Priceline Hotel: 4* ft Lauderdale - Plantation

[JayaShi]

Hi everyone,

I'm new here trying to figure out Priceline.

I read a lot of topics and tried to score 4* FLL Plantation hotel.

so this is what i did:

I saw that the average winning bid for 4* Plantation is in the $60, so that's what i kept in mind.

for the period of 12/09 - 12/11 i made a bid of $50, declined

added Pompano and raised to $60

then Miramar $62

FLL north $64

FLL airport north $66 and finally

coral spring $68.

after that i stopped and thought lets wait for tommorrow.

could you please tell me if did something wrong, or perhaps something right :)

[JayaShi]

Hi,

again, Im new and trying to figure out Priceline.

question:

before making a bid and checking out the hotels with their prices, some hotels say: free breakfast (on select rooms)

does this also counts for priceline wins?

[Romelle]

That "...on select rooms" probably rules Priceline wins out.

If a hotel offers breakfast to EVERYBODY, Priceline bidders will get it. If it is sort of discretionary/selective - like that phrase - most likely Priceline bidders won't get it.

It seems that the lower star level hotels are more likely to offer breakfast to all - 3* and below. The higher star levels are less likely.

There are regional differences, and city differences.

If you are wondering, it usually is a better idea to ask at check-in. If you assume it is included and it is not, you will end up paying. And the rates tend to be pretty expensive.

Romelle

[thereuare]

Regarding your bidding, rates are date specific, so taking an average of previous winning bids is probably not applicable to your specific dates. As well, if you did indeed take an average, that's not a good methodology, let's take a very simple scenario where a hotel has two prices for accepted bids:

Low Season: $50

High Season: $100

Taking this average you'd bid $75... if if your stay is during low season would be an overbid... if your stay is during high season it obviously won't be high enough.

With above noted, rates for your dates are not too high and it may just be early for as deep of a discount as you're seeking. I would start a little lower and end a little higher for the next few months. At the 4* level you have FIVE re-bid zones and this is how i would bid:

Select 4* Plantation...

Bid $55, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $60, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $63, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $65, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $68, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $70

I would stick with this bidding 2-3x per week for the next 3-4 weeks, then if not successful adjust accordingly.

Any questions feel free to ask.

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

Keep us updated and let us know how it goes.