Priceline Hotel: 4* Honolulu (Waikiki North) Hawaii Prince

[LilMama865]

I am very very new to this. I do not even know which would be better for me try - hotwire or priceline.

This is my first trip to Hawaii. I will be traveling to Honolulu and was advised by some people who've visited Honolulu before, to try to get a rental in the Waikiki area. So, I'm trying to book a hotel room at a 4*(or better) propertyfrom 7/20/05 - 7/26/05. From what I've been reading on the priceline boards, it appears that it will be either the Hilton Hawaiian Village or Marriott Resort & Spa at Waikiki Beach.

Which is the better option for me - hotwire or priceline? I need help as to what bidding strategy I should use? And how high should I go? And yes, I realize that the advise given offers no guarantees.

Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Generally speaking Priceline is a bit cheaper than Hotwire, but with Hotwire it's a bit easier to know which property you are likely to get.

As well, Priceline's zones are a bit larger than Hotwire's (which subdivides this region a bit more)... so if there are certain areas where you do/don't want to be, and Priceline's boundaries are too broad, than Hotwire presents another option/alternative.

For your dates i do see what i believe to be the Sheraton available, but i don't know if that is a property you would want to target or not.

I would start by looking at each of priceline and hotwire's zones and see which (both?) are acceptable to you.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have and/or us let know your thoughts and how you want to proceed... we'll then help with whatever route you'd like to take.

[LilMama865]

After looking into some areas, as my first choice I would prefer the Hawaii Prince Hotel. As my second choice, I would like the Sheraton. If I can recall, these are both in the Waikiki North area. So what do I need to do and where do I need to go to get started :)

[thereuare]

OK, what appears to be the Hawaii Prince on Hotwire is available for $176/nite... you can probably get another $10/off per nite for 5 nites. You can decide to go with this, or...

Try to do better on Priceline. However, you mention the hotels you want above, but you can't choose the specific hotel you want... only the star rating and geographic boundary of where the hotel will reside.

So you can go with the first option of what we believe is likely the Hawaii Prince, or you can try to get a better price thru Priceline, but be subject to any hotel in that zone at the minimum star rating your choose.

Let us know your thoughts and we'll advise on how to move forward.

[LoneStar]

For these dates, like the previous poster, it looks like summer availability in Waikiki is better at the 4 star properties than the 3 stars. BTW, for these nights I saw on Hotwire a 4 star at $160 ("best value" near beach) and a 4.5 star for $188 (best value waterfront). Do we know which properties these are likely to be?

[LilMama865]

I decided to take my chance and bid on a 4* in Waikiki North.

My first and only bid was accepted for my dates needed (7/20-7/26).

$140/night.

And yes!! the Hawaii Prince Hotel accepted my bid.

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your win!

Thanks for posting and enjoy your stay.