OliverB

Okay, I'm looking at the Priceline bid screen now and understanding this a bit better... What I want to know however, is whether the 1st screen with all the departure and arrival city options -- if I should check ALL options at once, and then simply select m true desired departure and arrival cities ont he 2nd screen... OR... whether I need to play with the first screen by selecting combos (ie. 1st BOS and PBG - then PWM and PBG - then SYR and PBG - and so on, for each try) - ? If I select ALL airport options on the 1st screen and then specify my true desired cities ont he next screen... will I then be limited in my options with the first screen when I got to re-bid, since I would have already selected all cities previously? Would I still have the same options? Is it only the 2nd screen where you need to specify that truly matters? Thanks for explaining this to me... it's the only aspect I'm unsure of and want to verify before continuing.

EDITED POST: see below. Thanks!

Should I set my MAX bid at $400 and bid in increments of $10 (is that the min. you can go up?) If so, what's a reasonable starting bid; $300? Does Priceline have set fares in their system that will be accepted no matter what, as long as you meet their rate... or does Priceline have any interference in determining what they will let their unpublished fares go for? In ither words, if United has allocated 10 seats to Priceline at the cost of $300 p/p tax-in but Priceline doesn't like your starting bid, can your bid be rejected even if it meets whatever alloted seat sales Priceline would have in their system, or is it an automated purchase in such cases? Using the re-bid strategy outlined in another thread, is $10 the min. bid increment that one can go up? What would be the suggested starting bid in this particular case... I would ultimately like to try and score this flight for around $300 - 350 CAD (tax incl) I'd be willing to bid up to say $420 given the advertised rates on Travelocity and Expedia. Anything above and it would make sense to just select flights through one of those two brokers instead and have more discretion over flight times, seat selection, etc. Since Plattsburgh is a small airport and only have 4 airlines servicing (Allegiant, Spirit, Direct Air, US Airways Express) I think it's a pretty safe bet that bids would likely be accepted through US Airways. I doubt they have any redeyes from PBG to SFO (wouldn't make sense) so flight times are not much of a concern. Airport economy parking is only $3/day (x11 days = $33) and gas woulod run another $45 there and back. So I'd be looking at an additional $85 in expenses and inconvenience over flying out of Montreal (YUL). As such, I'd like to try and get something for around $365 or $100 less than the published fares that Expedia and Travelocity are quoting. Do you think this would be possible? Thanks for all of your help, and as soon as you advise how to bid - I'll go for it!

Thanks Thereuare, I didn't realize it was only US departure flights... I guess we'll have to Priceline from PBG in that case. Here's what I'm seeing through Airfare Checker: Priceline $426 Total $475 ROUND-TRIP Per Person Travelocity CAD 425.70 Taxes & Fees: (excluding GST) CAD 42.80 GST Tax (GST Registration No. RT0001121769566) CAD 0.00 Total payment due: CAD 468.50 Expedia 1 adult C$396.00 Taxes & Fees C$72.50 Total C$468.50 So $468.50 CAD tax-in seems to be the cheapest published fare. If I can knock this down $100 (to compensate for the drive to Plattsburgh) I will be thrilled! I am ready to start bidding right away... please let me know how I should begin. Thanks so much!!

Sorry to post multiple times in a row, but I just used the BetterBidding Airfare Checker to verify rates from (PBG) Plattsburgh NY to (SFO) San Francisco on the same dates [01/20/12 - 01/31/12] and I'm seeing $475 cheapest tax-in. If I selected the Canadian version of Airfare Checker, is it safe to assume that this would be in CAD currency? Are there any unseen costs not factored in these price checks? If this is the lowest price recorded... what should I start my bid at through Priceline? Would I be best to search flights from Montreal first or Plattsburgh to SFO? Will international always be significantly higher priced? There isn't a huge difference int he lowest advertised rates through United Airlines, so I wonder if it matters through Priceline? It's not a big deal to drive to Plattsburgh and fly out to SFO from the US instead of Canada... but ideally, would prefer a flight out of Montreal. So what's the nest step... should I Priceline for $150 under the lowest rate recorded on Airfare Checker; is that reasonable? Do I start with Montreal or PBG? Thanks again!

The cheapest fares that I can find through the sponsored BetterBidding link are for $469 (595 tax-in) with United. 2 stops. I assume this is CAD? Again, flight class is unimportant, we'll book lowest economy and don't mind connections... would like to try and bring the price down at least $200 if at all possible! If I can score this flight at $400 tax-in, I'll book it right away! The dates once again are JAN 20 to 31, 2012 Thanks so much for ANY help that you can offer!!

Thanks so much for the help guys, Before I make a decision, I am waiting to see whether a friend will be joining me, in which case I may just book a vacation rental. I am desperately hunting for discounted fares int he airline section of the forum now. I was able to purchase my tickets on a limited seat sale the other day. I'll return to this thread shoirtly to determine whether or not I'll be putting in bids on a room. I really appreciate all of your help though; thanks very much!

Hello everyone, I have never Pricelined flights before but am in a real bind... yesterday morning I was alerted to an unadvertised discounted fare through Delta for ROUND-TRIP flights from Montreal to SFO at only $365 CAD TAX-IN! As soon as I saw this, I booked a trip for 11 nights. I then called up a friend who I had been planning to travel with to tell him to do the same. To both of our major disappointments, when he attempted to book his flights early this morning, the sale had already expired and flights were back at the $750 mark. He lost out and I am now traveling solo. I would REALLY like to try and find a way for him to be able to come along... I'm trying to find RT flights for under CAD $500 (with as many connections/layovers as necessary) from either YUL Montreal (ideally) or a nearby airport - either Plattsburgh, Ottawa... or if there's huge cost incentive in savings, then Toronto or NYC as well. Could anyone please help me out with advice and suggestions for flight bidding with Priceline as I'm not sure where to start or what kind of savings are to be had with this? The dates are somewhat flexible I suppose (approx 2 days give or take), but I would ideally like to find something from JAN 20 - JAN 31 (2012) As mentioned, seats are going for around $700+ now round-trip at rack rate. If anyone could help me/us out, I would be sooo appreciative!! Thanks in advance!

Hi Romelle and thanks for the help! I would be willing to split my stay if need be, although it wouldn't really be ideal. As I'm travelling solo, I'm a bit less picky than usual... I am normally very concerned with room class and all of that, and will often book into higher end properties to rack up preferred guest points with the big chains (Fairmont, Starwood, MO, etc). This time, I'm on a more restrictive budget and am just trying to save money while also staying in a nice 4* in a great location.

Hello, I'll be in SF for 11 nights in late January 2012 and would ideally like to book at either the Fairmont SF on Nob Hill or Ghirardelli Square by the Waterfront. I've only ever used Priceline once before for downtown Toronto, so I'm not really all that familiar although I've read through all the FAQ's. Can anyone direct me through bidding to increase chances of ending up in one of the two Fairmont properties for my stay, and alternatively list other properties that I may end up with if unsuccessful? I have Pres points racked up with Fairmont and know that I can get easily upgraded, even if booking through PL, to a nicer tower suite or something for minimal if no extra cost... which is why I'd really like to try and score a Priceline deal at one of these hotels. I'd book direct, but 11 nights is a bit too expensive at rack rate (or any cost right now) to be staying with them, as I'm trying to keep expenses lower. Is there any chance I can get a room at the FSF for around $150/night throguh PL bidding? Thanks!

I don't know, I usually approach Tripadvisor's reviews with a grain of salt I guess, but when 44 of them are "Excellent" and nearly half of that, 26 are "Terrible" and 25 "Poor"... I'm not filled with much confidence: http://www.tripadvisor.in/Hotel_Review-g60...y_New_York.html At least TWO spearate reviewers report having cash stolen from their rooms and police reports filed. I tend to have higher standards than most when travelling and staying in hoels because I usually splurge for better accommodations where service is valued. When every single negative or even mixed review cites hard mattresses and cheap pillows, I'm weary to cancel my current res (which normally books at over $300 for a king room btw!) for what I can only assume would be a downgrade. It's one thing to be staying in a more appealing bldg, but it's the room itself and quality of stay that I'm most concerned with... unless we somehow can find a deal at a 4-Star luxury or boutique hotel that actually lives up to it's status... I'm just very concerned about passing on the great value that we've got (despite my HATING the current property we're staying at) for something uncertain. At least the SoHo location is within walking distance of all the East Village restos and bars and just about everything. Again, I just wish I could afford to stay in a place like the Greenwich or Grammercy Park (both of which I've previously stayed!) on this trip... but unless I can score an incredible promo or rate, I'm stuck. As my travel agent normally gets incredible discounts at Fairmounts, I emailed her about the Plaza (and just for fun the Waldorf) even though the latter is probably considered a bit old and resting on it's former glory. Neither really hip places for younger couples I guess, but I'd surely much appreciate a luxury hotel with service for value over any of the other options and I already have promo codes for one complimentary night... I just have to find a way to reduce the price a bit! The Waldorf is not even that expensive based on some of the deals I'm finding... It's not the ideal place I'd want to be, but I'm really looking for a good deal on a room that will be spacious, comfortable and possibly provide room for an upgrade!

Thanks so much for your help... my concern is that places like the Dylan seem like they would offer much more in the way of urban charm and identity in a city like New York, but in comparisson I'm not sure the value is merited as a quick trip to the review board on Tripadvisor notes complaints about bedbugs, stolen money from hotel staff, poor and rundown ameneties, etc. It worries me as at the very least, boring as this property may be, certain things are guaranteed -- a comfortable king size mattress, clean rooms, etc. The basics. I'm worried that while there are other options like the Dylan, Fitzpatrick, Kimptons... they may actually end up being a downgrade when it comes to ameneties and services. But then again, this hotel I'm in now at $175 tax-in is pretty devoid of character and may as well be in any city... not at all what I want out of a New York hotel! I wish I could bid on specific botuique properties like the Greenwich or Gramercy... I'd be willing to spend much more if I could still get a great bargain! I'm just really skeptical and weary of the proto-3/4 star boutique hotels that don't really seem to live up to their star status.

Thanks very much for all of your help and advice, I will definitely use your links if I decide to purchase via Priceline or Hotwire. The more I read, the more uncertain I am however. Although I don't consider the property to be a 4-Star rating, apparently that's what our current hotel (Four Points SoHo) is classified as. We've booked directly with them which allows us some vantage in terms of upgrades and service I suppose. I wonder if I should just stick with this booking afterall and maybe try to get an upgrade to a bigger room or suite if it doesn't meet our qualifications? The photos look nice enough (if the property is somewhat of a generic and bland bldg) but I'm just very worried about the size of the rooms and don't like that there is no separate bath tub or other luxuries that usually come with a 4-star luxury hotel. I realize this isn't a luxury hotel, but at $250/night I don't think I'll even come close whether using Expedia or any other service... I looked up 70 Park and not convinced the rooms are much bigger or more appealing than the F.P. and I prefer the SoHo proximity to food and shopping. I'm still undecided! Thank you very much for your help though!

LAST QUESTION: If I decide to bid on a star-level hotel in one of the above districts, am I GUARANTEED to be booked into at least one of the properties fromt he above list? Ie. Soho 4-Star Level: 60 Thompson Andaz Wall Street Gild Hall REVIEW / tripadvisor review Millenium Hilton tripadvisor review Soho Grand Tribeca Grand Will I unquestionably reserve ONE of the above properties or are there other unlisted possibilities? Thanks!

Will I need to present the same exact credit card used for bidding/purchase to the hotel upon check-in? Will the name on the credit card have to match that of the names on the reservations? I ask because I would like to use my fiancee's AmEx (mainly for tax purposes, plus she gets points and travel rewards etc.) but she will not be travelling with me. Is it possible to make the reservations on her card via Priceline but under my name, then check-in without the actual card used for booking? It would just be for billing the actual room costs through Priceline. Does this seem like it could cause problems upon check-in? The last thing I would want is to show up and not have my paid reservations honored!

I will be driving down to NYC from the 29th (this coming Thursday) until the 02nd of August and staying for 4 nights with my girlfriend. Believe it or not, I ALREADY have reservations booked at the Four Points Sheraton in SoHo for an incredible rate of $175/night tax-in through a work promotion! It's a standard King room with a request to stay on a higher floor with possible room upgrade. However, I'm not completely satisfied with all that I'm seeing from this hotel... the booking and hotel staff seem extremely friendly and accommodating and the building itself is brand new, clean and modern, however it has absolutely no city charm. It's a lego stacked building with (from all review feedback) tiny rooms and on a bland street in an otherwise great location. I really only booked here because of the price. That said, I'm used to staying at much nicer hotels in New York City but as we've been travelling all summer, I just can't affords to spend $500/night on a room right now! I've stayed at boutique hotels like the Standard, Crosby Street, Greenwich, Royalton and classic luxury like the Premiere, the Benjamin, Plaza Fairmont, St. Regis, etc. Here is my intentions and concerns: I have only EVER used Priceline once before and it was in a much easier city to book (Toronto) where star ratings guarantee you select properties that are all of essentially equal promise. Not so New York!! I would really like to upgrade to a 4-star+ hotel with some city charm in any of the following districts: SoHo, LES/East Village, Chelsea, Greenwich, Central Park area, UWS or Midtown (as long as we;re away from Times Square!!!!) Ideally I'd like to spend on average $200/night but I would be willing to jump to $250 for something really great! But knowing New York City hotels... even star-ratings don't necessarily guarantee you much and I'm weary of getting booked into some giant modern block of a hotel chain (Mill Hilton) or anything near the touristy Broadway district. As mentioned, I want a hotel with charm... either nouveau modern SoHo/Chelsea/Greenwich boutique loft hotel or classic old world charm (that isn't completely run down and in need of reno!) Here is my questions, and sorry if this is getting really long-winded... Am I going to find anything better for the value and comfort than where I am currently booked (at the Four Point SoHo) and is it a big risk to go from $175/night in a great location even if the property itself is a major bore (albeit clean, comfortable and new) to bid on Priceline? Does anyone have suggestions for potential hotels I might chance at $200/night in a 4-star rating around the neighborhoods mentioned? Would you simply stick with the incredible rate at the Four Points Sheraton if you were me, or try to get something much nicer for a more enjoyable weekend in the city? I AM the type of person who likes to spend time relaxing in a room when I'm away from home and I live in a nice loft condo so I don't like to be uncomfortable and inconvenienced when travelling too much. Does anyone have advice or strategies for me based on all I've written? Thanks so much!!