Priceline Hotel: 3.5* Country Club Plaza Help

[schecke]

I have been attempting to get the Raphael hotel on priceline for 11/5/11-11/7/11. There is a Chiefs game in town that weekend which I am going to. Started bidding $65 in CCP and was rejected. I had seen a lot of previous threads for this property in the $70-$85 range so thought this was a good place to start. Have done free re-bids all the way to $86 with no bites. Not even on a different 3.5* property. Went in $5 increments while adding :

Kansas City North, MO

Kansas City West, KS

Leavenworth, KS

Lees Summit - Blue Springs, MO

I'm actually surprised that nothing has come back, considering there were also a bunch of threads showing different properties at ~$65 for 3.5* in the CCP. Anyone have any thoughts? Is the info I am referencing on here out of date?

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Please start by reading your messages and clicking this PRICELINE link... then reply to this thread and we'll have a look at your trip above.

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

[schecke]

okay, have read the welcome message and clicked through the PRICELINE link. looking forward to hearing your advice.

[thereuare]

Rates are date specific, and the football game changes the dynamic for this stay so that you can't compare previous winning bids for other dates (when rates are lower) to what will be needed for your own stay. Using the Hotel Raphael as an example, hotel direct rates for your nites start at $189/nite, so your current bids are well under half of prevailing rates... not a high probability of success given that hotels expect to sell a large number of rooms on their own given those staying overnite due to the football game.

What is the best available rate you're able to find for a 3.5* property for this stay? What is your maximum bid for a 3.5* hotle for this stay?

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

[schecke]

I've definitely Pricelined the last 3 years for hotels during game weekends. I always get a 3 .5* or 4* hotel in either CCP or Crowne Center area without a problem. Usually in the $65-$75 range. I thought if I couldn't get the Raphael, because their normal rates are so much higher, I should have at least scored a room from one of the less expensive 3.5* properties.

3.5* Embassy Suites - $149

3.5* Inter-Continental - $171

3.5* Marriott Country Club Plaza - $119

3.5* Raphael Hotel - $179

3.5* Sheraton Suites - $149

last year I got Marriott for $60/night 11/20 - 11/22. Not only was that a football weekend, it was right before the Thanksgiving holiday. I can see having to go to at least $90 to secure the Raphael (i.e.: 50% off), but why do you think I am not getting any bites from The Marriott, Embassy, or Sheraton for which I have all well surpassed 50% with my $86 max bid.

[thereuare]

The nite before Thanksgiving is typically a slow nite for hotels as there are no business travelers, so that may not be the best example.

The hotel market has rebounded fairly well in many regions throughout the country. In years past hotels may have had very low occupancy and may have been willing to discount deeply many months ahead of the stay (knowing that they wouldn't get anywhere near full occupancy given the soft market)... in the current environment occupancy may be closer to a historical norm, and hotels not as willing to discount too deeply or too early, instead seeing how things play out in hopes of selling rooms on their own at full price.

So while it may just be a little early for a very deep discount, it's also possible that the hotel market is getting stronger and discounts may not be as deep as you've grown accustomed to in years past (or likely a combination of the two). You may want to book a fully refundable back-up and continue your current bidding strategy for the next 2 months or so, then if unsuccessful 3-4 weeks out begin to gradually increase your maximum bid.

HOTWIRE does have some hotels at the 3.5* and 4* in their Downtown-Crown Center zone within the range of prices you have already bid, if that area is of any interest.

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

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

[Bob24]

FYI for you and for the board admins, The Raphael and the Inter-Continental have been upgraded to 4 stars by Priceline. You will need to bid on a 4 star deluxe to score either one.

[schecke]

thanks for the tip. any thoughts on pricing?

[Romelle]

It looks like it is booked for your Friday night, but the Drury Inn across the street from the stadium has availability via Expedia for your Saturday night. It worked really well for my grandsons and I a couple months ago. We walked to and from a Royals game! 5-10 minute walk, well marked and comfortable.

Nice outdoor pool. Not only breakfast, but early evening snacks that served as a hearty dinner for us.

Not as fancy as the Country Club Plaza area, but really handy.

Romelle

[AaronJB]

If the Drury is available for the same rate on Orbitz, coupon code ORBITZ5 may work for 5% off; Drurys are usually very nice and offer loads of extras.

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