Priceline Hotel: Help with bidding

[3dsmom]

I am trying to priceline a room for New Orleans for Memorial Day weekend and having trouble getting a room. I started bidding on Friday and still cannot get a room. Could I be bidding too soon? They seem to have rooms available but I'm having no success. We have friends that were able to get rooms earlier in the week.

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding. :)

Please provide the exact date/s of travel (as well as desired budget per night, PRICELINE zone and star rating) and we would be happy to help. Additionally, please provide details on what you have bid for so far.

Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.

[3dsmom]

I started out bidding $75 on a 4 star hotel for the French Quarter in New Orleans. When that was rejected, I did 3 1/2 star for $80 and then 3 star for $85. I do not want to go out of the French Quarter zone though. I've never had this much trouble before and I don't think there is a lot going on this weekend. Any advice will be appreciated.

[thereuare]

Please provide the exact date/s of travel...

[3dsmom]

Sorry, this weekend. May 28th through the 30th.

[thereuare]

Rates aren't that high for these dates, but it is a holiday weekend which may be bringing in a bit more traffic then usual and rates therefore won't be at their absolute low. As well, since it's a holiday weekend, some hotels may be restricting Saturday check-in since they don't anticipate many travelers seeking a room for just Friday, which increases the probability of a room booked for Sat-Mon sitting vacant for Friday nite.

I'm not seeing much difference in rates between 3* and 4* hotels in the Quarter, and based upon current prices i'm guessing anything within this range will cost about $90-$110.

What is your maximum bid for this stay? Do you want to try your maximum for a 4* first, then if rejected try for a 3.5*, so-on... OR is you goal the least expensive 3* or better for this stay? Also, it's your trip and you know your needs best, but i'd also consider the Downtown zone if budget is a concern and you want to increase your chances.

Lastly, your bidding strategy above is not sound, as you're lowering your star rating and increasing your bid as you do... when you lower your star rating you also want to lower your bid price, as explained in this thread: If You Lower Your Star Rating then Lower Your Bid Price.

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

Let us know the info above and we'll advise accordingly.