Priceline Hotel: First time bidder...Dupont Circle?

[fernoppi]

This is going to be my first time using Priceline! I understand how it works, but would still like some guidance.

I've tried to look at the hotels with the star ratings and then compare it to the zone map. Is that the best way to check if

for hotels with a specific star rating is within the zone? (Just to cross check against the Priceline hotel list)

I have heard Dupont Circle is a good place to stay so I am looking for a 3.5 star hotel. Can I get help on bidding sequence and starting rate?

Thanks!

[fernoppi]

It looks like there are three hotels that are in Dupont Circle/Woodley Park

The Churchill

The Embassy Hotel

Marriott Wardman Park

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Few things before bidding...

While the above hotels may be the only 3.5* properties reported to the board, there could always be others, and you can be the first to report a new hotel in the zone (or a hotel at a different star rating then previously reported to the board). See the comments at the top of the Priceline Hotel List for more on this subject.

The star rating you select is the minimum you are willing to accept, so your 3.5* property could always be upgraded to a 4* rated hotel, so these become options as well.

So we don't suggest a strategy that goes higher than you're willing to spend, what is your maximum bid for this trip?

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

Let us know the above and we'll advise accordingly.

[fernoppi]

Thanks!

Ideally I'd like to spend around $150 max. Given that this is DC and weekdays, I understand that this might not be reasonable. In addition, my dates are 5/22/12-5/24/12 - so 3 nights, with checkout on 5/25

[thereuare]

We can suggest a strategy for just Dupont Circle, but are White House/Downtown and/or Convention Center/Capitol Hill acceptable as well? These others zones are popular as well, and may improve your chances. As well, in these other zones you may possibly be in the range of a 4* hotel... are you wiling to pay more for a higher rated hotel OR is your goal the least expensive 3.5* or better for this stay?

Let us know regarding the zone and star rating info above and we'll take it from there.

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

[fernoppi]

I had a preference for Dupont Circle because I've heard it recommended so many times in different forums. I think for us the main importance is: (not necessarily in this order)

1. Price

2. Access to Metro

3. Near food!

So I am willing to increase zones for the sake of price. But I think I'd be less inclined to pay more for a higher rated hotel as we also have to find lodging for NYC and Boston =)

Thanks!

[thereuare]

I think the general consensus is that White House and Convention Center zones are closest to the sites, but Dupont Circle is a nice neighborhood feel with local restaurants and bars to service the residential community.

So do you want to:

First try for a 3.5* up to your limit in the Dupont Circle zone only, then if rejected start over and include the other zones

OR

Try for the least expensive 3.5* or better in any of the Dupont Circle, Convention Center, or Downtown zone?

Let us know which option is more inline with your goals and we'll take it from there.

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

Thanks.

[fernoppi]

Let's just try DuPont circle first and then try adding the other zones. :)

[thereuare]

At the 3.5* level you have FIVE 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* Dupont Circle...

Bid $100, if rejected add re-bid zone1...

Bid $110, if rejected add re-bid zone2...

Bid $115, if rejected add re-bid zone3...

Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone4...

Bid $125, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE

Select 3.5* Dupont Circle and re-bid zone5...

Bid $130, if rejected add re-bid zone1...

Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone2...

Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone3...

Bid $145, if rejected add re-bid zone4...

Bid $150

Any questions feel free to ask. (especially confirming your re-bid zones if you're new to the concept)

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

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[fernoppi]

Thanks, I'll give it a try using the PRICELINE link on the site