Priceline Hotel: Bidding strategy for Amsterdam

[bewdleyboy]

Hello, I am a relatively new user of Priceline.

I am looking for a 4 or 5 star property in Amsterdam (Central + museum) 24th March 2011 to 27th March 2011 (3 nights) but am struggling. The forums seem to suggest that around $80 for 4* and $120 for 5* but I have bid up to $159 for 5* but have not even received a counter offer. Even with 4* I've gone up to $120 without success.

Any ideas?

Should I wait a couple of weeks to try again? Maybe split the nights - are weekends cheaper than wekdays?

Any help would be really appreciated.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Please start by reading your messages and clicking this PRICELINE link... then reply to this thread and we'll have a look and comment on your stay above.

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

[bewdleyboy]

Thanks have read the message and clicked on the link ! Will use the PRICELINE link when I bid.

[thereuare]

Rates are date specific, so you won't always be able to replicate another bid on the board, especially when their dates are different then your own.

Rates do appear slightly higher than usual for your dates, but not sure if it's just a function of it still being 2+ months ahead of your stay OR if something is happening which is causing demand (and rates) to be high.

What is the best rate you're able to find for a 4* and 5* hotel thru conventional booking channels?

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

[bewdleyboy]

Thans for the reply - best prices on websites seem to be around $160 for 4* and $230 for 5* for these dates

[thereuare]

So at the moment your bids are just about half of prevailing rates and rooms are not always discounted that deeply... given you have about 2 months before your stay, what is your maximum bid at this time?

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