krj9999

This was 4*, not resort, correct? The topic should be changed to not confuse people.

Very unlikely to get a beach front or ocean view room in Hawaii with Priceline or Hotwire, unless the hotel only has oceanview rooms (Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki only has oceanview rooms). That said, usually the hotel will offer "upgrades" upon arrival to a better view or location if available for an additional cost, which can be significant.

Just book a fully-cancellable, no-penalty room and wait for a better price - I would never bid that close to what I could get without bidding.

Another option would be to split up the dates if you are looking at booking a full week.

But for Waikiki, it appears you are trying to book too early to get the best deal. Announced "deals" only currently run through December for the most part.

I'm in the midst of booking a resort in waikiki for the last week Jan 2009. Of the 3 resorts in the area, I can find the lowest rate of $180/night pre-tax. I made a few bids on priceline and i'm all the way up to $178/night pre-tax without being accepted.

I've always used priceline for hotels but i've never bid this early. I'm wondering if it is possible to bid too early.

Thanks

I know this is a bit off topic, but another pre-cruise option - particularly as a back-up - is directly booking the Holiday Inn Airport (Cambie Rd.) and selecting their cruise ship package rate, which includes breakfast for 2 and transfer for 2 to the port, I have a reservation there for June at $190.

One night stay, wasn't sure what I would receive based on current lists. Pleasantly surprised with Hilton Garden Inn.

Listed as customer favorite. Amenities: Fitness, Pool, Restaurant, Business, Laundry, Internet.

This is the Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Beach. Beach zone.

Recently reopened after major remodeling.

KJ

Gaurav,

I'm not sure which nights you are looking at, but regardless, I think for Maui, you have four options worth considering depending on how much you are willing to spend:

1 - $125 for Resort: Lahaina on Priceline in hopes of getting the Westin (works out to $719 for 5 nights with taxes/fees).

2 - Something less than $125 for 3*: Lahaina on Priceline (likely would get Royal Lahaina Resort if successful)

3 - $100 or less for 2*: Kihei on Priceline (likely would get Aston or Best Western if successful)

4 - 2* in Kahului on Hotwire at whatever rate shows for your days

Lahaina is where most tourists and activity is; Kihei is somewhat quieter; Kahului is close to airport and cruise docks. Good luck with your decision and bidding.

KJ

Gaurav,

I'm a bit confused, are you returning to NY from OGG or HNL? Your post indicates you plan to take the Superferry, but the Honolulu to Maui ferry leaves Oahu very early (6:30 am) and arrives in Maui at 10:15 am, not 2:15 pm as indicated. I would think you should be able to ferry back the same day you leave Maui if this is correct. Even if the ferry is delayed some, shouldn't be a problem.

Regarding Maui hotels, I would take a shot at bidding $125 for Resort: Ka'anapali - Lahaina - many people have won the Westin at this price for assorted dates. I know this hotel often showed up on Hotwire for $139 and is not showing for your dates, but that does not mean that you have no shot of winning on Priceline. Ka'anapali - Lahaina is a much nicer area to stay in than Kahului on Maui if you happen to win the Westin.

You certainly shouldn't have a problem finding a 2* in Waikiki for under $100/night either via Priceline or Hotwire - I see a 2.5* currently listed at $85/night.

KJ