride to airport or Old San Juan. But if you think PL is possible, let me know. I'm thinking that PL is chancy for San Juan hotels until at least June.

Okay Update. I realize that Ponce is a LONG way from San Juan so the casino won't work. So far I have a hotel reserved fully cancellable for $140 night by airport.

I see via Better Bidding that PL only has 3 hotels in San Juan The Sheraton and two Hilton's. These are running $350/night. Think I stand a chance of bidding on these for under $200/night. PL lets me bid to a 3 star in San Juan.

If we can't find any hotels in the city for less than $200 we may have to just stay at airport and cab in.

This is a more unusual request than I've had before. We are flying to San Juan on 1/4 for a cruise on 1/6 . we had a hotel reservedandtoday THEY cancelledthe reservation because of power issues. A quick search using many search sites showed only a few DUMPS for $150. Reviews WERE BRUTAL.  I went on PL and saw a PRICELINE EXPRESS deal for a "Hotel and Casino" which it says  is a major brand for $110! They said room would be assigned on arrivakl but theroom would have the2 beds we need. Since it is non cancelable, I'm wondering your thoughts. Much of San Juan is still without power so we will see what we can.

I'm guessing the price is low because of casino (expect gambling). Please reply ASAP.. This sounds better than bidding.. and yes, I'll use the BB link and always tell folks about you.

It says it's ion PONCE.

Update. I've been bidding ever two days at $25 for a mid-size and then $25.00 for a Compact. I had a guaranteed mid-size fully cancellable at Alamo through PL  at a total of $245.45. so that was my target. I even bid $25 on a Compact Car. and raised to $26. So no deal. Tonight I went on PL and bid $25 for midsize and lost. It said I could get for $27 but I bid $26 for the midsize and WON>! It total was $204.63 from BUDGET. Much more than last year but I have it and can now cancel the one that was $245.45. And I did use the BB PRICELINE portal. Thanks again as always!

Thanks so much for thinking of me. I went in and chose a Compact and chose 5 days (the rate inly went down per day by 2 dollars if I added the extra 2 hours). With the $30 off it was $295.50 but I was able to get a compact for $245.45 with no pre pay and cancelable. So, obviously that is best deal now till I get a winnibng beid on PL. I can try again tomorrow.

I was able to get a Compact from DOLLAR for $245. total ($30/ less) do that's my target now. It's confirmed. So I'll keep bidding. Thanks and I always use yiour link.

So, My REAL times are 5/13/17 pick up at 9:30 AM (flight arrival time is 9:18) and 5/18/17 drop off at 10:30 AM - flight at noon. That brought up $39/day for a Compact Using your plan , I entered Pick up at 9:30 and drop off at 11:30 on PL and got a daily rate for Compact of $32. (midsize was $34) for total with fees of $278.24.. Using HOTWIRE for that 5 days + 2 hr (i was given $31 for Compact and $32 for midsize (non cancellable of course)

It looks like PRICELINE uses a 48 hour rebid window. So tomorrow is my next chance. Any other bidding strategy?  A 20% discount factor would be $25.60 but I'd really like to max at $22 as we get closer and would take $20 for a compact. 

I need a car for 5 days in Nashville 9/13-18/17. I prefer a mid-size but can get into a Compact (but I'm to big for an Economy). I have won a mid size in past years on PL at $20/day. I see some folks recently got a Compact for $16/day. I've been bidding $20 on Midsize on PL and then change to Compact at same $20. It wants me to bid $34 - which I won't do.

Best price on HOTWIRE - which doesn't allow bids - is $37./day 

 I won't do until you tell me I'm doing right thing. I love you folks and ALWAYS use your PRICELINE bidding links. Thanks!

Thanks for your help. I tried once for each location and bid up to $54.00 but lost. With the $54. bid and all PL fees it came out the same as the 2 star Somatel - which has really nice ratings (60% recommend. I have a Hotels.com account with 6 nights on it. I need 4 more for a "free night" (worth something). They wanted $70/night for the 4 nights at Somatel and they have a price match policy. So I'm working with thim  to match the Somatrel I have confirmed (fully cancelable - Pay at hotel) that I have. So I may just stay with the Somatel and hope Hotel.com matches. it. Then I get the best of all worlds.

I have time so I'll keep bidding on PRICELINE (with your link) at $50 for a 2.5 and up. And I'll be using the BB PRICELINE link to bid for my rental car on PL too! 

Just wanted to update you. IF I get the $50 2.5 star I'll post it back here.

I just noted that the Somatel is called the M-Star on PL

I think they changed to Somitel. 

It's the same $57. I have reserved cancellable. Got good (well decent reviews). Hope that helps with confusion. 

19 hours ago, thereuare said:

If you're not using RefundableRates.com for your back-up reservations i would recommend it as it allows you to compare rates that have liberal cancellation policies (usually 3 days prior to arrival without any penalty) as well as easily see how much more/less it would cost to stay closer/further from your ideal location or to go up/down in star rating.  As well, you can use the price slider to your maximum budget per nite which makes it very easy to see your options.

 

Thanks for that site; good to know

 

In regards to your bidding, what is the full name of the 4 airport zones you're referring to as i only see:

Nashville Airport East

Nashville Airport West

My error. Yes, only two at Airpoert. Sorry for confusion.

Quote

I assume 'Downtown Nashville - Metrocenter Area' and 'Vanderbilt - Music Row - West End' are not options, even though they will be close to your desired location, since they will not likely have Free Parking?

Yes, I chose airoport because they are all off of I-40 and convenient plus free parking. 

Quote

To confirm is your back-up reservation at the Somatel Goodlettsville Hotel, which is in the Goodlettsville zone?  If so, is this zone not acceptable because a winning bid might not have Free Parking and/or Breakfast?

No, theere is one at Airport with "decent" ratings at 420 Metroplex Dr, Nashville, TN 37211 

Quote

Lastly, keep in mind that the star rating you choose is the minimum that you're willing to accept... a 2.5* bid could always be upgraded to a higher rated hotel which may not have your required Free Parking and/or Free Breakfast (while admittedly i think $55 looks low for these dates given the high prices i'm seeing so the chance of an upgrade is somewhat low, it is always a possiblity that you at least should be aware of and willing to accept)

 

Please confirm the names of the four (airport?) zones that are acceptable and we will advise accordingly.

It looks like the 2.5 stars are La Quinta or Country Inn and Suites and both have breakfast (All airport ones have free pkg). So I'm willing to commit to a 2.5* minimum if rate is $57-$59/night. And My TWO zoneswould be Airport East (first) and then Airport West).  Is that enough info? 

Quote

Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board.

ALWAYS DO!

Hi! I ALWAYS use BB for help and always use your link. Now I again need guidance. – for Nashviller. –where hotel rates continue to rise!

I need a room for four nights (Wed-Sunday 9/13-9/17) in September (8 weeks away). I have fully cancelable reservations at a Days Inn Airport East and at the Somatel Airport. Both are two stars and got “acceptable for short stay” reviews. My rates are $54,99/night or $275.03 for the 4 total.

I need to be in downtown but I found that all airport areas seem to be 15 minutes from town. Priceline has FOUR areas for the Airport.

My requirements are Free Parking (never a problem) and breakfast.

While I don’t like having a non-cancelable reservation 2 months out. I think that if I could get a 2 ½ star (or even a 3 star) for the price I’m getting at the Somatel – which has free pkg and breakfast), it would be a good deal.

I looked at PL options. They only list Airport East and West. The lowest price (identified) is $130/nighty. In Express deals there is a 2.5 star Airport EAST  at $83/night and  a 2 star West for same price.

I’ve stayed at the La Quinta and Country Inn Airport East in past and they were fine but now over $100/night.

Though there are zones for Airport North and South when you “bid”, it looks like none there – per BB list – so I guess I get extra opportunities there.

So, with a goal of paying – say $55/night (to account for the PL booking fee) for a 2.5* or above  and having all four airport zones to choose from – what would you suggest for my bidding strategy?  Thanks – as ALWAYS – for your help. I send lots of folks to BB.

Thanks! Yep. I was surprised. I was able to save $25 for the week (refundable) Doubt PL will match it.

Just an update. I found a refundable reservation for the Dollar Rent A Car mid-size for 7 days and was able to get a confirmed total price of $176.11 including taxes. That's less than bidding on PL even at $13/day.   Any reason I should even consider PL? Appreciate your guidance.

I love BB (and ALWAYS use your link). I need help again with a car. I need a mid size for SAT (SAn Antonio) from 10/17-10/24 (exactly a week. When I use BB and search PL Retail it says $114/with for either Dollar or Thrify. And with taxes ot says $205. If I divide the $14 by 7 I get $16.28/day. So I go to bid on PL and put in $15.00. It says I should raised to $17 but I stay at $15.00 and the calculation shows total of (ta da!) $205 . It shows that Thrify is at $115 and is not a Name Your Own Price partner.

All are shuttle to car

So, I have a CANCELABLE reservation with Thrifty at $205 total. I'd bid if I could save at least $20 for the week.  I ran #s if I bid $13. and that brings it to $186.81 (There are $95 in fees and taxes!). Is it worth my time to bid $13 for a non-cancellable rental? Or should I just stick with my cancelable one?

Thanks for guidance. 

Okay. Here's update. I went in tonight - after being rejected at $19 for a compact yesterday and my first bid was $20 for a mid-size. I got it immediately with HERTZ. (and yes, I used the BB PRICELINE link). It came to $100 for 5 days plus taxes of $59.30 for total of about $30/day incl taxes

 do hope have better luck than last time I got Hertz at BNA through PL. They were out of cars and made at least 20 of us wait an hour until cars were returned. But at least I got a decent price.

Thanks again, as always. I'll need a car for October and will come back for your help.

I'm still bidding every 24 hours. No win yet. I actually thought that it was only HOTWIRE that was using Payless. I now see that it's in the PL database for non-bid prices (at $24. for Compact or Midsize. I've been bidding up to $20 and PL keeps says I'd get it at $27. I'm confused because I might get Payless which is only $24. (cancelable) on the revealed rental company on PL. Can you explain, please?

Further Update. Since I had time and it looks like Payless is not in PL pool, I went in and bid $15. on a midsize (using BB PRICELINE link!) . It was rejected and I was given a 2nd chance. I bid $18.00 and it recommended $28. The $18 was rejected and I was given ANOTHER chance. I raised to $20 and it rejected but counter offered at $28.00 . With taxes that is just over $200. I'd like to cut the cost some since I do have time.  Do you have any suggestions or should I just keep repeating the scenario. For FULL prepayment I don't want to bid over $21 now. The taxes and fees really knock price up.

As always THANK YOU. You provide a great service!