Priceline Hotel: Napa-Sonoma 7/31

[Windy]

A bunch of failed attempts so far for next weekend, all using the BB PRICELINE link. I know Sonoma's crazy next weekend based on Hotels.com and hotwire listings.

I would take a 2 star and up between Petaluma and Healdsburg and spend up to $70. The one stars in that area have pretty unfavorable reviews.

History so far:

2.5 star

Windsor 51

added Healdsburg 52

shunted to "discounted" price list and out of bidding

3.5 star

Santa Rosa $51

added Rohnert Park 53

added Sonoma 55

then tried

3 star

Santa Rosa $55

added Rohnert Park 57

no go

so tried

2 star

Windsor $55

added Healdsburg $60

Any ideas, or should I just try again tomorrow and creep upward toward $70? Thanks!

[thereuare]

HOTWIRE has a 2* (unknown what it would be rated via PRICELINE... 2* is the lowest rating for HOTWIRE) for $59 with no amenities associated with it. The Good Nite Inn Rohnert Park has previously been seen at this star rating and with no amenities, but given the lack of description, can't be certain if this is the property being offered or something else. Not sure if this would be worth the risk to you based upon the price.

They also have a 2.5* for $109 but this property has not yet been identified.

You can also book the Americas Best Value Inn and Suites for $80... reviews are generally "ok for the price" and the rooms are small, but maybe fine for a your needs for a one nite stay?

If none of the above are of interest i would increase your budget and bid a higher.

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

[Windy]

Thanks, much appreciated.

I reserved the Rodeway in Rohnert Park for $45 (AAA rate), which I can cancel until Saturday. The "two stars" in this area generally get shaky reviews and aren't worth the higher rates versus driving home. $109 is a lot for a blind booking that's probably a motel.

Will report back on getting a three star or higher.

[Windy]

24 hours later

Two more rounds, no luck.

3.5 for Santa Rosa $55

added Rohnert Park $59

added Sonoma and 3 star $62

then a separate round for

2 stars

Healdsburg $61

Winsor $65

I may try again Friday, in case they get any cancellations. But as noted, rack rates are up around $200 this weekend, and I don't want to spend $80+ for a motel.

[Gallus50]

Hi Windy - I can understand your hesitation on spending more than $80 for a motel, but perhaps a 3.5* or 3* would be worth more $$$. Also your bid would have more chance of being accepted. If there is very limited availability, $55 - $62 for a 3.5* is probably a wasted bid.

Napa/Sonoma on summer and fall weekends can be tough even at higher prices. We were there in September for a wedding and I wore myself out trying to bid Calistoga. Finally used AmEx points so my cost was lower, but the actual price for the Clarion Lodge at Calistoga was over $200 a night! And in some ways, it's a glorified motel.....

[Windy]

Thanks Gallus. Since I have a motel booking for $46 that includes breakfast, I'm not anxious to spend twice that, unless it's a 3.5 star. I think the real problem is there's no inventory.

Today's bids:

santa rosa 3.5 stars $65

add rohnert park $67

add sonoma $68

added 3 star $65

Offered my same $46 motel for $90 as a price chop :)

[Gallus50]

Forgot about your backup plan. Good thing you have it - you might need it.