These are the full amenities: FULL AMENITIES: Free parking, Free Internet, Pet friendly, Smoke-free rooms, Fitness center, Pool(s), Restaurant(s), Business center, Self-service laundry, Internet access, In-room accessibility, Wheelchair accessible
3/13/14 to 3/16/14 $72 per night Standard price:$319 Still gathering reviews. This hotel charges a resort fee of about $19.00 per room per night. Pet friendly Boutique Hotel Smoke Free Rooms Fitness Center Pool(s) Restaurant(s) Business Center Internet access Golf Nearby When I do BiddingHelper.com.com I get this: Pet friendly Boutique Hotel Smoke Free Rooms Fitness Center Pool(s) Restaurant(s) Business Center Internet access Golf Nearby Tennis Nearby Accessible for the blind Accessible path of travel In-room accessibility Wheelchair accessible Accessible bathroom Handicapped parking Roll-in shower
No, usually you can get a lower price on PRICELINE.com. The prices on HOTWIRE and PRICELINE aren't related, but there may not even be rooms on Priceline at the moment & you wouldn't want to overbid. Persistence usually pays off, if you come back everyday and bid low to high you will eventually probably get a deal. Or the HOTWIRE price may drop.
The 4.5 star property on HOTWIRE in Poipu is almost certainly the Grand Hyatt. I saw it showing up around your dates, track prices on HOTWIRE for a few days though. They may just not be selling rooms on PRICELINE at the moment.
As you've learned PRICELINE can "upgrade" you to a higher level and you should always be prepared for that. If it's any consolation you got a really good price for the Sheraton.
I have had an issue with an Expedia last minute bookings. They hotels were completely full and were not interested in honoring the booking or finding me other accomodation, I found my own and eventually got about $500 in vouchers from Expedia. If your credit card is charged and you have a hotel confirmation already it's the hotel's responsibility. They need to "walk" you to similar accommodation if they are full.
My advice would be to target 3* in the Waikiki beach area first, going up your max. Several years ago I got the Princess Kaiulani here at $65 and was very happy. I would then target 3* in the Marina. You could do the reverse, I prefer the Waikiki Beach area. Aston Hotels are having sales starting at around $100 if you are unsuccessful. Also keep a look out for bonus cash emails.
I wouldn't jump on that HOTWIRE rate just yet, some of the hotels are having sales for close to that rate ($245), check out Travelzoo.com. My usual tactic is to have a refundable booking which can be cancelled if/when a PRICELINE bid goes through. One other point to note is that some have recently won the Westin Ocean Resort Villas bidding on 4*, I think this is a great property, comparable to the resorts on the other side of Black Rock in my opinion.
The resort properties and the 4* Westin Villas on Priceline are nicer than those two so definitely bid that amount ($190) and even up to your $200 max. It's definitely high season then so anything in the $200 range for a resort is a deal.