WPBdiver

Tried this bid again using the board's PRICELINE link, same dates of stay (5/26/2010 - 5/31/2010). With 5 rebid zones, went to $62. No luck. Doubletree's rack rate is $99 per night, pre-pay non-refundable is $89.10, and then there is a rate for $79.20 if you stay over on a Sunday (which I am) and is able to be canceled within 24 hours of arrival. Marriott is at $109. I went ahead and booked the $79.20 as a safety. Hard for me to believe I bid up to 78% of the rate I could get outside of Priceline and came up empty. Never had this much difficulty in years of doing this for the same region at the same time of year (Memorial Day). Any insight would be welcome as to a successful strategy. I will be trying this again in the future. Doubletree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center Palm Beach Gardens 4431 PGA Boulevard, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410 1-561-622-2260 Stay Information Check-in: Wed 26 May 2010 Check-out: Mon 31 May 2010 Rooms: 1 Room Guests per Room: 1 Adult Room Description: KING BALCONY NON-SMOKING Rate Type: Stay Sunday 20% off Rate per Night (USD) 79.20 Total For Stay Rate (USD) 396.00 Taxes 45.54 Total 441.54

Bidding for a five day stay in Palm Beach Gardens at 3.5*. Typically, either the Marriott or the Doubletree are won by me in this zone. Doubletree's rate was $89 and Marriott's was $109 from their hotel sites. I started at a very low price ($39) since I have 5 re-bids in this area (actually Singer Isalnd is not a re-bid technically as it has a 3.5* offering, but I am okay staying in that area plus the hotels on Singer Island are so pricey these days with many properties going to condos or closing down over the years, I felt it was a remote chance of getting anything there). $39 was rejected. Added Jupiter (and then I goofed adding Singer Island AT THE SAME TIME!) so I wasted a re-bid and went to $44. Rejected. Added Central Palm Beach at $49. Rejected. Added Airport at $53. Rejected. Added West Palm Beach at $55. Rejected. Was kind of surprised I didn't strike paydirt in the mid $50 range. But will now wait for 24 hrs. and formulate a new plan. It's been a while since I have bid in this area, but it seems the PL hotel lists have expanded their star quality in many of these zones, particularly Palm Beach, which offers 4, 3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, and 1. Don't recall that in the past. Hopefully things will change for the better with this bid. Of course, bid through the board's PRICELINE link!

Try Hoboken NJ. In my experience, cheaper and better properties. Though you will have to commit to a bit of subway riding. From Hoboken, you can take the NJ PATH rail line to the NYC subway lines. I believe the World Trade Center stop is at times a non-stop from one of the PATH stations in Hoboken.

Thanks for the info. I will look into the option. At this point, I have booked a "safety" rental of mid-size car for seven days, pick up PBI and drop in TPA for a rate including all taxes of $245.59. Rental was through Avis using coupon code K024710.

This is an exceptional deal for this property as I have stayed there at least a half dozen times. They have spent quite a bit of money renovating the public areas. Last year I was there, a conference / meeting area was being constructed near the outdoor pool area. Enjoy!

This is a great rate for this property. If you haven't been here before, know that the desk is fairly accomodating at moving you around to the different sections of the resort if you don't like your room. I personally enjoy the rooms overlooking the interior courtyards. Be aware that there is a resort fee at this property not included in your PL rate (can't recall what it is). Also definitely self-park here as the valet option is quite expensive. You will want a rental car to get around despite the availability of any shuttle to maximize your enjoyment.

Colfax, thanks for the response. I'll book a rental as a safety now as suggested. Can't fly to TPA from PBI since I will have been scuba diving for a week (no flying after diving rule for 24 hours). I didn't want to ad that to the already complicated mix! Thanks again. Curious as to why rental rates for cars are up dramatically over last year with the economy and what I would think would be a softer travel market in general.

I am having some difficulty obtaining a well priced car rental for my Florida trip. I am traveling alone and can accept any class of vehicle. I also have quite a bit of flexibility in my itinerary and would be willing to modify it to get a decent rental rate. Here is my plan as it stands: Arrive PBI on 5/20 (I am staying in West Palm Beach, but could change my arrival to FLL as Southwest has $59 fares from BWI/FLL). Depart TPA 5/27. (This is not a must, I can change my flight for either PBI or FLL for a 5/26 departure). My options are as follows: 1) Pick up car in FLL instead of PBI. 2) Don't make the trip to TPA and drop at same rental location. 3) Do a 5 day rental locally (either PBI or FLL) via Priceline and then a two day rental starting in PBI/FLL with a drop in TPA booking outside of PL since there is no one way rental option. Through convential sites (Travelocity), I have been monitoring rates for a few weeks and daily rates start around $45. A five day PBI/PBI rate is $272 (w/ taxes). A seven day PBI/TPA is $388. A two day PBI/TPA rate is great at $20/day ($53 total). The lowest rate I see through Hotwire is $38/day for economy ($240 total) and this is a Hotwire hot Rate. I realize this is Memorial Day weekend, but I have made this trip several times and have not found the rates this high before. My though is the rates will moderate a bit, but I just don't see what would be driving the FLL/PBI rates as from a holiday weekend. Sorry to through so many variables into the mix, but this is what I have been looking at. My preference would be the PBI/TPA run for seven days, but the 5 day PBI/PBI via PL or Hotwire and a 2 day PBI/TPA standard rental may be the most economical. Thanks for any assistance.

I would suggest for future bids to begin your bid only selecting one zone (where you really want to stay), then add other zones of containing only properties of less quality (star rating) to maximize your free re-bids.

First bid won at $45. Rack rate was $99. Marriott Palm Beach Gardens 4000 Rca Boulevard Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 561-622-8888 Check-In: Wednesday, May 20, 2009-04:00 PM Check-Out: Monday, May 25, 2009-12:00 PM Summary of Charges Room Cost (avg. per room, per night): $45.00 (USD) Number of Rooms: 1 Number of Nights: 5 Room Subtotal: $225.00 (USD) Taxes and Fees: $37.17 (USD) Total Room Cost: $262.17 (USD) As always, used the site's PRICELINE links for the bid.

We did use this as a Manhattan replacement and I never really considered Manhattan due to the fear of getting a rather small hotel room. It's something I will consider in the future at the $90 price point. I do like the Jersey City property Hyatt as the PATH is so convenient plus eliminates the need to drive in Manhattan. Room was nice with a view of the Hudson river. Travelers be aware the parking fee at this property is $35 per night, but that's probably par for the course with the metro NY area at any hotel.

Started with a 4* hoping this property (rack rate $119) would pop up as it gave more opportunities for re-bids. Started at $52 and re-bid in $5 increments until I maxed out at $82 (6 zones to re-bid). Then started a new bid with 3.5* at $80. Only had three re-bids now at 3.5*. Re-bid in $5 increments and bid accepted at $90. Saved only $29 off the rack rate and thought I'd do better. Given the rack rate of $119, I would think the property's occupancy rate is somewhat low. Expected to grab this for $70 range, but I guess you never really know. Use the site's PRICELINE links for all bids. Check-In: Friday, March 6, 2009-03:00 PM Check-Out: Saturday, March 7, 2009-12:00 PM Room Cost (avg. per room, per night): $90.00 (USD) Number of Rooms: 1 Number of Nights: 1 Room Subtotal: $90.00 (USD) Taxes and Fees: $21.99 (USD) Total Room Cost: $111.99 (USD)

Won this hotel on Priceline for 2/6/2009 - 2/8/2009 for an $85 bid. This is a very attractive, though somewhat older, property with very friendly and attentive staff. Common areas are immaculate. The property hosts a lot of conventions and weddings. The rooms show there age while the common areas sparkle. Rooms tend to be a bit on the small side, with double beds the norm (king beds are an upgrade). Three pools on property (all heated). Each room has a microwave, minibar, toaster, and small refrigerator. Beds were comfortable. Some rooms have balconies overlooking the pool, common areas, or the beach. The Tradewinds Island Grand shares some amenities with its sister property, the Tradewinds Sandpiper. The property is directly on the beach off Gulf Blvd on St. Pete Beach. Resort fees are $25 per day - non-negotiable even if you don't have a car parked on the property. The property does offer local resort transportation through the concierge desk at a reasonable fee. Umbrellas and cabanas are free for registered guests (actually covered under the resort fee) which is a nice touch as neighboring resorts charge $50 for beach cabana rentals. They also have paddleboats that you can use to navigate a lagoon around the property, which was popular with the kids. Several restaurants on site from formal (two of them) to pub type to beach bar. One attractive feature of the property is the vast brick walkway that meanders about the property. You'll walk on these to get to the beach or pool or to the Sandpiper property. Register for the Paradise Club through the hotel's website and you get vouchers for two free drinks at any of the hotel's restaurants and some notecards from the giftshop done by a resident artist. Would stay at the property again.

Register for the Paradise Club (it's free) through the hotel's website and you get vouchers for two free drinks at any of the hotel's restaurants and some notecards from the gift shop done by a resident artist. Plus you may have a better chance of getting an upgrade as all the standard rooms are two queen beds. King beds are upon request and they typically charge more for that. I stayed there this past weekend 2/6/2009-2/8/2009 and got upgraded with a PRICELINE bid. Also the rooms have a good sized minifridge and microwave. Be aware there is a $25 resort fee that will not be waived. Have a nice trip.

Got this on the first bid. Tradewinds website had this property at $198 per night. Used the PRICELINE link through your site for the bid. As always, thanks for this excellent website! Tradewinds Island Grand 5500 Gulf Boulevard Saint Petersburg, FL 33706 727-367-6461 Check-In: Friday, February 6, 2009-04:00 PM Check-Out: Sunday, February 8, 2009-12:00 PM Summary of Charges Room Cost (avg. per room, per night): $85.00 (USD) Number of Rooms: 1 Number of Nights: 2 Room Subtotal: $170.00 (USD) Taxes and Fees: $30.58 (USD) Total Room Cost: $200.58 (USD)

One thing that did affect our stay was the NJ PATH. I had previously stayed at Hyatt near Exchange Place station and loved the quick one stop ride over to the WTC. Since we were at Doubletree, we took the Newport/Pavonia Station being a bit closer (5 minute walk). But on the weekends, holidays, and weekdays from 11 PM to 6 AM, to get to 33rd street in NYC, one has to go to Hoboken, wait for several minutes, and then the train reverses to 33rd street. Took 40 minutes. There are 5 to 6 stations between Newport/Pavonia and 33rd street whereas Exchange Place is 1 stop into the city. Will definitely seek out the Exchange Place station on the weekends when in the NYC area again even if the walk is further. Very pleasant and safe area all in all.

Gave up and booked through Doubletree.com for $199 pretax per night

Didn't win, but learned PL accepts same day booking up to 11 PM. Wife wanted to stay at $150, but after research I'd need to be lucky. Hoping to get a break here's what happened.... Submitted a series of bids: Tried for Jersey City 3* at $150, rejected. Added Elizabeth (2.5* zone) at $175, rejected. Moved to NYC: Tried 4* Times Square at $150 with 5 rebids as follows (all rejected): Brooklyn $160 Chelsea $170 Madison Square Garden $180 Upper East Side $190 Upper West Side $200 Stopped at $200. Considering the Candlewood Suites in Jersey City. Internet rate is $182/night. Just wondering about proximity to rail into NYC (web site says 0.5 mile to Exchange Place PATH station, but a reviewer on this site says that station is 100 yds away). Anyone know for sure? I did submit all inquiries through the BetterBidding PRICELINE link. May try to pin down the Candlewood either through PL (apparently only 2* property in Jersey City for Priceline or maybe go through Hotwire).

Hello - Looking for a 2 night stay in the Jersey City area. Have friends in Times Square this weekend and would like to meet up. Like the JC hotels near the PATH (Hyatt, Courtyard, etc.). Budget is $150 max per night. Called Courtyard Newport only rate available was a King suite at $279. Other nearby hotels appear sold out. Star ratings would be 3* to 2*. Thanks for any help! Would also consider Brooklyn. Price and convenience to subway/rail are the primary concerns. Booking would be for me and my wife.

Doubletree Hotel Palm Beach Gardens Palm Beach Gardens 4431 Pga Boulevard Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410 561-622-2260 Your Offer Price Per Room, Per Night: $71.00 Subtotal: $355.00 Taxes & Service Fees: $54.77 Total Charges*: $409.77 Started the bid in the Singer Island area at $56 for a 3*, and added West Palm Beach and Jupiter as free rebids in $5 increments. All rejected. Upped the bid $5 more to $71 and the Palm Beach Gardens and got a hotel in the Gardens zone as this is an acceptable zone for me. Thereuare, I tried to bid using the link through this forum, but my office firewall has it blocked for some reason. Sorry about that, but I did want to share the bid with the forum nonetheless.

Addendum to this rental: I just completed this rental through Avis in Tampa. Was given a PT Cruiser, however Avis has some very nice cars in the Florida market so as I normally do, I inquired about upgrades even though it was a Priceline rental. Sometimes I get the "you booked through Priceline and there's nothing we can change about you rental" to decent upgrade offers. I noticed the Pontiac Solstices and Saturn Skys on the lot and asked how much they would be. This very polite agent asked how much luggage I had. I told her I had one bag and a small carry-on. She said I'd be much happier in the Nissan 350Z dark blue convertible and she'd give it to me for $20/day (including taxes!). Awesome. I grabbed it. Upon return to the terminal, there was a problem with the bill. The AVIS computer said I owed $221. Uh-oh. The manager then adjusted this bill down to zero and knocked my $60 upgrade fee down to $35. I couldn't believe it! This was the best deal I have ever gotten. Thanks Better Bidding and the great Avis staff!

First bid was $8, rejected. Offered a chance to increase bid one time, raised to $9, accepted. Avis Your Offer Price: $9.00 (per day) Total Rental Days: 3 days(2 days and 3 1/2 hours) Subtotal: $27.00 Taxes and Fees: $19.05 Total Charges: $46.05

Initial bid N. Palm Beach Oceanfront/Singer Island at $55. Rejected, but PL came back with an "add $15 to your bid and you can try again right now!" Opted not to do that and added PB Gardens at $60. Bid accepted at the Marriott PB Gardens. I have stayed here before back in 2002 or thereabout when the hotel was undergoing a renovation and the property was quite nice, so I'm looking forward to my stay there again.

Best rack rate was $109. Bid $60, rejected. Added Taylor/Southgate and went to $65, accepted.

Another tip - if you get no satisfaction from the agent, ask for a supervisor. I guess you could also dispute the charge on your credit card as an absolute last resort under the "no services rendered" clause, but that may not work and your dispute may be denied. Have never done that before.