kohalasunset

Just my opinion here, but I think all the hotels AEmgee listed are in the Waikiki Beach zone. Frankly, they wouldn't be as appealing under any other listing, and PL probably could not get as much for them. (ok I looked at the maps, too!).

Looks like it got moved to the top of the board--New Zone Boundaries, Star Levels, Name Changes. Thanks for the heads-up!

I would start bidding for Resort at 135 and go to 150 or so before even trying 3*. Sheraton has a low rate of 189 on its website for Jan 8 -11. You might be successful at 140. Good luck. If you get a resort at that rate do you mind a long drive to see the rest of the island? Just a thought.

I would check Priceline's retail inventory to see what might be possible on a bid. (there is some overlap and properties have been re-rated). There is a Sheraton at the Resort level in Koloa. Check Tripadvisor for reviews, especially in the Princeville area, where there is nothing above a 3* on PL opaque. Also PL shows a Hilton at 3* in retail which may/may not be available through opaque. I think the North Shore area is stunning, but the South has a reputation for sunnier weather. One other thing, check hotels for repairs-- I read the Marriott was planning a 15 million dollar renovation due to heavy rains last year--not sure if this has been done or is in progress or scheduled for the future.

Did a little checking for you--Hawaii Prince 4* N shows no availability for your dates. Marriott 4*S shows rooms starting at 259--may be nothing on PL. You could check the resorts to see prices/availability. Your dates include Valentine's Day, the start of Chinese New Year and Presidents Day--all busy dates. You can look at 3* hotels or consider raising your bid. Lots of people are happy at 3* level. Hope this helps.

I can tell you President's Day/Weekend is busy locally in Waikiki. A lot of the best-priced available rooms get booked early. Outrigger Waikiki appears to be a new addition to PL Resort inventory, so you might get lucky with that. 4*S has been won at 180 and could go higher. Check Hotwire for your dates. If there is a good deal there in your price range, don't hesitate to book it. Inventory changes rapidly there. I'm sure there are other options, just consider all your needs. If you need airfare, a package could be good, but compare websites-- Priceline, Hotwire, Expedia, airlines, etc. before you purchase or make any more bids. You should have an idea what is available before you start bidding. Good luck!

The Maui Prince Hotel (along with 2 golf courses and over 1000 acres zoned for development) is up for sale.

John, a quick tip--check hotel websites for rates and availability before you bid. If a property is sold out, you won't get a room through PL. Also, the published rates will help with bidding limits. Thereuare can give you more specific info. Good luck.

Check Prince website for updated info in the next 24 hours regarding future reservations.

Eric, look at tripadvisor.com for opinions on properties and areas on Maui--very informative. Also look over posts here for hotel reviews. A lot of people prefer the Kaanapali area for fun and nightlife. Thereuare can help with bidding strategies. The dates of your stay will make a difference. Please use the links here for bidding and checking properties--they are very useful and help support the board.

Hotel prices fluctuate all the time, and seem high for your dates. Rates are less in shoulder or low season. In addition, hotels use sophisticated programs to project occupancy and PL may not have access to rooms right now. I think I can recall high 200 range for Kaanapali. Few people bid this far in advance and even fewer post, so there is not much to go on yet, just previous experience and observation. At 300 should you have to worry about a 3rd person? Or should you consider an alternative? You have a lot of time to think about that. About getting another property in the area--doubt it, but always a chance. (PL could rename the area for The Whaler so you can bid with confidence and include or exclude based on location). I would book a cancellable backup and keep bidding if price was the concern. If I wanted a specific property I would look for the best price available. I hope you will use the resources here--it helps support the board. If you have air, look for hotel and car or land only packages. You should consider a condo in the area, too. The best choice is the one that gives you want you seem to want most--peace of mind. A lot to be said for that.

Hatful of hollow, it has been my experience that rooms with King beds are more in demand. Other people may report something else. After winning a bid through PL, call the hotel and request 2 doubles or 2 queens if that is what is available, (also request non-smoking), and hope for the best. Alternately you may request a rollaway bed. Hotels will probably be as accommodating as they can, but there are no guarantees. Some people will purchase a great sleeping bag/aero bed if all else fails. Up to you if you want to take a chance. With Hotwire you can select up to 4, I think, but you will pay more probably. You might want to see if other people weigh in with experiences. Glad you are willing to up your bid. If there is inventory right now, you may be successful. Really you have nothing to lose. I am in favor of bidding early and then bidding on a rental car if desired. Then you can plan the rest of your trip and look forward to it! If you are unsuccessful, you might want to book a cancellable backup and try bidding later, using Hotwire as a gauge. In high season, you can usually save 10% off Hotwire, but there are exceptions, and you may save more. I have seen savings of 20% at times. Check hotel websites directly, too--this will put things in perspective for you. With a backup you won't be desperate and overbid. I hope you are successful under 300.

Thereuare, normally I would agree that is a big difference between PL and Hotwire. Still, this market sometimes has some incredible savings through PL if someone will stretch bidding limits. If I had bid 250 already, I would try 260-275 and hope for a counteroffer. The alternative is to book through Hotwire, still a savings over the hotel website (lowest I saw was 440). With the recent earthquake, bookings may be off a bit and this may be an excellent time to bid. The worst that happens is there is no inventory--doesn't cost anything to bid, and a hotel may welcome a long stay. Worth a try. If unsuccessful, I would reconsider my options--300/night is a lot to spend, especially this far out.

Checked HOTWIRE for your dates. Looks like Sheraton and Hyatt are available at 345-350 range. Based on this, I would expect you might have to bid 260-280. That is still a savings if you want to go through PL. Be aware PL guarantees double occupancy. As for other hotels, The Whaler is sold through PL retail, but I don't think anyone has reported it as a win through PL opaque. New hotels can be added at any time. I'm sure Thereuare can offer some bidding strategies for you. If you receive a counteroffer, usually you can split the difference and be successful bidding. Best of luck.

Use the Airfare Checker here. Travelocity"]Travelocity has 3 excellent flights on Delta. You can route through Cincinnati or Atlanta and catch a non-stop direct or fly into Salt Lake City, and then onto Honolulu. All are good routes and probably the least travel time. SLC will split the time more evenly, if that matters. I doubt you will do better on price right now anywhere. You could wait for a better sale, but 495 plus fees brings the cost to 549 and that's very reasonable. If you wait, you could lose a very attractive rental property in Kailua. Sounds like you know what you want to do, just wondered if you should go ahead. I would. Be prepared for traffic on H-1 and Pali Highway. You should have a wonderful trip.

USA Today has an article on the subject (10/17).

I think that's a difficult question to answer right now. Oahu lost power, but damage was on Big Island, as far as I know. Hard to predict what people will do, and how it will effect prices. I would guess some people will avoid BI for a while. For holiday travel, I would already have reservations. I think it's a good idea to have some extra water and snacks available in case of an emergency.

Joe, once you have flights confirmed, use the resources here to compare prices. A lot of people will make a cancellable reservation in case bidding fails. Outrigger Reef shows lowest rate at 239, if you don't mind the ongoing construction. Some hotels are showing no availability for your dates, so start bidding as soon as you can. Hotels will sell out over the holidays. If there is a good property on HOTWIRE, you might want to book it--offers come and go quickly there. Usually you can save 10-20% off Hotwire by bidding on PL. I would expect 10% over your days, but if you save more, great! Prices are a lot higher over Christmas than in the shoulder season right now, so you may have to adjust accordingly. Good Luck!

Maybe Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa. On it's website, address is Kona. Would think the amenities would say spa, though. If you are bidding on PL you might start at 130. We have seen it won at 140. As far as I know it is the only PL Resort in Kona, but you never know when something new will be added to the mix. Guessing you are looking at Hotwire on this one. Good Luck whatever you decide.

BruinLA, wow taking your daughter to Hawaii at Christmas! Have plenty of film and enjoy the Holiday displays at ALL the hotels. The Moana Surfrider has a gingerbread hotel and a very cute display--Victorian looking. Lots of lights downtown --fun to see lights around palm trees. Along with that, there should be First Night for New Year's Eve and fireworks somewhere--usually Friday pau hana (after work) at HHV. Besides all the holiday fun, Bishop Museum is a great place for kids. Too much to go into, but check online. Hiking Diamond Head is a good choice, and you can also hike Manoa Falls. I think it's 150 feet--tricky when it's raining. A drive over Pali Highway is great with a stop at Nuuanu Lookout. Also Tantalus Drive is amazing. You should go to Kailua for the beach on a driving day, and around the Windward Coast up to the North Shore. Stop for Shave Ice at Matsumoto. Maybe a burger at Kua Aina. You will be stopping at the surf shops no doubt. You could take Da Bus if you want--always an adventure. Stop at Dole Pavillion for Dole Whip. That's one long day. Iolani Palace is interesting, but get the more expensive tour that goes upstairs, too, not just the self-tour downstairs. Check if Royal Hawaiian Band has a concert on the lawn. (maybe an hour). Nearby is Mission House Musem that is very interesting and educational and fun, too. There is Chinatown for a walking tour--splurge on a lei for your young lady at one of the many great shops! She will never forget it! Of course there is the zoo and the park close by and Sea Life Park if that is an option. (mixed feelings). You can also go to Polynesian Cultural Center--another long day, but you can arrange transportation. I'm sure there are other things I'm missing, but a lot of good times are free!! It's the time together that will make the trip wonderful. Have a great time!! Oh--the bidding part--well I'm more the cruise director. Somebody else can chime in with some tips for bidding. Right now Outrigger Reef is popping up for 4*N and Resort N, but I would think over Christmas it will cost more. But try lower. Lots of people are happy with 3* especially when it's Prince Kuhio. 120 might get a 3*, but not certain of course. 4* S goes for more than north, so I would guess 180 range if you're lucky. Sounds like your daughter is lucky, too!! Oops--forgot--go to a luau!!!

Seems like the best place to post this nugget--hotel rates in Hawaii averaged 199/night for August. This is the most ever for any month.

I would be thrilled to be staying at the Hyatt and saving 100 a night! Well done!!

I think there are some nice B&Bs on Kauai. And some condo rentals that are reasonable. One thing--not a lot of A/C on the island, if that's important. There are some resorts available through PL, but look at Tripadvisor and Frommer's forums, also. South Shore is sunnier, but North Shore is more dramatic. Sunset at Princeville is stunning over the mountains. Before bidding, call a few hotels and see if there are any major repairs from heavy rainfall last March-April.

About what an empty room costs a hotel--that's a good question. And I think that depends on a lot of things, especially in the pricey Hawaiian market right now. With so much renovation going on, and factoring in the variable costs as you mentioned, it seems hotels have determined it is more cost effective/profitable not to offer rooms to PL at times. Some renovations can be accomplished one room at a time with minimal loss of revenue. About the hotel you mentioned--interesting range. It would effect the average daily rate, that's for sure, so could it generate that much additional revenue? Maybe. But I think other things come into play. Do you think 32 is above cost? I don't know that any of this has really added much to the topic, but I can't think of one good reason to start bidding too high, and lots of reasons to start low. If I wanted to avoid a certain property, I would book a hotel by some other means.

Dahammer, thanks! I realize PL matches offers between hotels and bidders. Wish I could reference the article I read now, and it's not worth searching out, but that was pretty much what it said. The point I guess being below the cost of doing business, and any profit coming from fees, or the chance to make money from things like rental cars. Could be older information, too. Still, I think there is a chance to get a great deal on a new property with a low bid. That would be one argument for bidding low, in case there IS a new property. I'm sure you're right about hotels lowering the costs for other reasons, too. I meant this to add another reason NOT to overbid! Do you know for sure PL will not sell/broker below what a hotel is asking and absorb the loss for some reason? Happens all the time in retail.