Priceline Hotel: suggestions for hotels in Tampa-Brandon area??

[jhansen]

I am looking for any suggestions about bidding on hotels in the Tampa-Brandon area. We are looking for a place March 16-19 (which I am know is during a high season due to spring breaks). We were hoping to bid on a 2 1/2 star hotel and were hoping to get something for 40-50 dollars... is that even reasonable? We haven't had any luck yet. I am not sure if it is better to wait until closer or if I just need to bid higher... we would also be willing to go to a 2 or 1 star depending on how high the prices might be at that time of year. Thanks for any help!

[AaronJB]

Welcome to Betterbidding. :)

What bids have you made so far in terms of zone/star rating/price?

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

[bmw745ion19s]

I posted this on the other listing you asked the question in.

I too frequent Tampa because Im from there and only live 2hour away now. Spring break does have an affect on Tampa hotels but, Brandon is east of tampa and not really a vacation zone. Ive stayed in the westshore area (nice area near everything in south tampa) for $50 and seen plenty of others do the same at 3.5* and 4* hotels. If you post your dates I wouldnt mind giving you a recommendation. Also do you mind driving back and forth to Brandon during that time? not sure how much you need to be in that area or what.

HOTWIRE isnt showing anything really except a 4* for $128 a night. Kayak was showing the Crowne Plaza Westshore for $92, its a new hotel and nice. the location is great too for everything. This means your budget should easily be do able.

[jhansen]

We have bid only in the Brandon area so far (Zone 1) because we are going there for my mother-in-law's wedding and the other guests are staying at a hotel there. We are willing to expand the territory, but thought we would try for awhile in that one zone first. The dates we are looking at are March 16 - 19. We started bidding on a three star and bid up to $45 (but we actually prefer 2 1/2 star... were kind of pressured to bid on the 3 ;) Now we have tried the 2 1/2 star for 30, 35, and 40. I am guessing that might be too low due to the time of year, but we thought that since we have time on our side we would just try low. I also was unsure if we should wait until closer to the day in hopes that more would be available or prices would be better... not sure if it works that way. We are willing to be flexible, 1 or 2 stars, different zones, etc. Any thoughts about that time of year, price range and/or waiting to bid until later would be helpful! Thanks so much!!

[thereuare]

I'm sure bmw745ion19s will comment further, but i'll add a few of my own:

I would try sticking with at least 2.5* or better hotels. While there may be some 1* or 2* properties which would suit your needs, there may be some which do not, and with PRICELINE / HOTWIRE you don't get to choose which type you will get ;)

I think you need to decide first what it is you really want from this stay... do you want the best hotel your budget will allow OR the least expensive 2.5* (or some other star rating) or better for this stay?

As far as bidding now or closer to your stay, see the related 'Bid Early or Close to Checkin' link in our PRICELINE FAQ.

Let us know your thoughts and we'll take it from there.

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

[bmw745ion19s]

Sorry I have been tied up with new years stuff. HOTWIRE is now showing a 2.5* in Brandon region for $70. It doesnt match anything on the previous wins but im guessing it might be the 2* Baymont that has been upgraded or a former 3* that was downvoted. If this is good for you id try bidding with 2.5* up to $60 in Brandon only area. Kayak is showing for $77 and $78 the Country Inn Brandon and La Quinta Brandon so if you bid up to $60 and dont get anything they are trying to get too much, at least right now. If the Wedding is the only thing you are planning to do in Brandon id consider other areas too.