Priceline Hotel: Maui Resort Help - 3/9 - 3/11

[LazyEngineer]

I'm trying to get a deal on a Maui Resort from 3/9 - 3/11. I don't really care whether it is in Waelea or Lahaina - but would like it to be in the Resort class. I would like to keep it under $175 if possible. (If I could get the Marriott Waelea for the $120 it has gone for in the past, that would be fantastic.)

I have bid all the way up to $195 for a resort on the entire Island with no luck. This surprises me since last year in March, the resorts were going for $120 - $160. Will prices likely drop as we get closer?

Orbitz was showing the following prices, FWIW:

Hyatt - $380

Sheraton - $339

Marriott - $399

I will probably book a couple of nights at the Maui Coast Hotel (refundable at $185 per night) as a backup plan.

[thereuare]

There is no telling if rates will drop, or move even higher, between now and your stay.

However, the rates you quote above do appear to be somewhat high and your bid is well under half of 2 out of 3 of the hotel prices you quoted above (and for the third is just over half price)... not a very high probability of success. When hotel rates rise it is evidence of increased demand, and although the hotel's margin's go up, the percentage of discount can actually go down, simply because the hotel is in a high-demand situation and not under as much pressure to sell any current inventory, preferring to hold on to rooms in an attempt to sell them on their own (at full price) then 'give them away' at too deep a discount.

Booking a back-up is a good game plan and continuing to bid 2-3 times a week... perhaps more frequent (and increasing your maximum bid) as you get closer to your travel dates.

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

Keep us updated on your progress and let us know if we can be of further help along the way.