Priceline Hotel: help on how to search for best price

[cabral114]

Can someone give me the system including bidding rates which proved successful for them in Boston. I am looking for dates Sept 15th, and staying 4 nights. Would like 3 plus stars or better and want to be in the downtown'ish area. I see many people getting prices around 100 bucks And mine are flat out being rejected. Could this be because I am from Canada? Thanks

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding. :)

Prices can vary - especially in major cities - significantly from day-to-day and seasonally. What other users may get for their dates very likely may not reflect what is required for your dates.

Which zones have you bid on (and what bids have you made), and what would be your desired budget per night?

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

[cabral114]

Hi. Thanks for the response. I have bid, 75. 80. 85 and 90.Started at 4 plus starts and went to 3 plus after that. I started in zone 1, then zone 2, and then zone 9. this is how I worked it.

My budget would be 125 per night and prefer a 3 plus stars. Trying to be downtown Boston. Just going for a 4 day get away with the wife and a little break from 2 young children. :) a much deserved little break.

Thanks, any advice will be of help to me.

[thereuare]

The PRICELINE zone numbers will change when new zones are added and/or existing zones are re-named... please list the zones by PRICELINE name to avoid any confusion.

As well, while i believe current rates are likely out of your budget for a 3.5* or higher rated hotel, did you want to try for the highest rated hotel first, then if rejected lower your star rating and try again, etc, etc... OR is your goal the least expensive 3* or better for this stay?

Let us know the above (including the zones by name) and we'll suggest a strategy for you to follow.

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

[cabral114]

Hello and thanks for your response.

These are the areas I would like to stay in, in order.

1- Boston Harbour front - Aquarium

2- Boston waterfront - Convention center

3- Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall - Financial

4- Copley square - theatre district

I do have hotels I have in mind but I won't be over selective if I can just get a good deal. I would have no problem staying at a 3 plus if the price was good.

Any strategy advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks for the quick responses.

[Romelle]

I do have hotels I have in mind but I won't be over selective if I can just get a good deal. I would have no problem staying at a 3 plus if the price was good.

I'll let the moderators do the bidding strategy (I'm just a member), but was concerned about your remark above.

When you place a bid and it is accepted, that is when you learn exactly which hotel you get. There isn't any opportunity to be "selective" at that point.

You do get the star level (or higher) for which you bid, and it is within the map area of the zone you selected, but NO choices. And accepted bids are almost never refunded.

While some people do seem to want the control of actually picking a hotel, I personally think the surprise of which one is awarded is part of the fun of bidding. Hope you will feel the same way. If you do prefer to have more control, HOTWIRE may be a better route.

Romelle

[thereuare]

One more question inorder to move forward:

These are the areas I would like to stay in, in order.

1- Boston Harbour front - Aquarium

2- Boston waterfront - Convention center

3- Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall - Financial

4- Copley square - theatre district

Is price the most important factor and your goal is the least expensive 3* or better in any of the above zones... OR are you willing to pay more to stay the first zone above vs. the second vs. the third, etc. In other words, did you want to bid up to your limit in the first zone before trying the second zone, and so-on... OR is your goal the least expensive 3* or better in any of the zones listed above?

Please clarify and we'll suggest a strategy for you to follow.

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

[cabral114]

Hi. I money is key for this trip. I will happily stay in any of the zones I have selected with no issues. I would like to spend as little as possible, as would anyone. So please let me know the strategy I should use.

Thanks so much

Ryan

[thereuare]

When bidding 3* in Boston you have TWO re-bid zones. If you're not familiar with re-bidding please read Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and feel free to ask questions and/or confirm your re-bid zones with the board before proceeding.

Select 3* Harbour Front and Waterfront...

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

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

Bid $95, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Quincy Market and Copley Square...

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

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

Bid $95, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Quincy Market and Waterfront...

Bid $100, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Harbour Front and Copley Square...

Bid $100, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Harbour Front and Quincy Market...

Bid $105, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Waterfront and Copley Square...

Bid $105, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Harbour Front and Waterfront and Quincy Market...

Bid $110, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Harbour Front and Waterfront and Copley Square...

Bid $110, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3* Harbour Front and Waterfront and Quincy Market and Copley Square

Bid $115, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $125

Any questions feel free to ask.

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

Good luck and let us know how it goes.