Priceline Hotel: 3.5* Tampa (Downtown)

[boilerk]

I am quite familiar with the Priceline bidding process and successfully done it various times with the help in this site.

However, this year it is the first time to bid again and I have noticed that there are some changes in Priceline bidding process.

Instead of going up every $15, (although I used to bid every $5 waiting 24 hours), it requires me to change the travel dates, star levels, and region.

I have a conference in a specific area (Tampa Downtown area - zone 6) and would like to stay in a 3.5* for sure.

I have checked and there are only 4 hotels that are 3.5* at this region.

I am planning to stay between April 2 - April 7, 2011.

It seems that the normal bidding price range for 3.5* hotels in Tampa Downtown area is usually $55 - $85 according to the previous data listed in betterbidding.com.

However, I have tried for several days, starting from $55 and went up to $80 and it still does not work for me at this date. (tried $55, $60, $65, $70, $75, and $80). I wonder if I can get some help bidding for this date (April 2- April 7, 2011) in Zone 6 (Tampa Downtown) area. Or can you tell what is the appropriate bidding rates for this area??

I would very much appreciate your support.

[yellowdog]

Rates are on the high side for your dates.

How much would your max budget/night be before tax/fee?

Are you willing to stay in a diffrent zone if you can get this cheaper or bid at a lower rated hotel? or you want to stick with 3.5* in the DT zone?

Let us know how we can help you further.

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

Yellowdog.

[boilerk]

I do want to stick with 3.5* in the DT zone.

I was willing to keep the budget below $100. Will it be possible? or do I have to raise it above $100?

[thereuare]

The issue is that rates are higher than usual for these dates and it will likely therefore take a higher than usual bid to be accepted.

It looks like the Saturday nite is the 'problem' nite at the moment... would SPLITTING YOUR PRICELINE BID be an option? (meaning you would likely receive two different hotels, one for Saturday nite and one for Sun-Thur nites)

Your thoughts?

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