Priceline Hotel: Aruba March 2012 Bidding Advice for Newbie

[ladams]

I am a newbie conducting research prior to my first bid. Would like to travel to Aruba from Detroit either the first or second week of March 2012. I have some questions regarding the bidding process. I have reserached hotel pricing, star ratings and am ready to place my first bid. My confusion is on the re-bidding. I placed a bid of $135 night and received a reply immediately that the price was not accepted. I was prompted to re-bid immediately. I was under the impression I had to wait 24 hours to re-bid. I do understand I need to change some re-bid criteria, such as travel dates, obviously the bid price, and possibly the star rating. Can I re-bid immediately? Thank you for your assitance - anyone who travels should be using this fabulous web site!

[thereuare]

I was prompted to re-bid immediately.

Was there a message suggesting a price that you should use to be able to bid again immediate? (ie- "if you bid $xx you can bid again right now" OR "if you're willing to raise your bid by $xx you can bid again right now")

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

[ladams]

Yes, I was prompted to re-bed immediately and change some criteria such as star rating, travel dates and of course the bid price. I'm trying to nail down the Marriott so I'm sticking with 4 stars, but my travel dates are relatively flexible so I've been increasing my bid by $5 and changing my travel dates each time. I have run out of travel dates options, however, so I think I'll wait the 24 hours, re-bid at my original travel dates and increase my bid where I left off today and see what happens. Thanks so much for all of your help!

[thereuare]

Do keep in mind that there are other 4* hotels in this zone beside the Marriott. As well, your 4* bid could be upgraded to a 'Resort' class property... so there are actually a LOT of possibilities of landing a hotel other than the one you are hoping for.

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

Good luck and keep us updated on your progress or if we can be of further help along the way.

[ladams]

Yes, actually I would be very happy with any of the hotels/resorts listed as 4* or Resorts. I understand that February and March seem to be peak travel times for this destination so I will have to be patient and continue my bidding. Thank you so much and I will be sure to use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links directly from this site.