Priceline Hotel: Help with bidding strategy for Thanksgiving 2010

[kcchicagomom]

Hi there,

I am looking to book a hotel for Thanksgiving 2010 (Nov 25-29) in Chicago (NMA area). I'm specifically interested in the Doubletree Magnificant Mile which I thought was a 3.5* but it looks like others that have got this noted that it was a 4*? Can anyone confirm? I know we can't choose our hotels with PL, but want to at least bid in the same category as our desired hotel.

Also, do members think it is to early to be thinking about November? Should we wait to bid? My fear is that Thanksgiving being the busiest travel time of the year will mean full hotels and higher prices if we wait.

Any help you can provide would be great. TIA!

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding. :)

The Thanksgiving period leading up to Thanksgiving - for whatever reason - is one of the slowest periods of the Winter (if not the slowest period of the Winter.) Thanksgiving itself is also slow.

HOWEVER, the days after Thanksgiving tend to be on the higher side, due to the fact that a convention often seems to fall within this period and the fact that "Day After Thanksgiving" shopping is big (and if you don't like crowds, I don't recommend it.)

In terms of this year, 11/25-28 seem okay, but 11/28-29 is pricier. Would you be willing to move hotels mid-trip?

What would be your desired budget per night, and how many are in your party? While the Doubletree is a 3.5*, there are a number of other nice 3.5*'s in the zone and nearly all of the 4*'s are good to great.

Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.

[thereuare]

I'll add that as per THIS LINK the Doubletree Mag Mile is currently 3.5* rated by PRICELINE.

Let us know the info above and we'll suggest a strategy for you to follow.

[kcchicagomom]

Hi there

Thanks so much. We would prefer not to move hotels mid-trip even if it means paying a few bucks more a night.

We are looking for one room only for 2 adults.

Ideally would spend between $60-80/night. The reason for Doubletree Mag Mile is it's proximity to our home; we're booking for my parents and would like them to stay as close to us as possible. Again, understand that there is no guarantee, but figure if we can at least be in the same booking class, we'd at least have a shot.

Looking forward to a suggested strategy. Airline tickets are booked so would be willing to book hotel now if you think it's not too far in advance.

[thereuare]

At the 3.5* level you have THREE re-bid zones. If you're not familiar with re-bidding please read Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and feel free to ask questions and/or confirm your re-bid zones with the board before proceeding.

(NOTE: 're-bid zone1' is not the same as priceline's Zone1, 're-bid zone2' is not the same as priceline's Zone2, etc, etc)

Select 3.5* NMA-River North..

Bid $55, if rejected add re-bid zone1...

Bid $60, if rejected add re-bid zone2...

Bid $65, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3.5* NMA-River North and re-bid zone3..

Bid $70, if rejected add re-bid zone1...

Bid $75, if rejected add re-bid zone2...

Bid $80

Any questions feel free to ask.

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

Good luck and let us know how it goes.