Priceline Hotel: 3.5* Minneapolis-St Paul (Bloomington West-MofA) Doubletree Bloomingto

[KevWhite]

Hi all,

I've used this board on several occasions, and always with amazing success. I've always used Priceline, with an average of 40-50% savings on rooms.

My wife and I are spending 4 nights downtown and would appreciate drawing on some of the vast experience of the community here.

Our travel dates are Oct 17-21th.

Basically, just a ballpark on the starting bid(s) for this area.

Thanks, and I'll update with results

[Romelle]

Various ways - I tend to use several of them, just in case, and start with the lowest number I find (assuming I have time and free re-bids on my side).

One start is the Calendar of Wins (just above on this page). I did look there (both Priceline and Hotwire), and all that is posted right now is a 3.5* Bloomington for $45.

And then there is Hotwire - always a good max since you can just switch to it if you aren't having luck with Priceline at lower levels. But you can also use some % off it as a starting point. Theories vary, but with the amount of time you have and the free re-bids, you could start at about 25% off.

And then there is 40% or 50% of rack rates from the hotel web sites. And also 50% of the Priceline retail side.

All of these are really optimistic, but if you use them you won't have that sinking feeling of getting your first bid accepted and knowing you over-bid.

Well, yes, there is the Quick Search using "minneapolis downtown" to see what other bidders have reported.

Romelle

PS - If you are unsure of just which are the free re-bid zones at the 4* level (or whatever you ultimately decide to bid), do post back your understanding and somebody will double-check it for you. There are so many it will almost be easier to just list the ones that aren't free re-bids.

PPS - And if you do post your win, the next member looking to bid the area will think kind thoughts at you!

PPPS - And if you start with the PRICELINE link up in the upper right hand corner, the administrators will also think kind thoughts at you. Come to think of it, so will the members, since that process helps to fund this "...amazing success" board.

[thereuare]

Rates are extremely high for these nites, with many hotel direct rates at 4* properties at nearly $300/nite and it goes up from there... do you know of something taking place in the area during these dates?

What is the best rate you're able to find for a 4* hotel? Given this rate, how high are you willing to bid before reconsidering your needs for a 4* hotel and lowering your star rating?

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

[KevWhite]

Well, I started yesterday at $55...and also noticed (later) that the average price was at the $300 range for 4*

So that was a little ambitious, I realize.

Anyway, today I lowered my star rating to 3.5 and moved my location to "Bloomington West - Mall of America Area"

$60 per night won me "Doubletree By Hilton Hotel Minneapolis-Bloomington South"

I've never been there, but it seems quite nice,

Thanks to the above posters and I clicked on the PRICELINE links.

Seems like the average room cost at the Hilton is $120-$150. So I saved at least half off my stay.

Thanks twice!

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your success!

Looks like a very nice deal and an easy decision to switch to this nearby zone given the Downtown prices. Glad to see you're pleased with the results.

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

Enjoy your stay.