jcoop Posted January 17, 2012 Report Posted January 17, 2012 I'm looking to book 3 nights for the first half of our trip to South Florida. I'm hoping for a four star in South Beach in the $150 range, but realize that it might be a stretch. Unless there's a reason not to do so, I'll start with the three South Beach areas as my goal. Miami Beach or downtown would be other zones to add if my initial attempts aren't successful. From what I can see, the free re-bid zones for 4 stars are as follows:- Aventura- Dadeland- Miami Lakes Hialeah- Miami West- North Miami- Southwest MiamiAny tips? I've been spoiled by previous Priceline bookings, but it looks like we may just have to pay up this time. I would rather bump the budget to $200 rather than lower the star rating, as I've seen a few dodgy 3 stars come up.ThanksPS I should add that we're somewhat flexible in terms of itinerary. I was initially planning to book the first night near MIA, as we get in close to midnight anyway. However from Hotwire it looks like there isn't much savings to be had that way. I'm also looking to book 2 nights in an area more suited for day trips to the Keys and Everglades - I'm thinking Key Largo area right now but it depends on how this booking goes.
thereuare Posted January 17, 2012 Report Posted January 17, 2012 Please click this PRICELINE link and reply to this thread, we'll then have a look at your post above.Please use the requested links on the board for you bidding, searches and travel purchases.Thank you. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
thereuare Posted January 18, 2012 Report Posted January 18, 2012 A 4* for $150 doesn't seem likely at this point in time, but if you want to give it a try:At the 4* level in this region you have SIX 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.Select 4* SB-Collins Ave and SB-Ocean Drive...Bid $100, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $105, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $110, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $115, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $125, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $130, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 4* SB-Central...Bid $100, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $105, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $110, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $115, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $120, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $125, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $130, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 4* SB-Collins Ave and SB-Ocean Drive and SB-Central...Bid $135, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $138, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $140, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $143, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $145, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $148, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $150Any 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. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
jcoop Posted January 18, 2012 Author Report Posted January 18, 2012 Thanks for the advice, but unsurprisingly I had no luck up to that price point. I see that prices on Saturday night seem to be higher, so I may try bidding for the 19th-21st only. We're getting in late on Saturday so could just stay near the airport. I'll try that, then go a little higher to see if there are any bites.
jcoop Posted January 18, 2012 Author Report Posted January 18, 2012 Nothing up to $160 for the 19th to 21st either... Coral Gables is starting to look appealing. :o
thereuare Posted January 18, 2012 Report Posted January 18, 2012 What is the best rate you're able to find thru conventional booking channels? (you can use the sort and filter features at MAPS and HOTELS.com to easily see the best price at a given star level in a given area)Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
jcoop Posted January 19, 2012 Author Report Posted January 19, 2012 Thanks for the link, that's handy.For four star hotels, the best price for South Beach is $339 a night (Riviera Suites South Beach). For Miami downtown it's $323 (Intercontinental Miami) and Coral Gables is $317 (Hyatt Regency Coral Gables. Based on those numbers, what do you think is a realistic bid?
jcoop Posted January 19, 2012 Author Report Posted January 19, 2012 On Hotwire, any idea what this could be?2.5* Central South Beach Area hotel$63 - Feb 19-21Boutique HotelNear BeachAirport ShuttlePoolRestaurantRecommended in 80% of reviewsNormally I'm leary of anything 2.5 stars but the reviews are generally positive...
thereuare Posted January 20, 2012 Report Posted January 20, 2012 For the 2.5* HOTWIRE property, are there more amenities if you click the 'See all amenities' under the ones you've listed?For a 4* in the South Beach area for your complete stay (all 3 nites, not just the 2 nites you've posted above for the HOTWIRE property) you're looking at ~$200+.Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
jcoop Posted January 23, 2012 Author Report Posted January 23, 2012 I re-jigged my itinerary to account for the fact that the Saturday night stay in South Beach was a lot more expensive. Here are the results of the final purchase from 02/18-02/20:Accepted bid: $135 Intercontinental at Doral Miami Zones: MIA, Miami Airport West (Doral), Coral GablesBid in $5 increments starting around $100Feel free to change the post subject. I'll start a new post for the second leg of the trip. Thanks again for the assistance.
thereuare Posted January 23, 2012 Report Posted January 23, 2012 Congratulations on your success! Glad to see your plans were flexible and you were able to adjust your schedule to get a nice deal. Thank you for sharing your win with the board. Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. Enjoy your stay.PS- in the future you can edit the topic title by clicking the "EDIT TO REPORT WIN" button on the bottom right of the board and then fill out the form. But you can only do this once per thread and then the button disappears, which is why you don't see it now ;) Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
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