Priceline Hotel: Help with Amsterdam 4* hotel 9/16-9/21

[Denise623]

I have been trying to get a room for 9/16-9/21 in City Centre. Today my bid of $90 was rejected. I know that there is that conference going on until the 16th. Do you think that is why I cant find a room? I am in a bit of a time crunch now and want to secure a room. Would I have better luck raising the bid tomorrow to $100 or should I look for 9/17-9/21 and find somewhere else to stay perhaps in the South zone for the first night? I'd rather not have to change hotels. Any help is appreciated.

[AaronJB]

I'm actually seeing the Saturday of this stay mid-stay as being problematic at some (not all) hotels - in terms of regular rate, that night is sold out at a few hotels or more expensive. The night of the 16th doesn't look as if it's more expensive. What would be your desired max budget per night for hotel?

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[Denise623]

I was hoping not to spend any more than $110 per night.

[AaronJB]

You could try up to your max at $110 and if not accepted, then you could look into alternative options, such as lowering your star rating or looking into other nearby zones.

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

[thereuare]

Since you don't want to change hotels, i'd suggest bidding up to your limit over the next few days (in $5-$10 increments since you stated you're busy at the moment and don't have much time to bid)... then if not successful start the bidding over at lower levels for the dates of 9/17-9/21 (assuming at that point you're willing to change hotels in exchange for a lower price)

Does that make sense?

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

[BacSi]

Its a combination of a popular late summer early fall weekend plus that conference. That is why you have bid so high without a positive result.

Now someone suggested lowering your star level. This "might" be worth a shot. But 3* bidding in AMS is bidding blind. We do not know the hotels you might get we do not know the prices they might be won at. Three star bidding has never been popular in AMS.

Now if bidding (or HOTWIRE) does not do the trick you may also want to consider a house boat or an apt. We have in fact seen some disappointed bidders get good value right smack in the middle of the conference by booking a boat or an apt. It takes at least a 3 night stay at a min I believe for both of those options.

[Denise623]

Thank you all for the suggestions.

I attempted to up my bid last night and it said I needed to wait 24 hours so I just tried this mornign and I am getting the same response! I know for a fact that the last time I bid was the afternoon of the 29th. I dont understand why its saying duplicate request. This must be a glitch..has anybody had any luck contacting priceline before?

[thereuare]

Contacting PRICELINE is not likely going to help in this situation... with your stay 2+ weeks away i'd give it another day, wait 24+ hours from now (or 24+ hours from the time you last got that message) and try again.

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