Priceline Hotel: 3* Cincinnati (Riverfront-Covington) Radisson

[BlueCrazy]

Maybe something going on that weekend? Just did this a week or so ago. Started here as always - even found a win for that weekend in covington but I didn't have the same luck. Err... I thought I saw it here somewhere... can't find it now.

4* @ $50 downtown

added 3.5* (this worked last time)

added riverfront/convington @ $55

added ft mitchell @ $60

added 3*

Didn't plan my rebids very well, I assumed the 3.5* downtown for 50-55 would work as it has many many times. Have plenty of time though, will try again tomorrow.

Not sure if this matters/helps, but Expedia's "unpublished rate" (which is similar maybe even run by hotwire?) usually has that 3.5* downtown as an option EXCEPT for that weekend. The Miami/Cinci game really pack the place??!

[AaronJB]

If there's a game going on, hotels will likely be busy - what would be your desired max budget for hotel for the night?

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

[BlueCrazy]

I'd probably go as high as 70. I'm not in a rush to book it and it wouldn't kill me if I donm't get the win at all. Do they sometimes release more rooms closer to the date?

[thereuare]

Do they sometimes release more rooms closer to the date?

Hotels are constantly adding/removing inventory as well as increasing/decreasing the price of inventory, based upon the supply/demand (ie- occupancy levels) at the hotel. See the "bid early or close to check-in" link in our PRICELINE FAQ for further info.

Which zone(s) are acceptable? Did you want to bid up to your limit for a 4*, then if rejected lower your star rating to a 3.5*, then if rejected lower again to a 3*?

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

[BlueCrazy]

Downtown and Riverfront - Covington are the only zones I want. I'm thinking of trying for 4/3.5 and running that up to my max, then wait and the next time run the 3* up to my max.

[thereuare]

I'm thinking of trying for 4/3.5 and running that up to my max...

Are you willing to pay more for a 4* vs. a 3.5* OR would your goal at first be the least expensive 3.5* or better for this stay?

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

[BlueCrazy]

Are you willing to pay more for a 4* vs. a 3.5* OR would your goal at first be the least expensive 3.5* or better for this stay?

Least expensive 3.5 or better. My plan right now is to start @ $55 3.5, +4* and try 60, add Ft Mitchell and try 65, add Cinci Northwest try 70

Wait 24, and try again except starting at 3*

I'll probably just repeat that pattern up to my date, unless you have a better strategy?

[thereuare]

My plan right now is to start @ $55 3.5, +4* and try 60...

This won't work... the star rating you select is the minimum you're willing to accept and PRICELINE will always look to upgrade you if possible. Therefore when bidding 3.5* PRICELINE also checks for 4* hotels, and would therefore your reject your 2nd bid as a duplicate.

I would try as follows:

At the 3.5* level you have THREE re-bid zones. If you're not familiar with re-bidding please read Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and feel free to ask questions and/or confirm your re-bid zones with the board before proceeding.

Select 3.5* Downtown and Covington...

Bid $55, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $60, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $65, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $70

Any questions feel free to ask.

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

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[BlueCrazy]

Congratulations, your price of $65 was accepted by Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront

I did change my plan as you suggested and ran the 3.5/4 up to 70 with no luck. I closed the browser and started again with 3* $55 Covington (aiming for the Radisson, it's on Hotwire for 76)

Got the "This one time we'll let you increase your bid to $70 without changing anything" message - which normally in the past means I'm getting close :)

Added downtown and increase to 60

Added Ft Mitchell and increased to 65

Never been to this property before, but the website says complimentary parking - that alone should save me $30 over the downtown hotels.

Thanks for the help!

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your success!

Nice to see you received the hotel you were hoping for and that you're happy with the results.

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

Enjoy your stay.