islandgirl

I started using Hotwire/Priceline last summer and so far have booked 6 hotels with great savings and total satisfaction but thought readers might be interested in my recent experience at the Crown Plaza International Drive. On check in I was informed that the only available room was a disabled room and that we could move in the morning to an alternate room if we wanted. This seemed completely reasonable since we were checking in quite late and the only real difference was no bath in the bathroom. The room was great and the bed to die for but the shower was so poorly designed that it was impossible not to flood the bathroom so the next morning I asked at reception whether we could be moved as offered the previous evening. I was not very politely informed by a different member of staff that we were Hotwire customers and that we were only entitled to a room and that I could not request a change. I understand that is the deal and didn't make a fuss but it was the first time I have been made to feel inferior. It would not put me off and we enjoyed our stay but her attitude was a little unnecessary. Had we not been offered a room swap at checkin I would never have asked, maybe she was just having a bad day! Anyway the hotel is great all other respects but probably not worth the full fare rate of $180.

Restaurant, Pool, Fitness, Business, Laundry (self service). I have also been bidding on Priceline for the same trip and have tried 4 times and been unsucessful. Dates 11-16 April 4* Universal Studios starting at $90 and increasing by $5 each time by adding free rebid zone. No luck upto $115 on each occasion so went to Hotwire instead. Rachel

Have just booked the Crown Plaza for $121. It was showing at $116 but then it jumped up. I decided to book anyway since it was still a good deal and already missed out on the Peabody at $96. Rachel

I am looking at Orlando for April 11- 16. Hotwire has 4.5* for $93. I think this the Peabody. This seems like a good deal compared with cheapest internet rates I can find for this hotel. Does anybody have experience of booking this hotel through Hotwire. Do they have "Hotwire rooms" that maybe are not worth the $200 rooms go for on other websites? Universal Orlando and Sea World Area Selected amenities include: Restaurant(s), Pool(s), Fitness Center, Golf Nearby, Tennis Nearby, Business Center. View complete amenity list and description $93 per room per night Also anybody got tips for cheap tickets to Cirque du Soleil, Downtown Disney. Rachel

I checked out the link you provided but the total price was $95 more than the Roosevelt on Hotwire so I went with that in the end. I decided location and price were better than the extra half a star! Thanks for you help.

I just booked the Roosevelt for $108. The symbols were business, fitness, restaurant and internet plus the best value tick. Considering my bid on a 4* on Priceline for $130 for these dates was rejected I am happy with this.

Thank you for your help. That seems like a good plan. Rachel

I have just made the following bid for the second time with no success. MTE 4* $110 add MTW 4* $115 add MTC 4* $120 add UE 4* $125 add UW 4* $130 The first time I started $10 lower but proceeded in the same way adding $5 each time. I am not sure whether to wait 3 days or use Hotwire - Roosevelt I think for $106. The exact location not important but not sure about 3* in NYC. The Roosevelt is listed as 3.5* so would probably be acceptable for the price.

Just returned from 4 days at the Waldorf Astoria. Was nervous about how we might be treated as Priceline customers. Everything was great we even got to check in at 12.30pm rather than the stated 3pm. The room was nothing special but perfectly adequate especially for the price ($120). The only time we felt uncomfortable was when we decided to have a drink in the bar, the bar man obviously felt that we shouldn't be there. ($32.00 for 2 gin and tonics!). Also booked a room at London Heathrow through Priceline and got the Holiday Inn Ariel. We were upgraded to an executive room which was nice considering we paid $40 for the room. Can't wait to try my luck on our next trip.

I just booked a midsize car with Alamo from their UK website. There is an offer on the home page for a free extra driver anywhere in the world. The price quoted by Alamo direct and also through Priceline was $1165. Couldn't believe the price was $450 lower for the same car and rental period using this link. The discount code was 7S. I think there must be some mistake but I have it printed out in black and white so I am not sure they can refuse to honour the booking when I collect the car. The saving seems to exist because the special rate includes all the extras CDW, unlimited mileage, taxes etc.

I bid $120 MTE as you suggested and got it first time. In a strange way I was disappointed not to have more fun having to rebid!!! Maybe I should have started lower? Now going to bid for London Heathrow for the 8/13. Any tips.

Got the Waldorf Astoria for $120 per night. I am pretty happy, just hope I don't have the experience I have seen on some of the reviews. Used Savingsbarn.com First time user of Priceline and first time visitor to New York. Nice result. Thanks for your help.

I have been thinking about trying for the Waldorf Towers 5* for this period (8/14-8/18). Do I stand any chance this far out and what should I bid?

Thanks for the quick response. Will let you know on Saturday my results.

First time user to Priceline. Yesterday I bid for MTW/MTE AT $90 and it was rejected. I just wanted to see how it works so put in really low to start. Then I increased bid by $10 and added UMT-CPS. Still nothing, so added UES at $105, again rejected. Final bid added MTS (no 4*) and raised to $110. Where should I start next time. I don't have much preference between MTW/MTE/UMT-CPS and am more keen to get a good price. Dates are Aug 14 - 18 for one room. Hotwire have 4.5* for $173 (Intercontinental Barclay - I think) but this only represents a $60 saving over booking direct with the hotel. Am I likely to get a good deal for these dates?