Priceline Hotel: Bidding Help 4* Seattle (Downtown-Pike Place)

[paulieuk]

I'm bidding for August 5 -7 2010 and have worked my way through re-bids from $65 to $96 over the last few days without success or even a counter offer.

After a couple of days break, I started again today with a bid of $95 and received an immediate counter offer of +$22.

Hotwire has a 4* in the zone for $123 + taxes x 2 = $294.51, which is probably either the Westin or the Sheraton (the latter has closer match of tripadvisor rating).

The Priceline retail rates for the zone are:

Hyatt at Olive 8 - $164

Westin - $264

W - $239

Sheraton - $229

Grand Hyatt - $219

Edgewater - $379

Like most people it would seem, I'd prefer not to get the Edgewater - although obviously this being Priceline, there is no way of guaranteeing either way.

What are people's experiences in this situation? The Edgewater is retailing at more than $200 higher than the Hyatt at Olive 8, and $150 more than the Sheraton. I know it's technically still possible to get the Edgewater, but what do people think the odds are?

I'm holding a cancellable rate at the Renaissance which totals $269 for the two nights. Bearing in mind the suggested counteroffer of $117, if I win a bid at say $105, that would total $250, so a modest saving and potentially a better a hotel.

Or shall I keep hold of the Renaissance, and as August gets nearer, try Priceline (and Hotwire) again to see if the rates fall?

Any advice, suggestions welcome. And again, yes, I know there's no guarantee of not getting the Edgewater, I'm just after some insights or helpful experience.

Thank you.

[thereuare]

There is often very little correlation between retail prices and the hotel you receive via PRICELINE (ie- you don't necessarily win the hotel with the least expensive hotel direct rate)

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.