Priceline Hotel: Need help for 5/25-5/27

[Dooley]

This is my first time here on the recommendation from the folks at fodors message board. I've never used priceline before either so all this is new to me. I think I have a basic idea of how priceline works.

So, I'd like to book one room on the strip for two people checking in on May 25 and checking out May 27.

This seems to be a "down time" generally for hotels and their regular rates are rather low anyway for these dates.

The rate at the Venetian for these dates is $169 per night.

I'd like to spend no more that 100 per night and stay at the best place possible. I'm fine staying at a place like Harrah's or Flamingo (both costing about 80-85 per night on their websites) but would like to get more "bang for my buck" through priceline if possible.

I'd really appreciate it if anyone could offer advice or suggestions on how I should approach this. I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!!

Dooley

[Dooley]

One other question. Hotels like the Mirage and MGM are going for $109 per night while others like Flamingo are less. I assume they are all in the same catagory of hotel (4 star or 3 star?). My question though is if they normally list for that price on the websites, how low will priceline accept (typically) for those dates?

Thanks!!

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

I have frequently said that Priceline and HOTWIRE are often not the best sources for booking in Vegas unless you are trying for the 5* level... deals are so plentiful in an attempt to bring users into the casino (studies show that guests gamble most frequently at the hotel they stay at) that better deals can often be had elsewhere.

The MGM and Mirage are considered 4* (in my book) and the Flamingo a step below at 3*... i think most would put the MGM and the Mirage at a higher rating than the Flamingo.

If you can get the Venetian thru Priceline i think that will give you the most 'bang for the buck', although it will likely cost more (in dollars) than any of your other options... other than the Bellagio.

If you'd like to try priceline first i would suggest bidding as follows:

Select 5* Strip and...

Bid $85, if rejected add re-bid zone and...

Bid $90, if rejected add re-bid zone and...

Bid $95, if rejected add re-bid zone and ...

Bid $99, if rejected add re-bid zone and...

Bid $100.

If you're not familiar with re-bidding please read RE-BIDDING EXPLAINED and feel free to ask any questions that you may have (we encourage them) and/or confirm your rebid zones with the rest of the board.

If there are no questions (i doubt it :) ) let us know how it goes.

PS- there is a good thread here you may want to read as well, I'VE NEVER USED PRICELINE or HOTWIRE.

[Dooley]

Thanks for all the good info. I think I get how the system works and how re-bid works but do have one question.

If I re-bid as you suggest, I need to change or add a zone, right? But what if I know that I'd like to stay on the strip and not in another zone. Does that mean I'll need to wait the 72 hours if my initial bid is rejected?

And, is raising my bid enough to allow a re-bid. I think I read that isn't enough.

Thanks! And thanks too for the good welcome.

[thereuare]

You have it <mostly> right :)

You need to add a zone, change your dates, or lower your star rating in order to bid again without waiting the usually required 72 hour waiting period... but that is where RE-BIDDING comes into play:

You add a zone that only offers star levels below the star level you are seeking. This may be best explained with a picture, did you see the picture in the re-bidding link above posted on Sep 3 2003, 06:54 PM? Take a look at that and it may become clearer, either way post back and we'll either explain it further or take the next step in moving foward.

Let us know.

PS- if it does't make sense at first don't get discouraged, sometimes it take a few explanations but eventually users "get it" and all of a sudden there is light in an otherwise dark room :)

[Dooley]

I see. I had read that before but I guess I misunderstood.

So, if I bid for a 5 star on the strip and it is rejected, I can then add a new zone that doesn't have any 5 stars and priceline will only search the strip?

This is sort of a loophole. I like it!

Thanks

[Dooley]

One other question on this (sorry to be a pain in the butt)

I was looking around the priceline sight at the compare and save option. Under 5 star hotels they have listed the Bellagio and the Venetian.

Under 4 star they have listed Alladin (for $89), Mirage ($109) and a bunch of others priced in-between.

My question is: when you do the "name your price" option will priceline pretty much just be searching among these hotels they've listed on "compare and save"?

For example, if I were to put in a bid on 4 stars, would it be most likely that the Aladdin would come up and not the Mirage?

While I don't think there is too much if any difference between the Bellagio and Venetian, I think there is a pretty big difference between Aladdin and Mirage. I wouldn't mind bidding and winning the Mirage but wouldn't want the Aladdin.

I hope that's clear. Thanks!!

[thenewbie]

While I don't think there is too much if any difference between the Bellagio and Venetian, I think there is a pretty big difference between Aladdin and Mirage. I wouldn't mind bidding and winning the Mirage but wouldn't want the Aladdin.

This is why many people don't bid below 5* in Las Vegas.

The rate for the Venetian is still $149 for your nights, so you should have success on Priceline around $99. I haven't seen winning bids below $99, so it'd save you time to start there, and work up a little if needed.

[Dooley]

well I gave it a whirl and came up short.

I made an initial bid for a 5 star on the strip for $85 and was rejected.

I then added a zone and re-bid at $90 and was rejected.

Added another zone and rebid at $99 and was rejected.

I'm not sure if I'm going to make anothe re-bid or not.

Thanks again for the good help.

[thereuare]

If the opaque services aren't right for you i'm sure we can also help with getting the best bang for your book thru a direct booking... let us know your budget and we'll try to find the best deal.

You can also try our Las Vegas Rate Checker Tool.

[dahammer]

Dooley, I think you still have a few free rebids, don't get discouraged that you didn't get the Venetian for $99. Some folks pay $300 and more for the pleasure. Take the advice from thereuare and use the Las Vegas Rate Checker tool, you will see prices and what hotels are available. Then decide if you want to keep bidding for your "opaque" 5*

[Dooley]

Hi all.

Thanks very much for the replies and the help. I ended up booking on southwest vacations. I was pretty surprised at the low prices. I booked a room at the Bellagio. Factoring in airfare and taxes the room came out to be about $110 per night which seems to be quite a good deal.

I could have made one or two more bids on priceling. To be honest, I was a bit freaked out by adding zones. I have no doubt the "loophole" is real but I kept on fearing i was going to get stuck with a room somewhere out on the fringes of Vegas. First time jitters!

Since my bid was already up to $99/night anyway, I thought I'd go ahead and book through southwest.

This has been a really interesting learning experience for me. About a month ago I booked a hotel room in Manhatten for a few days in June and I wish I had come to this site first for advice/suggestions on using priceline. I certainly will include both before I make my next reservations.

Thanks so much.

[thereuare]

Thanks for the follow-up... if that is the total cost (not per person) for the BELLAGIO i think you got a very good deal.

Enjoy your stay and have fun in Vegas.

[Dooley]

That is the total cost, before taxes, per night. My guess is that sw was able to offer the deal because I also had to pay for airfare for two people.

Thanks again! I think this is really a terrific site.