Priceline Hotel: SD low availability - will bidding be tough?

[ladybugsea]

We'd like to do a last minute trip to San Diego. I was checking rates of some 4* hotels in the Gaslamp Quarter, and noticed that some hotels that often come up (Hilton and Manchester) don't have availability. Does this mean than my chances of getting anything are slim during that time period? If I change the dates, there is availability (but I don't have much flexibity to change my dates). The Omni has availability, but the rate is higher than what I have seen for other dates ($329 for March 13-17th).

Also, we are travelling with a 1.5 year old. I know they can only guarantee occupancy for 2, but a child would be okay, right? She would share the king with us if we didn't get two beds.

Thanks!!

[GM Mike]

You're right, there does appear to be low availability. Could be because this is "spring break" season.

There's better availability at 2.5* (Holiday Inn Harbor View, Comfort Inn Gaslamp have reasonable rates) so you may have to think about aiming for a lower star quality. There's also availability in Hotel Circle if you want to commute.

Hotwire rates are high too, except the 3.5* downtown/harbor island suite property (Sheraton Suites?) at $129.

...but there's only one way to know if you'll be successful at 4*. :)

[ladybugsea]

Yes, I am well aware that it's spring break week. I'm a student, among too many other things! If I switch the trip around and start in SD, it looks a lot better. I'm actually a budget traveller, so it's funny to me to be looking at 4* places. But I like budget hotels in Europe, not stinky no-tell motels in the US. :)

Maybe we should just forget about it and postpone it to when I have more time to plan. I just realized that this is only 2 weeks away! Ah, but I have been bitten by the travel bug... Plus I should be putting that tax return toward next year's tuition, not travel...