Priceline Hotel: 5* Sydney (City Centre) Marriott Harbour at Circular Quay Hotel

[nycmb404]

Hi all,

I've had great success using this board and its PRICELINE links for domestic travel. I'm hoping you may have some advice on a strategy for bidding on Sydney hotels on Priceline for November 3-November 7 (4 nights). I prefer 5 star category depending on the price (otherwise 4 star), and it looks like City Centre is the only option. I've checked the win list, but any thoughts on a potential starting bid or other strategy ideas?

Thanks,

Mike

[thereuare]

What is your maximum bid for a 5*, before you'll look to lower your star rating to the 4* level?

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

[nycmb404]

I think my max on a 5 star is about $160 or so. If that's not realistic, I'd take it down to the 4* level.

[thereuare]

Unfortunately there are no re-bid zones available at the 5* level, but fortunately you have time on your side.

I'd start at $110 and increase your bid $5 every 24 hours, which should get you to your maximum bid in 10 days, and if unsuccessful at that point we'll look at the 4* level and other options.

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

[nycmb404]

Just an update, all 5* bids (using the above PRICELINE links) have been rejected so far, most recently at $155. I'll try $160 tomorrow, but assuming it's unsuccessful, any thoughts on a next strategy to include 4* level?

[thereuare]

I'd follow the same path for a 4*... starting at $100.

Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links for your bidding.

Good luck.

[nycmb404]

I thought I'd also investigate HOTWIRE options, using links on the site to begin the search. Any guesses on this property for a 4 night stay, November 3rd to November 7th? Price is at $193.

5* in Circular Quay - The Rocks

Amenities: Smoke Free Rooms, Fitness Center, Pool, Restaurant, Business Center, Hi-Speed Internet Access

I am aiming for the Sydney Harbor Marriott at Circular Quay. Any guess as to whether that one is at least in the mix? As always, thanks for your help .

[thereuare]

Please keep all posts for the same stay in the same thread.

This property has not yet been reported to the board, nor has the Marriott been reported to the board with this or any other set of amenities, so hard to say if this is the Marriott. I will point out that this HOTWIRE offer shows a TripAdvisor rating of 4.5/5.0 while the Marriott's current rating is 4.0/5.0. This would cast some doubt on this being the Marriott, but doesn't exclude it from being so, since the TA ratings shown by HOTWIRE are not updated in real time, so this could still be the Marriott if the TA rating has changed since HOTWIRE's last update.

Have you tried bidding on PRICELINE higher then $160 at the 5* or 4* levels?

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

[nycmb404]

Oh ok, sorry about that. As for PRICELINE, for now, I've kept it only at the 5* level, most recently rejected at $175. If that continues to $185 or so, I might try the HOTWIRE 5* option if still available, unless I add 4* to the mix on PRICELINE. Either way, I'll report back on the result.

[thereuare]

Keep us updated on your progress and let us know if we can be of further help along the way.

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

Good luck.

[nycmb404]

Using the PRICELINE link above, finally had a win at $180 for 5* with the above dates, for the Marriott Sydney Harbour. Quite pleased with the result, even if it is above my original price range, given that this Marriott was my goal.

Room Subtotal: US$720.00

Taxes & Fees: US$94.56

Total: US$814.56

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your success!

While a bit more then you originally wanted to spend, glad to see you received the hotel you were hoping for and are pleased with the deal you received.

Thank you for sharing your win and using the PRICELINE links on the board to begin your bidding.

Enjoy your stay.