Shoob Posted January 27, 2012 Report Posted January 27, 2012 Hey all!I've used your services almost exactly a year ago, and I was able to nab a tremendous deal... $43 for a one night stay at the (apparently, former) Crowne Plaza in downtown Toledo. I'm back now because I need to head back out there around the same dates but the circumstances are a bit different. Before I continue, here is that previous priceline win.Okay, so this time around, I need a hotel for two nights for a stay from 2/18 - 2/20. I'm supposed to be at University of Toledo at 9am on Monday the 20th, so I will be checking out that day prior to leaving to the university. The reason I'm back on here requesting the forum's help is that it seems the re-bidding strategy has to change for Toledo... Last year, I think only one or two areas had a max rating of 3 stars, which included Downtown. Now, four out of the six areas have a 3 star rating, so I have become a bit apprehensive to proceed on my own!So, I am hope to arrive in town on Saturday the 18th, and I'm not sure if that will affect my bidding strategy as well. Do you think it will be possible to get a hotel around the same $43 price as last year?I look forward to all of your help. I hope I have ample time to get a decent deal again. Can't wait to start the process!Thanks, guys!
thereuare Posted January 27, 2012 Report Posted January 27, 2012 At the 3* level you currently have TWO 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.To begin, and with time on your side you can try same/similar prices as last year, although i suspect it will ultimately take a bit more this time around:Select 3* Downtown...Bid $38, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $40, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $43If the above is rejected let us know your maximum bid for this stay and we'll take it from there.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
Shoob Posted January 30, 2012 Author Report Posted January 30, 2012 I'm sorry, but I haven't started the bidding process yet... I had to confirm that I could get both Saturday and Sunday off at work, so I didn't want to book and then find out I can't have the Saturday off... I have Sunday off, luckily.Anyways... I'm nearly ready to start, but one question before I do so... I was looking at the zone maps, and realized that the one for Downtown is MASSIVE compared to both Maumee and Holland, and it seems that if I aim at Maumee and Holland before considering Downtown, I'm more likely to land a stay at a hotel significantly closer to the University... is this line of reasoning correct?I know that there is a Hilton on the campus where I am supposed to interview, but as I understand (from doing my research on these forums), there is no way to tell if the Hilton is even considered on "Name Your Own Price", and there is no way to know if I can nab a stay there. If this is the case, is it not a idea to try the Holland and Maumee zones first? I don't want to risk landing a hotel that is 30 minutes away! Maybe my lack of familiarity with the area is making me think that Toledo is larger than it really is. But again, if any of you have an idea, please let me know so I make an informed decision.Let me know what you think as I'd like to start for sure later today as soon as I head home from work. Thanks!Take care, guys.
AaronJB Posted January 30, 2012 Report Posted January 30, 2012 The downtown zone is fairly large, but - as with PRICELINE in general - if you bid on that zone, you have to be willing to stay anywhere within that zone. The University falls within the downtown zone and is towards the border of the zone. Maumee appears closer to the University than Holland. However, I'm not familiar in detail with Toledo - the University is towards the left border of the downtown zone, and the opposite side of that zone appears (at least looking at the map) about (a bit more or less) as far in distance from the University as the Holland zone appears from the downtown zone.You can see the hotels that have been reported to the board in Toledo (in the downtown zone and otherwise) here: Priceline Hotel List Ohio. The Hilton in the downtown zone has been reported, but the list provides the hotels that have been reported to the board - there may be hotels that participate with the service not yet reported to the board.HOTWIRE may be a better option in this case if you are not driving, as with that you can be able to take an educated guess (in many cases, not all) as to which hotels are showing - while usually somewhat more expensive, it may be worth it to have a better chance of trying to pinpoint a more specific location.Thank you for using the site's HOTWIRE or PRICELINE links to start your purchases and searches.
Shoob Posted January 30, 2012 Author Report Posted January 30, 2012 Thank you very much!Well, I tried something interesting after I read your post. I went on Google Maps and typed in Hotels in Toledo, and if you notice on there, the hotels are more or less in clusters, and those seem to (almost exactly) outline the zones on Priceline! Thus, this gave me an idea of the farthest points from where I need to be on the day of the interview, and according to the directions from the farthest points in those zones, the drive will be a max of 25 minutes, which is certainly doable. In that case, I am first going to try Maumee, then Maumee and Downtown, then Maumee and Holland, and then Holland and Toledo... i.e. I'm going to switch Downtown and Maumee in the suggested bidding strategy given above... does that sound right?I'm waiting on the green light from either of you guys... and then, bids away! Please get back to me ASAP. I sincerely appreciate all the help you all have provided me!EDIT: I realized I looked at that strategy incorrectly... should I then do Maumee, Maumee + rebid zone 1, then Maumee + rebid zone 2? Then move on to Downtown zone and re-do that process? Also, I'm guessing I can lower my bidding price, given the area isn't Downtown... right?
thereuare Posted January 31, 2012 Report Posted January 31, 2012 Sorry, i'm not understanding your strategy...Is your current goal a 3* hotel in either Maumee or Downtown? If so, what is your maximum bid? Are you willing to pay more to stay in Maumee vs. Dowwntown OR is the goal the least expensive 3* or better in either of these zones?Please confirm the above and we'll suggest a strategy for you to follow.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
Shoob Posted January 31, 2012 Author Report Posted January 31, 2012 I apologize for the confusion. My main thing was distance and cost... however, I found out that distance isn't as big of a factor as nearly every hotel in the Downtown, Maumee, and Holland are located close enough to arrive at my location within the 25 minute mark. This means, cost is of concern. It seems that the hotels in Maumee don't charge for parking (at least the 3 star ones). So I'm shooting for Maumee first. I'm keeping a budget of $50-$60 max, but if I could get one significantly cheaper, I'd be a happy man! I understand that last year I got the room at $43, and things might have changed since then, but I would assume that they wouldn't change so much that I can't keep that a realistic goal. You guys are better aware, however, so I go with your suggestions. So, yes, my goal is Maumee, 3*, < $50-$60 range, I'll pay just a bit more for Maumee, I guess.
thereuare Posted January 31, 2012 Report Posted January 31, 2012 To clarify one/two points...Is Downtown still preferred to Maumee? Is Holland an acceptable third choice?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
Shoob Posted January 31, 2012 Author Report Posted January 31, 2012 Maumee is now the first preference; 2nd is Holland; 3rd is Dowtown or Perrysburg (not sure which one to go with, given that Perrysburg has nicer places with better reviews according to the retail side of Priceline)This is a bit different than last year, but using the reviews and * rating on the retail side of Priceline, I think the above preferences are better... I hope that helps!
thereuare Posted February 1, 2012 Report Posted February 1, 2012 I would try the following, using your TWO re-bid zones:Select 3* Maumee...Bid $40, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $43, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $45, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3* Downtown...Bid $40, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $43, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $45, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE***OPTIONAL****Select 3* Holland...Bid $40, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $43, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $45, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINE***OPTIONAL****Select 3* Maumee and Downtown...Bid $48, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $50, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $53Any 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
Shoob Posted February 2, 2012 Author Report Posted February 2, 2012 I lost Maumee; I'm trying Holland now. I looked at the hotels located in Downtown, and I don't like them very much. I'd rather stick to Holland and Maumee.
thereuare Posted February 2, 2012 Report Posted February 2, 2012 Based upon your new zones, the previous strategy can be revised:Select 3* Maumee...Bid $40, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $43, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $45, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3* Holland...Bid $40, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $43, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $45, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3* Maumee and Holland...Bid $48, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $50, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $53Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.Good luck. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Shoob Posted February 2, 2012 Author Report Posted February 2, 2012 Okay... well, I tried Maumee, then Holland, then Maumee + Holland, using your strategy exactly. I decided to leave out Downtown for the reasons given in my previous reply. Anyways... I still have not won. I actually bid well above your suggested rates. My last bid for Holland + Maumee + 2 rebid zones was at the rate of $55! I still lost! What do I do now, guys??? I would really like to land in either of these two areas.
thereuare Posted February 2, 2012 Report Posted February 2, 2012 I actually bid well above your suggested rates... at the rate of $55! I still lost!I wouldn't exactly call $2 well above suggested rates.The strategy above stopped at $55 since HOTWIRE is currently offering a 3* hotel in the SW Toledo-Maumee-Holland zone for $54. This property has not yet been reported to the board, but it does include breakfast, although the reviews are a little conflicting... it has a 4.0/5.0 Tripadvisor rating but the HOTWIRE satisfaction reviews are at 75% with mostly 3.5/5.0 on the criteria that HOTWIRE asks previous guests to rate. Given your $55 rejected bids above, this may be a hotel that is not in the PRICELINE system OR that PRICELINE rates less than 3 star.Do you want to bid higher up to your previously stated $60 maximum bid or is this HOTWIRE property of interest?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
Shoob Posted February 2, 2012 Author Report Posted February 2, 2012 First of all... lol at your opening comment. I did not see that you had actually responded to my previous response! Sorry... I meant to say that the $55 was "well above" given the $40 to $45 range we were initially trying. Honestly, I liked the hotels I thought were in the Priceline system for those two areas, and I'm willing to bid up to the $60 mark in that case. I'm surprised that I won at $43 last year (although, it was in the Downtown zone). The Hotwire one is enticing, though... but I'm concerned about the conflicted reviews that you mentioned.What would you suggest?
thereuare Posted February 2, 2012 Report Posted February 2, 2012 Honestly, I liked the hotels I thought were in the Priceline system for those two areas, and I'm willing to bid up to the $60 mark in that case.I would bid up to $60, if that is rejected, then you can re-evaluate if worth bidding higher or taking the HOTWIRE option (assuming it's still available)You can revise previous strategy:Select 3* Maumee...Bid $40, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $45, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $50, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3* Holland...Bid $40, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $45, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $50, if rejected close browser and use this link to re-access PRICELINESelect 3* Maumee and Holland...Bid $56, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $58, if rejected add re-bid zone...Bid $60Please 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
Shoob Posted February 2, 2012 Author Report Posted February 2, 2012 I'm currently at work, so I'll start the process again later tonight. I have to wait till the 24 hour mark, though, right??? Also, could it be fruitful to bid at the $40 mark again given that it was rejected at $55 last night (when bidding both locations together)? Please let me know. Thanks!
thereuare Posted February 2, 2012 Report Posted February 2, 2012 Yes, you'll need to wait 24 hours from your last rejected bid before you're able to bid again.Odds favor anything less than $55 will be rejected, but since you have the re-bids available, if one of the hotels in the zone has since lowered their bid threshold to less than $55, wouldn't you like to have a chance to get accepted at the lower price ;)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
Shoob Posted February 2, 2012 Author Report Posted February 2, 2012 ... but since you have the re-bids available, if one of the hotels in the zone has since lowered their bid threshold to less than $55, wouldn't you like to have a chance to get accepted at the lower price ;)Good point. I'll update you as soon as I get a chance to re-try.
sk8mom Posted February 3, 2012 Report Posted February 3, 2012 Hello! i live near Perrysburg and can give you a little insight as to some of the area you are looking for. Downtown is not a bustling city center. At night it is pretty scant. Maumee is a suburb and the majority of the hotels are not too at away from U of T. Holland is smaller and father west. I would recommend probably Perrysburg. There is a very nice Holiday Inn (Holiday Inn French Quarter) and pretty much all the hotels seem nice. The Baymont is right at the edge of I-75 and I am sure can be very noisy. I usually don't see many lights on in rooms when I have passed it. Rossford may be another area to look at. It is right between Toledo and Perrysburg. I hope this may help you in trying to narrow down your bidding process. Good luck and happy bidding! :)
Shoob Posted February 3, 2012 Author Report Posted February 3, 2012 Thanks Sk8mom for the advice!Well guys... I won the Courtyard in Holland for $62 (I was going to originally choose $60, but decided to up it... this was truly the max I was willing to go... eh..). Not extremely happy with the win, but it is still satisfactory. Thanks for all the great advice, everyone. I appreciate it!-Shoob
thereuare Posted February 3, 2012 Report Posted February 3, 2012 Congratulations on your success! Glad to see you got this settled, and while perhaps a little more than you originally intended, hopefully this property will suit your needs well.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. Please use this HOTWIRE and these PRICELINE LINKS: HOTELS, CAR RENTALS, and AIRFARE to begin your travel purchases
Shoob Posted February 5, 2012 Author Report Posted February 5, 2012 Congratulations on your success! Glad to see you got this settled, and while perhaps a little more than you originally intended, hopefully this property will suit your needs well.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.Thanks again, and thanks for the well-wishes. I certainly hope the experience will be nice. From what I see on Google Maps, the hotel is situated in a very convenient area (right by the mall, it seems). This should make things a bit easier... as a bit of a tangent, anyone know of good food around the area?Well, I certainly plan on having you guys helps should I need to book a hotel in the future. And definitely expect that I will send friends and family your way for help, and at the very least, have them use your link for their Priceline usage. Take care guys. Wish me luck on my interview!!!_Shoob
AaronJB Posted February 5, 2012 Report Posted February 5, 2012 Good luck on your interview! :)Thank you for telling friends/family about Betterbidding, it's greatly appreciated.I'm not familiar with the area, but I'm seeing good/very good reviews (and some very nice looking pictures people have taken of food) at this place: http://www.lascolaitaliangrill.com/, which is about a mile away from the hotel (in terms of restaurants right nearby.) Reviews: http://www.yelp.com/biz/lascola-italian-grill-toledo Pics: http://www.foodspotting.com/places/126290-la-scola-italian-grill-toledoThis place is also about a mile away - http://www.yelp.com/biz/cheers-sports-eatery-hollandEnjoy your stay.
Recommended Posts
Register now, we have a huge community of travel enthusiasts to answer any questions you might have.
Sign In Now