Priceline Hotel: 4* London (Bloomsbury-Marble) Thistle Marble Arch

[cowscanmoo]

Hello there,

New to this, so hope I get this right! I'm looking for help on a bidding strategy for a three or four star hotel in London July 2-July 4 for 1 room (2 people occupancy). I would ideally like to be in the Kensington area, but am open to suggestions of other places. Because we're poor students, we'd also like to spend as little as possible, like under $100/night. Any advice on a starting bid? Thanks for all your help!

[WillTravel]

I haven't looked at anything, but you have some time. If you're going for the cheapest possible options and willing to take a few days, you can start by testing the waters with a bid of 3* and $55. You're likely to get a counteroffer - if you do, don't take it but report back (well, even if you don't get a counteroffer). Of course there's an outside chance the offer could be accepted too - not likely, but possible.

[allen074]

there is a holiday inn offer going around i think for about 80 pounds if that helps - then you get points!

[cowscanmoo]

Thanks for the advice:

Started at Mayfair-Soho for a 4* at $60 - rejected

Added Kensington at $75 - rejected

Added Bloomsbury at $90 - accepted!

So we got the Thistle Marble Arch for $90 a night: grand total was $220.73 for 2 nights and taxes.

[thereuare]

Congratulations on yoru win!

Looks like a great deal! Probably not exactly the way it should have been bid and may be a bit of an overbid (thought you were going to post back after your first bid), but the savings are substantial so it's a nice "win" in our book :)

Thanks for sharing your results with the board.

Have a great time in London!