hohogap

Just a comment on whether the one identified 3* PL hotel is the one you would receive when bidding on the opaque side of the site. They are 2 separate sets of inventory on PL and the fact that only one 3* hotel shows up as an identified hotel does not mean that is the only hotel you will receive if bidding 3* in this area on PL. I've often received hotels that I bid on that are not listed anywhere else on the PL site. Hope that helps a bit in your decision.

I usually go up in $3-$5 bid increments on the counter-offers, but with time and free re-bid zones you might want to try $2 up each bid. My experience is that the re-bid offer is the highest amount for that room on that day, and PL usually accepts an offer somewhere in between. One caveat is that inventory constantly changes, and I've had re-bid offers unavailable even when I bid to that amount a few days later.

Glad you enjoyed your trip. Our 3 visits to Lisbon have always been enjoyable, even at the Marriott!

Thanks for the great analysis and I appreciate the insight as I have often wondered the same thing (although generally have been too chicken to wait until the last minute hoping to book a great deal)!

Thanks for the update and your review of the possible hotel. I'll keep looking and let you know what happens with this potential booking. And, as always, all searches, bidding and wins are through the BB site links.

Fantastic rate. I booked the same hotel through PL 3 weeks ago and was glad to get $65!

New hotwire hotel price for same area, 4* hotel for the exact dates listed is now only $68/night. Ammenities listed include only the following three: Restaurant(s) Laundry Facilities (self-service) High-Speed Internet Access Any suggestions on identity of hotel? And, as always, I use the HW and PRICELINE links on BB for all of my searches and bids!!

The moderators are excellent at giving advice on the best rates and you will DEFINITELY be able to do better than the Candlewood Suites rate you booked if you follow their advice. Good luck!

Nope, once bid you own it as is. My experience was that even with being an elite member of the airline's program I won, no changes or refunds were allowed at all.

It is really hard to get prices now. Really frustrating.

Sunday night must've been really slow as I saw another poster get an even better deal at the same hotel. The Monday has been tough for me too. I have a backup for Monday night at the Doubletree Suites near TS for an online AAA rate through Hilton of $178.00 + tax. Still would like to do better, but given some of the costs I'm seeing I'm glad to have something for 1 night on Monday. We got tickets for David Letterman on Monday and needed to stay over on monday night. Fairly close to 53rd and Broadway (Ed Sullivan Theatre).

Checked the BB list for HW hotels for your destination and with your amenities and 5* listings. Doesn't appear that the hotel has been reported to the Board, at least with the specific amenities you listed.

Car rental rates have been crazy and all over the map. Great rate!

Be sure to check this board's listing of HW hotel wins and associated ammenities for your 3 1/2* in Chelsea. You may be able to identify the specific hotel you're bidding on by matching the star ratings and HW ammenities to previous wins. Good luck!

I have been trying consistently for over a week on HW and PL without luck using exactly your parameters for this Saturday night (10/8). My back up plan currently is a direct booking in the MTE area at the Millenium UN Plaza Hotel. Somewhat close to the area you are looking at, and the "click through internet" rate on the hotel's web site was "only" $194.00, all in at $226.12 with the $32.12 taxes. I'm still trying to get a PL or HW deal at the last minute, but I've had tough sledding for this Saturday night. Sunday night was available much cheaper (no wonder), but this was the best deal I've found so far. Never stayed at the hotel, it's rated 4* but lots of comments have it lower rated. Your call.

Not a problem, this web site has been fantastic for me over the last 15 months!

Darn. $11 less than my winning priceline bid!!!

Ammenities: Suite Fitness Center Restaurant(s) Business Center High-Speed Internet Access Rate per night: $149.00 Nights: 1 Rooms: 1 Tax recovery charges & fees: $37.78 Trip total: $186.78 Hilton web site has the room discounted to $199, but still nice to save about $50.00 AND as always, all of my searches and bids are through the BB web site PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links!

Priceline only guarantees a room for 2 persons. That means it could result in getting a room with only 1 bed. HW does allow you to identify up to 4 persons traveling in your party.

Will do. We decided to go for a Monday night stay instead of going Saturday and coming home Monday night. I'll post whatever win I achieve, and as always, my searches and bidding are done through the BB web site PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links!

$121/night (that's not a typo) for a 1 night deal for a Sunday right in the area we wanted. I received a late invitaion to a David Letterman taping on Monday, October 10th and this is a great deal for 1 night coming in from DTW. PL still comes through, but trying to get in on Saturday to enjoy a weekend stay has been brutual as to costs, to say the least! Still trying for a Saturday night and will keep you posted. When PL took the bid, they offered an additional night at the same price, but it was rejected when I tried to arrive on Saturday. Not surprised. ALL bids and searches done through the BB web site PRICELINE links.

Great question, and one I've also wondered about.

The moderators are amazing. Glad this worked out for you.

And I'm still trying for 1/19/12 - 1/23/12 and Romelle is right that the IST great deals come and go. Still trying all avenues for my trip. Airfare booked cheap so just need hotels.

Just checked today and the offer is no longer listed. I'm used to PRICELINE where you never know what the price/bid might be so no worries about missing what you don't know was available. HOTWIRE seems to have these great deals listed and gone fairly quickly. I'll keep looking. Appreciate your attempt to help, and as always, I bid and search through the BB HOTWIRE links on this site. If I find another great HW price, I'll start a new thread. Thanks for your help!