Priceline Hotel: Unsuccessful bidding in Boston (Revere-Logan Airport area)

[Squikler]

Hi all,

I've been trying to get a couple of rooms for an overnight layover we'll be having in Boston on Oct. 22. I started at $70 (hey, ya never know...) for 3.5* or 4* and have gone as high as $170. The main area I'm looking in is near the airport, but I've also tried a couple others (Boston Waterfront and Harbor Front--if we can't get airport, we want to be somewhat close if we have to take a cab). I thought I might be too low, but $170 seems a bit high, especially considering the 4* average for the airport is $229. I haven't tried 3* yet, but now that I've hit my max (really, I'd like to spend no more than $150-$175...) I think I'll probably have to try it. But I'm not sure what the best strategy would be from here on out.

Please help!

Thanks!

Jess

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Very expensive nite in Boston! Is this just a layover to sleep or will you be heading out to see the city at all? How many rooms do you need? What time do you arrive and depart?

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your future bidding.

[Squikler]

Just to sleep, unfortunately! We need two rooms. Our flight arrives at 7-ish, but we'll have to go through customs, so probably go to the hotel around 8:30, 9 at the latest. Our flight the next day leaves at 11 a.m.

Thanks!

[AaronJB]

On the high end, HOTWIRE is offering a 4* in the Logan airport zone for $205, and the Embassy Suites is $197 regular rate via Expedia (while more expensive, you would get free breakfast and evening reception) and given the rates I'm seeing, I don't think you're too far off from a 3.5*-4* in the Logan airport area. On the lower end, you could try for a 3* and start lower, working higher. If you are just looking for a place to sleep, a 3* may work just fine.

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

[Liset]

Jess,

I frequently bid on 4* hotels at Logan, and my experiece has been that I've never scored a deal less than a few weeks out. The usual advice on this board, which I always adhere to, is to book a fully cancellable hotel as a back-up. I think this is particularly important for your date, as this weekend is the Head of the Charles Regatta and availability may be low.

I stayed at the Hyatt Harborside on 8/16 and again 8/24-26 by taking advantage of their price gaurantee. Not only will they match any other published price, they also reduce it by 20 percent. In my case, I used GTA Hotels.com. GTA does offer a lower price for your date, and the Hyatt price match will bring the cost close to your budget. On the Hyatt website you'll find information on their price gaurantee and a phone number to call. Because the reservation can be cancelled, you can then continue to bid in hopes of a better deal.

While I ALMOST always book via PRICELINE using the link on this board, this was one of the rare instances where an alternative worked better for me. I thought I'd share it with you as an option.

[Squikler]

Thanks for all the help! I went ahead and booked a room at the Hyatt, and will continue to try to bid (via the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links here!) for a better deal. We may downgrade to a 3* but after sitting on a cramped plane with 3 kids for 5.5 hours, I think we'll want some extra room to stretch out!

If I do have a successful bid, I'll be sure to post it!

Thanks so much!

[yellowdog]

Squikler

Thanx for the update and using boards PRICELINE link :)

If you need any help with your 3* bidding so just post.

Please follow-up this thread with whatever you end up doing, even if you chose to book direct, cancell your trip, etc.

Yellowdog.

Please note that we're affiliated with Hyatt and many others. Please use the links at our support page

[Squikler]

We stuck with booking direct with Hyatt--I didn't know about the support page to book through here, but I'll be sure to do that next time! I waited too long to get the price match--hotel is no longer listed on any sites! Oh well.

Thanks for all the help again, everyone!

[AaronJB]

Thank you for closing the thread.

Enjoy your stay.