Priceline Hotel: 5* Sydney (City Centre) Marriott Harbour

[scampi]

Bid on October 24, 2004 for a 5 star hotel in Sydney, Australia using Priceline.

Noticed today there is only 1 area, the city centre for bidding. If I recall there was another area that didn't have a 5 star hotel & I used it as a freebid.

First offer of $75 for dates 1/18-1/22/05 was rejected.

Added a freebid area and increased the offer to $80 and was rejected.

Changed my dates to 1/18-1/20/05 & raised the offer to $85 and was accepted.

(& given the Marriott Sydney Harbour.)

Then made a new bid for 1/20-1/22/05 for $85 & was accepted and also was given the Marriott Sydney Harbour Hotel. (This was a very risky action I learned later because when I spoke to Priceline they said I could have requested 2 more nights before or after my dates at the same price.)

I called the Marriott to request non-smoking, 2 beds, etc. & the first receptionist was rude & said I had to call Priceline for these (untrue). Called the next day & had a very polite & helpful receptionist who noted all my requests including my request for the highest room possible so that we could have some view.

Had a wonderful stay. Was offered an upgrade for executive level for $99 Australian a nt. Well worth it - We had an excellent Harbour View room on the 29th floor, hot breakfasts, daily coffee, water, sodas & a dinner time snack (almost a meal) with cocktails, beers, wine, dessert, etc. each day! Great toiletries, turn down service, robes & slippers & wonderful service! Great location at Circular Quay by the ferries, trains, the Rocks, the Opera House, etc.

[thereuare]

Thaks for sharing your win.

Sounds as if you had a great stay... always glad to hear that!

[ReneeMoss]

Hi - I am a real newbie at bidding on Priceline and appreciate any help posible - I need a hotel in Sydney for April 2006 for 7 nights. I have bid twoice already and both times my $85 bid was rejected - I waited 72 hrs. inbetween bids since I have plenty of time. I do not want to switch hotels - Should I stop bidding and wait for closer to time of arrival April 2006? When should I start bidding? Is there any possability that I will eventually get the 7 nights? You mentioned that I could get 2 nights before or after an accepted bid - How do I bid in order to try for 5 nights and ask for 2 nights after? Or sholud I bid for 3 nights ? and ask for 2 nights before and 2 nights after for the same price?? Thanks very much for help with this!

[senorbob]

I think you'll have to got higher than $85 in April. I've been trying for the start of the month and am up to $125 with no joy, though I have been offered a free re-bid at $125 if I add $22. What is a good strategy when offered a re-bid like this? Is it likely that I will get a bid accepted at less than the $147?

Thanks

[mucsea2003]

Is it likely that I will get a bid accepted at less than the $147?

Yes! Priceline counteroffers can always be undercut! If you still have time, I would up to $130 and hope.

[thereuare]

Senorbob, please start a new thread for your own stay.

There is a current thread of ReneeMoss here: PRICELINE AUSTRALIA