Priceline Hotel: 3*-3.5* Rochester - Pittsford Fairport

[gottagetta]

Hi,

I've been trying to book a last minute trip to Rochester using the PRICELINE link from this site for Rochester Pittsford Fairport area for a 3*-3.5*. I've tried $65 and $75 and have been rejected for both. The travel dates are 2011/05/20 to 2011/05/23. I'll have to wait tonight to try again. Any advice. I noticed that another user was able to win $75 for the same area but slightly different dates.

[Romelle]

If you post your dates in the Priceline retail side, and then post the dates of that other bidder, you may be able to tell if the different dates are making much difference to the rates. And then be guided accordingly in your bidding. You can also do this in Hotwire or Expedia.

The low 3* on Priceline retail for your dates is $147. Hotwire has a 3* for $100.

Even one day difference can make a huge $$ difference.

You've got some free rebid availability in the Rochester area. Post back if you aren't familiar with the concept.

Romelle

[gottagetta]

Hi Romelle,

I don't think I quite understand the "free rebid availability" that you are referring to. Could you explain that to me?

Thanks

[thereuare]

See this thread: Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and feel free to ask questions and/or confirm you re-bid zones with the board. If you read that thread and are confused just post back and we'll break it down further for you. (HINT: at the 3.5* level you have THREE re-bid zones, at the 3* level you have ONE re-bid zone)

Are you willing to pay more for a 3.5* vs. a 3* or is your goal the least expensive 3* or better for this stay? What is your maximum bid for this stay?

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

[gottagetta]

I see. Thanks for the information. I didn't realize this. I think I might have worked against myself because I my first bid was for the 3.5* and when I went back to bid, I did so at a later time and just selected 3* not both 3.5* and 3*. :) I'm assuming that since I didn't get the 3* I wouldn't be getting the 3.5*.

I was hoping to get the woodcliff hotel and as a second choice the brookwood inn. I wasn't willing to pay more than $90.

[Romelle]

I see. Thanks for the information. I didn't realize this. I think I might have worked against myself because I my first bid was for the 3.5* and when I went back to bid, I did so at a later time and just selected 3* not both 3.5* and 3*. :) I'm assuming that since I didn't get the 3* I wouldn't be getting the 3.5*.

When you select a star level, Priceline adds in the star levels above it automatically. So when you selected the 3*, if there wasn't a 3* hotel available at or below your bid and there was a 3.5* (or even higher) Priceline would give it to you as an "upgrade".

This is different than using "free rebids". Worth a read to understand that topic. It is a very powerful tool that lets you make extra bids in one session. It also is a little tricky, and a little dangerous if one doesn't quite understand it. If you want to use it, after you've reviewed the write-up do post back with any questions.

Romelle

[gottagetta]

So I tried this strategy last night for my PRICELINE bid but was unsuccessful. At the end I had Downtown Rochester, Pittsford and Henrietta areas for 4* - 3* hotels for $98. I still got rejected. So it's cutting it too close to go with PRICELINE. I'll be canceling my trip and do something else.

[thereuare]

Sorry to see bidding for this stay/location didn't work out for you.

If you choose another destination feel free to let us know and we'll try to assist.

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