Priceline Hotel: Resort Orlando (Disney Maingate-Celebration) Gaylord Palms

[bmax]

Trying to book a 10/22/11 thru 10/24/11 in Orlando, Lake Buena Vista/Downtown Disney area Resort. I know that it can vary, but, it appears that the Cypress Grand Hyatt is the usual winner which is what I am shooting for. I can handle winning any other resorts in the area also. I tried my first bid today at $55.00 and was imediately rejected. I am afraid to change anything for fear I will be stuck in a different area, and I am firm with this particular area. I am willing to maybe go to $80 since there is an additional $33 each night in parking and resort fees.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding. :)

Please read this thread regarding re-bidding, and please let us know if you have any questions.

I would increase your bids by $5 each time up to your $80 max.

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

[thereuare]

I'd suggest trying to understand re-bidding a bit more so that you're comfortable with the process and using your re-bid zones. When bidding for Resort class hotels in this area you have ELEVEN re-bid zones. Using the Priceline Re-Bidding Explained link referenced above, see if you can identify the ELEVEN re-bid zones.. or if you're confused just post back and we'll break it down further for you.

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

[bmax]

Thanks for the responses! I did some research here, but, not really on re-bidding. I did select two other zones that I knew did not offer resorts (airport-FL mall area and downtow Orlando) but was still declined, but, offered a chance if I changed my preferences. I am going to read some more about re-bidding, but, I'm thinking I need to keep adding zones that do not offer resorts.

I'll check back if I have more questions.

[Romelle]

Thanks for the responses! I did some research here, but, not really on re-bidding. I did select two other zones that I knew did not offer resorts (airport-FL mall area and downtow Orlando) but was still declined, but, offered a chance if I changed my preferences. I am going to read some more about re-bidding, but, I'm thinking I need to keep adding zones that do not offer resorts.

I'll check back if I have more questions.

It sounds like you got a "counter-offer". A good sign, as long as you don't just accept it. What those really mean is that there is something available somewhere between your last bid and the offer. You did exactly right to stay with your strategy and keep slowly incrementing.

By "changing your preferences", all that takes is to add another free re-bid zone.

Regarding re-bidding, you need to know that Resorts are considered between 4* and 5*. So, as well as using zones that don't have Resorts for your re-bidding, you also want to make sure they don't have 5* offerings. I'd guess there isn't a zone in Florida that has 5* offerings, but doesn't have Resorts. Just thought I'd mention it though for future reference.

It will be worth your time to learn the right way to determine free rebid zones. A very powerful bidding tool. But it should be done each time just before a bidding session, in case something has changed. If the reading is puzzling, post back with your current understanding and somebody will help you the rest of the way.

Romelle

[bmax]

Thanks Romelle. I was definitely not thinking about resorts being considered 4 or 5 stars. So, if I chose an area during re-bid that had hotels (and not resorts) at a 4 or 5 star level, but, only have resort selected--then are you saying that I could be put in a hotel in that area?

I have followed the PRICELINE link, and written down each area and each availability in it. It appears that Orlando only has two zones that offer "resorts", but, several other zones that offer 4 and 5 star, and several with less.

This afternoon, after 24 hours has come around, I am going to follow the PRICELINE link from here (I did not do it last time bc I got a little to excited and forgot) and I am going to start the process over fresh.

If anyone has additional comments I would love to hear them. I would like to thank everyone again for restponding.

[thereuare]

Thanks Romelle. I was definitely not thinking about resorts being considered 4 or 5 stars. So, if I chose an area during re-bid that had hotels (and not resorts) at a 4 or 5 star level, but, only have resort selected--then are you saying that I could be put in a hotel in that area?

Sort of, but hopefully this further clarifies things...

The hierarchy of zones is as follows:

5*

Resort

4*

3.5*

3*

2.5*

2*

1*

So in a sense you should think of Resorts as being 4.5* rated. Now here is the important part... the star rating you select is the minimum that you are willing to accept, as PRICELINE will always upgrade you if there is hotel at a higher star level willing to accept your bid.

Therefore, if you've selected "resorts" as your star class (ie- think 4.5*).... then your Resort bid could be upgraded to a 5* hotel... but could not be awarded a 4* hotel (since Resorts are higher rated then 4* and therefore awarding you a 4* would be a downgrade from what you set at your minimum threshold)

Similarly, if you were to bid on a 4* hotel, then you could receive a 4*, Resort, or 5* rated hotel... since your 4* bid could be upgraded to a Resort or 5* property (as each is higher rated then the 4* you selected as your minimum)

Does that make it clearer? Is this a concept that you're more comfortable with now? If so, what 'star rating' do you want to try for, feel free to confirm your re-bid zones with the board, and let us know your maximum bid and we'll suggest a strategy for you to follow. If you're still confused or not comfortable with something just post back and we'll discuss further.

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

[bmax]

So far, I am still unsuccessful. I have only gone as far as $70 though, since after looking at taxes and resort fees I would probably be spending about $115/night. So, I may have to switch gears. I am not getting any counter offers and I am increasing 1-2 $ and adding zones. Since I took notes, I realise that I can add almost all of the zones since there is nothing above a 4* in most areas of Orlando.

Since I am exactly 3 weeks out at this time, does anyone think I should hold off a week or so to become successful? Can anyone offer me a better strategy?

This is becomming a fun little project!

[thereuare]

Are you only bidding the LBV zone and at the 4* level?

To arrive at your $115/nite figure what are you assuming at the resort fee?

Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board.

[bmax]

No, I am not bidding LBV at the 4* star level. I have only added zones and not changed my preference of resorts. I figued that if I secured the Cypress Grand Hyatt, with the $22 in resort fees and $11 in parking per day, plus taxes, I would be well over $100 a night.

[thereuare]

Rates for your dates are slightly higher then when others have won at the ~$65/nite level, and it will therefore likely require a higher bid amount.

I'm guess you'll need to go at least to the $70-$85 area which is more the norm for Resort class property in this zone.

Let us know how you'd like to proceed and we'll advise accordingly.

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

[bmax]

I was thinking that also. I think I will try bidding a little higher, otherwise maybe change it up all together and go for Seaworld/Covention Center area at a 4*.

Thanks. I will let you know what happens and post my results.

[bmax]

Ended up at Gaylord Palms for $70/night. If someone could let me know the proper procdure of posting results, I would like to do that.

[AaronJB]

Congrats on your success. :)

Superb deal for this resort property! Hope you are looking forward to your stay.

Thank you for sharing your win and please use the site's PRICELINE or HOTWIRE links to start your purchases and searches.

Enjoy your stay.