Priceline Hotel: 3.5* Los Angeles (Santa Monica - Marina Del Rey) Doubletree Guest Suites Santa Monica

[Katrina S]

Planning a quick trip and hoping to stay at a 3.5* hotel in Santa Monica or MDR. Ideally would like to have a pool and have chosen a 3.5*+ as priceline guarantees this feature. We will not have a car so I am not worried about parking, etc.

Not sure what I should start bidding at - average cost for hotels in the area for the dates is $175+. Ideally hoping to pay under $125 after taxes/fees. Is it possible? Would be willing to consider 3* as well, just really want to ensure we have a hotel with pool.

Comparing the $125/night to a hotel on Hotwire, which I assume to be the Holiday Inn Santa Monica Pier - works out to be about $125 after taxes.

Are the extra bidding areas: Lawndale, Culver City, USC and Inglewood? Any good strategies out there? Any help appreciated!

[thereuare]

Ideally would like to have a pool and have chosen a 3.5*+ as priceline guarantees this feature.

This isn't the case... a pool is not guaranteed at any star level (unless you're seeing PRICELINE's new feature, which is being shown at random, in which case the amenities of the star level are shown). If you want to ensure the hotel has a pool then you'll need to use HOTWIRE and purchase a hotel with a Pool icon.

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.

[Katrina S]

I'm seeing the new priceline feature, showing star level 3.5* with a pool, no other amenities. They also have a 4* with other amenities (pool, restaurant, business center, fitness center).

Any advice for bidding tips for 3.5* with priceline in the Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey area is much appreciated!

What dollar range should I start bidding in?

[thereuare]

At the 3.5* level you have FOUR re-bid zones. If you're not familiar with re-bidding please read Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and feel free to ask questions and/or confirm your re-bid zones with the board before proceeding.

(NOTE: 're-bid zone1' is not the same as priceline's Zone1, 're-bid zone2' is not the same as priceline's Zone2, etc, etc)

Select 3.5* Santa Monica-MDR...

Bid $80, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $85, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $90, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $95, if rejected add re-bid zone...

Bid $100

This will take you to your $125 all-in budget, although i think it may take just a bit more than this. However, with time on your side you can try the above and if necessary we'll take it from there.

Any questions feel free to ask.

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

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[Katrina S]

Thanks for the tips!

Reminding myself the trip is far away as I was nervous I did not see the 'random' amenities feature on priceline today. Thinking I will most likely book the Holiday Inn by the pier ($157+/night) as a back up plan. Far from what I'd rather be paying, but just to be safe. Not sure if anybody is able to comment on how busy hotels are/will be in early December..

Will keep you posted, and of course, I'm using the links everytime!

[thereuare]

If you do book a back-up reservation please use the Holiday Inn link in our Support Page.

Not sure if $100 is still your maximum bid, but as noted above, it does often take a little more than this to win a 3.5* hotel in this zone.

Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board. (our the link in our Support Page for your hotel direct purchases)

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

[Katrina S]

Considered pushing my maximum JUST A LITTLE above $125/night as suggested. Checked priceline again this morning and the 'amenities' feature was showing again. As an Entertainment Book user, I had a "bonus" $20 to spend on a min of 3 nights. Used this additional $6/night and starting bidding at $90. (i.e. I was bidding 90, total offer would be $96, etc.)

Here's how I progressed:

$90 +$6 in Santa Monica, rejected

$95 +$6 in Santa Monica, another zone, rejected

$101 +$6 in Santa Monica, 2 other zones, rejected

$105 +$6 in Santa Monica, 3 other zones, rejected

$107 +$6 in Santa Monica, 4 other zones, ACCEPTED!!

I'll be staying at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Santa Monica (previously 3*), but am happy as I have read quite positive reviews. Regularly selling at $210 on Priceline's regular site.

I think they are also selling at CAD$141/night on Hotwire, based on their amenities shown (Pool, Restaurant, Business Centre, Fitness Center, Laundry).

Original price, if booked regularly on Priceline: $722.04 (USD)

Price if booked on Hotwire (educated guess): $493.16 (CAD)

Price paid: $383.52 USD

Very pleased! Thank you for all the help!

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your success!

Nice to see you decided to go up a little higher and were successful in doing so.

Glad to hear you're pleased with the results and looking forward to your trip.

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

Enjoy your stay.