Priceline Hotel: 4* Miami Beach (2/25 - 3/3)

[fosull]

I made a first Priceline bid this evening for the above at a cheeky $155/night, limiting myself to South Beach - Collins Avenue Oceanfront and South Beach - Central.

I know this was a low bid, but I was just testing the waters, so to speak. I have been receiving the Priceline e-mail notifications of successful bids at below $200/night, so I would like to aim below that if possible.

Given that I have 5 weeks before we arrive, should I look to increase in increments of $5 or $10 every day, or is there a better way for me to inch my way towards the lowest rate?

Should I consider using Hotwire and if so, what's the best approach? I have been successful with good bids on Priceline in the past (Ft. Lauderdale, Washington DC and London), so that's what I am more familiar with.

Thanks for the help.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

I have been receiving the Priceline e-mail notifications of successful bids at below $200/night, so I would like to aim below that if possible.

These emails are designed to remind you to bid again, but are not really helpful in a bidding limit or strategy since rates are date specific, and these wins are not necessarily for your specific dates. Retail rates for your dates are somewhat high, and therefore another user's win for dates other than your own could give you a false sense of a realistic bid. This isn't to say that rates can't come down in the weeks ahead, but at the moment i think you'll need to be much closer to $200 than to $150. What is the best available rate you're able to find thru conventional booking channels? (try using MAPS and HOTELS.com to easily see the star ratings and prices within the zones you're interested in)

Given that I have 5 weeks before we arrive, should I look to increase in increments of $5 or $10 every day, or is there a better way for me to inch my way towards the lowest rate?

Are you familiar with re-bidding and using your re-bid zones? At the 4* level in this region you have SIX re-bid zones. If you're not familiar with re-bidding see this thread: Priceline Re-Bidding Explained and feel free to confirm your re-bid zones with the board (strongly encouraged especially if you're new to the concept)

Should I consider using Hotwire and if so, what's the best approach?

Yes, search their site and see if anything within your desired zones is offered within your budget.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases. (and not the links in any emails PRICELINE sends out)

Thanks.