Priceline Hotel: 3* San Francisco (SOMA-Moscone Center) Pickwick

[inspiration100]

Looking at possibly bidding in San Fran (using the link of course) from the 15th-18th of September and I noticed that right after that there is a convention which jacks the prices into the $200-$300 range. Does anyone know if I would be able to get something for a DECENT 4* ($130 or less) in downtown (West zone or Wharf) with that convention coming right up two days away?

I checked hotwire but the cheapest on hotwire I saw was a 3.5 for $120ish. How does that usually convert to priceline's prices?

Much appreciated.

[Gallus50]

No one can really answer that question. Basically, you never know until you try.

But if it's before the convention, and not during, you may have a chance. Look into rack rates, read FAQ's here and start bidding. If rack rates are high and availability is low, odds may not be good. Bidding more zones may be a good idea. But there are no shortcuts, no potions and no magic pills. You have to do this yourself; we can't do it for you.

Sorry if I sound callous, but we've been getting a lot of these types of questions lately and it gets tiresome answering them over and over. September is always difficult, conventions can make it impossible, and you just have to get out there and start bidding. You know what they say: If at first you don't succeed,.....

[inspiration100]

I think it's a fair question for those who know the city. I know roughly how Seafair works in Seattle and how many days before and after it has an effect, I'm hoping someone has a rough idea in San Fran. I am not a noob at priceline, I know no one can predict the exact amount... I'm just hoping for help in general as to this "conference" that is going on.

And yeah I know that quote... If at first you don't succeed, use the Priceline Linkey and try again :).

[yellowdog]

inspiration100

Good to see that you're back!

Is possible that the hotels got block reservations for the convention. So the rack rates would remain high untill the "block" is released Do you know the dates for the convention? You can also Google and see if you find the last date for booking hotels trough the convention HQ. And start bidding after that date. Last date is usually on the site for the convention. I have found this very usefull sometimes.

I checked hotwire but the cheapest on hotwire I saw was a 3.5 for $120ish. How does that usually convert to priceline's prices?

I usually start bidding 30-40% lower depending on city and zone.

Keep us updated and just post if you need any help.

Yellowdog.

[thereuare]

Generally speaking i dont' think business conventions (i'm assuming it's business related) drive up hotel rates 2 days before... an event like SeaFair is for leisure travel, and many people will make a vacation out of it, staying a few days before and/or a few days after. Business trips are different as employees are on the company time (and dime)... they typically come in day before the event begins and leave the last day of the event, as most companies (especially today) don't want to pay the extra expense of having an employee 'on the road' as well as would like the worker back in the office being productive.

It seems that you have already checked prices and see rates are 'acceptable' for your date range but spike after your stay... so if i'm interpreting your post correct, i'm not sure where this conference comes into play since it occurs after your stay. Have you tried bidding yet?

Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board.

[inspiration100]

I have bid up to $115 in every 4* zone in the downtown area with no luck and $90 in the same zones for 3.5. Suggestions? :)

[thereuare]

Rates are high, but i doubt it's due to the confference starting 2 days after your stay... there is like something else happening in the city these nites.

What are your maximum bids at each star level? Do you have a cancellabel back-up reservation?

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

[inspiration100]

That is just about my budget right there. I'm hoping for a 3* or better. I am using bonus cash to knock it down a little bit ($10). I'd say $115 is my max for 4*, $100 for 3.5, $80-90 for a 3.0. I don't think I'm going to backup reserve this, as if I cannot get one cheap enough I will stay in Oakland :).

[inspiration100]

I really think Priceline is starting to get to be the "norm" for hotels, and I am starting to see less deals than two years ago. Anyhow, lastminutedeals seems to have better deals for these dates as I see the Westin St. Francis for $125 + tax and I see they Hyatt for $135 + tax. Should I decide to book that, anyone have any recommendations on the two?

[Gallus50]

Not sure if you could cancel this, but travelzoo has a special for the Crescent, a 3* newly renovated hotel near USE and Chinatown. On your dates, it's $89 and that includes breakfast and an upgraded, larger room. For those dates, that's a pretty good price compared to HW and LMT. Something to consider...

[inspiration100]

Good find Gallus! I think I'll probably go that route. For some reason the site won't let me select that special, I guess I'll give them a call. Again, great find, much apprec.

Edit: CRAP! Looks like it doesn't start until November!

[Gallus50]

Hey Inspiration - I checked your dates b-cuz it said some earlier dates will be reduced and it came up as $89 from Sept 15 - 18. On the 18th, it looked like it was full or unavailable, but that is when you were leaving, anyway. Click thru travelzoo website and go for it. If it's still available, it should work. I probably wouldn't wait, though.

[Gallus50]

So the TZoo website kept showing $89, but wouldn't let you book it. Hmmmmmm.

So I called and they told me the rate for those dates was $189, despite the Crescent website saying $89 or $119. Hmmmm.

These dates are proving to be extremely challenging. Hmmm.

I felt like I led you astray, so I dug around some more. B-cuz these dates seem so expensive, and there's no way to tell if availability will be tighter, I would book something soon. If you can cancel, BONUS. Then you can keep bidding on PL. If not, I'd probably take something and try not to have regrets.

I found the Executive Vintage Court 3* on a site called Hotelclub.com through Kayak.com. The rate is $93 a night - not far from the $89 Crescent deal. This price was only found there - other sites have the hotel for over $200 on those dates. So move it or lose it.

The next best site for prices for that time period seems to be easyclicktravel.com. They have the 4* Clift for $123, the 3* Kensington Park for $126 and some others. So check out that ECT.com. .

There was also a 3* Travelocity Secret Hotel Downtown/Nob Hill for $115 which had a swimming pool. Darned if I could ID it, though.

So those are all the suggestions I have. I have a feeling you won't get an amazing deal during this time, but at least you have options. I'm done now, I think.

[inspiration100]

I really appreciate all the help you gave! When I went back to book the Vintage Court, it had already expired so I continued to priceline.

I ended up getting a bite at 3* Pickwick hotel, SOMA. I bid $105 + $10 Bonus Cash for 3 nights, total of $115. Dates were 9/15-9/18/2010. I don't think your linked worked with the bonus cash so you probably didn't get credit. If there is a way to do that, I am sorry. Location looks perfect, hotel reviews could be better :).

If anyone knows anything about the hotel, give me a PM or a shout!

[AaronJB]

Congrats on your success. :)

Nice rate for busy dates, and looks like a pretty, historic property - some rooms also look to have nice views of the surrounding area.

Thank you for sharing your win and using the site's PRICELINE link.

Enjoy your stay.