Priceline Hotel: first time bidding - help needed

[eyoung05]

Hello all!

I will be traveling to atlanta from 10-21-10 thru 10-24-10 and I'm looking to stay in the buckhead or midtown areas at a 3* or higher hotel since there are MARTA stops nearby and these areas are close to shopping and nightlife. How do I know where to start in the bidding process on PRICELINE? I was thinking $40 based on other post I've seen here but I know that can change for my travel dates and I don't want to start too low. Also can I bid on a hotel and car together or do I need to do that seperately?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

You need to make the hotel and car purchases separately, although after you win a bid PRICELINE will often give you the option to add a car rental at a specified price.

If you let us know your maximum bid for a hotel in Midtown or Buckhead we'll suggest a strategy for you to follow.

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

[eyoung05]

Thanks! My maximum bid would be $75/per night. You mentioned I need a strategy am I limited in how many times I can bid?

[thereuare]

If you make a bid and it is rejected, you have to wait 24 hours before you can bid again, unless you're able to change one of the following:

• check-in date
  
• check-out date
  
• lower your star rating
  
• add a zone
  

Usually you can't/don't want to change any of the above, but by using re-bid zones (see Priceline Re-Bidding Explained) you can bid again immediately by adding a zone which you can't possibly receive a hotel in since it only contains star levels lower then the star level you're bidding for. May sound confusing at first but see the Priceline Re-Bidding Explained thread and feel free to ask questions... if you're still confused and don't understand just post back and we'll break it down further for you.

In terms of your bidding for this stay, are you willing to pay more for a higher rated hotel and want to try for a 4* up to your limit, then if rejected try for a 3.5* up to your limit, then if rejected try for a 3* up to your limit OR isyour objective the least expensive 3* or better for this stay?

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

[djk]

You say you don't want to start too low but in Priceline bidding that is exactly what you want to do, so you don't leave any money on the table. For a 3* in Buckhead there are about 6 free rebid zones. I bid for 3* hotels in Atlanta quite often. I typically start at $30 and increase in $2 increments. I always hope to get the Hyatt Place which is generally what happens. Sometimes you get the Courtyard which is a nice hotel but costs about $15 for parking and doesn't include breakfast. Look also at adding Perimeter and Galleria. They are close and hotel shuttles will usually take you to Marta if you wish. There is no need to look at higher than 3*, there are many excellent 3* hotels and sometimes you'll get a hit from a 31/2 star anyway.

You have a long time before your trip so you have plenty of time to make bids. The best prices will be closer to your travel dates but for me, I would not bid over $40.

Hope that helps.