BHL

I'm not sure, but we may end up going to Santa Monica on our way from SNA to the (hopefully) hotel up north of LA. Or else on our way from LA to San Diego. I mentioned $60-$65 and asked if that would be enough. To be honest, it's higher than that, because of the time constraint, and considering the high regular rates. I'd pretty much go with whatever you suggested. :) This trip was a last minute thing.

Thanks for the tips Colfax. All of the hotels I checked pricing for (and listed above) in Valencia (Six Flags) are lower than those in B-U-G. So, do you still think B-U-G would offer lower winning bids? Also at least one hotel I called in Valencia (ie. Hyatt) has free parking, which the saving would be cheaper than the gas to drive from B-U-G. I'd mentioned in the OP that I would like to try for Valencia first. I hope that wasn't missed and the reason why no one had offered a bidding strategy yet. I'm going to wait just a bit longer this morning to see if someone posts one, otherwise then I'll just have to go for it and pray for the best.

I need bidding assistance for a 3* or better in the LA area for 3/28 to 3/30. We are going to Knott's Berry Farm 3/29. I realize that these are in different regions so can't all be bid on at the same time, and I'm not really sure where to try for first, for reasons I mentioned here. Simi Valley would probably be good (?). The rates for these dates are much lower than the other dates I requested help for, so I'm guessing a max bid of $50 might work? Please suggest otherwise, since I'm short on time. Inland Empire (Ontario) 3.5* Doubletree Airport - $99 3.5* Hilton - (name is Hilton Ontario Airport) $84.15 3.5* Marriott Ontario Airport - $89 3* Hotel Indigo - $85 Inland Empire (Pomona - Diamond Bar) 3.5* Sheraton Suites - (full name is Sheraton Suites Fairplex) $134 3* Holiday Inn Select - $91 Los Angeles - San Fernando Valley (Burbank - Universal City - Glendale) 3* Hilton Glendale and Executive Meeting Center (previously 3.5*) - $139 3* Holiday Inn Burbank-Media Center - $136 3* Holiday Inn Universal Studios (Beverly Garland) - $162.45 3* Marriott Airport and Convention Center (previously 3.5*) (was Hilton Airport and Convention Center) - $124 Los Angeles - San Fernando Valley (Simi Valley) 3* Grand Vista - $70 Los Angeles - San Fernando Valley (Van Nuys - Mission Hills) 3* Airtel Plaza - $119 Los Angeles - San Fernando Valley (Warner Center - Woodland Hills) 3.5* Hilton - $127.88 3.5* Marriott - I can't find it. Closest thing I can find is Courtyard Los Angeles Sherman Oaks $179 3* Radisson - (name is Radisson Hotel Chatsworth) $79 3* Staybridge Suites Chatsworth - $121 Ventura (Thousand Oaks) 3.5* Hyatt Westlake Village - (name is Hyatt Westlake Plaza in Thousand Oaks) sold out 3.5* Renaissance Agoura Hills - $109 And as I mentioned in the other thread, areas south and east of LA might be OK too if necessary, actually a bit more-so for these dates than the others in that thread (since no Six Flags for these dates, which is up north).

I need bidding assistance for a 3* or better in the LA area for 3/23 to 3/26. I realize now (after checking all the prices below) that these are in different regions so can't all be bid on at the same time, so I would like to try for Valencia first. I'm not really sure what my 2nd choice zone or region would be. I'm having a hard time figuring my highest bid since there aren't many recent winning bid posts, but I'm guessing $60 or $65. It would be lower if I have to try for other zones or regions. Inland Empire (Ontario) 3.5* Doubletree Airport - $149 3.5* Hilton - $149 3.5* Marriott Ontario Airport - $149 3* Hotel Indigo - $129 Inland Empire (Pomona - Diamond Bar) 3.5* Sheraton Suites - (full name is Sheraton Suites Fairplex) $132 3* Holiday Inn Select - $114 Los Angeles - San Fernando Valley (Burbank - Universal City - Glendale) 3* Hilton Glendale and Executive Meeting Center (previously 3.5*) - $199 3* Holiday Inn Burbank-Media Center - $149 3* Holiday Inn Universal Studios (Beverly Garland) - $152.95 3* Marriott Airport and Convention Center (previously 3.5*) (was Hilton Airport and Convention Center) - $179 Los Angeles - San Fernando Valley (Simi Valley) 3* Grand Vista - $90 Los Angeles - San Fernando Valley (Valencia - Stevenson Ranch) 3.5* Hyatt Valencia - $149 3* Courtyard - $134 3* Hilton Garden Inn (previously 2.5*) - $129 3* Residence Inn Santa Clarita Valencia - $149 Los Angeles - San Fernando Valley (Van Nuys - Mission Hills) 3* Airtel Plaza - $149 Los Angeles - San Fernando Valley (Warner Center - Woodland Hills) 3.5* Hilton - $209 3.5* Marriott - I can't find it. Closest thing I can find is Courtyard Los Angeles Sherman Oaks $179 3* Radisson - (name is Radisson Hotel Chatsworth) $97 3* Staybridge Suites Chatsworth - $136 Ventura (Thousand Oaks) 3.5* Hyatt Westlake Village - (name is Hyatt Westlake Plaza in Thousand Oaks) $199 3.5* Renaissance Agoura Hills - $194.65 I'm just trying to pick areas that aren't right in central LA to avoid the worst traffic areas as much as I can, and considering safety. We're going to Six Flags and Universal during this period, which are all on the north side, so I picked areas north and east of central LA. Plus the Santa Monica Pier, and a few other sites in that area and Hollywood. If there's a good area in Orange County, we could probably do that too, but I've run out of time checking prices, so I skipped it. But it seems kind of in the mess of things, and being south, I guess would take driving right though central LA to get to the parks. Forgive me if my thinking is ignorant but I've never been to LA. Finding hotels in LA sure is overwhelming. I asked for help here but didn't get a response (perhaps a day wasn't a long enough wait). Also I'm not sure if (Burbank - Universal City - Glendale) and (Van Nuys - Mission Hills) are going to be good choices considering traffic, etc. And I'd rather not have to pay to park. And I originally considered (Riverside - San Bernardino) and got current prices, but I guess they're going to be too far away. If I should not pick any of these zones, please let me know.

We're staying in the LA area next week, probably 3/23 to 3/26, and I'm a little overwhelmed because of all the choices, but to help get my started, can someone suggest a priceline area anywhere around LA or surrounding, considering safety, price, and traffic? Also any hotel zones in that area to try to get or stay away from? I'll also need one in the area for 3/29-3/30 (staying in the San Diego or Carlsbad/Escondido area 3/26 to probably 3/30). Is Orange County a good choice? Else Inland Empire or San Fernando Valley? We're going to theme parks which are in different areas (Six Flags, Universal, Knott's...no Disney) so it's hard to pick a certain area based on what we're there for. Thank you

$45 accepted for Holiday Inn Allentown I-78 (Lehigh Valley). :) Thanks for all the help.

Correct. Just making sure, did you mean to only bid up to $60? That's fine with me to try first.

Somerset done. :)

The 3* Somerville was accepted at $55, at the Marriott Bridgewater, for 8/28-8/30 (had dates in other post that was moved to here). :) FYI, the reason I started a new thread for my bidding is because I decided to bid in NJ instead of PA for these dates. Thanks! Now to work on the Allentown PA stay (8/30-8/31).

Looking for bidding assistance for any of the four Allentown bidding zones. Depending on another bid for another stay I'll make (the Somerset NJ post), this may end up being only 8/30/08-8/31/08. Hoping to get a 3*, but a 2.5* would do if necessary. I guess my max bid for a 3* is $70, but feel free to suggest something else. Current prices are: Allentown 3* Crowne Plaza (previously 2*) - none for either dates 3* Holiday Inn City Center - $127.67 (8/28-8/31); $133 (8/30-8/31) Allentown (Allentown - Lehigh Valley) 3* Holiday Inn I-78 (Adrienne Drive) REVIEW - $125.62 (8/28-8/31); $121 (8/30-8/31) Allentown (Allentown - Bethlehem) (NOTE: zone boundaries recently changed with new "Allentown" zone above added) 3* Four Points (Airport) - $120 (8/28-8/31); $110 (8/30-8/31) 2.5* Courtyard by Marriott: --Courtyard Allentown Bethlehem/Route 22 - $169 (8/28-8/31); $109 (8/30-8/31) Why such a difference? --Courtyard Bethlehem I-78 - $119 for both dates ranges 2.5* Residence Inn (Bethlehem) - $139 (8/28-8/31); $149 (8/30-8/31) 2.5* Staybridge Suites: (ALLENTOWN WEST, or ALLENTOWN AIRPRT LEHIGH VALLEY?) --ALLENTOWN WEST - $113.32 (8/28-8/31); $109 (8/30-8/31) --ALLENTOWN AIRPRT LEHIGH VALLEY - $132.38 (8/28-8/31); $152.10 (8/30-8/31) 2* Best Western Lehigh Valley - AAA rate 116.10 Thr, 125.10 Fri, 125.10 Sat, Gov rate $69 (8/28-8/31) - I can get; 8/30-8/31 same Quakertown none listed Which Staybridge Suites is that in the hotel list for Allentown? Also could you please add a street name to BB's hotel list for the 2.5* Courtyard by Marriott Allentown - Bethlehem, since there are there's a "Courtyard Allentown Bethlehem/Route 22" and a "Courtyard Bethlehem I-78", both in Bethlehem. Strange that at some hotels, the prices vs. date ranges were opposite trends of other hotels.

Sorry for not following up. A friend was able to work out a free night they had, at the Courtyard Marriot (which supposedly really wasn't supposed to be allowed for some reason). It's a nice hotel and had the best breakfast food & selection that I think I've had at any hotel (we commented to them on it). Clean too.

Manhattan will be just the Friday (one day) mentioned (29th). I usually pay a little more and try to get a 3*, but 2.5* is OK and the minimum. Looking at the prices, it seems Somerset NJ isn't too bad. I got a little antsy, so went ahead and posted a bidding strategy request in the NJ forum. Hopefully that's a good area. That area certainly isn't too far away. If bidding doesn't work out (too expensive, sold out), I'll just (hopefully) stay in Allentown PA. I'm looking for bidding assistance for a last minute trip (yes, tomorrow) for Priceline's Somerset - Brunswick area, for only the "Clinton - Lebanon", "Somerville - Bridgewater", or "Basking Ridge" areas. Is $60 possible as a max bid for a 3*? If so, use that. Eventually, anything up to $80 is fine with me, else I'll just probably just go with the 2.5* at $89 and bypass PL fees and hassle. Here are the current rates: Somerset - Brunswick (Clinton - Lebanon) 3* Holiday Inn Select (Clinton) - $137 2.5* Courtyard by Marriott (Lebanon) - $89 Somerset - Brunswick (Somerville - Bridgewater) 3* Marriott Bridgewater - $104 2.5* Sierra Suites (Branchburg) - $89 *now called Hotel Sierra 2.5* Summerfield Suites (Bridgewater?) - Thr $154, Fri $159 Basking Ridge 2.5* Courtyard By Marriott - $99

Sorry, can't edit above post. Also, is Somerset, NJ a good area?

This Thursday the 28th, I'm driving with a friend from Nashville to New York City. Friday we're going to a couple places around NYC. Saturday, we're going to Dorney Park in Allentown, PA. So I'm looking for a place to Thr, Fri, and Sat. nights. I'm wondering if staying somewhere in PA, on/near our our initial route from Nashville to NYC, would be safer and cheaper than staying in NJ, closer to NYC. Per google maps, we would be going I-81 through Harrisburg, then I-78 through Allentown. If nothing else, maybe Allentown (2 hr from NYC) or Easton, PA)? There's a winning bid post for a 3* Allentown for $65 in July. But I realize this is a holiday weekend, and it's very late notice, so might be more expensive, or nothing available. Or better, can someone can recommend an area closer to NYC either in PA or NJ? I don't know anything about which areas are safe (if priceline even has hotels on those areas). How about something in NY off I-287, not too far from I-78? FYI, if I found an area closer to NYC, I would be staying there Thr and Fri night, and looking for a separate hotel close to/in Dorney Park/Allentown for Sat. night. Else if it's closer to Allentown than NYC, I'd try to stay there all 3 nights. Hope that's not too confusing, and I hope asking about areas to stay in is allowed on this board.

Yikes. We're worried about this hotel. Some reviews are really bad, and remind me of the nightmare hotel Best Value Inn we arrived to, and immediately left, in Sandusky last year. Examples: link link link link link link link etc. :) Perhaps Priceline needs to change the star rating on this one.

Tradewinds Island Grand. 4* was accepted at $125. Thanks for all the help!

I was just going to go ahead and bid $120 for the 3*, but after talking with the other half, we want to try up to $130 for a 4*. Sorry! Since I have 5 rebid zones for a 4*, can you suggest plan? If that doesn't work, I'll use the above plan. Thanks!

Oh I see. Thanks. I guess I'll still try for the 3*.

Ah, I was on a friend's PC, with AOL 9, over the weekend when I saw that, so that's probably why. I'm not on it now. So they just don't tell you anymore? I'm confused. The 4* Don Cesar Beach Resort and Spa and the 4* Tradewinds Island Grand both have resort fees and are in the Treasure Island zone, no? The time zone is set correctly, with 'auto adjust DST' selected, but the time it's showing is 1 hour behind what it should be.

Yes. Sorry, it was 11:45 PM (forum time wasn't same as mine) when I wrote that and couldn't think clearly. I was *hoping* (not saying I wont) to not pay a $25 resort fee on top of the $125+ priceline win. I guess I didn't/dont quite understand if I could end up with a resort or not. Sounds like I could get one bidding for a 3* too? And I just meant that I would be bidding for a 3* over the amount that I was bidding for a 4* before, so maybe it would make sense to bid on a 4* first at that amount. Also, earlier you recommended not adding the Palm Harbor/Tarpon Springs area because it had resorts, and I remember it (only it) showed the umbrella icon to show that, but now it doesn't, and why doesn't/didn't the St Pete Beach area show this?

I would bid up to $130 now, though I guess I should bid that for a 4* first, if I can avoid resort areas. I can't think this late where they were.

In this area so far, $177 at the Beachcomber Beach Resort and Hotel. Others: Beachcomber Beach Resort and Hotel $177 Bilmar Beach Resort - sold out Grand Plaza Hotel Beachfront Resort $217 Sirate - Special Run of the House $174, Traditional Hotel Room $189 Tradewinds Sandpiper $189

The only two on Hotwire that I see are a 2* for $89, and a 3.5* for $239. ?

$80 was not accepted for a 3*. I want/have to bid higher for a 3* since I dont want anything lower. Can someone suggest how much I might have to bid to get a 3*?

$120 for a 4* was not accepted. :) So I guess I go for a 3* up to $80?