jrwlkr Posted March 25, 2011 Report Posted March 25, 2011 Hi Everyone, what a great site! Thanks for all the info I've already picked up.So I'm looking for a 4* hotel for my wife for the Nike Marathon weekend (always packed). I'm already seeing that places are selling out (Expedia) but there are still some opportunities. I began bidding today at $125, started with USE, then re-bid with USW, and then re-bid with SOMA. Denied each time :). These are the areas I'm sticking with so my wife won't have to walk too far after the marathon. Priceline claims retail is $338 right now. Least expensive 4* on Expedia is $215 right now, but lately not getting good reviews (Prescott hotel), and $183 for a 3 1/2* (White Swan Inn 4.6 / 5) . I'm trying to stay under $200. Hotwire has a 4* in the USW area for $222, it has fitness center, business center, restaurants, and high speed internet. Since I have a lot of time still, here's my strategy. 1. each day go up by $10 up to $195. (7 days of bidding)2. once I reach $195 and not win then go back down to 3 1/2* and $125.I'm thinking I should book that $183 now just to be safe and then cancel it later. I'm also wondering, does Priceline hide some hotels out of their standard search? So if i search 4* hotels, that should be my selection if i win? or could they be hiding some sub-par hotels in there as well?Any help would be greatly appreciated.Thanks.
thereuare Posted March 26, 2011 Report Posted March 26, 2011 Welcome to BetterBidding!I began bidding today at $125, started with USE, then re-bid with USW, and then re-bid with SOMA. Denied each time :).The above are not really what we refer to as re-bid zones, as each of those zones contains the star level that you've selected. By bidding as you have, you can potentially overbid for the latter zones that you bid.See this thread on re-bidding: Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and ask any questions you have and/or confirm your re-bid zones with the board (HINT: you have SIX re-bid zones at the 4* level) If you read the link above and are confused just post back and we'll break it down further for you.Once you have your re-bid zones confirmed/understood we'll suggest a strategy for you to follow.Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
jrwlkr Posted March 26, 2011 Author Report Posted March 26, 2011 Thanks so much, yea I did figure it out, so I decided to take it down to $5 increments. So i submitted 6 more re-bids and now I'm up to 155 without a win, I'll continue again tomorrow after my 24hrs are up.
thereuare Posted March 26, 2011 Report Posted March 26, 2011 Glad you got the re-bidding straightened out :)Keep us updated and let us know if we can be of any help along the way.Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board for your bidding. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Colfax Posted March 27, 2011 Report Posted March 27, 2011 I'm thinking I should book that $183 now just to be safe and then cancel it later. I'm also wondering, does Priceline hide some hotels out of their standard search? So if i search 4* hotels, that should be my selection if i win? or could they be hiding some sub-par hotels in there as well?Booking a cancellable backup is a good idea and the White Swan gets excellent reviews. Even though it's not rated 4* White Swan gets better reviews than some 4* hotels. Personally I wouldn't bid higher than White Swan's $183 because you might pay more and get less. White Swan also offers free hot breakfast, which none of the 4* do.
jrwlkr Posted March 28, 2011 Author Report Posted March 28, 2011 Thanks a lot, looks like I'm keeping the White Swan at $183. Do you think it would be a good idea to keep trying monthly or every 2 weeks? Appreciate all the help.
thereuare Posted March 28, 2011 Report Posted March 28, 2011 Every 10-14 days should be good at this point in time.Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Gallus50 Posted March 28, 2011 Report Posted March 28, 2011 When things seem tight and PL/HW aren't showing much, I've been turning to LastMinuteTravel.com. They sometimes have listings for reasonable prices when those other two don't. For this weekend, they have the Hyatt Regency showing AVAILABLE for $132 a night. For that weekend, it's probably a good deal. It's easy to ID on LMT - just use BEAV's methods from the Run of House section on BB. Will investigate a bit more and post again.
Gallus50 Posted March 28, 2011 Report Posted March 28, 2011 LMT also has the Hotel Nikko for about $143. This is likely the Petite Queen, which is a small room. IMO, the Hyatt is a better deal. Let us know what you decide.
jrwlkr Posted March 30, 2011 Author Report Posted March 30, 2011 I appreciate the help, I agree the Hyatt is a better deal. Unfortunately it's pretty far from where she wants to be, especially on marathon morning when most streets are closed and she would have to walk from there.
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